This is why I wouldn't be a good weatherman.
I went with the odds for Game 6, picking Denver to win, but L.A. to close the series on Sunday.
As we now know, there won't be a game to close on Sunday.
Led by 3-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers advanced to the 2009 NBA Finals Friday evening after defeating the Denver Nuggets in impressive fashion, 119-92. With the win, the Lakers become the first team since the Pistons (05-06) to make the Finals in back-to-back years.
It was Bryant that put this game away midway through the 4th quarter, as he hit many mid-range jumpers and finished around the rim with acrobatic layups, drawing fouls and earning trips to the line. More importantly, though, Bryant had a +31 positive-negative (+/-), meaning when he was on the floor, the Lakers gained a net of 31 points.
The Lakers frontcourt was another reason for the road victory, with Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom ending the night with 40 points and 20 rebounds combined. When you get production from the post, good things generally happen.
By the time Denver adjusted, and J.R. Smith started to heat up from beyond the perimeter, it was too late. Smith finished the game with 25 points (4-9, 3-point shots), while teammate and 2008 Olympian Carmelo Anthony had a quiet 25 point showing, as well.
The Nuggets have a solid nucleus and will be back next season. Like most teams in the NBA, they may be an All-Star big man short.
So, who will play L.A. for the title? If we're going with the odds again, we have to go with Orlando. They are a different team offensively at home. On the flip side, Cleveland may have found its groove at the right time. Should be a fun one to watch.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Friday's Tidbits: May 29
1. Cincinnati Elder Tight End Alex Welch's commitment to Notre Dame a few days ago was a much needed one for the Irish, as the 2010 recruiting cycle has been a slow one so far for Charlie Weis and staff. For system purposes, Welch made the right choice by picking Notre Dame over Ohio State.
2. This whole Memphis-Derrick Rose-John Calipari scandal is going to get worse before it gets better. Changing grades and having someone take an SAT test for someone else is a very serious NCAA violation, as reported last night by the Chicago Tribune. Unless new information surfaces soon, the Tigers could have their 2008 Final Four appearance taken away. The June 7, 2009, NCAA hearing should display a lot of information.
3. The Cubs are struggling, and that might be an understatement. But don't jump ship too early Cubs fans, despite the woes of the pitching staff, lack of offensive production, and of course, injuries. My feelings about all this....it's still May.
4. 37-14-12, this was the stat line of Lebron James last night in the 112-102 Game 5 win over Orlando. The Magic still lead the series 3-2, with Game 6 on Saturday in Florida. The 37 points was the highest scoring mark for a triple-double by any player since Charles Barkley in 1993. Magicesque?
5. I've always liked Dwyane Wade, but I give him huge props for wearing Indiana shorts in a recent Spelling Bee commercial. Here's the link if you haven't seen it.
6. Denver will take Game 6 tonight, but Los Angeles will seal the deal on Sunday at the Staples Center.
7. It's extremely early to make a college football national title game prediction for next season, but I'm going to go ahead and do it anyway: Florida vs. Texas.
Book it.
8. I've shared this with others, but my favorite NFL "fun-fact" of all time is this...
NFL Draft #1 draft picks and their NFL jersey numbers from 2001-2005
2001: Michael Vick (#7)
2002: David Carr (#8)
2003: Carson Palmer (#9)
2004: Eli Manning (#10)
2005: Alex Smith (#11)
9. Tom Crean and Matt Painter are currently recruiting the state of Indiana extremely hard right now, and there is a reason for this-- the state is loaded in high school basketball talent. Below is a list of the top high school players in the 2011 and 2012 classes, and who has offered them.
2011
Marquis Teague (Louisville, Indiana)
Cody Zeller (Indiana)
Jeremiah Davis (Kentucky, Purdue, Tennessee, Indiana, Cincinnati, Xavier)
Tracy Abrams (Illinois commit)
Brandon Dawson (Georgetown, Indiana, Purdue, UCLA, Minnesota)
Dee Davis (Purdue, Xavier, Ohio)
2012
D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera (Indiana, Tennessee)
Raphael Davis (Purdue commit)
Dejuan Marrero (Indiana)
10. Two things about the NBA I need to get off my chest.
1. If you aren't watching the NBA playoffs, shame on you. Unless you don't like basketball in general, then that's another story. I'm tired of hearing this from people who haven't watched a game in years, "The NBA players don't care. Blah, blah, blah."
Oh really? Watch a game, and you will think differently. As the Herd on ESPN radio says, "People think it's 'cool' to rip the NBA. How sad."
If you don't like the style of the professional game, like the run-and-gun, up-and down, and one-on-one offensive schemes, I understand completely. However, to say the players and coaches don't care is tacky.
2. The playoffs are not fixed. Take the tin foil off your head and get out of the chat rooms with your internet buddies. Of course the NBA front office wants to see a Cleveland-Lakers match up, it's called ratings, which leads to higher advertising dollars. This isn't rocket science.
However, every sport has a match up that would draw higher ratings than others, including America's top professional sport entity, the NFL. But for some reason, there is never an NFL conspiracy......? There's a reason why, which we won't get into today, but will later on a different day.
Until solid evidence is emerges, the games aren't rigged, period.
2. This whole Memphis-Derrick Rose-John Calipari scandal is going to get worse before it gets better. Changing grades and having someone take an SAT test for someone else is a very serious NCAA violation, as reported last night by the Chicago Tribune. Unless new information surfaces soon, the Tigers could have their 2008 Final Four appearance taken away. The June 7, 2009, NCAA hearing should display a lot of information.
3. The Cubs are struggling, and that might be an understatement. But don't jump ship too early Cubs fans, despite the woes of the pitching staff, lack of offensive production, and of course, injuries. My feelings about all this....it's still May.
4. 37-14-12, this was the stat line of Lebron James last night in the 112-102 Game 5 win over Orlando. The Magic still lead the series 3-2, with Game 6 on Saturday in Florida. The 37 points was the highest scoring mark for a triple-double by any player since Charles Barkley in 1993. Magicesque?
5. I've always liked Dwyane Wade, but I give him huge props for wearing Indiana shorts in a recent Spelling Bee commercial. Here's the link if you haven't seen it.
6. Denver will take Game 6 tonight, but Los Angeles will seal the deal on Sunday at the Staples Center.
7. It's extremely early to make a college football national title game prediction for next season, but I'm going to go ahead and do it anyway: Florida vs. Texas.
Book it.
8. I've shared this with others, but my favorite NFL "fun-fact" of all time is this...
NFL Draft #1 draft picks and their NFL jersey numbers from 2001-2005
2001: Michael Vick (#7)
2002: David Carr (#8)
2003: Carson Palmer (#9)
2004: Eli Manning (#10)
2005: Alex Smith (#11)
9. Tom Crean and Matt Painter are currently recruiting the state of Indiana extremely hard right now, and there is a reason for this-- the state is loaded in high school basketball talent. Below is a list of the top high school players in the 2011 and 2012 classes, and who has offered them.
2011
Marquis Teague (Louisville, Indiana)
Cody Zeller (Indiana)
Jeremiah Davis (Kentucky, Purdue, Tennessee, Indiana, Cincinnati, Xavier)
Tracy Abrams (Illinois commit)
Brandon Dawson (Georgetown, Indiana, Purdue, UCLA, Minnesota)
Dee Davis (Purdue, Xavier, Ohio)
2012
D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera (Indiana, Tennessee)
Raphael Davis (Purdue commit)
Dejuan Marrero (Indiana)
10. Two things about the NBA I need to get off my chest.
1. If you aren't watching the NBA playoffs, shame on you. Unless you don't like basketball in general, then that's another story. I'm tired of hearing this from people who haven't watched a game in years, "The NBA players don't care. Blah, blah, blah."
Oh really? Watch a game, and you will think differently. As the Herd on ESPN radio says, "People think it's 'cool' to rip the NBA. How sad."
If you don't like the style of the professional game, like the run-and-gun, up-and down, and one-on-one offensive schemes, I understand completely. However, to say the players and coaches don't care is tacky.
2. The playoffs are not fixed. Take the tin foil off your head and get out of the chat rooms with your internet buddies. Of course the NBA front office wants to see a Cleveland-Lakers match up, it's called ratings, which leads to higher advertising dollars. This isn't rocket science.
However, every sport has a match up that would draw higher ratings than others, including America's top professional sport entity, the NFL. But for some reason, there is never an NFL conspiracy......? There's a reason why, which we won't get into today, but will later on a different day.
Until solid evidence is emerges, the games aren't rigged, period.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Lakers Should Take Game Five
Homecourt advantage wins game five.
Despite losing Game 2 at the Staples Center and Game 4 at the Pepsi Center, the Los Angeles Lakers stole Game 3 in Denver, setting up a potential 3-2 series lead after tonight's game when the two teams meet back in Denver on Friday.
While a win tonight for the home team is no guarantee, the odds and karma favor the Lakers. Let's face it, every team, including L.A, plays better at home. Road teams can and do steal games from time-to-time, but most of them come earlier in the series, not game 5's. Tonight's game shouldn't be any different.
For L.A. to take a one game advantage, they must continue to rely on their leader and former MVP Kobe Bryant for steady play throughout the game, and finish the fourth quarter the way he has all series-- on fire. Even in defeats, Bryant continues to show why many still feel he's the best player in the game, hitting crucial shot after crucial shot, even if a Denver defender has a hand in Bryant's face.
While this point is a given and borderline cliche, a win in tonight's game could almost seal the deal for the Lakers in this series, even if they fall in Game 6. Bryant understands this, which should motivate him for a solid game later this evening.
The other factor for the L.A in tonight's game is the play of their frontcourt. In Game 5, the Lakers frontcourt was caught sleeping on many defensive rebounds, giving Denver important second chance points and an 18 rebound advantage. Although Denver possesses a talented frontcourt, they don't have a guy by the name of Pau Gasol. Gasol, who has been criticized his entire career for lack of toughness and heart in the paint, has shown flashes off a "banger," a style of player he'll need to continue doing to silence his critics. If L.A wins the battle upfront, Game 5 should go their way.
Prediction: LA 101, Denver 98
Despite losing Game 2 at the Staples Center and Game 4 at the Pepsi Center, the Los Angeles Lakers stole Game 3 in Denver, setting up a potential 3-2 series lead after tonight's game when the two teams meet back in Denver on Friday.
While a win tonight for the home team is no guarantee, the odds and karma favor the Lakers. Let's face it, every team, including L.A, plays better at home. Road teams can and do steal games from time-to-time, but most of them come earlier in the series, not game 5's. Tonight's game shouldn't be any different.
For L.A. to take a one game advantage, they must continue to rely on their leader and former MVP Kobe Bryant for steady play throughout the game, and finish the fourth quarter the way he has all series-- on fire. Even in defeats, Bryant continues to show why many still feel he's the best player in the game, hitting crucial shot after crucial shot, even if a Denver defender has a hand in Bryant's face.
While this point is a given and borderline cliche, a win in tonight's game could almost seal the deal for the Lakers in this series, even if they fall in Game 6. Bryant understands this, which should motivate him for a solid game later this evening.
The other factor for the L.A in tonight's game is the play of their frontcourt. In Game 5, the Lakers frontcourt was caught sleeping on many defensive rebounds, giving Denver important second chance points and an 18 rebound advantage. Although Denver possesses a talented frontcourt, they don't have a guy by the name of Pau Gasol. Gasol, who has been criticized his entire career for lack of toughness and heart in the paint, has shown flashes off a "banger," a style of player he'll need to continue doing to silence his critics. If L.A wins the battle upfront, Game 5 should go their way.
Prediction: LA 101, Denver 98
Monday, May 25, 2009
TE Alex Welch Commits to Irish
Recruiting in Ohio State's backyard is no easy task. Notre Dame, however, hasn't let the challenge disrupt their recruiting efforts.
Multiple sources have reported tonight that Cincinnati Elder Tight End Alex Welch has committed to Notre Dame, choosing the Irish over Ohio State, Boston College, Florida State, Stanford, Michigan, Purdue, Oklahoma, and others.
Welch is the fourth prospect to commit to the Irish for the 2010 class, along with Chris Martin, Christian Lombard and Daniel Smith.
Rivals.com has Welch (6-5, 225) listed as a 4-star prospect and the 10th best Tight End in the country. He joins an already impressive Notre Dame Tight End group, with the likes of former Elder teammate and Ohio native Kyle Rudolph, Mike Ragone, and Joseph Fauria.
Multiple sources have reported tonight that Cincinnati Elder Tight End Alex Welch has committed to Notre Dame, choosing the Irish over Ohio State, Boston College, Florida State, Stanford, Michigan, Purdue, Oklahoma, and others.
Welch is the fourth prospect to commit to the Irish for the 2010 class, along with Chris Martin, Christian Lombard and Daniel Smith.
Rivals.com has Welch (6-5, 225) listed as a 4-star prospect and the 10th best Tight End in the country. He joins an already impressive Notre Dame Tight End group, with the likes of former Elder teammate and Ohio native Kyle Rudolph, Mike Ragone, and Joseph Fauria.
United States Armed Forces: Thank You
Sports comes second on this day.
I would like to take this time and say thank you to all the men and women in the armed forces for their sacrifice and dedication to the United States of America.
Sometimes we all tend lose focus on who the real heroes are this day in age. Tiger Woods, Dwyane Wade, and Michael Phelps, just to name a few, are all great athletes, and looked upon for inspiration and motivation at the highest level of athletic competition.
The real heroes, however, are the GI Joes, the soldiers who walk the streets of Baghdad, knowing at any moment a roadside bomb could end their lives They protect you and me 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even if they miss an NBA playoff game, or the final round of the British Open. Service to their country comes first and foremost.
On this Memorial Day, it's important to remember those who lost their lives in battle, so you and I can enjoy the NBA draft, The Kentucky Derby, and Notre Dame football games.
I can't say it enough. Thank you to all in the United States Armed Forces, and God Bless the United States of America.
I would like to take this time and say thank you to all the men and women in the armed forces for their sacrifice and dedication to the United States of America.
Sometimes we all tend lose focus on who the real heroes are this day in age. Tiger Woods, Dwyane Wade, and Michael Phelps, just to name a few, are all great athletes, and looked upon for inspiration and motivation at the highest level of athletic competition.
The real heroes, however, are the GI Joes, the soldiers who walk the streets of Baghdad, knowing at any moment a roadside bomb could end their lives They protect you and me 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even if they miss an NBA playoff game, or the final round of the British Open. Service to their country comes first and foremost.
On this Memorial Day, it's important to remember those who lost their lives in battle, so you and I can enjoy the NBA draft, The Kentucky Derby, and Notre Dame football games.
I can't say it enough. Thank you to all in the United States Armed Forces, and God Bless the United States of America.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Friday's Tidbits: May 22
1. Robert Marve to Purdue is absolutely huge for Danny Hope and the Boilermakers. Although he'll have to sit out the 2009 season, Marve comes to West Lafayette with more hype than Kyle Orton and Curtis Painter. There's a reason why Miami, Alabama and others, wanted him in 2007.
2. Indiana and basketball recruiting have been slow as of late, but I have a hunch (and have been told) a committment will happen in the next few weeks, or in late June. Possibly from the 2012 class. Stay tuned.
3. Fort Wayne Harding running back Roderick Smith is one of the fastest rising prospects in the nation. If you haven't seen him play, find his film(Rivals.com has a few clips.) The kid is a beast with slick wheels. According to Rivals.com, Smith is the 48th overall prospect in 2010 and 5th best running back in the nation. He has offers from Ohio State, Tennessee, Michigan, and Purdue, among others. My guess is he commits to the Buckeyes very soon here.
4. Cleveland will win Game 2 tonight. It's a poker game now, adjustments should and will be made. Look for the Cavs to get out in transition more this evening. Lebron James will not go for 49 tonight, though.
5. All this talk of "Carmelo is finally getting respect" is borderline insane. He was the 3rd overall draft pick in 2003. My grandmother even knew he was a really good player. Why is he playing at an MVP level all of the sudden? It's called effort and motivation. Melo' can thank Coach K. and Kobe Bryant for saving his career.
6. I have a bad feeling IU football is in for a long year, despite improvements in the secondary and backfield. The basement door is wide open. Purdue won't be much better, though.
7. Want to see the October 17, 2009, match-up between ND-USC this season? Four tickets (row 20) on Ebay are going for $2,500. Or best offer, of course.
8. The U.S. Men's basketball team is starting to prepare for next year's World Championships in Turkey, and then in London for the 2012 Olympic Games. ESPN reported on Monday that most of the 2008 gold medal team will be back, with Bryant, James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul and Dwight Howard leading the way. One player who should and will be on the team next time around is Kevin Durant. Two years from now, Durant will be talked about in the same breath as James and Wade (Kobe will still be there, too). The things Durant can do standing 6-10 are incredible. And he's only 20 years old.
2. Indiana and basketball recruiting have been slow as of late, but I have a hunch (and have been told) a committment will happen in the next few weeks, or in late June. Possibly from the 2012 class. Stay tuned.
3. Fort Wayne Harding running back Roderick Smith is one of the fastest rising prospects in the nation. If you haven't seen him play, find his film(Rivals.com has a few clips.) The kid is a beast with slick wheels. According to Rivals.com, Smith is the 48th overall prospect in 2010 and 5th best running back in the nation. He has offers from Ohio State, Tennessee, Michigan, and Purdue, among others. My guess is he commits to the Buckeyes very soon here.
4. Cleveland will win Game 2 tonight. It's a poker game now, adjustments should and will be made. Look for the Cavs to get out in transition more this evening. Lebron James will not go for 49 tonight, though.
5. All this talk of "Carmelo is finally getting respect" is borderline insane. He was the 3rd overall draft pick in 2003. My grandmother even knew he was a really good player. Why is he playing at an MVP level all of the sudden? It's called effort and motivation. Melo' can thank Coach K. and Kobe Bryant for saving his career.
6. I have a bad feeling IU football is in for a long year, despite improvements in the secondary and backfield. The basement door is wide open. Purdue won't be much better, though.
7. Want to see the October 17, 2009, match-up between ND-USC this season? Four tickets (row 20) on Ebay are going for $2,500. Or best offer, of course.
8. The U.S. Men's basketball team is starting to prepare for next year's World Championships in Turkey, and then in London for the 2012 Olympic Games. ESPN reported on Monday that most of the 2008 gold medal team will be back, with Bryant, James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul and Dwight Howard leading the way. One player who should and will be on the team next time around is Kevin Durant. Two years from now, Durant will be talked about in the same breath as James and Wade (Kobe will still be there, too). The things Durant can do standing 6-10 are incredible. And he's only 20 years old.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
2009 NBA Mock Draft
Here's an early look to the June 25, 2009, NBA draft.
*Mock 1 of 3*
*Mock 1 of 3*
1. L.A. Clippers: B.J. Griffen, Oklahoma
2. Memphis: Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
3. Oklahoma City Thunder: Ricky Rubio, Spain
4. Sacramento: James Harden, Arizona State
5. Washington: Jordan Hill, Arizona
6. Minnesota: DeMar Derozan, USC
7. Golden State: Brandon Jennings, Italy
8. New York: Stephen Curry, Davidson
9. Toronto: Tyreke Evans, Memphis
10. Milwaukee: Gerald Henderson, Duke
11. New Jersey: Johnny Flynn, Syracuse
12. Charlotte: James Johnson, Wake Forest
13. Indiana: Jrue Holiday, UCLA
14. Phoenix: Earl Clark, Louisville
15. Detroit: DeJuan Blair: Pittsburgh
16. Chicago: Austin Daye, Gonzaga
17. Philadelphia: Eric Maynor, VCU
18. Minnesota: Ty Lawson, UNC
19. Atlanta: Jeff Teague, Wake Forest
20. Utah: B.J. Mullens, Ohio State
21. New Orleans: Terrance Williams: Louisville
22. Dallas: Darren Collison, UCLA
23. Sacramento: Tyler Hansbrough, UNC
24. Portland: Gani Lawal, Georgia Tech
25. Oklahoma City: Omri Casspi, Israel
26. Chicago: Chase Budinger, Arizona
27. Memphis: Tony Douglas, Florida State
28. Minnesota: Sam Young, Pittsburgh
29. L.A. Lakers: Patrick Mills, St. Mary’s
30. Cleveland: DeJuan Summers, Georgetown
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Wall Makes the Call
Recruiting gurus can now relax.
Word of God Christian Academy superstar John Wall (6-4, PG), the top rated high school basketball player in the 2009 class according to Rivals.com and ESPN.com, has committed to play for John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats next season. Wall made his selection last night, and chose Kentucky over Duke, Memphis, Baylor and Miami. Calipari received the news of Wall's commitment via phone call at Game 1 of the Pittsburgh-Carolina game.
Wall, who is also projected to be the #1 overall selection in the 2010 NBA draft, joins an already impressive Kentucky 2009 class, which features DeMarcus Cousins (Rivals.com #2), Daniel Orton (Rivals.com #22), Eric Bledsoe (Rivals.com #23), Jon Hood, and Darnell Dodson.
Two weeks ago, Rivals.com awarded ranked Kentucky's 2009 class #1 overall. With the addition of Wall, the Wildcats have secured this position outright.
Hate him or love him, Calipari knows how to recruit.
Word of God Christian Academy superstar John Wall (6-4, PG), the top rated high school basketball player in the 2009 class according to Rivals.com and ESPN.com, has committed to play for John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats next season. Wall made his selection last night, and chose Kentucky over Duke, Memphis, Baylor and Miami. Calipari received the news of Wall's commitment via phone call at Game 1 of the Pittsburgh-Carolina game.
Wall, who is also projected to be the #1 overall selection in the 2010 NBA draft, joins an already impressive Kentucky 2009 class, which features DeMarcus Cousins (Rivals.com #2), Daniel Orton (Rivals.com #22), Eric Bledsoe (Rivals.com #23), Jon Hood, and Darnell Dodson.
Two weeks ago, Rivals.com awarded ranked Kentucky's 2009 class #1 overall. With the addition of Wall, the Wildcats have secured this position outright.
Hate him or love him, Calipari knows how to recruit.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Ten Reasons Why LA Will Still Win the Title
The Lakers are still the favorite ladies and gentlemen.
This statement should be followed by with the question, “John, what game 6 did you NOT see?” (For a memory refresher, the Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 95-80). This game, in my opinion, will turn out to be the one that changed course for Kobe and the Lakers in these playoffs, despite the fifteen point road defeat. L.A. made adjustments from game six to game seven, mainly on the defensive end, which propelled them to an 89-70 game victory and a 4-3 series win. Next up is the Denver Nuggets beginning on Tuesday.
As the Lakers struggled to put away the Rockets, the Cleveland Cavilers had little trouble dominating the Atlanta Hawks, sweeping the series 4-0. The Cavs made it look easy, outperforming the Hawks on both ends of the floor and in transition.
The perception taken from this series was that since Cleveland won its first two series’ 4-0, they now became the favorite to win the title. The public’s quick switch from L.A. to Cleveland isn’t surprising or even far fetched. The Cavilers are playing the best team basketball of any team in this year’s playoffs, thanks impressive performances from regular season MVP Lebron James and a supporting cast that understands its role. Does this team remind anyone of a certain 1996-1997 squad, who went on to win the title? This year’s Cavs didn’t go 72-10, but 66-16 is championship worthy.
Still, perception is only as good as its reality. It’s pretty evident that the Cavs have had a much easier time reaching the conference finals than any team in the West. Injuries mixed in with the lack of deep rosters out East have made the Cavs look like team that can’t be stopped. Other than a few minutes in Game 4 against Atlanta, Cleveland has not been tested.
Despite the Lakers troubles, there is still plenty of time to regroup and reload. And with a roster this talented, a switch back to regular season form could mean trouble for the now "favorite" Cavs. Going 65-17 in the tougher conference wasn't a fluke.
Here is a list of ten reasons why the Lakers are still the favorite to win this year’s NBA title.
Déjà vu
The Lakers have seen this movie before, but the star role was the Boston Celtics. Last season, Boston struggled through two seven game series, and a six game series, before reaching the finals. Critics and sportswriters wrote off Boston as a team full of unselfish and unmotivated players. Sound familiar?
Roster
From top to bottom, no other team, including the Cavs, has a roster filled with players with All-Star, Olympic and All-American accolades. Five players have competed in the Olympics for their respective countries (Gasol, Bryant, Odom, Vujacic , Yue), more than any other team.
Scheme
As seen in the years of the Chicago Bulls, the triangle offense is still a scheme that when executed effectively, is borderline impossible to defend. More and more teams are embedding the triangle offense in their games plans in recent years due to its complicated formation. The strategy is explained like this...
The system's most important feature is the sideline triangle created between the center, who stands at the low post; the forward, at the wing, and the guard at the corner. The team's other guard stands at the top of the key and the weak-side forward is on the weak-side high post — together forming the "two-man game".
Other than Kobe Bryant, this is L.A.’s biggest strength. The combination of Gasol, Bynum and Odom provides the Lakers with three viable scoring options, and gives opposing team’s offenses matchup problems. When LA dominates the paint, the game is generally out of reach for their opponents (See: both games against Cleveland). Gasol is the leader of the trio, and has the ability to put L.A. on his shoulders when Kobe is having a quiet evening. Bynum has struggled since returning from injury, but has the ability to drop 15-20 points each game. Odom is aggressive off the baseline and can stop back and hit a jumper from the perimeter.
Coaching
Find a current coach with his playoff resume and impact on the game. You can’t.
Revenge
While it may not seem like it, the Lakers still have a bad taste in their mouth from last season’s 4-2 finals loss to Boston. Bryant referred to this claim earlier in this season.
“ If you see a guy that you fought at lunchtime and he knocked you out, oh, I’m coming back the next day. I want the big football player, that’s what I want.”
Of course, he was referring to the Celtics. But it’s clear the loss is still on the minds of L.A.
Veteran Leadership
This team was in the finals last year, so you can say the players on this year’s team who were on the team last year are finals veterans. Unlike the Cavs, who have zero players with NBA titles, Bryant and Fischer have won three apiece. Furthermore, Odom and Luke Walton have been in the league for over seven years each.
Competition
As previously mentioned, the Lakers have had a more difficult time reaching the conference finals than the Cavs or Orlando. Sure, they haven’t played at the levels of these teams, but it’s no secret that the West is a better overall conference than the East. Meaning, LA has faced tougher opponents, which prepares teams better for the playoffs.
Want proof? The Utah Jazz finished the regular season with a 48-34 record, earning an 8th seed in this year’s playoffs. What seed would they have received playing in the East? A four seed, which knocks out 8th seed counterpart the Detroit Pistons, who had a below .500 record of 39-43. The Phoenix Suns missed the playoffs with a 46-36 record, good enough for a five seed in the East.
Match Ups
Referring back to the frontcourt point, LA provides huge matchup problems for smaller, less post oriented teams. Looking back to recent championship history, every title team held the upper hand in the paint (Boston, San Antonio, Miami, Detroit). While trends can be broken, L.A. clearly has the advantage upfront compared to the remaining playoff contenders.
Kobe Bryant
Last but not least, the Black Mambia, the former MVP, Mr. Big Shot. Whatever name you give him, he still is the most well-rounded player in the NBA. Notice how I didn’t say the best player, most well-rounded. Lebron is getting there and has other attributes Kobe won’t match. However, if you need a player to take the last shot to win the game, you take Kobe Bryant. This is coming from a Pro-Lebron guy.
I hope these reasons provide a better understanding to why I believe L.A. is still the favorite. Of course, they have to step it up each night and perform at their best to take down Denver, and then Cleveland or Orlando. This post wasn’t meant to disclaim Cleveland, and those who believe the Cavs are the favorite. James and Co. can win the championship.
However, if both teams are playing at their peak of their games, L.A. has all the resources and reasons to claim its 16th NBA title.
This statement should be followed by with the question, “John, what game 6 did you NOT see?” (For a memory refresher, the Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 95-80). This game, in my opinion, will turn out to be the one that changed course for Kobe and the Lakers in these playoffs, despite the fifteen point road defeat. L.A. made adjustments from game six to game seven, mainly on the defensive end, which propelled them to an 89-70 game victory and a 4-3 series win. Next up is the Denver Nuggets beginning on Tuesday.
As the Lakers struggled to put away the Rockets, the Cleveland Cavilers had little trouble dominating the Atlanta Hawks, sweeping the series 4-0. The Cavs made it look easy, outperforming the Hawks on both ends of the floor and in transition.
The perception taken from this series was that since Cleveland won its first two series’ 4-0, they now became the favorite to win the title. The public’s quick switch from L.A. to Cleveland isn’t surprising or even far fetched. The Cavilers are playing the best team basketball of any team in this year’s playoffs, thanks impressive performances from regular season MVP Lebron James and a supporting cast that understands its role. Does this team remind anyone of a certain 1996-1997 squad, who went on to win the title? This year’s Cavs didn’t go 72-10, but 66-16 is championship worthy.
Still, perception is only as good as its reality. It’s pretty evident that the Cavs have had a much easier time reaching the conference finals than any team in the West. Injuries mixed in with the lack of deep rosters out East have made the Cavs look like team that can’t be stopped. Other than a few minutes in Game 4 against Atlanta, Cleveland has not been tested.
Despite the Lakers troubles, there is still plenty of time to regroup and reload. And with a roster this talented, a switch back to regular season form could mean trouble for the now "favorite" Cavs. Going 65-17 in the tougher conference wasn't a fluke.
Here is a list of ten reasons why the Lakers are still the favorite to win this year’s NBA title.
Déjà vu
The Lakers have seen this movie before, but the star role was the Boston Celtics. Last season, Boston struggled through two seven game series, and a six game series, before reaching the finals. Critics and sportswriters wrote off Boston as a team full of unselfish and unmotivated players. Sound familiar?
Roster
From top to bottom, no other team, including the Cavs, has a roster filled with players with All-Star, Olympic and All-American accolades. Five players have competed in the Olympics for their respective countries (Gasol, Bryant, Odom, Vujacic , Yue), more than any other team.
Scheme
As seen in the years of the Chicago Bulls, the triangle offense is still a scheme that when executed effectively, is borderline impossible to defend. More and more teams are embedding the triangle offense in their games plans in recent years due to its complicated formation. The strategy is explained like this...
The system's most important feature is the sideline triangle created between the center, who stands at the low post; the forward, at the wing, and the guard at the corner. The team's other guard stands at the top of the key and the weak-side forward is on the weak-side high post — together forming the "two-man game".
The goal of the offense is to fill those five spots, which creates good spacing between players and allows each one to pass to four teammates. Every pass and cut has a purpose and everything is dictated by the defense.
FrontcourtOther than Kobe Bryant, this is L.A.’s biggest strength. The combination of Gasol, Bynum and Odom provides the Lakers with three viable scoring options, and gives opposing team’s offenses matchup problems. When LA dominates the paint, the game is generally out of reach for their opponents (See: both games against Cleveland). Gasol is the leader of the trio, and has the ability to put L.A. on his shoulders when Kobe is having a quiet evening. Bynum has struggled since returning from injury, but has the ability to drop 15-20 points each game. Odom is aggressive off the baseline and can stop back and hit a jumper from the perimeter.
Coaching
Find a current coach with his playoff resume and impact on the game. You can’t.
Revenge
While it may not seem like it, the Lakers still have a bad taste in their mouth from last season’s 4-2 finals loss to Boston. Bryant referred to this claim earlier in this season.
“ If you see a guy that you fought at lunchtime and he knocked you out, oh, I’m coming back the next day. I want the big football player, that’s what I want.”
Of course, he was referring to the Celtics. But it’s clear the loss is still on the minds of L.A.
Veteran Leadership
This team was in the finals last year, so you can say the players on this year’s team who were on the team last year are finals veterans. Unlike the Cavs, who have zero players with NBA titles, Bryant and Fischer have won three apiece. Furthermore, Odom and Luke Walton have been in the league for over seven years each.
Competition
As previously mentioned, the Lakers have had a more difficult time reaching the conference finals than the Cavs or Orlando. Sure, they haven’t played at the levels of these teams, but it’s no secret that the West is a better overall conference than the East. Meaning, LA has faced tougher opponents, which prepares teams better for the playoffs.
Want proof? The Utah Jazz finished the regular season with a 48-34 record, earning an 8th seed in this year’s playoffs. What seed would they have received playing in the East? A four seed, which knocks out 8th seed counterpart the Detroit Pistons, who had a below .500 record of 39-43. The Phoenix Suns missed the playoffs with a 46-36 record, good enough for a five seed in the East.
Match Ups
Referring back to the frontcourt point, LA provides huge matchup problems for smaller, less post oriented teams. Looking back to recent championship history, every title team held the upper hand in the paint (Boston, San Antonio, Miami, Detroit). While trends can be broken, L.A. clearly has the advantage upfront compared to the remaining playoff contenders.
Kobe Bryant
Last but not least, the Black Mambia, the former MVP, Mr. Big Shot. Whatever name you give him, he still is the most well-rounded player in the NBA. Notice how I didn’t say the best player, most well-rounded. Lebron is getting there and has other attributes Kobe won’t match. However, if you need a player to take the last shot to win the game, you take Kobe Bryant. This is coming from a Pro-Lebron guy.
I hope these reasons provide a better understanding to why I believe L.A. is still the favorite. Of course, they have to step it up each night and perform at their best to take down Denver, and then Cleveland or Orlando. This post wasn’t meant to disclaim Cleveland, and those who believe the Cavs are the favorite. James and Co. can win the championship.
However, if both teams are playing at their peak of their games, L.A. has all the resources and reasons to claim its 16th NBA title.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Will IU land Irving?
Indiana fans want Kyrie Irving. Badly. But does he want the Cream and Crimson? This question will be answered later rather than sooner as a decision date isn't expected until next fall. Early indications, however, favor the Hoosiers to land the athletic combo guard, who would surely help bring the program back to national title standards.
Unless you have followed Indiana basketball recruiting the last six months, Irving's name might not ring a bell to the 'Hoosier Nation.' For those who have followed college basketball recruiting, though, they are fully aware of Irving's on-the-court abilities, and quickly rising and impressive recruiting stock. He is listed as a point guard, and Rivals.com recently award with him a five-star status.
Irving, a 6-2, 175 pound point guard from Elizabeth, New Jersey, is currently in Bloomington, Indiana, with his AAU team the New Jersey Roadrunners, as they compete in the yearly AMC Classic.
In his first game Saturday afternoon at Assembly Hall, with a crowd of about 1500-2000 on hand, Irving and his Roadrunner teammates outlasted 2011 Indiana signee Matt Carlino and Indiana Elite, 68-59. According to Mike Pegram of Peegs.com, Irving finished the game unofficially with a game-high 24 points, while Carlino muscled in 8 points in the loss.
While this was one of many AAU games that will take place this weekend, the sight of Irving and Carlino on the floor at the same time has IU fans seeing success a few years down the road. What will prevent an Irving-Carlino backcourt in 2011? Duke, Notre Dame, Kansas or Villanova. These are the schools Tom Crean must compete with for Irving's signature, which is no easy task. Irving has said he's going to take visits to Notre Dame and Duke in the near future, with possible stops to 'Nova and Kansas this summer.
Still, with a visit to Assembly Hall and quotes such as, "This place (Assembly Hall) is breathtaking," the Hoosiers seem to be in the drivers seat, closely followed by Duke.
ESPN.com provided this April 2009 scouting report of Irving:
April, 2009: This combination guard is a good athlete with sneaky athletic ability in transition. He can finish above the rim when he is ahead of the pack. Irving is a point guard first that can slide over and play to shooting guard because his has the ability to knock down the open three. He does not get great lift on his shot but his release and follow through is excellent. He pushes the ball in transition with great pace. Irving has a strong handle and does a pretty good job of dribbling through contact. He is a terrific passer especially in the open court where he has great touch and feel for where to place the ball. Irving can pass with either hand and he loves the long one hand bounce pass. Irving also has a nice mid range game which will greatly benefit him in college because it will help him avoid charges. He can pull up on the break, when attacking the baseline or hit the floater in the lane on a consistent basis. He also knocked down pull up jumper with his left hand although he is a true right hand shooter. Irving has great concentration and body control when he attacks the lane. He can take the hit and still manage to get the ball in the hole. This smooth guard is also decent on ball defender and has good anticipation in the passing lanes. Irving is a very smooth player that has tremendous upside.
Following the 68-59 win, reporters had a chance to catch up with Irving for his thoughts on the recruiting process and Indiana. Here are some highlights...
On Academics and IU....
"I am going to major in journalism and I heard they have one of the best journalism programs in the country and they showed me around there."
On Indiana's Selling Points...
"Just make an impact right away and bring them to the final four. Just to come in and bring them to the Final Four. Just to come in and be the point guard he (Tom Crean) needs."
Let it be known, Indiana is no sure bet to land Irving, as time and more visits to other top programs await this future 2010 top-15 prospect. But with Crean putting a personal investment in this recruiting race, Hoosiers fan may get their wish of a future star on campus in 2010.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Raphael Davis commits to Purdue
One offer is all he needed.
Fort Wayne South Side sophomore Raphael Davis verbally committed to Matt Painter and the Boilermakers Wednesday evening, according to GoldandBlack.com. Davis joins Robert Vaden as the youngest player ever to commit to Purdue as a high school freshman.
Davis chose Purdue after picking up an offer from the Boilermakers yesterday afternoon on an official visit to West Lafayette. Purdue was the first to offer the 6-5 standout, but Davis also received interest from Indiana, Illinois, Xavier, and other Midwest schools. He had also garnered mail from Florida and UCLA.
Davis, who averaged 16.4 pts., 7.3 rebs., and 6.3 assists as a freshman, earned the offer after an outstanding freshman season for the Archers and impressive performance last weekend at the Run N' Jam tournament in Fort Wayne. He becomes the second South Side standout to commit to Purdue in the last decade, joining Cameron Stephens.
Raphael Davis scouting report:
Davis is a two-guard who can also play off the wing as a three. He's a good shooter, especially from 12-15 feet . Though not quick, Davis is smooth in his movements, and can stride his way past an opponent to the basket, finishing with his body.
Projected four-star.
Fort Wayne South Side sophomore Raphael Davis verbally committed to Matt Painter and the Boilermakers Wednesday evening, according to GoldandBlack.com. Davis joins Robert Vaden as the youngest player ever to commit to Purdue as a high school freshman.
Davis chose Purdue after picking up an offer from the Boilermakers yesterday afternoon on an official visit to West Lafayette. Purdue was the first to offer the 6-5 standout, but Davis also received interest from Indiana, Illinois, Xavier, and other Midwest schools. He had also garnered mail from Florida and UCLA.
Davis, who averaged 16.4 pts., 7.3 rebs., and 6.3 assists as a freshman, earned the offer after an outstanding freshman season for the Archers and impressive performance last weekend at the Run N' Jam tournament in Fort Wayne. He becomes the second South Side standout to commit to Purdue in the last decade, joining Cameron Stephens.
Raphael Davis scouting report:
Davis is a two-guard who can also play off the wing as a three. He's a good shooter, especially from 12-15 feet . Though not quick, Davis is smooth in his movements, and can stride his way past an opponent to the basket, finishing with his body.
Projected four-star.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Next year's National Title game could feature....
Kansas vs. Kentucky
You read that correctly. Kentucky could realistically end up in the national title game after a 2009 season that featured below average results leading to an NIT bid, a coaching change, and an extremely angry fanbase.
We'll wait and dissect Kansas on another day. Now, here's why Kentucky will be back in a very short time.
First, it all starts with coaching. The Wildcats split ways with the once all-world head coach, Billy Gillispie, who went 40-27 in his two years in Lexington, in exchange for another hot-shot well-know coach, John Calipari. While both gentlemen have a proven track record in the college game, one stands out above the other in the recruiting world, and frankly, it's not even close.
Meet the master of recruiting, the man who is going to bring Kentucky back to its glory days in just one short year. Calipari knows it takes more than coaching to win a national title these days. You have to win on the recruiting front, and as he showed at Memphis-- a program that has zero national titles but still landed the likes of Derrick Rose-- Calipari works just as hard if not harder off the court than on it.
After signing a top ten class at Memphis which featured three McDonald's All-Americans, Calipari was intrigued to take his services elsewhere, to a place where he knew he could mix his expert recruiting skills with a program filled with tradition and past prominence. It's no secret that high school stars today look for a college that gives them the best chance to make it to the NBA, more so than school itself. While Kentucky hasn't produced the star-studded NBA classes as they once did, the nation's interests and media fascination with the Wildcats is still a live and well. If you do well at Kentucky, you are never forgotten, and awarded down the line.
In retrospect, it's no forgone conclusion that Kentucky will end up in Indianapolis next season, as the team must learn Calpari's run and gun offense, and gel with one another to be a successful tournament team. However, with the return of former McDonald's All-American postman Patrick Patterson, the possible return of last season's leading scorer Jodie Meeks, and a #1 overall recruiting class according to Rivals.com, the Wildcats are set for a Final Four run.
Kentucky's 2009 Recruiting class (rankings according to Rivals.com)
PF- Demarcus Cousins: 5* Other offers: Kansas State, Washington
PG- Eric Bledsoe: 5* Other offers: Memphis, Florida
C- Daniel Orton: 5* Other offers: Kansas, Oklahoma
SF- Darnell Dodson : 4* Other offers: UCLA, Memphis, Miami
SG- Jon Hood: 4* Other offers: Tennessee, Georgia
Not to mention, if Kentucky can land the nation's #1 overall recruit according to Rivals.com, John Wall, in addition to a return from Meeks, the Wildcats backcourt would surely be the best in the nation. Wall has said that his top three schools at this point are Miami, Duke and Kentucky. A decision is expected in the coming weeks.
For this to reality of a national championship to transpire, Meeks must make the right decision and head back to college, for himself and Kentucky. He's projected to be selected in later part of the first round, which for some prospects is an easy payday and a seat on a team's bench. With another year of college, Meeks could grow as a leader on the floor rather than just a playmaker. There are many talented college basketball players, but not many talented players with the leadership skills needed for the next level.
Meeks scouting report: Meek is a natural two-guard, who is an excellent shooter from the perimeter, and can also take his defender off the dribble into the paint. His quick first step and 6-4 frame gives him the upperhand against smaller defenders.
While I didn't get into Kansas, which will be another post down the road, the Kentucky story is too much to pass up with what could happen in the coming weeks. If Wall commits, Meeks returns, and the current players believe in Calipari, watch out for Kentucky in 2009-2010, and for years to come.
You read that correctly. Kentucky could realistically end up in the national title game after a 2009 season that featured below average results leading to an NIT bid, a coaching change, and an extremely angry fanbase.
We'll wait and dissect Kansas on another day. Now, here's why Kentucky will be back in a very short time.
First, it all starts with coaching. The Wildcats split ways with the once all-world head coach, Billy Gillispie, who went 40-27 in his two years in Lexington, in exchange for another hot-shot well-know coach, John Calipari. While both gentlemen have a proven track record in the college game, one stands out above the other in the recruiting world, and frankly, it's not even close.
Meet the master of recruiting, the man who is going to bring Kentucky back to its glory days in just one short year. Calipari knows it takes more than coaching to win a national title these days. You have to win on the recruiting front, and as he showed at Memphis-- a program that has zero national titles but still landed the likes of Derrick Rose-- Calipari works just as hard if not harder off the court than on it.
After signing a top ten class at Memphis which featured three McDonald's All-Americans, Calipari was intrigued to take his services elsewhere, to a place where he knew he could mix his expert recruiting skills with a program filled with tradition and past prominence. It's no secret that high school stars today look for a college that gives them the best chance to make it to the NBA, more so than school itself. While Kentucky hasn't produced the star-studded NBA classes as they once did, the nation's interests and media fascination with the Wildcats is still a live and well. If you do well at Kentucky, you are never forgotten, and awarded down the line.
In retrospect, it's no forgone conclusion that Kentucky will end up in Indianapolis next season, as the team must learn Calpari's run and gun offense, and gel with one another to be a successful tournament team. However, with the return of former McDonald's All-American postman Patrick Patterson, the possible return of last season's leading scorer Jodie Meeks, and a #1 overall recruiting class according to Rivals.com, the Wildcats are set for a Final Four run.
Kentucky's 2009 Recruiting class (rankings according to Rivals.com)
PF- Demarcus Cousins: 5* Other offers: Kansas State, Washington
PG- Eric Bledsoe: 5* Other offers: Memphis, Florida
C- Daniel Orton: 5* Other offers: Kansas, Oklahoma
SF- Darnell Dodson : 4* Other offers: UCLA, Memphis, Miami
SG- Jon Hood: 4* Other offers: Tennessee, Georgia
Not to mention, if Kentucky can land the nation's #1 overall recruit according to Rivals.com, John Wall, in addition to a return from Meeks, the Wildcats backcourt would surely be the best in the nation. Wall has said that his top three schools at this point are Miami, Duke and Kentucky. A decision is expected in the coming weeks.
For this to reality of a national championship to transpire, Meeks must make the right decision and head back to college, for himself and Kentucky. He's projected to be selected in later part of the first round, which for some prospects is an easy payday and a seat on a team's bench. With another year of college, Meeks could grow as a leader on the floor rather than just a playmaker. There are many talented college basketball players, but not many talented players with the leadership skills needed for the next level.
Meeks scouting report: Meek is a natural two-guard, who is an excellent shooter from the perimeter, and can also take his defender off the dribble into the paint. His quick first step and 6-4 frame gives him the upperhand against smaller defenders.
While I didn't get into Kansas, which will be another post down the road, the Kentucky story is too much to pass up with what could happen in the coming weeks. If Wall commits, Meeks returns, and the current players believe in Calipari, watch out for Kentucky in 2009-2010, and for years to come.
Monday, May 11, 2009
LB, Cavs should end series tonight
Boston and Orlando already know who they will play in the Eastern Conference finals in a few days. But will they know after tonight? If you're a Vegas man, the answer is yes.
The fourth game of the Conference Semifinals between Cleveland and Atlanta SHOULD end tonight as the two teams will battle it out in Atlanta at 7:00 PM ET on TNT.
If Cleveland wins, they will once again sit back for another week, waiting and watching their future opponent duke it out in another seven game series. Fresh legs are a nice entity this time of year.
Before this series, I made a case in point that the Hawks would take one game. At the time, it looked like Atlanta could put it altogether for one night and deny a sweep, even after seven game series win over Wade and the Heat.
This prediction is looking bleak as the Cavs are starting to look more and more like a championship team with each passing game. The Hawks are a good young team, but right now, Cleveland is playing at a more consistent level, which is viable this time of year. Want evidence of a team looking for better team effort? See the Lakers.
Before making the 4-1 Cavs prediction, however, I left out one important factor: who is going to stop Lebron James, while maintaining Cleveland's perimeter shooting? So far, no one.
On paper, the starting five for Atlanta isn't a bad one by any means, led by former Indiana recruit Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, Al Horford, and Maurice Evans. Former second overall pick Marvin Williams is the first man off the bench, while Shaw standout Ronald Murray has made a name for himself this season. Zaza Pachulia is a solid player on the defensive end.
Atlanta coach and former Hoosier standout Mike Woodson throughout multiple defenses at the Cavs in Game 3, hoping to slowdown James' penetration to the basket. Ironically, it wasn't James' inside play that killed the Hawks from the start.
Woodson's game plan was pretty simple: placed a man on straight up on the MVP, with another man shading no more than 7 feet away. If James drives, the shade helps. If he shoots, you hope for a miss and a rebound. This defense isn't new to James, or Kobe, or Wade, all of which know how to drive around the coming "shade" or dish it out to an open man on the perimeter. At different points in game 3, a three man rotation was in charge of guarding James one-on-one: Bibby, Williams or Murray. All three had their share of successes, but for only short spurts.
While this makes sense from a coaching standpoint, it doesn't help when James finds his rhythm early, dropping three straight three pointers, finishing 5-10 for the game, and ending with 47 points. Jordan-esque?
This is the difference between Lebron in 2008 to 2009 on the offensive end, you can't leave him one-on-one. Once asked to shoot by defenders has become a quick sense of panic. He's no Steve Kerr or Kobe Bryant, but it's very eveident James' shooting woes are behind him.
Put a big man with long arms on the perimeter, James will drive by him. Put a smaller, quicker guard on him, James will muscle past or shoot over him. Other than Kevin Durant, I'm not sure another player in the league has these two qualities going from him.
If the Hawks want to win this evening, they better hope for an off night from James and a so-so night from his teammates. By the way things have been going for the Cavs, neither is bound to happen until the next round.
Boston or Orlando should know their opponent after tonight.
The fourth game of the Conference Semifinals between Cleveland and Atlanta SHOULD end tonight as the two teams will battle it out in Atlanta at 7:00 PM ET on TNT.
If Cleveland wins, they will once again sit back for another week, waiting and watching their future opponent duke it out in another seven game series. Fresh legs are a nice entity this time of year.
Before this series, I made a case in point that the Hawks would take one game. At the time, it looked like Atlanta could put it altogether for one night and deny a sweep, even after seven game series win over Wade and the Heat.
This prediction is looking bleak as the Cavs are starting to look more and more like a championship team with each passing game. The Hawks are a good young team, but right now, Cleveland is playing at a more consistent level, which is viable this time of year. Want evidence of a team looking for better team effort? See the Lakers.
Before making the 4-1 Cavs prediction, however, I left out one important factor: who is going to stop Lebron James, while maintaining Cleveland's perimeter shooting? So far, no one.
On paper, the starting five for Atlanta isn't a bad one by any means, led by former Indiana recruit Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, Al Horford, and Maurice Evans. Former second overall pick Marvin Williams is the first man off the bench, while Shaw standout Ronald Murray has made a name for himself this season. Zaza Pachulia is a solid player on the defensive end.
Atlanta coach and former Hoosier standout Mike Woodson throughout multiple defenses at the Cavs in Game 3, hoping to slowdown James' penetration to the basket. Ironically, it wasn't James' inside play that killed the Hawks from the start.
Woodson's game plan was pretty simple: placed a man on straight up on the MVP, with another man shading no more than 7 feet away. If James drives, the shade helps. If he shoots, you hope for a miss and a rebound. This defense isn't new to James, or Kobe, or Wade, all of which know how to drive around the coming "shade" or dish it out to an open man on the perimeter. At different points in game 3, a three man rotation was in charge of guarding James one-on-one: Bibby, Williams or Murray. All three had their share of successes, but for only short spurts.
While this makes sense from a coaching standpoint, it doesn't help when James finds his rhythm early, dropping three straight three pointers, finishing 5-10 for the game, and ending with 47 points. Jordan-esque?
This is the difference between Lebron in 2008 to 2009 on the offensive end, you can't leave him one-on-one. Once asked to shoot by defenders has become a quick sense of panic. He's no Steve Kerr or Kobe Bryant, but it's very eveident James' shooting woes are behind him.
Put a big man with long arms on the perimeter, James will drive by him. Put a smaller, quicker guard on him, James will muscle past or shoot over him. Other than Kevin Durant, I'm not sure another player in the league has these two qualities going from him.
If the Hawks want to win this evening, they better hope for an off night from James and a so-so night from his teammates. By the way things have been going for the Cavs, neither is bound to happen until the next round.
Boston or Orlando should know their opponent after tonight.
Welcome
I broke down, and created a blog.
With school and work beginning three months from now, I decided this would be a great chance for me to practice and improve my writing on a daily basis. If not daily, every other day.
From this blog, I hope to provide an insightful opinion on the world of sports, as well as have open discussions from others on their thoughts and feelings. Sports in the main focus here, but if you have anything else to discuss, let it be known.
Let's get started.
With school and work beginning three months from now, I decided this would be a great chance for me to practice and improve my writing on a daily basis. If not daily, every other day.
From this blog, I hope to provide an insightful opinion on the world of sports, as well as have open discussions from others on their thoughts and feelings. Sports in the main focus here, but if you have anything else to discuss, let it be known.
Let's get started.
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