Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesAs another long NBA season winds down, it is exciting to see so many teams playing at such a high level. The Utah Jazz did get beaten by the Lakers, but that was a more important game for LA and Kobe Bryant led his squad to a statement win.The statement is that the Lakers are not ready to give up the West just yet.This is the deepest the West has looked in the last few seasons and the West has looked deep for the past few seasons. It looks like every playoff team in the West will have 50 wins so every round could be Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
a battle for the team who wins the West.The Lakers, as the one seed, look to be the favorite still but Dallas, Utah, Phoenix, Oklahoma City and San Antonio are all peaking at the right time.Denver is struggling with injuries and that is a shame for the team that looked poised to make a run only a month ago. Portland even making the playoffs is very impressive as they have dealt with injuries all year long.The East looks like a two-team race with Cleveland and Orlando headed for an Eastern Conference Finals re-match.Boston has the grit and experience but they have also looked old all season. Atlanta is loaded with talent but has had trouble with the East's top two teams all year long.The Hawks have had fourth-quarter leads in three games with Cleveland and are 0-3 against them this year.Josh Smith did make a buzzer-beating slam to give the Hawks a win over Orlando recently, so perhaps they can build upon that if the two meet in the second round.Milwaukee has been playing at a high level and could push a team in the first round. Cleveland would like to skip Charlotte, as the Bobcats haveproven to be a match-up nightmare for the Cavs this season.When the long NBA regular season started, it looked like there was a collision course of the Cavs versus the Lakers in the NBA Finals. Those two are still the favorites but it nice to see so many teams playing quality basketball as the playoffs finally arrive.Regular Season AwardsAll-NBA First Team:Guard: Deron WilliamsGuard: Kobe BryantForward: LeBron Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
JamesForward: Kevin DurantCenter: Dwight HowardNBA MVP: LeBron JamesThe King's numbers are there, the leadership is there, and the pieces are in place for a title run in, of all cities, Cleveland. Cavs fans can be allowed to expect the worst but they should also hope for the best.An article by Rolling Stone's Matt Taibbi raised interest in that liberal rag when he wrote that Kevin Durant was the second-best player in the NBA. Durant is on his way, but my second-place vote for MVP would go to Kobe Bryant.NBA Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight HowardComparisons to Bill Russell are apt for this defensive force. If he adds the offensive game, then he will be an NBA MVP one day.NBA Sixth Man of the Year: Jamal CrawfordA great signing by the Hawks, Crawford will make his first postseason appearance this year. He leads the league in fourth-quarter minutes and like Dwight Howard for defensive player of the year, Crawfordis the runaway winner for sixth man of the year. NBA Rookie of the Year: Stephon CurryDrafted into a great system for his skill set, Curry was more consistent than Brandon Jennings and took advantage of an injury to Tyreke Evans.NBA Most Improved Player: Andrew BogutThe former No. 1 overall pick, due to injuries and inconsistent play, was in danger of getting the bust label. He turned it around this year and has the Bucks in the playoffs.Shawn Marion helped the Mavericks this season after a few down years. J.J. Hickson has also been a very improved player for the Cavs.NBA Coach of the Year: Scott BrooksWe all knew that the Thunder was young and talented, so Brooks gets a lot of credit for turning them into a playoff team.Mike Woodson has been a steady force in Atlanta and I think that Phil Jackson is always one of the best coaches in the game.NBA Executive of the Year: Danny FerryAfter the disappointment of the East Finals last year, Ferry brought in Shaquille O'Neal, Anthony Parker, and Jamario Moon to address the Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
match-up problems posed by the Magic. Then he gets Antawn Jamison, plus a vacation for Zydrunas Ilgauskas.Whatever LeBron James decides to do in the off-season, Cavs fans can say that Danny Ferry did everything in his power to keep him in Cleveland.
2010年12月29日星期三
29 Dec 10 The Chicago Bulls Will Beat the Cleveland Cavaliers
.in one or two games...when Hell freezes over.The Chicago Bulls clinched the eighth and final playoff spot in the final game of the season, defeating the Charlotte Bobcats 98-89 on Wednesday night and setting up a date with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs.Although the Cavs most likely would have rather stayed away from Derrick Rose and what seems to be a healthy Joakim Noah for a Chris Bosh-less Toronto Raptors team, the Cavs are most likely not shaking in their shoes at the sight of the Bulls.Then again, the New York Giants jersey
Cavs have been known to shake in their shoes against the Bulls, but it was for dancing purposes, which did not please Joakim Noah. More on that later.The Bulls are seemingly in a nothing-to-lose situation essentially getting Rose and Noah more playoff experience along with rookie Taj Gibson to go along with playing in the public eye, perhaps to lure a free agent for next season.When you put a young team in a nothing-to-lose situation, you may actually run into a fly that won't go away.The Bulls and Cavaliers are surprisingly tied in the season series this year 2-2. Granted, the Bulls wins came by a combined two points including the last meeting, which didn't include LeBron James where Mo Williams was unstoppable scoring 35 points on 12-of-24 shooting along with 10 assists.Winning by one point over a LeBron-less Cavs' team is not a good sign for the Bulls.The Cavs wins came by a 14-point dancing massacre and a a seven-point beating. Keep in mind, however, the Cavs seven-point win came against a Bulls' team missing Rose, Noah, and Luol Deng.The Bulls have never been able to stop James, but the team has kept him human. The key for the Bulls to put a scare into the Cavs is by limiting James and shutting down the supporting cast.Sounds easy enough.In the Bulls one win vs. a healthy Cavs team, including Shaq, the Bulls held Mo Williams to just 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting.In the Bulls' loss by 14 in the next meeting, Williams scored 15, Anderson Varejao scored 10, and Daniel Gibson scored 15 on combined 16-of-31 shooting.That simply can't happen.This is essentially white noise based on the fact he can do anything, but in the three games James has played against the Bulls this season, he has not scored 30 points. The Bulls have "held" James to 23, 25, and 29 points, respectively, on 26-of-55 shooting.Deng can give James fits...well, at least keep him somewhat human.None of this has included Antawn Jamison, however. The Bulls are yet to see a Cavs' starting lineup includingNew York Jets jersey
Shaq, Jamison, and James.This could be the factor that kills the Bulls.Gibson and Noah cannot beat Shaq and Jamison down low at the same time. It's physically impossible for them.Noah needs to be free to double-team James along with Deng, but if Shaq is actually relevant, then James will be free to run wild.Even if Shaq is nowhere to be found, the Bulls will have to now worry about Jamison, who has dropped a 34-point, 18-rebound performance along with a 23-point, six-rebound performance against the Bulls this season with the Wizards and Cavs, respectively.The Bulls will have to limit Shaq and Jamison to have any chance. Not too much to ask.The Cavs simply have too many weapons, but at the same time, Cleveland probably wanted an easier first-round matchup than the Bulls.You never know what Derrick Rose is going to do and the fact Kirk Hinrich is shooting better than 50 percent from the field in his last five games, gives the Bulls an actual outside threat.Some times a team with nothing to lose is the scariest.Media Scum Oakland Raiders jersey
StorylineJoakim Noah and LeBron James have a publicized feud starting from James feeling the need to dance during a shellacking of the Bulls.No way First Take, First and Ten, Rome is Burning, Around the Horn, PTI, and perhaps even The View beat this storyline into the ground...Sidenote: Yes, that is Aaron Gray in the video and yes, he did actually own a jersey for the Bulls. Only to be worn, however, when the Bulls were losing by 19 or more.
Cavs have been known to shake in their shoes against the Bulls, but it was for dancing purposes, which did not please Joakim Noah. More on that later.The Bulls are seemingly in a nothing-to-lose situation essentially getting Rose and Noah more playoff experience along with rookie Taj Gibson to go along with playing in the public eye, perhaps to lure a free agent for next season.When you put a young team in a nothing-to-lose situation, you may actually run into a fly that won't go away.The Bulls and Cavaliers are surprisingly tied in the season series this year 2-2. Granted, the Bulls wins came by a combined two points including the last meeting, which didn't include LeBron James where Mo Williams was unstoppable scoring 35 points on 12-of-24 shooting along with 10 assists.Winning by one point over a LeBron-less Cavs' team is not a good sign for the Bulls.The Cavs wins came by a 14-point dancing massacre and a a seven-point beating. Keep in mind, however, the Cavs seven-point win came against a Bulls' team missing Rose, Noah, and Luol Deng.The Bulls have never been able to stop James, but the team has kept him human. The key for the Bulls to put a scare into the Cavs is by limiting James and shutting down the supporting cast.Sounds easy enough.In the Bulls one win vs. a healthy Cavs team, including Shaq, the Bulls held Mo Williams to just 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting.In the Bulls' loss by 14 in the next meeting, Williams scored 15, Anderson Varejao scored 10, and Daniel Gibson scored 15 on combined 16-of-31 shooting.That simply can't happen.This is essentially white noise based on the fact he can do anything, but in the three games James has played against the Bulls this season, he has not scored 30 points. The Bulls have "held" James to 23, 25, and 29 points, respectively, on 26-of-55 shooting.Deng can give James fits...well, at least keep him somewhat human.None of this has included Antawn Jamison, however. The Bulls are yet to see a Cavs' starting lineup includingNew York Jets jersey
Shaq, Jamison, and James.This could be the factor that kills the Bulls.Gibson and Noah cannot beat Shaq and Jamison down low at the same time. It's physically impossible for them.Noah needs to be free to double-team James along with Deng, but if Shaq is actually relevant, then James will be free to run wild.Even if Shaq is nowhere to be found, the Bulls will have to now worry about Jamison, who has dropped a 34-point, 18-rebound performance along with a 23-point, six-rebound performance against the Bulls this season with the Wizards and Cavs, respectively.The Bulls will have to limit Shaq and Jamison to have any chance. Not too much to ask.The Cavs simply have too many weapons, but at the same time, Cleveland probably wanted an easier first-round matchup than the Bulls.You never know what Derrick Rose is going to do and the fact Kirk Hinrich is shooting better than 50 percent from the field in his last five games, gives the Bulls an actual outside threat.Some times a team with nothing to lose is the scariest.Media Scum Oakland Raiders jersey
StorylineJoakim Noah and LeBron James have a publicized feud starting from James feeling the need to dance during a shellacking of the Bulls.No way First Take, First and Ten, Rome is Burning, Around the Horn, PTI, and perhaps even The View beat this storyline into the ground...Sidenote: Yes, that is Aaron Gray in the video and yes, he did actually own a jersey for the Bulls. Only to be worn, however, when the Bulls were losing by 19 or more.
2010年12月28日星期二
28 Dec 10 Mike Bibby, the Atlanta Hawks' Fatal Flaw
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesAn interesting article by John Hollinger(published on ESPN website) surfaced on Tuesday taking note on how excellent point guard play has taken over in the 2010 NBA Playoffs.The standout performances from Steve Nash and Deron Williams have dominated the majority of the headlines save for the usual media tendencies towards LeBron, Kobe, Kevin Durant, and Dwight Howard.However, the most blatant representation of the pivotal role that point guards have played in this postseason could be found during a blowout of New England Patriots jersey
epic proportions.114-71 proportions, that is.Here is a list of the remaining points guards in the NBA Playoffs, along with their playoff numbers. See if you can piece together the clues:DW : 25.6 points, 49% FG, 10.9 assists, 1.14 steals, 2.71 turnovers, 2.3 reboundsSN : 17.6 points, 51% FG, 9.9 assists, .14 steals, 4.57 turnovers, 2.3 reboundsRR : 16.3 points, 46% FG, 11.7 assists, 2 steals, 3.43 turnovers, 5.6 reboundsTP : 17.3 points, 48% FG, 5.3 assists, .86 steals, 1.71 turnovers, 3.4 reboundsMW : 14.6 points, 40% FG, 5.6 assists, .57 steals, 1.86 turnovers, 2.9 reboundsJN : 22.8 points, 51% FG, 4.5 assists, 2 steals, 1.6 turnovers, 2.4 reboundsDF : 10.1 points, 45% FG, 3.3 assists, 1.57 steals, 2.43 turnovers, 2.4 reboundsMB : 9.9 points, 44% FG, 2.9 assists, 1.4 turnovers, .8 steals, 3.1 reboundsThe last player on this list: Mike Bibby.The Atlanta Hawks, after being taken to a Game 7 by an undermanned Milwaukee Bucks squad in the first round, took an embarrassing blow from the Orlando Magic to the tune of a 114-71 Game 1 beating in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.The reason for the Hawks struggles in both series to date: Mike Bibby (er, point guard play).It is hard to place a 40-something point blowout on any one player, but the fact is that the Hawks are in dire need of a point guard who can control the tempo and pace of a game. At the present moment, there are three potent talents (Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Horford) playing the game with zero purpose on the offensive end of the floor.There is a reason Bibby is averaging the fewest points and assists of these eight remaining point guards. He is no longer a scorer or play-maker in this league, plain and simple.The fact of the matter is that there are two point guards left in New Orleans Saints jersey
these playoffs who can no longer take over a game, with those players being Mike Bibby and the Lakers Derek Fisher. The others referenced above Nash, Williams, Parker, Jameer Nelson, Mo Williams, and Rajon Rondo all provide their teams with a better chance to win and possess the ability to get hot, for lack of a better phrase.The difference in Bibby and Fisher? One post-30-year-old player happens to be conveniently placed on arguably the most talented and seasoned team in the league. The Lakers overall assortment of talent is able to hide the inefficiencies in Fisher overall game, especially defensively (although don tell that to Russell Westbrook).Even when an opposing guard, such as Westbrook, proves too quick or strong for Fisher to handle defensively, the Lakers are able to switch defensive assignments or bring in solid backups Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown.Offensively, the Lakers just need Fisher to hit open threes and toss the ball to Kobe, Pau Gasol, or Andrew Bynum. Simple.The Hawks lack these luxuries, to say the least.Bibby could fill in Fisher role admirably, but Atlanta simply needs more from the position on both ends of the floor.When Bibby gets beaten off the dribble for seven straight games, nearly 48 minutes each game by the Bucks rookie Brandon Jennings, there is little the Hawks can do to stop the bleeding. Bringing in sixth-man Jamal Crawford provides a much-improved offensive spark to the Hawks game, but he could be even worse defensively (if possible).Bibby offensive numbers had been lackluster for the majority of the playoffs, with his best game being a 19-point outburst in Game 1 against the Bucks, before laying an absolute egg in the Magic Game 1 blowout (two points, three assists in New York Giants jersey
19 minutes) which, for head coach Mike Woodson, should be the last straw.With the way the team dynamic and talent is set up, Atlanta needs something more thanjust a fill-in veteran as a floor general.There was once a time when Mike Bibby could run a team efficiently and give them a great opportunity to advance through the playoffs. Heck, once upon a time his old Kings' teams could have been NBA champions had it not been for the Shaq and Kobe dynasty.But those days have long gone.And if the Hawks do not find answers soon to their pointless guard play, they will not even register as a speed bump on a team trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.What that called? Oh yeah,dj vu.
epic proportions.114-71 proportions, that is.Here is a list of the remaining points guards in the NBA Playoffs, along with their playoff numbers. See if you can piece together the clues:DW : 25.6 points, 49% FG, 10.9 assists, 1.14 steals, 2.71 turnovers, 2.3 reboundsSN : 17.6 points, 51% FG, 9.9 assists, .14 steals, 4.57 turnovers, 2.3 reboundsRR : 16.3 points, 46% FG, 11.7 assists, 2 steals, 3.43 turnovers, 5.6 reboundsTP : 17.3 points, 48% FG, 5.3 assists, .86 steals, 1.71 turnovers, 3.4 reboundsMW : 14.6 points, 40% FG, 5.6 assists, .57 steals, 1.86 turnovers, 2.9 reboundsJN : 22.8 points, 51% FG, 4.5 assists, 2 steals, 1.6 turnovers, 2.4 reboundsDF : 10.1 points, 45% FG, 3.3 assists, 1.57 steals, 2.43 turnovers, 2.4 reboundsMB : 9.9 points, 44% FG, 2.9 assists, 1.4 turnovers, .8 steals, 3.1 reboundsThe last player on this list: Mike Bibby.The Atlanta Hawks, after being taken to a Game 7 by an undermanned Milwaukee Bucks squad in the first round, took an embarrassing blow from the Orlando Magic to the tune of a 114-71 Game 1 beating in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.The reason for the Hawks struggles in both series to date: Mike Bibby (er, point guard play).It is hard to place a 40-something point blowout on any one player, but the fact is that the Hawks are in dire need of a point guard who can control the tempo and pace of a game. At the present moment, there are three potent talents (Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Horford) playing the game with zero purpose on the offensive end of the floor.There is a reason Bibby is averaging the fewest points and assists of these eight remaining point guards. He is no longer a scorer or play-maker in this league, plain and simple.The fact of the matter is that there are two point guards left in New Orleans Saints jersey
these playoffs who can no longer take over a game, with those players being Mike Bibby and the Lakers Derek Fisher. The others referenced above Nash, Williams, Parker, Jameer Nelson, Mo Williams, and Rajon Rondo all provide their teams with a better chance to win and possess the ability to get hot, for lack of a better phrase.The difference in Bibby and Fisher? One post-30-year-old player happens to be conveniently placed on arguably the most talented and seasoned team in the league. The Lakers overall assortment of talent is able to hide the inefficiencies in Fisher overall game, especially defensively (although don tell that to Russell Westbrook).Even when an opposing guard, such as Westbrook, proves too quick or strong for Fisher to handle defensively, the Lakers are able to switch defensive assignments or bring in solid backups Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown.Offensively, the Lakers just need Fisher to hit open threes and toss the ball to Kobe, Pau Gasol, or Andrew Bynum. Simple.The Hawks lack these luxuries, to say the least.Bibby could fill in Fisher role admirably, but Atlanta simply needs more from the position on both ends of the floor.When Bibby gets beaten off the dribble for seven straight games, nearly 48 minutes each game by the Bucks rookie Brandon Jennings, there is little the Hawks can do to stop the bleeding. Bringing in sixth-man Jamal Crawford provides a much-improved offensive spark to the Hawks game, but he could be even worse defensively (if possible).Bibby offensive numbers had been lackluster for the majority of the playoffs, with his best game being a 19-point outburst in Game 1 against the Bucks, before laying an absolute egg in the Magic Game 1 blowout (two points, three assists in New York Giants jersey
19 minutes) which, for head coach Mike Woodson, should be the last straw.With the way the team dynamic and talent is set up, Atlanta needs something more thanjust a fill-in veteran as a floor general.There was once a time when Mike Bibby could run a team efficiently and give them a great opportunity to advance through the playoffs. Heck, once upon a time his old Kings' teams could have been NBA champions had it not been for the Shaq and Kobe dynasty.But those days have long gone.And if the Hawks do not find answers soon to their pointless guard play, they will not even register as a speed bump on a team trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.What that called? Oh yeah,dj vu.
2010年12月27日星期一
27 Dec 10 The Phoenix Suns Should Give It All
Harry How/Getty ImagesA fall from the third floor hurt as much as a fall from the hundredth or like my close friend always say A wife rant from 12am is basically the same rant around 3am so why hurry (But around 3 am the plates and jars are already flying).Grant Hill, the Phoenix Suns forward scored a breakout offensive outing with 23 points making 10 out of 17 shooting, but it wasn enough to hold the Los Angeles Lakers 124-112 game two destruction. There were no answers for Kobe in fact there was no answer for the Lakers offense. Denver Broncos jersey
Kobe scored 40 points in game one and when they double-teamed Bryant in game two, Kobe scored 21 points and dished out 13 assists in return. Goran Dragic was a revelation in the playoffs but he wasn noticeable on the series. Steve Nash is still a consistent scoring and passing threat but at 36 years old with an ailing back, Nash needs a lot of help from his teammates. So where does Phoenix go from here? The series is still far from over and the Suns have two games coming up on their own turf. Winning two games straight might not be that possible against the Lakers but still it a possibility and all Phoenix has to do is to play one game at a time and play as hard as they can. Nash, Stoudemire and Hill are only a fraction of a pie, the whole team should play as a unit and Detroit Lions
they should play a perfect game to score a win against the defending champion Lakers. To put it bluntly everybody doubted them if they can win this series against the Lakers, not with Kobe being healthy or the talent and length of the Lakers but I hope they still put on a good fight. In both games the Suns made it a close game for 3 quarters before faltering in the last quarter, if only they can sustain their offense and tighten their defense It looks like June would be a green and yellow banner for the NBA reviving the rivalry between Boston and Green Bay Packers jersey
LA. There is still hope left for the Suns even though the chances are becoming a bit gloomy. There are two sides of a coin and in a game there are winners and losers but even if it a losing effort at least they tryLesson? Give it all. Itll hurt just the same
Kobe scored 40 points in game one and when they double-teamed Bryant in game two, Kobe scored 21 points and dished out 13 assists in return. Goran Dragic was a revelation in the playoffs but he wasn noticeable on the series. Steve Nash is still a consistent scoring and passing threat but at 36 years old with an ailing back, Nash needs a lot of help from his teammates. So where does Phoenix go from here? The series is still far from over and the Suns have two games coming up on their own turf. Winning two games straight might not be that possible against the Lakers but still it a possibility and all Phoenix has to do is to play one game at a time and play as hard as they can. Nash, Stoudemire and Hill are only a fraction of a pie, the whole team should play as a unit and Detroit Lions
they should play a perfect game to score a win against the defending champion Lakers. To put it bluntly everybody doubted them if they can win this series against the Lakers, not with Kobe being healthy or the talent and length of the Lakers but I hope they still put on a good fight. In both games the Suns made it a close game for 3 quarters before faltering in the last quarter, if only they can sustain their offense and tighten their defense It looks like June would be a green and yellow banner for the NBA reviving the rivalry between Boston and Green Bay Packers jersey
LA. There is still hope left for the Suns even though the chances are becoming a bit gloomy. There are two sides of a coin and in a game there are winners and losers but even if it a losing effort at least they tryLesson? Give it all. Itll hurt just the same
2010年12月26日星期日
26 Dec 10 Boston Celtics Set the Stage for a 2008 Revival: Can the LA Lakers Join Them?
Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesThe Boston Celtics' series clinching, Game Six victory over the Orlando Magic was the first step to a much-anticipated rematch of the 2008 NBA Finals, and now it's up to the Los Angeles Lakers to see if they can join them.The Lakers' task will not be simple as they must head to Phoenix and face a very confident Suns' team, who feels they had every chance to win Game Five in Los Angeles.An answered prayer from Ron Artest off of an errant Kobe Bryant shot gave the Lakers a 3-2 advantage in the series, and Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
this will be the third time Los Angeles has had the opportunity to close out an opponent on the road.But, the Lakers' victories over Oklahoma City and Utah are not similar to the Phoenix series because Los Angeles defeated Oklahoma City decisively in Game Five before eeking out a victory in Game Six, and they swept the Jazz in four games.The Suns have the veteran experience the young Thunder team didn't, and Phoenix's use of various zone defenses have helped diminish the huge size advantage the Lakers have in the post.If the Lakers can find a way to dispose of the Suns, they will join the Celtics in a Finals series most Los Angeles fans have hoped for since the Lakers were humiliated in 2008.The images of that inglorious defeat are still fresh in the memories of most, as are the words of Paul Pierce, who belittled the Lakers' championship of 2009 by saying it was illegitimate because Los Angeles didn't defeat Boston for the title.The Lakers would love nothing more than a chance to silence Pierce, and if they Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
should advance, Los Angeles would have the privilege of beginning the series from the comforts of the Staples Center.But, Phoenix comes first, and the Lakers can't afford to get complacent in Game Six, because a poor showing could give the Suns even more confidence if a Game Seven becomes necessary.The most important thing for the Lakers is to bring the same type of defensive intensity they did in Game Five, and they must attack Phoenix's zone in the same manner.The Suns are the best offensive team in basketball, so completely stopping them is impossible, but the Lakers have been successful when they have managed to obstruct Steve Nash's vision in the passing lanes.The pick and roll offense has been the Suns' best weapon, but the Lakers were able to counter it by swarming Nash in the lane, and then cutting off Amar'e Stoudemire's path to the basket, and collapsing around him.The Suns' reserves have been spectacular in the Suns' previous victories in Phoenix, and in Game Five in Los Angeles, and the Lakers can't afford to let them repeat their performance in Game Sixespecially Channing Frye and Jared Dudley, each of whose three point shooting allowed the Suns to trim huge deficits in Game Five, and almost send the game to overtime.The Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
Suns will not lie down for Game Six and they will have the emotional advantage of the home crowd, so the Lakers must play focused with the intent of ending the series in this game.It's easy to get caught looking ahead, especially when the Finals opponent will be the hated Celtics, but the Lakers must understand they are still in the thick of a series that is still very much up in the air.
this will be the third time Los Angeles has had the opportunity to close out an opponent on the road.But, the Lakers' victories over Oklahoma City and Utah are not similar to the Phoenix series because Los Angeles defeated Oklahoma City decisively in Game Five before eeking out a victory in Game Six, and they swept the Jazz in four games.The Suns have the veteran experience the young Thunder team didn't, and Phoenix's use of various zone defenses have helped diminish the huge size advantage the Lakers have in the post.If the Lakers can find a way to dispose of the Suns, they will join the Celtics in a Finals series most Los Angeles fans have hoped for since the Lakers were humiliated in 2008.The images of that inglorious defeat are still fresh in the memories of most, as are the words of Paul Pierce, who belittled the Lakers' championship of 2009 by saying it was illegitimate because Los Angeles didn't defeat Boston for the title.The Lakers would love nothing more than a chance to silence Pierce, and if they Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
should advance, Los Angeles would have the privilege of beginning the series from the comforts of the Staples Center.But, Phoenix comes first, and the Lakers can't afford to get complacent in Game Six, because a poor showing could give the Suns even more confidence if a Game Seven becomes necessary.The most important thing for the Lakers is to bring the same type of defensive intensity they did in Game Five, and they must attack Phoenix's zone in the same manner.The Suns are the best offensive team in basketball, so completely stopping them is impossible, but the Lakers have been successful when they have managed to obstruct Steve Nash's vision in the passing lanes.The pick and roll offense has been the Suns' best weapon, but the Lakers were able to counter it by swarming Nash in the lane, and then cutting off Amar'e Stoudemire's path to the basket, and collapsing around him.The Suns' reserves have been spectacular in the Suns' previous victories in Phoenix, and in Game Five in Los Angeles, and the Lakers can't afford to let them repeat their performance in Game Sixespecially Channing Frye and Jared Dudley, each of whose three point shooting allowed the Suns to trim huge deficits in Game Five, and almost send the game to overtime.The Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
Suns will not lie down for Game Six and they will have the emotional advantage of the home crowd, so the Lakers must play focused with the intent of ending the series in this game.It's easy to get caught looking ahead, especially when the Finals opponent will be the hated Celtics, but the Lakers must understand they are still in the thick of a series that is still very much up in the air.
2010年12月25日星期六
25 Dec 10 New Jersey Nets: Travis Outlaw On Verge Of Losing Starting Job
Elsa/Getty ImagesAccording to NorthJersey.com, the New Jersey Nets are going to make a change to their starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Dallas Mavericks.It is believed that the man losing his job will be Travis Outlaw, who has been terribly inconsistent in his brief time with the team.Over his last 10 games, Outlaw has been abysmal, shooting 34.3 percent from the field and 25 percent on threes while averaging just 9.5 PPG. His shot selection has also been bad as, despite his low three-point field goal percentage, he settles for long-range Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
jumpers and does not make strong moves to the basket all too frequently.His defense has also left much to be desired. Along with his poor rebounding numbers (3.3 RPG on the season), it is probably the main reason he could soon find himself on the bench.Coach Avery Johnson would not give away more than saying there would be a shake up, but all signs point to rookie Damion James getting the starting nod.Over the same 10 game stretch where Outlaw has struggled, James, when playing at least 15 minutes, has averaged 5.5 RPG and provides much better defensive effort.In New Jersey's last game against Atlanta, James had his best performance as a pro, scoring 10 points on 5-of-9 shooting, grabbing six rebounds and showing much more resistance when defending Josh Smith than Outlaw.If James does indeed get the starting nod, who should get the most minutes at the small forward spot?If James does indeed get the starting nod, who should get the most minutes at the small forward spot?Damion James33.0%Travis Outlaw3.4%Terrence Williams63.6%Total votes: 88Johnson reportedly raved about James after the game, and at the same time expressed displeasure with Outlaw.James has had a bit of trouble getting his shot to drop early in the season, but in his senior year at Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
Texas he shot over 50 percent from the field and scored 18 PPG. He also showed his ability to crash the boards, pulling down more than 10 RPG.With Terrence Williams also returning to action Thursday, it's unclear what the rotation will be or who will get the most minutes, although this seems like the right move.James has simply out-worked and out-hustled Outlaw, the qualities Johnson is placing an emphasis on.As a fan, I'm happy to see James get his shot and to see Outlaw getting moved to the bench. Outlaw has shown throughout his career that it's where he belongs and I've been calling for him to be relegated to back up status for some time now.James also deserves a chance to prove himself with the way he's played recently.As a person, I always feel somewhat bad whenever a guy gets demoted in this way, but as anyone who has tried out for a team can tell you, the world of sports is a cold one. Either you can produce or you can't, and if you're unable to there's always someone waiting to take your place.Outlaw doesn't appear to be a bad Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
person, he's just not getting it done.Sending Williams to the D-League recently sent him a message and got him to clean up his act. Perhaps the same can happen for Outlaw.If not, hopefully James and Williams can be the young sparks this team needs.
jumpers and does not make strong moves to the basket all too frequently.His defense has also left much to be desired. Along with his poor rebounding numbers (3.3 RPG on the season), it is probably the main reason he could soon find himself on the bench.Coach Avery Johnson would not give away more than saying there would be a shake up, but all signs point to rookie Damion James getting the starting nod.Over the same 10 game stretch where Outlaw has struggled, James, when playing at least 15 minutes, has averaged 5.5 RPG and provides much better defensive effort.In New Jersey's last game against Atlanta, James had his best performance as a pro, scoring 10 points on 5-of-9 shooting, grabbing six rebounds and showing much more resistance when defending Josh Smith than Outlaw.If James does indeed get the starting nod, who should get the most minutes at the small forward spot?If James does indeed get the starting nod, who should get the most minutes at the small forward spot?Damion James33.0%Travis Outlaw3.4%Terrence Williams63.6%Total votes: 88Johnson reportedly raved about James after the game, and at the same time expressed displeasure with Outlaw.James has had a bit of trouble getting his shot to drop early in the season, but in his senior year at Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
Texas he shot over 50 percent from the field and scored 18 PPG. He also showed his ability to crash the boards, pulling down more than 10 RPG.With Terrence Williams also returning to action Thursday, it's unclear what the rotation will be or who will get the most minutes, although this seems like the right move.James has simply out-worked and out-hustled Outlaw, the qualities Johnson is placing an emphasis on.As a fan, I'm happy to see James get his shot and to see Outlaw getting moved to the bench. Outlaw has shown throughout his career that it's where he belongs and I've been calling for him to be relegated to back up status for some time now.James also deserves a chance to prove himself with the way he's played recently.As a person, I always feel somewhat bad whenever a guy gets demoted in this way, but as anyone who has tried out for a team can tell you, the world of sports is a cold one. Either you can produce or you can't, and if you're unable to there's always someone waiting to take your place.Outlaw doesn't appear to be a bad Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
person, he's just not getting it done.Sending Williams to the D-League recently sent him a message and got him to clean up his act. Perhaps the same can happen for Outlaw.If not, hopefully James and Williams can be the young sparks this team needs.
2010年12月24日星期五
24 Dec 10 No Respect for LeBron James
Marc Serota/Getty ImagesRon Artest has come out and announced that after Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant is the next best player in the league. Now, Durant is a truly remarkable player but I think this is just Artest trying to stir up some drama.There has been so much hype and attention given to the Miami Heat that I think Artest just wants everyone to remember who the champs are. Nobody has forgotten that the Lakers repeated, but the idea of having LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh on one team is somewhat mind Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
boggling.Either way, James is definitely getting highly criticized for this move.In the preseason MVP votes, LeBron only received one vote out of 28. It seems as if the NBA GMs are predicting the young Kevin Durant to be hoisting the MVP trophy, with Kobe in secondplace. LeBron went from being the back-to-back MVP winner to being a long shot for the award. How does this make sense?It seems as if LeBron’s decision to team up with another elite player in Wade has left people thinking less of him. My question is, what if the Heat end up winning 60 plus games this season. They have averaged 45 wins in the past two seasons and although Bosh is a big name player, the reason for the increase in wins will most likely be LeBron’s presence. So now doesn’t an increase of 15 plus games signify that LeBron is a value player to that organization?I am not saying that LeBron should be the MVP favorite, plus I do kind of like Durant’s chances. My only point is that maybe people should not take LeBron so lightly and stop looking down on him for his decision to join the Miami Heat. Pau Gasol is one of the top big men in the league and yet Kobe is still strongly considered for the MVP award and therefore LeBron deserves Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
similar respect.Who knows what will happen with LeBron and the Miami Heat, maybe they will hit the 70 win mark. I also think Durant will lead the Thunder past the Lakers this year, but maybe Kobe will get the three-peat.All I know is that it is going to be a crazy season and only time will tell who the true MVP is but maybe all these doubters should not count LeBron out just yet.
boggling.Either way, James is definitely getting highly criticized for this move.In the preseason MVP votes, LeBron only received one vote out of 28. It seems as if the NBA GMs are predicting the young Kevin Durant to be hoisting the MVP trophy, with Kobe in secondplace. LeBron went from being the back-to-back MVP winner to being a long shot for the award. How does this make sense?It seems as if LeBron’s decision to team up with another elite player in Wade has left people thinking less of him. My question is, what if the Heat end up winning 60 plus games this season. They have averaged 45 wins in the past two seasons and although Bosh is a big name player, the reason for the increase in wins will most likely be LeBron’s presence. So now doesn’t an increase of 15 plus games signify that LeBron is a value player to that organization?I am not saying that LeBron should be the MVP favorite, plus I do kind of like Durant’s chances. My only point is that maybe people should not take LeBron so lightly and stop looking down on him for his decision to join the Miami Heat. Pau Gasol is one of the top big men in the league and yet Kobe is still strongly considered for the MVP award and therefore LeBron deserves Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
similar respect.Who knows what will happen with LeBron and the Miami Heat, maybe they will hit the 70 win mark. I also think Durant will lead the Thunder past the Lakers this year, but maybe Kobe will get the three-peat.All I know is that it is going to be a crazy season and only time will tell who the true MVP is but maybe all these doubters should not count LeBron out just yet.
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