The Heat Strike Back In Game Two

Miami came out and was stunned the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals. They were embarrassed by the home-standing Bulls and plenty of people felt that this could be a foretelling of things to come. Well, the Heat showed some resolve and played their way back to tie the series. A few key things and changes happened to affect the outcome of game 2.

Udonis Haslem was a guy who was going to be depended on all year. I honestly thought that if he stayed healthy, the Heat would be at the NBA Finals at the beginning of the year. When he went down, he took all the toughness and grit of the Heat post players with him. I thought he may be lost for the season. But, low and behold, he comes back in the post-season. He had been largely ineffective so far in the playoffs, but when Miami needed him most, he showed up and showed out. Haslem outplayed the Bulls bench with his short jumpers, powerful dunks and great rebounding presence.

Dwyane Wade played a ton of minutes. In fact, at some point, I thought he would run out of gas. Wade played SG and backup PG the whole second half and they inserted Mike Miller at the SG position at times. Starting PG Mike Bibby also played better defensively than I thought he would be capable of, but in stretches, D Wade took over the task of guarding D Rose. Wade more than made up for his Game 1 performance and frustrated D Rose and the Bulls.

But by far the biggest change was the play of Miami Heat’s closer, LeBron James. James has been known to leave the door open for teams with his questionable shot selection down the stretch at times. Well, this game, he took over and took it to the Bulls. When the game was ties at 73, LeBron hit a huge 3 and then hit a mid-range jumper and then followed with another jump shot late to put the game out of reach. I have to give credit where credit is due. LeBron is turning the corner on being a closer right before our eyes.

For all the positives of the Miami Heat, there is one negative. I would watch the amount of minutes that D Wade and LeBron are starting to log. They both went 40+ minutes to get this win. Their stamina will be tested as the series goes on. And for the Bulls, they have to find more ways to generate offense. It seemed like they didn’t bring the energy they brought in Game 1. The Bulls must do that and make the hustle plays to win games.

In Game 3, I expect some more gamesmanship on both teams. It will be interesting to see what happens. But, until Sunday, Heat fans will be rejoicing and the Bulls fans will be searching for answers. It should be a great ride and a great site watching these two teams slug it out to the finish.

The Everyday Mailbag- 5/17/11

This weekend brought us the excitement of a Game 7 and the opening of one of the most exciting Eastern Conference Finals in a long time. And just like the NBA action, the mailbag is chalk full with exciting questions! Let’s see what America wants to know!

Q: Spurs Celtics and Lakers. Are their runs over with their Big 3? Is this a new era starting?
-Dallah S., Manhattan, NY

A: I think that the Celtics, Lakers and Spurs all are veteran teams in need of youth. All three of these teams need to go get younger, but I wouldn’t say all three team’s runs are over. I would say the Spurs are closest to their run being over though.

Q: Do you think it’s better for the NBA to have Kings in Sacramento or Anaheim?
-Bobby C., Sacramento, CA

A: I think it would be better for the Kings to stay in Sacramento because the fans there are great, the team has a following built there and also, it looks very bad on the NBA that yet another market is losing a team.

Q: Here’s my question: Has Lebron James really replaced Dwayne Wade as the closer of the Miami Heat?
-Ricky K., Staten Island, NY
A: I don’t think so. D Wade is still the closer of choice in my opinion. He has a better closing history and I personally would trust him more in the clutch than LeBron.

Q: ‎​Does Kobe finally past the Legacy down and to who besides Lebron can carry the NBA as its feature star?
-Dallah S., Manhattan, NY

A: I think that Kobe has already shown signs that he is getting ready to pass down the mantle to the younger talents. I think players like Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose and LeBron are players that can carry the mantle for the NBA.

Q: Can Rose actually bring down the East all by his lonesome? Granted he’s filthy good, but do you think he can beat the three-headed Heat monster? He’s up 1, but do you think he can seal the deal?
-Brandon E., Murfreesboro, TN

A: I don’t think Derrick Rose will bring the Heat down all by his lonesome. He won’t have to. He has an 18 point a game scorer w/ him (Luol Deng) and the Bulls play team basketball, where everyone contributes instead of all the scoring load being on 3 people. The Bulls will win this series in 6 games because of their stifling defense, deep bench and their rebounding.

Q: ‎​Roger Goodell is going around league areas answering live questions from fans. Does that change or affect the perception of the lockout?
-Dallah S., Manhattan, NY

A: I think that Goodell going around answering questions doesn’t really change anything. The fact is that fans are becoming increasingly angry as the season get closer and closer and the reality that there may not be NFL football in the fall sets in.

Q: Why is baseball still raising ticket prices as economy robbing us wit gas, dairy products and foods?
-Dallah S., Manhattan, NY

A: I think the reason that baseball is raising prices is because of the lack of attendance in some markets and they have to compensate for it somewhere. Also, teams have to pay these salaries for players too. And if the attendance is low, the money has to be made up somewhere.

Thanks to all who participated in this week’s mailbag. If you have any questions, feel free to send them to me at dangerous_316@yahoo.com. And remember, if you have questions, I have answers.

The Everyday Man’s Western Conference Finals Preview

The Thunder are moving into unfamiliar territory. The Mavs are trying to make their return to the NBA Finals. This series should be very interesting as the Mavs will try to use their veteran experience against a young Thunder squad.

Mismatches will be everywhere. PF Dirk Notwitski is truly unguardable at times because he’s a seven footer with range and a post up game. To combat him, Thunder PF Serge Ibaka is going to have to play disciplined. He can’t go for all the head fakes that he went for during the Grizzlies series. If he does, Dirk will torch the Thunder. I also expect Thunder SF Kevin Durant to guard Dirk some if the Thunder go small. Speaking of Durant, he will have a mismatch on his end as well. He must not settle for jump shots this series because he will be bigger than any defender that guards him. He must attack the basket more. But the ultimate mismatch in this series will be PG Russell Westbrook. He is far superior athletically to anyone the Mavs can put on him. Its just a question as to whether Westbrook will be able to take advantage of Dallas’ defense against him.

Westbrook is a definite mismatch for the Mavs, but the mismatch won’t matter if Westbrook does not have offensive balance. Westbrook has been criticized for his shot selection and what some has perceived as ballhog tendencies this post-season. He answered those critics in Game 7 when he produced a triple-double in a Thunder win. He must continue to build on that performance and continue to get his teammates involved. If he doesn’t, the Thunder will be at a huge disadvantage with just he and Durant scoring.

Another huge factor in this series will be the rebounding. That’s where Thunder C Kendrick Perkins and C tyson Chandler can affect the game. Both guys are known for their rebounding and defense and this matchup will go a long way to either team winning this series. Chandler also adds shot-blocking and toughness to the Mavs that they have not have. Perkins must match his intensity, energy and toughness.

The most critical matchup though will be the benches of these two teams. SG James Harden has been the third best player for the Thunder this post-season. He must continue to produce along with backup PG Eric Maynor and PF Nick Collison. For the Mavs, they have to match the youth and energy with their own supersub, PG/SG Jason Terry, and Peja Stojakovic. These two could change the complection of the game with their unlimited shooting range.

I think this series will come down to which team imposes its will. My feeling is the Mavs will impose their will on the Thunder because of their defense. The Mavs will take away the transition game from the Thunder and they will get more from their bench as well because Terry is one of the best sixth men in the NBA and Stojakovic has it stuck in automatic. The Thunder have played very well all season, but this series will serve as a learning experience for this Thunder team for next year.

Prediction: Mavericks win series in 6

The Everyday Man’s Eastern Conference Finals Preview

Its finally here. A matchup that most expected. The young Chicago Bulls take on the star-power of the Miami Heat. This series should be very exciting. But like any series, there are keys for both teams to win.

The Bulls have been a great rebounding team all season. In this series, they must continue to flex their muscle on the boards with PF Carlos Boozer, C Joahkim Noah and crew. If the Bulls are able to gain an advantage on the boards, they will be able to limit the chances for the Heat to get in transition, where they are great. Hitting the boards will also provide the Bulls with second chances to score as well. If Miami makes the battle of the boards close, they will have the advantage in the game. C Joel Anthony and PF Udonis Haslem can make a difference for the Heat if they show up in this area.

Another key will be defense. Both teams are very good defensively, but the Bulls are known for being dominant on defense at times. The Bulls must make Heat SG Dwyane Wade and SF LeBron James into jump shooters. If they allow them to attack the basket, that opens up the Heat offense and makes shooters like PG Mike Bibby dangerous. For the Heat, they must keep their eyes on MVP PG Derrick Rose. Rose is the key to all the Bulls do, so the Heat must play great on-ball and help defense. Rose is going to get his points, but they must make it difficult on him and not allow him to get players like SF Luol Deng comfortable.

The benches of both teams are total opposites. The Bulls had one of the top-ranked benches in the NBA this year and the post-season has seen them have some success as well. PG CJ Watson, SG Ronnie Brewer, PF Taj Gibson, SG/SF Kyle Korver and C Omer Asik will be key because they provide the depth the Bulls need. They must continue to play well this series and they must be consistent. If they are consistent, they will outplay the Heat bench, which hasn’t provided a lot of consistency this season and post-season.

Both teams spent big money on PFs to help their team this past off-season. The pressure is on these two guys to produce when it counts. Heat PF Chris Bosh has been enigmatic in the post-season at times. For the Heat to win, he must give them at least 15 points a game and have a presence in the paint against the Bulls. If he stays outside and shoots jumpers, that will not be a good thing for the Heat. For the Bulls, PF Carlos Boozer seems to be starting to play well at the right time. Boozer can be counted on rebounding, but the Bulls need him to punish Bosh on the offensive end of the court. The winner of this matchup will is a big tipping point as to who will win the series.

As for my prediction, I think LeBron and D Wade will play well, but the Bulls will take away most of their fast-break points and make Miami a half-court basketball team. D Rose will get his points and Luol Deng will be pretty consistent as well. I’m my opinion, the play of the Bulls bench and the play of Boozer will be the difference in the series.

Prediction: Bulls win series in 6

Dwyane Wade And LeBron James: Exorcising The Demons

The Miami Heat have won their series against the Boston Celtics. The Heat played inspired basketball all series long and made the Celtics submit to their talent and will to win. But for the Heat, beating the Celtics was more than just winning a series. It was way deeper.

Lebron James and Dwyane Wade had each had their struggles against the Boston Celtics. Within the last few years, the Celtics had beat the LeBron-led Cleveland Cavaliers and the D Wade-led Miami Heat. Not only did they beat these two superstars, they battered and bullied them and their teams. Then, the unthinkable happened. LeBron and D Wade decided to come together for two common causes, beating the Celtics and winning the NBA championship. Flash and the King along with Toronto big man Chris Bosh formed the new version of the Big Three in Miami.

The ride was rough for the Heat early. They weren’t used to playing with each other and they looked disjointed as a team. No game better exhibited that than Game One when they were embarrassed against the Celtics. People began to doubt the Heat as they continued to struggle to get over the mental stranglehold that the Celtics had on them. Then, it seemed that one move loosened the mental grip that Boston had on Miami.

The Celtics traded Kendrick Perkins to Oklahoma City along with backup PG Nate Robinson for SF/PF Jeff Green and C Nenad Kristic. This trade ensured that the Celtics wouldn’t have the toughness needed to win the championship. No offense to Jermaine O’Neal and Shaq, but Jermaine has never been known as a physical guy in the post and Shaq has serious health issues. The Heat saw their opening and they exposed the Celtics when they thoroughly outplayed them and got more physical than them when they beat them during their last regular season matchup.

Even with that win, I didn’t believe the Heat would beat the Celtics if they were to meet in the playoffs. Well, I will be the first to say that I was wrong. The motivation of past failures fueled D Wade and LeBron to play at an otherworldly level as they proved to be unstoppable against the Celtics. The Heat celebration and emotion at the end of the game, although a little over the top, was certainly understandable. They had broken the cold, grimy, strong grip of the Celtics over them personally and of the Celtics as a team over the East. Now the next challenge begins. The next part of their journey is to win the championship. Many think their road is downhill from here, but as many will find out, the road gets tougher as the rounds go on.

The Everyday Mailbag- 5/10/2011

Another great week of excitement! And just like the excitement in sports, the excitement has been building for The Everyday Mailbag all week! Here’s what America wants to know!

Q: Is this the demise of the great Black Mamba?!
-Michael C., Las Vegas, NV

A: I don’t think its quite the demise of Kobe, but Father Time is starting to knock on his door. His decline will start within the next two or so years. The Lakers need to start getting ready for life after Kobe this off-season.

Q: What do you think about the Lakers being swept my the Mavericks?
-James R., Nashville, TN

A: I think its a case of the better team winning. The Lakers may have been more talented in certain spots, but the Mavericks were the team who played more physical and acted like they wanted it more than the Lakers did.

Q: With Terrance Jones coming back, what do think are the chances for a national championship for Kentucky next year?
-David D., Murfreesboro, TN

A: I think Kentucky along with North Carolina will be the main contenders for the National Title entering next year. They both have experience returning along with great recruiting classes.

Q: Do you think Kobe Bryant’s’ skill level rivals Michael Jordan?
-James R., Nashville, TN

A: I think his skill level does rival Michael Jordan. But skill level is all that he rivals Jordan in. I think overall, Jordan was a better player over his career. Jordan was a better leader too.

Q: I knows its early, but do you believe Memphis can give Dallas a run for their money?
-Kareem H., Nashville, TN

A: I think that Memphis is a tough team and they would give Dallas a serious run for their money. But, with that being said, both teams have to finish their current series first. Dallas is waiting. Can Memphis make it through Oklahoma City is the next question.

Q: What’s the problem with OKC? Is it due to Westbrook not playing his team role?
-Camille H., Milwaukee, WI

A: I believe that Westbrook is a talented player, but he hasn’t found balance as a PG and its hurting his team. It seems he doesn’t know when to pick his spots to get his and get his teammates involved. That’s part of the maturation process for him. You have to remember, he came into the league as a guy who never really played PG exclusively over an extended time. I don’t think he will figure it out all this year. But for this year, he’s hurting his team by his play at times.

Q: What do you think about the cheap shots Artest,Odem and Bynum took on the Mavs players late in the game ?
-James R., Nashville, TN

A: I think that’s a sign of frustration by them. All of the cheap shots were wrong and if you ask them, they would probably tell you they were wrong. I think that they let their frustration come out at the wrong time. Bad plays by all of them. If you’re going to lose, you have to lose with class and that’s not what they did.

Q: What’s your top 10 NBA players of all-time?
-Bobby C., Sacramento, CA

A: Here’s my Top 10 (In no particular order)
1) Michael Jordan
2) Wilt Chamberlain
3) Karl Malone
4) Oscar Robertson
5) Charles Barkley
6) Larry Bird
7) Magic Johnson
8) Bill Russell
9) Kobe Bryant
10) Shaquille O’Neal

Q: Do you think the Eagles will sign Michael Vick to long term contract ?
-James R., Nashville, TN

A: Yes I do think they will. They were already talking about doing that before the lockout happened. As soon as the lockout ends, it will happen.

Thanks to all who participated this week! And to all that viewed the mailbag this week, remember if you have sports questions, I have answers. Send your questions to me via e-mail(dangerous_316@yahoo.com) if you like.

Mothers: The Real MVPs

Finally, what everyone thought was going to happen this year was announced. PG Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls has been named the 2010-2011 MVP of the NBA. I think its great and refreshing to see someone as young and as humble win this award. But what was even more impressive than anything he did on the court was the speech he gave during accepting the award.

Rose was very thankful to the steadying influence in his world, his mom. He credited his mom for him being where he is. He’s not the only one who should be thanking his mom. A lot of us have had times in life where we may have doubted our abilities and our dreams. In those instances, that’s when mom steps in with that encouraging word at the perfect time. His mom’s persistence in making him do the things he was supposed to do and encouraging him made him who he is.

I thought long and hard about what my mother means to me. My mom has always had my back. She has been a steady influence in my life and she has always been there with an encouraging word, even if the situation may have been terrible and even if we bump heads in disagreement. And as a tribute to her on this Mother’s Day, I just wanted to tell all of you that read my blog that don’t understand, my mother was the one who helped encourage my dreams in life, while my dad gave me the road map to get there. Young or old, women or men, love your parents, but especially love the women who encourage your dreams and are always in your corner since your inception in this world.

I want to challenge all that read this blog. Take a moment and think about something that touches you that your mother did for you while you were growing up that has never left you. And then take that thought or thoughts and express it to your mother not only on Mother’s Day, but on any day. You never know how those words can make your mom’s day. I love you Momma!

Are The Lakers Done?

Coming into this season, the Lakers were the odds-on favorite to win the NBA title again this year. Despite their struggles this year, they still had Kobe, Pau and the rest of the gang still in tact. Fast forward to now and the Lakers find themselves in a serious hole. They’re down 2-0 to the Dallas Mavericks after their 93-81loss and they’re headed to Dallas for two more games before hopefully returning to Los Angeles. It seems like the Mavs are in control of everything.

The Lakers have been a finesse team more this year than they have been in the past and no one has exhibited that more than PF Pau Gasol. Gasol has been playing pretty soft throughout the year and the playoffs. He was exposed in the first round against the Hornets because they were physical with him. And in this series, Dirk is doing any and everything he wants on the offensive end and Pau isn’t punishing Dirk on the defensive end. For the Lakers to have a chance, Pau has to at least search to find any hint of the toughness he summoned up the last two years and be the low-post threat that he was for them. He ought to be taking Dirk to the basket everytime in the post. Right now, I would go to C Andrew Bynum more if I was Los Angeles. He has been much more effective in the playoffs than Gasol has been.

The Lakers also aren’t getting the type of production they need from their bench. While combo guards like JJ Barea and Jason Terry have been bringing energy and production off the bench for the Mavs, players like SG Shannon Brown, PF Lamar Odom and PG Steve Blake simple haven’t given the Lakers enough to match them. They must get involved and make it their mission to be a part of the solution instead of just being out there on the court.

The Mavs have by far been the tougher team. They have outplayed the Lakers in the first two games and more importantly, they’ve been more physical than the Lakers. For the Lakers, its gut-check time. Will the champs respond or will they fold like a cheap tent? Stay tuned folks!

The Everyday Mailbag- 5/4/11

More games, a NFL draft and more questions! Its time for this week’s Mailbag! Let’s see what America wants to know!

Q: What do you think about Cam Newton being drafted by the Carolina Panthers? Will they give him time to develop ?
-James R., Nashville, TN

A: I think that it was the correct pick for the Panthers. They weren’t satisfied with Claussen, so they made a change and took a chance on a guy who has all the potential to be a great QB. As far as them giving him time to develop, I think he will not get that luxury. It will be a trial by fire for him unfortunately.

Q: Jake Locker, good pick, or bad pick for the Titans?
-Kareem H., Nashville, TN

A: I don’t like the pick to be honest. I thought they should have selected Blaine Gabbert out of Missouri. I think Locker isn’t as athletic as Newton, doesn’t have great pocket awareness and he isn’t all that accurate either. With all that being said, he could prove us all wrong and become a star. I just have my reservations about him.

Q: With the Hawks taking out the Magic, who do you think leaves Orlando first, Dwight Howard or Stan Van Gundy?
-Lee L., Chicago, IL

A: I think that Howard will be gone first. If not this summer, than in the summer of 2012. Brooklyn bound.

Q: What do you think about the players hugging NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell ?
-James R., Nashville, TN

A: I didn’t make too much of it. Too much was made of that and it took away from the sheer joy that players had, hearing their names being called in the NFL Draft and being able to stand on the stage and hold up their new NFL team’s jersey, realizing their dream of being in the NFL.

Q: Herm Edwards seemed to be in agreement with the decision of the Falcons to move up in the draft to take Julio Jones. What are your thoughts on this trade?
-Regina W., Phoenix, AZ

A: I think that the move is a risk/reward move. The risk is that he doesn’t stay healthy, like he hasn’t in college and you gave up very good draft picks that could have added to the team in 2012. Reward if he is the missing piece for the Falcons winning the Super Bowl. I think that the Falcons gave up too much to get him personally, but if he helps bring the Super Bowl to Atlanta, no one will ever question this trade.

Thanks for the questions! And remember, if you have any sports questions, I have answers! Send all questions to me at dangerous_316@yahoo.com.

My Thoughts On Game 1 Of The Bulls/Hawks Series

The Bulls versus the Hawks was a series that most hadn’t given a second thought. Most predicted the Bulls would come out and have their way with the Hawks. Well, someone forgot to tell the Hawks that this year. The Hawks took their “Redemption Tour” to Chicago and handled their business in a 103-95 win against the Bulls.

The Bulls looked lethargic all game as they struggled to get into any kind of decent rhythm offensively. In fact, the Bulls started off the game shooting 29 percent and it just seemed like the Bulls could never find some consistency and that includes the MVP, Derrick Rose. The Hawks came out and played very well defensively and forced a lot of Chicago jump shots. Now those who watch the Bulls play know that their game is more of a mixture of slashing and three-point shooting. Well, it seemed like for most of the game, the Bulls weren’t even attacking the rim and they were just putting all their hopes into shooting the jump shot. For the Bulls to win this series, they must attack the paint first and them work their way outside.

But besides the good defense, the Hawks were led by their best players, SF Joe Johnson and SG Jamal Crawford. These two guys were unguardable in Game 1. It seemed that any time the Bulls made a charge, Crawford or Johnson would come down and drill a big shot. I was especially impressed by Johnson. I was on his case some this year. I thought he could not be the clutch player in the big-time. Well, he certainly proved me wrong as he made play after play to destroy any momentum the Bulls had. He played like a superstar.

For the Bulls, its now time to regroup. Even though they lost this game, there are some positives that came out of this game. Luol Deng asserted himself. He had 17 points in the first half and seemed to have the touch. The only negative on Deng’s night is that he just didn’t have the effect he usually has on the defensive end. But you can’t really fault him as much because Crawford and Johnson were in the zone.

Another positive is that PF Carlos Boozer started to show signs of life in the second half of the game. For Bulls fans, this is a great thing because if the Bulls are to make it to the next round, they must be able to get some low-post production from Boozer. He used his strength to dunk right over the top of PF Josh Smith and his feathery touch to hit a couple mid-range jumpers.

But just like I’ve been saying all post-season long, the lethargic play has been killing the Bulls. It seems like they come out too relaxed or not energetic at all. And when they do that, they seem to not attack the rim like they usually would do. For the Bulls, they need Derrick Rose, if healthy, to attack the rim with reckless abandon. He sets the pace and is the heartbeat of this team, so he must be more aggressive from the start of the game.

Game 2 is Wednesday in Chicago. The tone has been set by the Hawks that they are gonna come at the Bulls and give them all they want. Are the Bulls going to respond? Are they going to snap out of their doldrums or are they going to let the Hawks take what they feel they’ve earned from them? We shall see!