Reflections: Game 2 of the NBA Finals

The Orlando Magic are in trouble!  Period.

Game 2 played out exactly the way Game 1 should have played out if the NBA Goons Referees had not completely skewed the series in favor of the Lakers.  The Orlando Magic battled valiantly, despite the Goons Referees showing up again in the 4th quarter, only to have their efforts and hopes dashed by a missed Layup by Courtney Lee.  I hate to put the loss squarely on his shoulders because basketball is a team sport BUT the truth is that the loss falls squarely on his shoulders; he missed a Layup at the end of regulation that would have won a game in which they had been completely discriminated against – in a series that they are being completely discriminated against.  I know there pundits and fans like myself who would argue against this fact but the truth is that it was a LAYUP!  No matter how hard the LAYUP was, it was nowhere as hard as taking a half-court, off-balance, defender-in-your-face, hailmary, buzzerbeating 3point shot.  All Lee had to do was hit a LAYUP from about 2-3feet away.  All I have to say is, “Courtney, where is your heart?”. 

Am I being hard on Lee?  YES!  Am I being malicious or unfair? NO!  It is no secret, the NBA is against the Orlando Magic.  They want the Lakers to win and they tolerate awful officiating much to the detriment of the Magic.  In this series, Orlando Magic are facing the most daunting task and the NBA hype machine so they have almost no chance.  They are the true underdogs in every way possible.  After going through a horrible shame of a game that was Game 1, you would think that Courtney Lee would want to stick it to the Lakers and the powers that be, David Stern & His Stoogies, but he was not in the moment.  Everything that makes a guy like Kenny Smith, Robert Horry or, Joe Dumars great was missing in that moment from Courtney Lee.  It is in the same category as the John Starks NBA Finals performance when the game mattered and is very demoralizing no matter how you look at it.  My prediction is that the Magic will not be able to overcome this game over the next 2 games, that is how big those moments were.

As for the Lakers, they played well but not enough to win.  They did not deserve to win either Game 1 or Game 2 (something that should be a rallying point for the Magic) but it does not matter now, a win is a win.  Lamar Odom is proving what we have all known all along, he is a truly remarkable and gifted basketball player.  If the hype-machine NBA would get off Kobe’s nether regions for a second the whole world might be able to appreciate all the great players, talent and, hardwork that actually goes into creating a Championship calibre team.  The Lakeshow are a really good team (not the best team this decade in the Finals – I doubt they could beat last year’s Celtics or this year’s version if KG had not gotten injured – still…); they deserve all the credit for playing to win and making the most of every chance or opportunity to win the Title.  They should be able to close out the Magic in 4 and finally lay claim to the 2009 Championship.  Kobe David Stern and the Lakers can finally bring another title to Tinsel Town.

**Gag**  I think I am going to be sick.  Prepare to be bombarded with Kobe merchandise and the NBA hype machine.

Smashing Hiatus…

There have not been a lot of postings recently and for that I apologize but trust there will be more articles coming (lots of topics and happenings in sports that I want to touch on or discuss).  Stay tuned and make sure to keep checking the blog for updates.  

Feel free to share your sports related opinions or discussions with me and I will get back to you in due time.  You can also keep up with me via Twitter or via email: smashmauf@gmail.com

Ps: Magic vs. Lakers?!  Who-woulda-thunk-it?  Definitely have to give it up to the Magic for fighting and plugging away.  Like the man, Rudy T once said, “Never underestimate the heart of a ….”, y’all know the rest.  Much respect to Superman Dwight Howard for coming through on his promises and to Rashad Lewis for living up to his massive contract.  It must seriously hurt Seattle citizens to watch Ray Allen and Rashad Lewis make it to the promised land in back-to-back years (SNAP!).  Sometimes a little bit of faith, a little bit of cooperation and a little bit of heart is all that it takes to get over the hump.  I love the underdogs, I’m all for the Magic! 

Cheers,

Time for Lamar Odom to Step Up

With the Los Angeles Lakers closing out the Rockets series on Sunday they are now poised for an immensely dynamic series with the Denver Nuggets.  Both teams are extremely heavy on athleticism and offensive firepower.  Both teams enjoy to completely beat down the competition and both teams are very fun to watch.  For anyone who enjoys watching chalkboard, fundamental, basketball this is the wrong series for you because there are bound to be plays that can invoke heart-attacks.  This is going to be like watching 2 sluggers duke it out for bragging rights; it sure will not be anything like a Lennox Lewis fight – more like a George Foreman slugfest.  Not lacking in star power, this series has the following players, Chauncey Billups, J.R. Smith, Carmelo Anthony, Nene Hilario, Kenyon Martin, Chris Andersen, Jordan Farmar, Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Paul Gasol, Andrew Bynum and, Trevor Ariza; I mean, “Wow!”  This is going to be fun.  I could not wait to evaluate the matchup. 

As far as the Nuggets are concerned, they need to continue playing that physical, top-flight and above-the-rim style of basketball.  George Karl has the lucky task of managing this super lineup.  He has to make sure that the big men handle all of their assignments because that will put some serious damper on the Lakers attack.  Andersen and Martin have to continue to be physical with Gasol and Bynum on the defensive end because the Lakers frontcourt has not done a good job responding to physical play.  On the other end, Chauncey Billups has to run the offense to its maximum potential.   Billups will have to make sure that J.R. Smith, Carmelo Anthony, Linas Kleiza and, Nene get good touches on a consistent basis.  By holding their ground on defense and getting out on the break, Denver might have a chance to break the will of the Lakers at the end of each game.  The big issues as far as the Nuggets are concerned are that the Nuggets do not have a lot of ballhandlers (they really have to watch out for turnovers) and they also do not have anyone on their team that can cover Kobe Bryant (J.R. Smith is athletic enough but it is doubtful that he has the stamina to harrass Kobe for the span of a ball game).  Both issues will be the achilles heel for the Denver Nuggets in their battle against the Lakers.

With respect to the Lakers, they really have nothing to lose in this matchup.  Lakers beatup on the Nuggets pretty well during the regularly season and they have been beating up on the Nuggets on a consistent basis in recent years.  They have the home advantage and are extremely tough to beat when they play at the Staples Centre; also, the Nuggets are not very good on the road (despite their relative success so far in these playoffs).  Kobe has to continue to be aggressive early on in the ball games and he has to make sure to get his teammates involved on the offensive end.  The Lakers have a serious advantage if they decide to push the pace of the game because Jordan Farmar is proving to be a solid player on the break; he makes good decisions, shoots high percentage shots and is a tremendous ball handler (his only knock is that he plays some shotty defence at times).  Phil Jackson has the luck of making sure  he gets Farmar some solid playing time and playing in situations where he can be very effective.  The biggest advantage the Lakers have though has to be Lamar Odom.  Odom has been the enigma on this Lakers team for too long but now it all makes perfect sense – this series is taylor-made for his skills.  His size, mobility and plethra of skills will definitely create problems for the Nuggets on both ends of the court.  His resourcefulness and depth makes him the biggest asset for this Laker team because he allows them to be continuous when they go to the bench or have to change pace and he can play 3 (maybe 4) spots on the floor.  He does a great job of staying out of foul trouble and is able to cover his assignments on Defense.  On the offensive end, he can really wreck havoc on the Nuggets when they decide to go small.  If he can get up to 20 and 10 in any of the games, Lakers should win easily.  He is the X-factor.  Phil Jackson needs to get him in the game plan ASAP.

Overall, I cannot wait to get this game on the road.  The battle begins at 9pm E.T. tomorrow.  If Odom shows up, Lakers win big.

Blue Jays Keep Pace In the American East Race

Robert Ray and the Toronto Blue Jays win yet another series this season to continue their assault on the American League East.  In doing so the Jays have now setup a big showdown with the big bully on the block right now, the Boston Red Sox, in the next week. Unbelievable.  I was able to make it to last night’s drubbing of the White Sox at the Rogers Centre and the one thing that jumped out at me then was how composed and confident this Blue Jays team is on the pitch.  Aaron Hill alluded to it in his post game interview as well, that the team did not spend too much time lamenting the NYY series loss and that the team is coming together nicely and focused on going game-by-game. 

With such a great start to the season, keeping their composure will be an asset as they get into the thick of the regular season and the Jays showed off their metal today.  Down 1-0 to the White Sox early in the game, the Jays responded with 2 runs in the 8th inning sparked by a solid hit and steal from Vernon Wells.  Adam Lind drove in Wells with a double and Jose Bautista drove in Lind to win the series.  A strong performance by the Blue Jays team and great response to the 1st adversity this team has had to weather all season long.  In a long season that is bound to provide even more adverse situations, it is good to see that the Jays are willing to take a work man’s approach towards this season.  Next in line, the BoSox – soon as they close out the remaining 2 games with the White Sox this glorious long weekend.

Stefan Frei and Reds Burnt by Chicago Fire

Stefan Frei’s gaffe in the 59th minute of the, would-have-been, battle between the Toronto Football Club and the Chicago Fire proved to be most costly for the Reds as they lose to the Fire 2-0 to fall to the 3rd spot in the MLS Eastern Conference standings.  Rushing out to cover a fantastic feed by Chicago’s Cuauhtemoc Blanco to Chris Rolfe, Frei opted to kick away the feed rather than cover up the pass with his body and in doing so he gave up an easy goal to Rolfe.  A major gaffe by a supposedly top-flight player for the Reds.  Instead of making what should have been a fairly regular save, Frei’s lackadaisical effort on that one play proved to be the difference maker in the clash for the Eastern Conference lead spot.  The Reds had opportunities to equalize the game shortly thereafter but Pablo Vitti (who is still seeking his 1st goal on the season) could not finish fantastic helpers with a goal.  For a guy who is supposed to be one of the up and coming soccer players on the Argentine national squad, both effort left a lot to be desired from the young man.  Overall, despite the late rallying effort from the Reds and strong performances by Barrett, Serioux, Guevara and Brennan, this was a very disappointing loss for the Reds as they relinquished an opportunity to lay claim to the top position in the Eastern Conference.  The Reds still have some ways to go before they can be considered a top flight team in MLS.

Please Brett Favre, Stay Retired

The rumours of Brett Favre coming out of retirement once again to play in the NFL are starting to intensify.  The main theme around the Favre rumour mill is that he is trying to get work for the Minnesota Vikings.  It is very disturbing that Favre would risk life and limb again to play football once again; when will he learn?  I thought the New York Jets experience would have taught him that getting to the Super Bowl one more time might be nothing more than a pipe dream.  Please Brett Favre, as a fan and admirer of your work, stay retired this time.  You have nothing to prove to anybody and that includes yourself.  You are an idol in our eyes and a legend of the game.  Please leave it at that.   Unless….you decide to sign with my Pittsburgh Steelers; in that case, please unretire right away and back up Ben Roethlisberger.  Otherwise…stay retired.  Thank you.

As Far As Basketball Goes, Dirk Nowitzki is a Class Act

Bumped from contention again this year, Dirk Nowitzki once again has failed to complete the mission of bringing a title to the Dallas Mavericks but there is no doubt about his effort or commitment to returning to the Promised Land and completing the job.  Like, KG or T-Mac a few years ago, Dirk is yearning badly for a title; it is the only thing that is remaining in his long and illustrious career.  The history of the NBA is filled with some of the most athletic and amazing basketball players to ever step on a hardwood court but the memory of their best years is long gone from our hearts and minds.  Only the Champions survive the test of time in the NBA and that is not going to change in the forseeable future.  No doubt Dirk has been one of the best ballers in the game but he is approaching Charles Barkley and Karl Malone territory now as he heads towards the twilight of his playing days.  His options are very limited as well as the Mavericks team is short on depth in its roster.  Maybe he should consider moving to the Eastern Conference next season, the New York Knicks and the Toronto Raptors could use his veteran leadership in their locker rooms; both teams are also in good markets and have youth on their side.  Think about it long and hard Dirk.  I suggest he take a vacation this offseason to re-evaluate his career, no one will blame him for seeking out a contender before his career is over.  He will always be a Dallas Maverick – much like Michael Finley will forever be linked to the Mavs.

Houston Rockets Beat L.A.

The Houston Rockets continue to prove that Basketball is a team game and not an individual game with a 95-80 shilacking of the Los Angeles Lakers.  For too long the NBA has been putting so much emphasis on individual players like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dywane Wade and so on and so forth, (mainly because it has been very profitable to do so) but basketball has always been a team game.  There would have been no Jordan without Pippen, No Magic without Kareem and Worthy, No Akeem without the supporting cast, No Duncan without Robinson/Ginobili/Parker, the list goes on and on.  In fact, it goes a lot further than that, there would be no title contender without a full supporting cast.  The Playoffs this year are proving just the same, all the teams currently in contention require a complete team effort to win games – from the Magic, to the Cavs to the Houston Rockets.  In crunch time only one thing matters and that is, “Who has the most heart”? 

The NBA has been marketing this year’s tournament with the slogan, “Where Amazing Happens” but I think that the real theme this year should be “Who has the most heart?”.  In the 2 Game 7 matchups coming up this Sunday the victor will without a doubt be the team with the most heart.  Who wants it more and who is willing to go the extra mile for the win?  It is not going to be about Kobe Bryant’s or Dwight Howard’s individual efforts as they try to will their respective teams into the Conference Finals, but it will come down to which team can put together a complete effort on Sunday.  These matchups are a Coach’s dream.

The Rockets proved last night that they are ready and up to the task.  Like Shane Battier alluded to, they have been battle tested and this team has responded to adversity over and over again.  Now there is one more hill to climb.  Rudy T. said it best when the Rockets won their 1st title with Olajuwon, “Never…Underestimate…The Heart of a Champion!!!”.  Do not count the Rockets out on Sunday.  The biggest thing they need now is to get enough sleep and rest before the Epic showdown with the Lakers.  The winner will be the team who starts fast and never lets up.

With French Open Around The Corner ATP Tour Heats Up

The 2009 ATP Tour is heating up just in time for the French Open.  With a dream Quarter-Final matchup in the Madrid Open which will see the top 6 players (Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Juan Martin Del Potro, Andy Roddick) competing for the title, there could not be a better tune-up for the French Open.  The edge for now has to go to Rafael Nadal who has continued his assault on the Tennis Nation.  His unadulterated dominance leaves little room to doubt his #1 ranking and he is without a doubt the man to beat.  Roger Federer who has suddenly become human again has an opportunity to create a challenge for Nadal if he can somehow find his form to close out these final games.  However, the real story has to be the guys behind these 2 power houses who suddenly have a chance to make a new for themselves in the Tennis world.  Between Nadal and Federer, there isn’t much respect paid to the remaining guys battling for the premier spot in Tennis.  Andy Roddick might be the most seasoned of the contenders from 3-6 but Djokovic and Murray are the rising stars of the ATP tour.  Murray especially is an enigma because he has the complete skill set to finish this year as the top player in tennis.  He is the fresh blood and the guy that has the most to gain if he can win the Madrid Open.  The French Open organizers must be salivating.

Blue Jays Lose First Series This Season

The Blue Jays certainly did not look this amazing tonight but they have been pretty stellar this season which should be a consolation for what happened tonight.  Tonight the Jays dropped a series for the first time this season by losing 3-2 to the New York Wankers.  Sitting pretty before the 7th inning, the Jays lost a 2-1 lead on a RBI by the womanizing Derek Jeter and never got over the hump – C.C. Sabathia saw to that.  Certainly a disappointing night for the Jays who needed to win to jump ahead of the Boston Red Sox in the American League East.  Instead, with the loss, the Jays remain a game ahead of the BoSox but lose a game to the Yankees who are only 4.5 games back.  Certainly if you are going to drop a series, it better be against a team that is way down below you in the standings.  With the Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves coming up in the next 2 weeks, the Blue Jays seriously need to regroup and prove that their strong start to the season was not a fluke occurence.  They have a good chance to make up games in the American League by winning the next 2 series against the ChiSox and the BoSox.  If they don’t it might signal a tough road ahead for the Jays this season.  Stay tuned…