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Wednesday, September 28, 2011
42-0, come on Manny, ‘Let’s go’
Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. won yet another fight, knocking out a dirty boxer by the name of Victor Ortiz.
Apparently, nobody taught Ortiz the first rule in boxing, which is to protect yourself at all times. Mayweather now has a record of 42-0. If he wins seven more fights without losing, he will have the same record as legendary boxer Rocky Marciano (49-0-0).
Nobody in boxing can even come close to Floyd right now. Many people will say Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2) can beat him. If Manny can beat Floyd, which he can’t do, then what is he waiting for? If Pacquiao is truly better, why won’t he agree to the drug test just before the fight?
Maybe Pacquiao is taking performance-enhancing drugs? Like Mayweather said, “If you want to be the best, take the test.”
Until somebody can beat Floyd, he is the best. So, if Pacquiao is the best and can supposedly beat Floyd, in which case Manny would be the best, he needs to take the drug test. Many Pacquiao should just stay a politician, because if he fights Floyd, he will get knocked out.
One final note: why does Pacquiao, who is scheduled to fight Juan Manuel Marquez on Nov. 12, keep fighting Floyd’s leftovers?
Apparently, nobody taught Ortiz the first rule in boxing, which is to protect yourself at all times. Mayweather now has a record of 42-0. If he wins seven more fights without losing, he will have the same record as legendary boxer Rocky Marciano (49-0-0).
Nobody in boxing can even come close to Floyd right now. Many people will say Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2) can beat him. If Manny can beat Floyd, which he can’t do, then what is he waiting for? If Pacquiao is truly better, why won’t he agree to the drug test just before the fight?
Maybe Pacquiao is taking performance-enhancing drugs? Like Mayweather said, “If you want to be the best, take the test.”
Until somebody can beat Floyd, he is the best. So, if Pacquiao is the best and can supposedly beat Floyd, in which case Manny would be the best, he needs to take the drug test. Many Pacquiao should just stay a politician, because if he fights Floyd, he will get knocked out.
One final note: why does Pacquiao, who is scheduled to fight Juan Manuel Marquez on Nov. 12, keep fighting Floyd’s leftovers?
Monday, August 15, 2011
Eagles are going to fly
Intern Cheyenne quickly has grown to be a fan of the Eagles, who have had quite the offseason. Here's his take on how Philadelphia will fare this year:
The Philadelphia Eagles advanced to the playoffs last season with a 10-6 record, and this season is going to be even better.
In fact, the Eagles are going to be so good I can guarantee they will win the Super Bowl. The Green Bay Packers may have beaten the Eagles during Wild Card Weekend last season, but they won’t this year.
Who is the quarterback for the Packers? It’s not Michael Vick, so who really cares? Vick will be the MVP of the NFL this coming season, not Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady.
Why? Think about it. When was the last time you saw Brady run for a first down? Vick is great when running, not to mention throwing on the run. He’s the most exciting player in the NFL, and the spotlight is on the Eagles — not the Packers or Patriots.
Enough about the soon-to-be league MVP. The Eagles are really having a terrible off-season (that’s sarcasm). I mean, all they did was sign Nnamdi Asomugha — the most prized free agent during the offseason — Jason Babin, Vince Young, Cullen Jenkins and Ronnie Brown. They dumped the dead weight known as Kevin Kolb and, in return, acquired Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
Vince Young called the Eagles a “Dream Team.” And he’s right. Young, though didn’t promise seven championships like that guy on the Miami Heat — I seemed to have forgotten his name. Actually Vince Young didn’t say they were going to win anything.
They’ll simply let their play do the talking.
The Philadelphia Eagles advanced to the playoffs last season with a 10-6 record, and this season is going to be even better.
In fact, the Eagles are going to be so good I can guarantee they will win the Super Bowl. The Green Bay Packers may have beaten the Eagles during Wild Card Weekend last season, but they won’t this year.
Who is the quarterback for the Packers? It’s not Michael Vick, so who really cares? Vick will be the MVP of the NFL this coming season, not Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady.
Why? Think about it. When was the last time you saw Brady run for a first down? Vick is great when running, not to mention throwing on the run. He’s the most exciting player in the NFL, and the spotlight is on the Eagles — not the Packers or Patriots.
Enough about the soon-to-be league MVP. The Eagles are really having a terrible off-season (that’s sarcasm). I mean, all they did was sign Nnamdi Asomugha — the most prized free agent during the offseason — Jason Babin, Vince Young, Cullen Jenkins and Ronnie Brown. They dumped the dead weight known as Kevin Kolb and, in return, acquired Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
Vince Young called the Eagles a “Dream Team.” And he’s right. Young, though didn’t promise seven championships like that guy on the Miami Heat — I seemed to have forgotten his name. Actually Vince Young didn’t say they were going to win anything.
They’ll simply let their play do the talking.
Monday, July 11, 2011
LeBron doesn't perform under Heat
The Miami Heat were the favorite to win the NBA championship this year. LeBron James, who made his “Decision last summer,” promised at least seven champions when he was introduced, saying, “It’s gonna be easy.”
Firstly, how can LeBron and the Heat win more than seven championships when LeBron, Wade and Bosh are only under contract for six years? If it will be easy for the Heat to win seven championships, Year 1 must have been a mulligan. When LeBron said the fans (those who rooted against him) all will wake up with the same life the day after the Heat lost, he was right. LeBron woke up without a championship ring, and so did the rest of us.
One of the main reasons the Heat lost in the finals was because LeBron can’t finish a game. In the fourth quarter of the six finals games, LeBron scored a grand total of 21 points while making 7 of 23 shots. That’s 30.4 percent if you’re counting at home.
LeBron might not get a chance to win that coveted ring next season unless the NBA lockout ends. Even if there is basketball, the Heat will not win a championship. All the other teams will get better, but Miami won’t. They don’t have enough money to add better players.
In my opinion, the Heat will not win a championship with LeBron, Wade and Bosh. Even the Celtics’ Big 3 was able to win a championship. and they are all past their prime. LeBron, Wade and Bosh are in their prime and they didn’t win.
Firstly, how can LeBron and the Heat win more than seven championships when LeBron, Wade and Bosh are only under contract for six years? If it will be easy for the Heat to win seven championships, Year 1 must have been a mulligan. When LeBron said the fans (those who rooted against him) all will wake up with the same life the day after the Heat lost, he was right. LeBron woke up without a championship ring, and so did the rest of us.
One of the main reasons the Heat lost in the finals was because LeBron can’t finish a game. In the fourth quarter of the six finals games, LeBron scored a grand total of 21 points while making 7 of 23 shots. That’s 30.4 percent if you’re counting at home.
LeBron might not get a chance to win that coveted ring next season unless the NBA lockout ends. Even if there is basketball, the Heat will not win a championship. All the other teams will get better, but Miami won’t. They don’t have enough money to add better players.
In my opinion, the Heat will not win a championship with LeBron, Wade and Bosh. Even the Celtics’ Big 3 was able to win a championship. and they are all past their prime. LeBron, Wade and Bosh are in their prime and they didn’t win.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Bulls To-Do List
Intern Cheyenne, the biggest Chicago Bulls fan we know, has a plan for the Bulls to get past the Eastern Conference finals, where they lost 4-1 to the Miami Heat:
"The Chicago Bulls ended the 2010-11 regular season with the best record in the NBA at 62-20. Chicago’s defense was solid, allowing the second-fewest points per game, the lowest opponent field goal percentage and the lowest opponent 3-point field goal percentage.
Unfortunately, the Bulls’ season game to an end when the Miami Heat beat them 4-1 in the Eastern Conference finals. In that series, Chicago allowed just 87.6 points per game but averaged just 85.4.
Therefore, changes must be made.
The Chicago Bulls need another scorer; MVP point guard Derrick Rose can’t do it alone. Judging by the numbers, the Bulls’ defense doesn’t really need any work. Chicago needs a good starting shooting guard.
Who is a scoring shooting guard on the free-agent market this summer? Unrestricted free agent Jamal Crawford is a scoring shooting guard. Crawford averaged 14.2 points per game while coming off the bench for Atlanta. The Chicago Bulls also need someone to defend LeBron James, should they meet up with the Heat in the playoffs again. Small forward Luol Deng is a good player but is not physical enough to effectively defend LeBron.
If the Bulls could get Jamal Crawford, or a good scoring shooting guard and someone more physical to guard LeBron, they could be in line to win an NBA Championship."
"The Chicago Bulls ended the 2010-11 regular season with the best record in the NBA at 62-20. Chicago’s defense was solid, allowing the second-fewest points per game, the lowest opponent field goal percentage and the lowest opponent 3-point field goal percentage.
Unfortunately, the Bulls’ season game to an end when the Miami Heat beat them 4-1 in the Eastern Conference finals. In that series, Chicago allowed just 87.6 points per game but averaged just 85.4.
Therefore, changes must be made.
The Chicago Bulls need another scorer; MVP point guard Derrick Rose can’t do it alone. Judging by the numbers, the Bulls’ defense doesn’t really need any work. Chicago needs a good starting shooting guard.
Who is a scoring shooting guard on the free-agent market this summer? Unrestricted free agent Jamal Crawford is a scoring shooting guard. Crawford averaged 14.2 points per game while coming off the bench for Atlanta. The Chicago Bulls also need someone to defend LeBron James, should they meet up with the Heat in the playoffs again. Small forward Luol Deng is a good player but is not physical enough to effectively defend LeBron.
If the Bulls could get Jamal Crawford, or a good scoring shooting guard and someone more physical to guard LeBron, they could be in line to win an NBA Championship."
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
NBA's newest competition: 1 on 1
I’m sure we all know about the NFL lockout and how there may not be football come September. This is due to the fact that players and owners can’t agree to a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which expired on March 3.
What you may not know is that the NBA’s current CBA expires June 30. If owners and players can’t come to an agreement, there won’t be basketball in November. If and when the NBA gets an agreement in place, they should create a new All-Star Weekend competition.
They should have a 1-on-1 competition where the best players play against each other. For example, Derrick Rose vs. Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony vs. LeBron James, Amare Stoudemire vs. Chris Bosh, etc.
This would be very interesting and prove who the best player in the NBA really is. As of right now, everybody merely looks at stats, or win-loss records rather than trying top figure out who the best player is.
The only way to truly learn the NBA’s top player is make them play each other, 1 on 1. The player’s might not care who the best player is, but fans definitely want to know. Many people, including myself, would watch this.
What you may not know is that the NBA’s current CBA expires June 30. If owners and players can’t come to an agreement, there won’t be basketball in November. If and when the NBA gets an agreement in place, they should create a new All-Star Weekend competition.
They should have a 1-on-1 competition where the best players play against each other. For example, Derrick Rose vs. Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony vs. LeBron James, Amare Stoudemire vs. Chris Bosh, etc.
This would be very interesting and prove who the best player in the NBA really is. As of right now, everybody merely looks at stats, or win-loss records rather than trying top figure out who the best player is.
The only way to truly learn the NBA’s top player is make them play each other, 1 on 1. The player’s might not care who the best player is, but fans definitely want to know. Many people, including myself, would watch this.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Heat are hot, but Nowitzki is on fire
Cheyenne the intern has pretty much conceded the fact that his Bulls will lose to the Miami Heat in the Eastern conference finals. But he's quickly become a fan of a new team:
"Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks look like they’re going to the NBA finals, and as much as I hate to say it, it looks like they will be playing the Heat, and not the Bulls.
Luckily, for all of us who hate the Heat, Dirk Nowitzki is unstoppable right now. Against the Thunder, Dirk is averaging 34 points a game while shooting 51 percent from the field. He has two games with at least 40 points (and in those games, Dirk has shot at least 60 percent).
Everybody is talking about how good the Heat’s defense is, but a great offense is better than a great defense. I’m not saying the Mavericks will win, but Dirk will give LeBron and company a run for their money."
"Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks look like they’re going to the NBA finals, and as much as I hate to say it, it looks like they will be playing the Heat, and not the Bulls.
Luckily, for all of us who hate the Heat, Dirk Nowitzki is unstoppable right now. Against the Thunder, Dirk is averaging 34 points a game while shooting 51 percent from the field. He has two games with at least 40 points (and in those games, Dirk has shot at least 60 percent).
Everybody is talking about how good the Heat’s defense is, but a great offense is better than a great defense. I’m not saying the Mavericks will win, but Dirk will give LeBron and company a run for their money."
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
A tiny bit of credit for Mike Vick
While I’ve never been a Michael Vick fan, and almost certainly never will be, he deserves a bit of credit for speaking out against an appalling dogfighting video game that rednecks can download to their cell phones.
In what likely has more to do with the continued rebuilding of his image than his genuine concern about the issue, Vick urged that we “not glorify this form of animal cruelty,” in a statement posted on the Humane Society website.
Apparently, “Dog Wars” involves raising and training a dog for the ring, then entering it in fights. Granted, this is a video game and not nearly as disgusting as actual dogfighting, but the premise sickens me, nonetheless. The game’s developers have opined online that people are overreacting. After all, it’s only a game, they say.
That part is true, but anyone dumb enough to download such a piece of trash is probably dumb enough to think there’s nothing wrong with real-life dogfighting.
Violent video games are big sellers, and I must admit I’m a big fan of shooting people in the “Call of Duty” games on PlayStation 3. It’s difficult to explain, but dog lovers tend to take much more offense to fake violence against animals than fake violence against people.
So while I still doubt Vick truly has seen the error of his dogfighting ways, I appreciate the fact that he’s publicly decrying this awful excuse for a game.
In what likely has more to do with the continued rebuilding of his image than his genuine concern about the issue, Vick urged that we “not glorify this form of animal cruelty,” in a statement posted on the Humane Society website.
Apparently, “Dog Wars” involves raising and training a dog for the ring, then entering it in fights. Granted, this is a video game and not nearly as disgusting as actual dogfighting, but the premise sickens me, nonetheless. The game’s developers have opined online that people are overreacting. After all, it’s only a game, they say.
That part is true, but anyone dumb enough to download such a piece of trash is probably dumb enough to think there’s nothing wrong with real-life dogfighting.
Violent video games are big sellers, and I must admit I’m a big fan of shooting people in the “Call of Duty” games on PlayStation 3. It’s difficult to explain, but dog lovers tend to take much more offense to fake violence against animals than fake violence against people.
So while I still doubt Vick truly has seen the error of his dogfighting ways, I appreciate the fact that he’s publicly decrying this awful excuse for a game.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Red Sox sure look overrated
It's baseball season, which means time for intern Cheyenne to pump his beloved Yankees:
Although the season just started and there are a lot of games left, the Boston Red Sox look very overrated. Boston has started the season 0-4. Its pitching has given up 29 runs, and the offense had scored just 12 runs.
The rival Yankees, on the other hand, have scored 31 runs and yielded 27. So, tell me again which team has better hitting and pitching? The Yankees do. The Red Sox, the favorites to win the AL East? It may already be time to reconsider.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a better record and have scored more runs than the Red Sox. In case you didn’t know, the Pirates had the worst record in all of baseball last season.
That’s like the Cleveland Cavaliers beating the Miami Heat. Oh wait, that actually happened. I meant to say that’s like Rajon Rondo of the Celtics winning the NBA MVP award over Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose.
Although the season just started and there are a lot of games left, the Boston Red Sox look very overrated. Boston has started the season 0-4. Its pitching has given up 29 runs, and the offense had scored just 12 runs.
The rival Yankees, on the other hand, have scored 31 runs and yielded 27. So, tell me again which team has better hitting and pitching? The Yankees do. The Red Sox, the favorites to win the AL East? It may already be time to reconsider.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a better record and have scored more runs than the Red Sox. In case you didn’t know, the Pirates had the worst record in all of baseball last season.
That’s like the Cleveland Cavaliers beating the Miami Heat. Oh wait, that actually happened. I meant to say that’s like Rajon Rondo of the Celtics winning the NBA MVP award over Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
"We Are All Witnesses" … of LeBron getting burned
Last night, Miami Heat forward LeBron James went back to Cleveland — the team that drafted him first overall in 2003 — for the second time this season. The first time, he went back he scored 38 points and his team won by 28 points.
The second time he went back, he scored 27 points and his team lost by 12 points. Wait… What!?! The WORST team in the NBA just beat the team with the third-best record in the Eastern Conference? Yes, they did. The Cleveland Cavaliers (15-58) beat the Miami Heat (51-23) by 12 points.
The Cavs leading scorer was J.J. Hickson who had 21 points and was also the leading rebounder for the Cavs with 12. Hickson outscored and outrebounded the Heat's power forward (Chris Bosh) and center (Erick Dampier) combined. Together, Bosh and Dampier combined for 10 points and five rebounds.
LeBron may have had better stats, but Hickson definitely stepped up last night; his season average is 13.1 points and 8.3 rebounds. Dwayne Wade had 24 points and four rebounds, but Anthony Parker had 20 points and seven rebounds. Hey, LeBron I guess you don’t have much of a supporting cast in Miami either … great "Decision."
The second time he went back, he scored 27 points and his team lost by 12 points. Wait… What!?! The WORST team in the NBA just beat the team with the third-best record in the Eastern Conference? Yes, they did. The Cleveland Cavaliers (15-58) beat the Miami Heat (51-23) by 12 points.
The Cavs leading scorer was J.J. Hickson who had 21 points and was also the leading rebounder for the Cavs with 12. Hickson outscored and outrebounded the Heat's power forward (Chris Bosh) and center (Erick Dampier) combined. Together, Bosh and Dampier combined for 10 points and five rebounds.
LeBron may have had better stats, but Hickson definitely stepped up last night; his season average is 13.1 points and 8.3 rebounds. Dwayne Wade had 24 points and four rebounds, but Anthony Parker had 20 points and seven rebounds. Hey, LeBron I guess you don’t have much of a supporting cast in Miami either … great "Decision."
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Thanks to guard, Bulls coming up Roses
The Chicago Bulls (51-19) as you may or may not know are a half-game ahead of the Boston Celtics for first in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls have the best record in the East even though they’ve had to play much of the season without Carlos Boozer (two stints with injuries) and spent significant time sans center Joakim Noah.
So, how do the Bulls currently have the top spot in the East? Because of DERRICK ROSE! Before the season, Rose asked, “Why can’t I be the MVP of the league?" At this stage, it sure looks like he is the MVP. D-Rose is the only player in the NBA to be in the top 10 in scoring and assists. He averages 24.9 points per game, 7.8 assists per game and 4.2 rebounds per game.
Derrick means everything to the Bulls. Without him the Bulls would lose. He wins without his team being fully healthy. If that’s not an MVP, what is?
So, how do the Bulls currently have the top spot in the East? Because of DERRICK ROSE! Before the season, Rose asked, “Why can’t I be the MVP of the league?" At this stage, it sure looks like he is the MVP. D-Rose is the only player in the NBA to be in the top 10 in scoring and assists. He averages 24.9 points per game, 7.8 assists per game and 4.2 rebounds per game.
Derrick means everything to the Bulls. Without him the Bulls would lose. He wins without his team being fully healthy. If that’s not an MVP, what is?
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Coventry beats Portsmouth for Division II hockey state title
Coventry's hockey team beat Portsmouth 4-2 on Saturday afternoon to sweep the Patriots in the Division II best-of-three state championship series at Providence College's Schneider Arena.
Nick Paiva of the Knotty Oakers, the tournament MVP, scored a goal each in the second and third period after the Oakers led 2-0 after the first period.
With the Patriots down 4-0 with less than 12 minutes remaining, Matt Abraham and Henry Lang scored for Portsmouth, but the Patriots couldn't add to their rally to successfully defend their 2010 D-II title.
Nick Paiva of the Knotty Oakers, the tournament MVP, scored a goal each in the second and third period after the Oakers led 2-0 after the first period.
With the Patriots down 4-0 with less than 12 minutes remaining, Matt Abraham and Henry Lang scored for Portsmouth, but the Patriots couldn't add to their rally to successfully defend their 2010 D-II title.
Coventry leads Portsmouth 3-0 after two periods
After two periods in the second game in the Division II championship hockey best-of-three series between No. 1 seed Coventry and No. 2 seed Portsmouth, Coventry leads 3-0 at Providence College's Schneider Arena.
The Knotty Oakers, who beat Portsmouth 4-2 in the series opener, scored twice in the first period and once in the second period againt the Patriots, the defending champions.
The Knotty Oakers, who beat Portsmouth 4-2 in the series opener, scored twice in the first period and once in the second period againt the Patriots, the defending champions.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Open season a success
Trying something new can be risky, especially when the old standby was reliable. But the Rhode Island Interscholastic League deserves some credit for implementing an open state tournament for boys basketball this year.
Like any tournament, this one had a few blowouts. But of the 15 games played, 11 were decided by 12 points or fewer. And the fan support at every game showed that people cared. Even at the cavernous Providence Career & Technical Academy, fans came out in big numbers and made for an electric atmosphere.
As I mentioned in today’s Daily News, there needs to be some fine-tuning. The regular season was far too compacted, and this winter’s weather only made it worse as teams were forced to play three and four games a week. Getting rid of the Division I, II and III tournaments could be the solution.
But overall, the RIIL has a solid foundation on which to build. One can only hope future tournaments generate the same level of competition and excitement that this year’s did.
What did you think?
Like any tournament, this one had a few blowouts. But of the 15 games played, 11 were decided by 12 points or fewer. And the fan support at every game showed that people cared. Even at the cavernous Providence Career & Technical Academy, fans came out in big numbers and made for an electric atmosphere.
As I mentioned in today’s Daily News, there needs to be some fine-tuning. The regular season was far too compacted, and this winter’s weather only made it worse as teams were forced to play three and four games a week. Getting rid of the Division I, II and III tournaments could be the solution.
But overall, the RIIL has a solid foundation on which to build. One can only hope future tournaments generate the same level of competition and excitement that this year’s did.
What did you think?
Friday, March 11, 2011
Oh, Canada
So it appears the entire country of Canada is up in arms about the hit Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara put on Montreal forward Max Pacioretty. Yes, it looks pretty vicious (in slow motion, after dozens of viewings) but in no way was a hit like that malicious.
Immediately following the game, Chara said the hit was incidental and he felt bad for Pacioretty, who suffered a sever concussion and a cracked vertebra. The NHL agreed, saying it would not punish Chara any more than the interference call he received on the ice.
That sent Canada into a fit. Pacioretty was “disgusted” the NHL took no further action, Air Canada, a major sponsor of the league, threatened to pull out and the Montreal Police Department opened an investigation into Chara and the hit.
Ridiculous? Yes.
Firstly, I find hockey to be one of the most hypocritical sports out there. Let me get this straight: you can punch a guy in the face, fracturing his cheek bone that forces him to sit out 4-6 weeks, and that’s fine. But you hit a guy in an awkward spot on the ice so he caroms into the partition of the glass, and you’re a potential criminal?
My stepdad, a big Canadiens fan, said, “His injuries are too serious to do nothing.” If that’s the case, the Massachusetts State Police should have opened a case against the guy who checked Travis Roy into the boards during a college hockey game nearly two decades ago.
Look, hockey is a rough and tumble sport meant for guys who can take a beating. It’s almost a border war: if you live below it, the hit was incidental. If you live above it, it was done with purpose. I don’t really have a dog in this fight, so I personally believe the Canadians are doing more feeling with their heads than they are thinking with their heads.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Oil prices are high, so turn off the Heat
From our trusty intern Cheyenne, hater of all things Miami Heat:
The Miami HEAT are on a five-game losing streak and have to play the Lakers tomorrow. The HEAT can’t beat the upper echelon, evidenced by their 1-9 record against the five top teams.
If the HEAT can’t beat the good teams, they can not win an NBA championship — simple as that. Against the top five teams, Miami gives up 97.3 points per game and only score just 92.2 PPG. What a great “Decision” by LeBron James. He went to Miami to win a championship, but now his record is not even as good as it was in Cleveland.
I think that is hilarious. I love watching the HEAT suffer. Poor, poor HEAT … go right ahead and cry. Surely it won’t be the last time.
The Miami HEAT are on a five-game losing streak and have to play the Lakers tomorrow. The HEAT can’t beat the upper echelon, evidenced by their 1-9 record against the five top teams.
If the HEAT can’t beat the good teams, they can not win an NBA championship — simple as that. Against the top five teams, Miami gives up 97.3 points per game and only score just 92.2 PPG. What a great “Decision” by LeBron James. He went to Miami to win a championship, but now his record is not even as good as it was in Cleveland.
I think that is hilarious. I love watching the HEAT suffer. Poor, poor HEAT … go right ahead and cry. Surely it won’t be the last time.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Hoop it up
NFL training camp can’t come soon enough. Of course, there’s a chance it won’t come when scheduled as the threat of a lockout continues to loom. But the fact that the NFL has extended the current collective bargaining agreement twice already is cause for optimism. Hopefully a deal gets done soon, because college basketball will be over before we know it, and baseball doesn’t have the capability to hold my attention for 162 games plus playoffs.
Speaking of basketball, we could be in for one of the more interesting NCAA tournaments in recent memory this season. There are a lot of very good teams, but no great teams, which means we could see more upsets than usual, and those are always fun. I’m also curious to see how the 68-team format will work. Letting 65 teams in was dumb, so 68 seems even more extraneous, but we’ll see how it goes. It seems like only a matter of time before the Big Dance undergoes a major expansion, to 72 or 128 teams. There’s too much money to be made and it will be hard to convince the NCAA that more is not always better.
The “more is better” philosophy is quite prevalent in high school sports in Rhode Island. The mantra of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League seems to be: Win, or move down until you do win. There are entirely too many divisions, but apparently the goal is for every team to be able to compete for a “championship” every single season. If you can’t do that for a couple years, move down a division. If there isn’t a lower division, one will be created.
Success is cyclical. Some years will be good, others will not. Other than private schools that can recruit top players year after year, every team goes through ups and downs. And some schools just don’t have the talent pool in certain sports at certain times. There’s no shame in that, it’s just life. We’re all good at some things and not so much at others. Being bad at something doesn’t mean you deserve special treatment.
Take, for instance, the Miami Heat. They’re great at smacking around lousy teams (i.e. Wizards, Kings, etc.), but can’t cut it when playing with the big boys (i.e. Bulls, Celtics, Spurs). But the NBA isn’t going to create a Division II for the Heat to compete in. They might as well go cry to their moms.
Speaking of basketball, we could be in for one of the more interesting NCAA tournaments in recent memory this season. There are a lot of very good teams, but no great teams, which means we could see more upsets than usual, and those are always fun. I’m also curious to see how the 68-team format will work. Letting 65 teams in was dumb, so 68 seems even more extraneous, but we’ll see how it goes. It seems like only a matter of time before the Big Dance undergoes a major expansion, to 72 or 128 teams. There’s too much money to be made and it will be hard to convince the NCAA that more is not always better.
The “more is better” philosophy is quite prevalent in high school sports in Rhode Island. The mantra of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League seems to be: Win, or move down until you do win. There are entirely too many divisions, but apparently the goal is for every team to be able to compete for a “championship” every single season. If you can’t do that for a couple years, move down a division. If there isn’t a lower division, one will be created.
Success is cyclical. Some years will be good, others will not. Other than private schools that can recruit top players year after year, every team goes through ups and downs. And some schools just don’t have the talent pool in certain sports at certain times. There’s no shame in that, it’s just life. We’re all good at some things and not so much at others. Being bad at something doesn’t mean you deserve special treatment.
Take, for instance, the Miami Heat. They’re great at smacking around lousy teams (i.e. Wizards, Kings, etc.), but can’t cut it when playing with the big boys (i.e. Bulls, Celtics, Spurs). But the NBA isn’t going to create a Division II for the Heat to compete in. They might as well go cry to their moms.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Eastern Conference playoffs will be must-see TV
When the NBA season started, the consensus was that the Miami Heat would meet the Boston Celtics the Eastern Conference finals. And while that matchup may hold true, there are plenty of variables.
Trades and injuries have muddled the previously clear playoff picture in the East. With more than two-thirds of the season gone, the Celtics are the current No. 1 seed, one game ahead of the Heat.
But both teams could face serious challenges from the Bulls (No. 3 in the standings, 2 games back), the Magic (No. 4, 5.5 games back) and the new-look New York Knicks. All three teams have superstar players, and it will be interesting to see how the jockeying for position goes down as the playoffs loom.
Normally, I would say the Celtics would be best suited to play the Magic in the second round, given their recent history against Orlando, but now I'm not so sure after trading away defensive stalwart Kendrick Perkins.
Perhaps Boston would best benefit from playing the Heat. While Miami might have the most talent at the top, it doesn't go very deep and the Heat have nobody in the middle to contend with.
The Knicks seem a little scary, with the 1-2 punch of Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, but the one team Boston needs to avoid are the Bulls. Even when they were at their pinnacle (during the 2008 postseason), the Celtics struggled with Chicago in a 7-game series. Since then, point guard Derrick Rose and forward Joakim Noah have only gotten better, and the Bulls have some added punch in forward Carlos Boozer.
Still, the Celtics are the best team in the East and barring any serious injuries, should squeak back into the NBA finals for the third time in four years.
Trades and injuries have muddled the previously clear playoff picture in the East. With more than two-thirds of the season gone, the Celtics are the current No. 1 seed, one game ahead of the Heat.
But both teams could face serious challenges from the Bulls (No. 3 in the standings, 2 games back), the Magic (No. 4, 5.5 games back) and the new-look New York Knicks. All three teams have superstar players, and it will be interesting to see how the jockeying for position goes down as the playoffs loom.
Normally, I would say the Celtics would be best suited to play the Magic in the second round, given their recent history against Orlando, but now I'm not so sure after trading away defensive stalwart Kendrick Perkins.
Perhaps Boston would best benefit from playing the Heat. While Miami might have the most talent at the top, it doesn't go very deep and the Heat have nobody in the middle to contend with.
The Knicks seem a little scary, with the 1-2 punch of Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, but the one team Boston needs to avoid are the Bulls. Even when they were at their pinnacle (during the 2008 postseason), the Celtics struggled with Chicago in a 7-game series. Since then, point guard Derrick Rose and forward Joakim Noah have only gotten better, and the Bulls have some added punch in forward Carlos Boozer.
Still, the Celtics are the best team in the East and barring any serious injuries, should squeak back into the NBA finals for the third time in four years.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Tough way to lose
On the basketball court, there are few things as irritating as losing a game on a garbage shot — whether it’s a pickup game, or a high school championship.
The Rogers boys team knows exactly what I mean. On Sunday night, the Vikings were storming back against North Providence in the Division II title game. Then North Providence hit a 3-pointer off the glass from several feet behind the 3-point line.
It wasn’t a game-winning shot at the buzzer, but it might as well have been. Rogers kept it close, but ultimately lost 66-63. After the game, Rogers coach Jim Psaras and senior guard Christian Cancel were diplomatic when talking about the fluky shot, but both seemed a little miffed, and I can’t blame them.
I play a lot of basketball, and I get seriously annoyed any time the opposing team makes a shot that has no business going in, even if it’s not on game point. It’s infuriating, as the Vikings are well aware, to play solid defense only to have a guy make a ridiculous shot that no coach would condone.
As a person who is more than capable of making 3-pointers without the use of the backboard, the shot that for all intents and purposes beat Rogers drove me nuts. And I wasn’t even playing. I wouldn’t be surprised if some Rogers players still were fuming about it.
The Rogers boys team knows exactly what I mean. On Sunday night, the Vikings were storming back against North Providence in the Division II title game. Then North Providence hit a 3-pointer off the glass from several feet behind the 3-point line.
It wasn’t a game-winning shot at the buzzer, but it might as well have been. Rogers kept it close, but ultimately lost 66-63. After the game, Rogers coach Jim Psaras and senior guard Christian Cancel were diplomatic when talking about the fluky shot, but both seemed a little miffed, and I can’t blame them.
I play a lot of basketball, and I get seriously annoyed any time the opposing team makes a shot that has no business going in, even if it’s not on game point. It’s infuriating, as the Vikings are well aware, to play solid defense only to have a guy make a ridiculous shot that no coach would condone.
As a person who is more than capable of making 3-pointers without the use of the backboard, the shot that for all intents and purposes beat Rogers drove me nuts. And I wasn’t even playing. I wouldn’t be surprised if some Rogers players still were fuming about it.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Hitting to all fields
I might be a little late to the party, but add me to the list of people who think the slam dunk contest has gotten ridiculous. When I was a kid, that's what I lived for. I would love to watch Michael Jordan compete, and then when he became too big for the event, role players like Dee Brown and Kenny Walker won with impressive dunks.
The concensus seems to be that bigger names will make for a better show. I couldn't disagree more. While players like Kobe and LeBron would make for out-of-this-world TV ratings, it might not be the best show. I want the best athletes, the highest flyers and the best dunkers.
And personally, I think we got that last Saturday night. Besides, the final result, which is in the hands of fans with text message packages, is a complete joke, a popularity contest. Is anyone really surprised that Blake Griffin won?
Another thing I didn't like was the props. I understand that guys are running out of ideas, but bringing a Kia (product placement) and a full choir really just cheapens the event. If you can't think of anything new to do, just wow the judges with your athleticism.
Also, while the judges are probably instructed to rate on the dunk itself, it can lose its luster when it takes nine attempts. I'm sure some of these elaborate moves are difficult to pull off on the first try, but attempt No. 13 on an alley-oop can really make you look silly.
- Just how much do sportswriters love controversy? Try this: a male wrestler in Iowa refused to wrestle a female in the first round of the state championships, saying it was against his religious beliefs.
He lost by forfeit, she won and they both moved on. Fair enough.
But no, writers from across the country landed in the Midwest to interview the girl, asking her how it felt to be "disrespected" like that. The girl's anwer?
"He had the right to make his own choice, and he made his choice," Cassy Herkelman, one of two girls in this year's tournament said of Joel Northup. "It's not like he did what he didn't want to do."
Sorry guys, no story here, and kudos to both kids for keeping things in perspective.
- Between Carmelo Anthony trade rumors, NFL labor talks and no spring training games, this has to be the most dismal time of the year for a sports fan.
The concensus seems to be that bigger names will make for a better show. I couldn't disagree more. While players like Kobe and LeBron would make for out-of-this-world TV ratings, it might not be the best show. I want the best athletes, the highest flyers and the best dunkers.
And personally, I think we got that last Saturday night. Besides, the final result, which is in the hands of fans with text message packages, is a complete joke, a popularity contest. Is anyone really surprised that Blake Griffin won?
Another thing I didn't like was the props. I understand that guys are running out of ideas, but bringing a Kia (product placement) and a full choir really just cheapens the event. If you can't think of anything new to do, just wow the judges with your athleticism.
Also, while the judges are probably instructed to rate on the dunk itself, it can lose its luster when it takes nine attempts. I'm sure some of these elaborate moves are difficult to pull off on the first try, but attempt No. 13 on an alley-oop can really make you look silly.
- Just how much do sportswriters love controversy? Try this: a male wrestler in Iowa refused to wrestle a female in the first round of the state championships, saying it was against his religious beliefs.
He lost by forfeit, she won and they both moved on. Fair enough.
But no, writers from across the country landed in the Midwest to interview the girl, asking her how it felt to be "disrespected" like that. The girl's anwer?
"He had the right to make his own choice, and he made his choice," Cassy Herkelman, one of two girls in this year's tournament said of Joel Northup. "It's not like he did what he didn't want to do."
Sorry guys, no story here, and kudos to both kids for keeping things in perspective.
- Between Carmelo Anthony trade rumors, NFL labor talks and no spring training games, this has to be the most dismal time of the year for a sports fan.
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