April 19, 2009 at 2:33 am (Basketball, Cleveland Cavaliers, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Sports)
Tags: Cleveland Cavaliers, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, NBA Championship, NBA Commissioner David Stern, NBA Eastern Conference, NBA Western Conference, Sports
Is It Really That Much Of A Formality …. ?
It’d appear that the common thinking when it’s all said and done . It will be the Los Angeles Lakers facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals for the 2009 season. And that’s as it should be based upon their regular season records.
But here’s the caveat there’s such a thing as the playoffs and that’s where the fortunes and tide of fate can be determined for the teams . If it’s to be believed then the Cavaliers shouldn’t have much trouble at all marching through the Eastern Conference playoffs.
James addresses members of the convened press after his team's victory over the Detroit Pistons in game one in the first round of the seven game series playoffs. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Matt Sullivan ...............
As good as LeBron James and his supporting cast have performed during the season attaining a 66-16 record. The Los Angeles Lakers (65-17) have been equally effective in marching to supremacy within the Western Conference. And led by last season’s MVP Kobe Bryant the team has played well . But at the most inopportuned of moments they’ve shown their frailties as a team. But this came from the inconsistency of their bench and unwillingness to step up to the plate and be counted when it mattered most. Now there are those amongst us who feel that this is nothing more than a passing phase for the team. However a passing phase shouldn’t be repeated as often as we’ve seen from the Lakers as of late.
The loss against the Portland Trailblazers as inexplicable as it was . It shouldn’t go unnoticed by those more astute in the nuances of the game that the Trailblazers have had the Lakers’ number. And they’ve proven to be the Lakers’ nemesis and achilles’ heel.
James seen here tries to evade the defensive presence of the Pistons' Antonio McDyess in game one of today's playoff game at the Quicken Loans Arena , Cleveland , OH. Also pictured is McDyess' teammate Tayshaun Prince. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Matt Sullivan ..............
While we can all agree that the events of the regular season shouldn’t as such be an indicator or precursor of things to come. With a Bryant led team and all the marbles to play for it’s the Lakers that everyone appears to be favoring at this juncture. Cavaliers’ fans obviously feel differently as to the unwavering support as to the concensus seems to be growing for the likelihood of a Lakers triumph in the NBA Finals.
Those within the city of Cleveland and LeBron James’ fans across the state are no doubt hoping that should the two teams meet in the Finals. Then all of the questions put forth will be finally answered once and for all.
James attempts the jump shot in the game played against the Detroit Pistons . picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Matt Sullivan ............
We’ve all witnessed the capabilities of both players this season with the exploits of both Bryant and James. If nothing else we can agree on one thing , these two players have brought a great deal of excitement to the NBA. And though we’ve seen some stellar displays by the Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade. The game’s regular season MVP award will come down to a choice that will have to be made between Bryant and James. The concensus is that James is the pre-determined favorite. Rightfully so perhaps at this juncture.
But I’d dare say that if it comes down to a choice then both players would willingly accept not winning the regular season MVP award and pursue their goal of winning an NBA championship and ring.
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March 10, 2009 at 5:58 pm ("Marathon Man", Basketball, Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Olivier, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, NBA All Star Game, Portland Trailblazers, Sports)
Tags: "Marathan Man", Brandon Roy, Dustin Hoffman, Kobe Bryant, Laurence Olivier, Los Angeles Lakers, Nate McMillan, NBA, Portland Trailblazers, Sports
Is It Safe ?
Those are the words uttered in thriller suspense movie “Marathon Man” starring Laurence Olivier and Dustin Hoffman. “Is It Safe ?”: And if one can remember the scene whereby the villain of the piece Olivier an on the run Nazi war criminal subjects his prisoner Hoffman to some undue torture by way of drilling into his tooth with a drill.
Olivier (left) subdues his captive Hoffman and then proceeds to torture his captive with some unspeakable torture. Scene from the movie "Marathon Man" released by Columbia Tri Star Pictures circa @ 1974 ...........
What then follows is an unseemingly tortuous scene that one can only lament. As too was last night’s abysmal showing by the Los Angeles Lakers in their loss to the Portland Trailblazers. No matter which way you slice and dice it , analyze it or whatever. This may well have been the Lakers’ worst regular season display. And one might question the fact that there’d been a skirmish during the game between the two teams. But it oughtn’t to excuse the fact that they were handed their heads on a silver platter. And if nothing else it proves the point that the assumption being made that they possess the deepest bench in the league can no longer be justified. Based on last night’s performance they were anemic to say the very least.
Brandon Roy of the Blazers dunks on the Lakers' Jordan Farmar during the game played in the Rose Garden Arena in Portland ,Oregon. The Blazers would go on to rout the Lakers 111-94. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Sam Forencich ............
As for the Trailblazers they’re proving to be a very young , hungry and tough team. Whatever they’re lacking in inexperience they’re more than making up for with their very determined displays. To my mind they are indeed the surprise team within the NBA this season and the fact that they’re now locked in a two way tie within their division alongside the Utah Jazz (40-23). It shows the progress that they’re now making under coach Nate McMillan. He’s providing the stability needed and the players themselves are buying into the thought process and teachings. If nothing else it has proved that this team though not yet tried and tested they’re now proving that they’re capable of contending with the best. Whether or not they can convert that into anything sustentative remains to be seen. At this juncture they’re trying to play themselves into the playoffs and garner a postseason berth.
Bryant goes up for the offensive play against the Trailblazers . picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Sam Forencich .............
In Brandon Roy the Portland Trailblazers possess one of the better young players within the NBA. And this season he proved that point by him being named to the All Star roster of the Western Conference for the NBA midseason showcase event. But it’s not just Roy alone that one has to be impressed with on this team. The roster has a nucleus that should they remain together over the next five or six years can contend for numerous championships. But that’d be predicated upon the desires of the hierarchy within the organization and the financial constraints that they would be under. If nothing else this team has become a pleasure to watch as they set about doing things the right way. They play with a zest and zeal not often seen in such a young and inexperienced team.
A subdued Kobe Bryant (right) along with teammate Pau Gasol left seated on the bench look on during the waning moments of the game. The Lakers would go on to lose the game decisively to the Portland Trailblazers decisively 111-94 . picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Sam Forencich ............
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January 20, 2009 at 10:44 pm (Basketball, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA)
Tags: Basketball, Cleveland Cavaliers, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, Pau Gasol, Sports
Well last night the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers met up for what was meant to be one of the more entertaining NBA games taking place on MLK Day. The two teams have been playing so well and their superstars in the guises of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have basically been dueling as to their supremacy and who really is the King of the NBA.
LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives for the basket under the defensive presence of the Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol ............
LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives for the basket under the defensive presence of the Los Angeles Lakers’ Pau Gasol. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Noah Graham ……………….
Absolutely no one doubt either players’ talents as they’re both supremely gifted. And in light of that there now seems to be a controversy building up amongst the fans as to who really is the better player. We all saw to great effect what each was capable of whilst they both represented the country during the Olympics in Beijing. Team USA triumphed and both were pleased to come back wearing their gold medal. That being said gold medals are not what they are judged by when it’s all said and done. It’s about winning titles and the indelible legacy that they leave on the game. That’s what legends are made of and usually how they’re remembered .
Well last night at the Staples Center we saw the good and the bad in both players. But then again that’s to be expected when a game is hyped into something in reality is completely meaningless. There was nothing really on the line other than a perceived bragging right. And that’s about it. But the way many of the fans in question would describe the matchup. One would’ve believed that the Earps and Clantons were meeting in Dodge City to sort out their differences.
Bryant and Gasol acknowledge each other after a well executed play against the Cleveland Cavaliers ...........
Bryant and Gasol acknowledge each other after a well executed play against the Cleveland Cavaliers. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Noah Graham ………………
The game itself was bedeviled by some poor shooting by both teams. And Bryant and James were a part of that equation also. So make of that what you will. I know that some excuses will be made for their poor output as far as their shooting goes. But then again we’re all entitled to a bad night at the office aren’t we ? It was somewhat reflective of the night as a whole as the game stats bear this out. But some would have still have you believe that was a thoroughly entertaining game and that both stars played exceptionally well. In reality they were good but most definitely not exceptional.
James' jump shot over the outstretched arms of the Lakers' Kobe Bryant ..............
James’ jump shot over the outstretched arms of the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant during the game played in which their Eastern Conference nemesis 105-88. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Noah Graham ……………..
The game itself resulted in a 105-88 win for the Los Angeles Lakers and with none other than Pau Gasol in a starring role for the men in purple and gold. The player chipped in with 22 points and played well on both ends of the floor. That being said for the Lakers’ fans this was the chance to seek revenge against a team that has had the better of them as of late. But I’d dare that a matchup of this might would be more meaningful were it in the postseason, with everything on the line to play for ? But as with all regular season games as such this merely may have been a joust more than anything else. It may not have amounted to much in some eyes. But to some it amounts to a great deal. As to what that might be is open to pure speculation and conjecture .
Bryant drives the lane against the Cleveland Cavaliers' Mo Williams .............
Bryant drives the lane against the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Mo Williams during the game. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Noah Graham …….
Last night instead of being served up a feast it was merely nothing more than appetizer of the most unusual of kinds. Those who sought to prepare the meal clearly forgot to make sure that the utensils in question had to be meticulously polished. As for the main course of the rivalry between Bryan and James it was much ado about nothing at this juncture. In the end it pointed to nothing more than two players trying to outdo each other and coming up badly not necessarily when it mattered most. It did little to prove who really was the better player on the night. And if anything it merely proves to us that we’re creating something out of nothing. Afterall were this a real gunfight they’d have both come out guns a blazing instead of merely shooting blanks.
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January 8, 2009 at 7:16 pm (Basketball, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Eastern Confernce, Kevin Garnett, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, Orlando Magic, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Sports)
Tags: Basketball, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Kevin Garnett, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, NBA Eastern Conference, Orlando Magic, Paul Pierce, Sports
So
at this particular
time
the argument is being made as to the
supremacy of the
Boston Celtics within the
NBA. Having raced
out
of the starting
gate
posting
an impressive record over the first
29 games
(27-2). They’ve
now
fallen to earth with a
thud or
so
some
would
have
us
believe
with
an
almighty bang. Now with a record of
29-8 there’s
a rumbling
and everyone
is questioning
the
team’s
resolve.
The Celtics' Paul Pierce points to the sidelines having been fouled by the Rockets' Ron Artest .............
Paul Pierce(34) points to the sidelines after he’s fouled by the Houston Rockets’(96) Ron Artest. The Rockets however would go on to win the game 89-85. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Tom McLendon…………….
Well the NBA season isn’t about a sprint as it’s really a marathon of sorts played out over a schedule of 82 arduous games. They sap the physicality’s and mentality of a player and no doubt a whole lot more. That being said the teams that survive that then have the postseason to look forward to. And that in of itself is filled with pitfalls that’ll test the coaching staff and players alike.
Garnett of the Celtics tries to defend the shot by the Rockets' Aaron Brooks .............
Kevin Garnett tries to defend a shot by the Rockets’ Aaron Brooks during the game played at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachussetts. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Brian Babineau …………..
In the Eastern Conference at present we’ve seen three teams rise to the top playing as consistently as one would deem it possible. And as we can all define consistency in its many forms. It begs the question is what’s now happening with the Celtics really all that disturbing ? The Boston Celtics along with the LeBron James’ led Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic have the best records in the conference. Each of the teams in question have their own array of stars. But it can be said that without their trio All Stars last season’s triumph by the Celtics would’ve been viewed as nothing more than afterthought had it been another franchise defeating the Los Angeles Lakers.
Yao Ming of the Rockets and the Celtics' Glen Davis pursue a loose ball ...............
Glen Davis chases after a loose ball that’s also being pursued by the Rockets’ Yao Ming. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Brian Babineau ….
In Kevin Garnett , Ray Allen and Paul Pierce the team may well possess three future Hall of Famers. But that’s a discussion for another day. I know that there are some Celtics’ fans who’ll be of the opinion that they ought to be enshrined immediately upon their retirement merely because they brought a title to Boston after some 25 years in what was thought to be the perpetual wilderness. Well now they’re back and are looking to improve upon last year’s triumph. And if anything as we all know it’s harder to defend a title the second time around than it is to win it the first time. That being said it’s to be expected that the team would stumble somewhat this season. They’re no longer viewed as a team whose sum is greater than that of its parts. And if anything their foes within the conference as well across the rest of the NBA have finally figured out how to pressurize and beat this team.
Yao Ming of the Rockets defends the paint as the Celtics' Paul Pierce drives to the basket ..................
Yao Ming of the Boston Celtics defends the paint as the Celtics’ Paul Pierce drives for the basket. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Brian Babineau …………
At the start of the season the play of their point guard Rajon Rondo was at its highest. But the player himself seems to be in a bit of a lull. The sophomore point guard appears to have hit the proverbial wall. And if the rumors are to be believed then help is on the way in the guise of the New York Knicks’ wayward child Stephon Marbury. Suffice to say that at this juncture I’d somewhat begin to question the thinking of GM Danny Ainge should he follow through with this deal. Marbury’s intentions as a player and teammate at times has come into question. But with him being placed within an environment that has the likes of Garnett, Allen and Pierce who in unison as veterans have made the team better. I can only honestly believe that any temper tantrum thrown by him wouldn’t be taken on with any respect by the trio. Marbury, has always been about him and him only. And his desire as he says to be part of a team and play for a contender while admirable. In my mind I find it somewhat condescending. Considering his travels around the league there has to be a reason why the player has yet to find a place that he can really call home.
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tophatal
tophatal
Alan Parkins
