San Antonio has never repeated as NBA champ. In order to do so, they must do something else they have never done in franchise history -- come back from a 3-1 deficit.
I just read an article written by Gregg Doyel (CBSSports.com National Columnist) about how the Western Conference finals are over. I disagree. Doyel says "...after the Lakers' 93-91 victory on Tuesday night for a 3-1 series lead, you know darn well this thing is over. Even you Spurs fans. You know it, and you know you know it".
Not so fast.
As great as the Lakers have looked and how much they have dominated in wins over the Spurs. I have to wonder how someone can so confidently say the Spurs have no chance at winning three straight.
Yea, it's not going to be easy to win at Staples Center twice in three games. Yea, you might be able to contain Kobe for one or two games, but not likely three. Yea, statistics, percentages and history all say that San Antonio shouldn't waste our time and should just give up.
But this isn't your make-shift NBA franchise that made a trade within the last nine months to get to this point. We are talking about Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs. Although age is setting in, experienced has been gained throughout the years and now more than ever it will be put to the test. If the Spurs want to go down as one of the best franchises in NBA history -- a 3-1 WCF comeback would certainly help do that.
Although the media (ABC/ESPN/TNT) wants to see LA vs BOS and every NBA ref (Joey Crawford) is ready to be done with the Spurs -- it's not over yet.
A correct call at the end of game four could have turned a 3-1 series into 2-2 -- and we'd all have a different opinion. There is no question that had the Spurs won game four, they'd be in the driver's seat. San Antonio has captured 10 of its last 11 Game 5s in the playoffs.
So, how can San Antonio win three straight?
Tim Duncan needs to play like the best player in the NBA. Playing exceptional on the defensive side of the ball is key. Duncan must not get into foul trouble in order to be effective and aggressive whenever he is on the court (they might need all 48 minutes from him).
Tony Parker needs to get into the lane and create. The Spurs will not win game five let alone the series if Parker doesn't get his points. The biggest weakness that the Lakers is defending guard penetration -- Parker must exploit this.
Manu Ginobili must repeat his game three performance in games five, six and seven. The Spurs were able to roll to an easy victory on the shoulders of Ginobili during his 30 point outburst. Ginobili's scoring average in the Spurs three losses in this series: 8 points. He must have a strong offensive showing.
Robert Horry has yet to score in this series. If the Spurs hope to return to the NBA finals, they need to get some magic going from big shot Bob.
Bruce Bowen is known for his lock-down defensive game, but has been playing great on offense this series. Bowen needs to let other guys play O and focus on containing Kobe.
In all seriousness, San Antonio will need to get help from everybody to have a chance, not just the main guys (Kurt Thomas, Michael Finley, Brent Barry, Ime Udoka, Fabricio Oberto). The one thing that the Spurs do have is experience, world championship experience. And now after the blown call in game four, they have motivation.
Mark my words: The Spurs aren't done.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
NBA Draft Lottery: What Should Happen... (5/20/08)
Going from worst to first is never easy. But the road can be made much easier by landing a stud All-Star in the NBA Draft.
Odds are that Miami will land the top pick and take Michael Beasley to team up with Shawn Marion and Dwyane Wade. Seattle finds itself in another lottery, with a chance of landing the next Kevin Durant. Minnesota and Memphis have the next best chance of scoring the top pick.
The odds didn't mean anything last year when the teams with the three worst records (Memphis, Boston and Milwaukee), all fell out of the top three spots, the first time ever under the current format.
Going into tonight's "lottery" NBA general managers are hoping for the number one pick, obviously, but anything outside of No. 1 or No. 2 will be a big bummer. As a Wolves fan, if we don't get number one or two -- I want us to trade the pick.
After Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose, there is a big drop-off in talent. In order to help you get an idea of what to expect tonight at 8 ET on ESPN -- here is a rundown of "what should happen" in the 2008 NBA draft lottery...
1. Miami Heat -- Michael Beasley
-- Beasley would put Miami back into the contender category. With Marion, Wade and Beasley, the Heat would be in good hands.
Odds of winning the lottery: 25 percent
2. Seattle SuperSonics -- Derrick Rose
-- Seattle would benefit greatly from having a duo of the past two NCAA Player's of the year, but would probably prefer the No. 2 overall pick. Not having to decide the fate of the future, landing Rose would anchor the Sonics for years to come.
Odds of winning the lottery: 19.9 percent
3. Minnesota Timberwolves -- O.J. Mayo
-- Well, I'll tell you one thing: As a wolves fan and Minnesota native -- I'd hate to see Brook Lopez drafted here. If the Wolves don't get No. 1 or No. 2, McHale will screw it up somehow.
Odds of winning the lottery: 13.8 percent
4. Memphis Grizzlies -- Brook Lopez
-- Memphis will probably get the "lottery love" this year (meaning some David Stern help) after having to give the Lakers Pau Gasol for all but nothing. And if Memphis has the first pick, I wouldn't be surprised if they took Rose.
Odds of winning the lottery: 13.7 percent
5. New York Knicks -- Eric Gordon
-- New York needs luck tonight in order to land a possible Marbury or Zach Randolph replacement. I like Gordon, but he plays too much like Jamal Crawford, so NY might want to fall to eighth in order to get an excuse to draft a big man such as Kevin Love or DeAndre Jordan.
Odds of winning the lottery: 7.6 percent
6. Los Angeles Clippers -- Jarryd Bayless
-- Shaun Livingston and Elton Brand will automatically help make the Clippers better next season, but adding a high pick could vault them back into the playoff picture.
Odds of winning the lottery: 7.5 percent
7. Milwaukee Bucks -- Danilo Gallinari
-- Gallinari (born on 8.8.88, destined for greatness) could fit nicely with the Bucks. I like the potential of having Yi and Dani playing alongside Redd and Williams.
Odds of winning the lottery: 4.3 percent
8. Charlotte Bobcats -- Kevin Love
-- The Bobcats are so close to becoming a legit playoff contender in the East. They need a solid big man who isn't injury prone, Kevin Love fits the bill.
Odds of winning the lottery: 2.8 percent
9. Chicago Bulls -- DeAndre Jordan
-- Chicago doesn't need anything, so whatever they get will be a plus.
Odds of winning the lottery: 1.7 percent
10. New Jersey Nets -- D.J. Augustin
-- Adding D.J. Augustin with the 10th pick would be a blessing for the Kidd-less Nets. I'd be surprised if Augustin gets passed at this pick.
Odds of winning the lottery: 1.1 percent
11. Indiana Pacers -- Russell Westbrook
-- The Pacers need a lot of help. Adding Westbrook would give them depth and talent at the guard position, but can Westbrook really control an offense? I'm skeptical.
Odds of winning the lottery: 0.8 percent
12. Sacramento Kings -- Anthony Randolph
-- Anthony Randolph, who plays solid defense and has a rising offensive game, would make a solid replacement for Ron Artest if they lose him to free agency.
Odds of winning the lottery: 0.7 percent
13. Portland TrailBlazers -- Kosta Koufos
-- Koufos might be drafted in the top 10 because of his size and potential. I am sure that Koufos would love re-unite with ex-Buckeye teammate Greg Oden.
Odds of winning the lottery: 0.6 percent
14. Golden State Warriors -- Donte Greene
-- Golden State must be the best lottery team in history. Whatever they add on draft night will be a nice little bonus to what is already a playoff team.
Odds of winning the lottery: 0.5 percent
http://www.draftexpress.com/
http://nbadraft.net/
Odds are that Miami will land the top pick and take Michael Beasley to team up with Shawn Marion and Dwyane Wade. Seattle finds itself in another lottery, with a chance of landing the next Kevin Durant. Minnesota and Memphis have the next best chance of scoring the top pick.
The odds didn't mean anything last year when the teams with the three worst records (Memphis, Boston and Milwaukee), all fell out of the top three spots, the first time ever under the current format.
Going into tonight's "lottery" NBA general managers are hoping for the number one pick, obviously, but anything outside of No. 1 or No. 2 will be a big bummer. As a Wolves fan, if we don't get number one or two -- I want us to trade the pick.
After Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose, there is a big drop-off in talent. In order to help you get an idea of what to expect tonight at 8 ET on ESPN -- here is a rundown of "what should happen" in the 2008 NBA draft lottery...
1. Miami Heat -- Michael Beasley
-- Beasley would put Miami back into the contender category. With Marion, Wade and Beasley, the Heat would be in good hands.
Odds of winning the lottery: 25 percent
2. Seattle SuperSonics -- Derrick Rose
-- Seattle would benefit greatly from having a duo of the past two NCAA Player's of the year, but would probably prefer the No. 2 overall pick. Not having to decide the fate of the future, landing Rose would anchor the Sonics for years to come.
Odds of winning the lottery: 19.9 percent
3. Minnesota Timberwolves -- O.J. Mayo
-- Well, I'll tell you one thing: As a wolves fan and Minnesota native -- I'd hate to see Brook Lopez drafted here. If the Wolves don't get No. 1 or No. 2, McHale will screw it up somehow.
Odds of winning the lottery: 13.8 percent
4. Memphis Grizzlies -- Brook Lopez
-- Memphis will probably get the "lottery love" this year (meaning some David Stern help) after having to give the Lakers Pau Gasol for all but nothing. And if Memphis has the first pick, I wouldn't be surprised if they took Rose.
Odds of winning the lottery: 13.7 percent
5. New York Knicks -- Eric Gordon
-- New York needs luck tonight in order to land a possible Marbury or Zach Randolph replacement. I like Gordon, but he plays too much like Jamal Crawford, so NY might want to fall to eighth in order to get an excuse to draft a big man such as Kevin Love or DeAndre Jordan.
Odds of winning the lottery: 7.6 percent
6. Los Angeles Clippers -- Jarryd Bayless
-- Shaun Livingston and Elton Brand will automatically help make the Clippers better next season, but adding a high pick could vault them back into the playoff picture.
Odds of winning the lottery: 7.5 percent
7. Milwaukee Bucks -- Danilo Gallinari
-- Gallinari (born on 8.8.88, destined for greatness) could fit nicely with the Bucks. I like the potential of having Yi and Dani playing alongside Redd and Williams.
Odds of winning the lottery: 4.3 percent
8. Charlotte Bobcats -- Kevin Love
-- The Bobcats are so close to becoming a legit playoff contender in the East. They need a solid big man who isn't injury prone, Kevin Love fits the bill.
Odds of winning the lottery: 2.8 percent
9. Chicago Bulls -- DeAndre Jordan
-- Chicago doesn't need anything, so whatever they get will be a plus.
Odds of winning the lottery: 1.7 percent
10. New Jersey Nets -- D.J. Augustin
-- Adding D.J. Augustin with the 10th pick would be a blessing for the Kidd-less Nets. I'd be surprised if Augustin gets passed at this pick.
Odds of winning the lottery: 1.1 percent
11. Indiana Pacers -- Russell Westbrook
-- The Pacers need a lot of help. Adding Westbrook would give them depth and talent at the guard position, but can Westbrook really control an offense? I'm skeptical.
Odds of winning the lottery: 0.8 percent
12. Sacramento Kings -- Anthony Randolph
-- Anthony Randolph, who plays solid defense and has a rising offensive game, would make a solid replacement for Ron Artest if they lose him to free agency.
Odds of winning the lottery: 0.7 percent
13. Portland TrailBlazers -- Kosta Koufos
-- Koufos might be drafted in the top 10 because of his size and potential. I am sure that Koufos would love re-unite with ex-Buckeye teammate Greg Oden.
Odds of winning the lottery: 0.6 percent
14. Golden State Warriors -- Donte Greene
-- Golden State must be the best lottery team in history. Whatever they add on draft night will be a nice little bonus to what is already a playoff team.
Odds of winning the lottery: 0.5 percent
http://www.draftexpress.com/
http://nbadraft.net/
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
PGA Preview: TPC at Sawgrass (5/7/08)
Phil Mickelson won't have to worry about Tiger Woods when he attempts to defend his title at THE PLAYERS Championship this weekend, but he will have his hands full. Almost every top golfer will be in the field this week for an event that Mickelson is comparing to a major. Mickelson was quoted in this week's PGATour.com's TOUR Insider as saying, "It will be the same as I treat other majors."
Regardless of whether golfers prepare for the TPC like a major, it sure pays like a major. THE PLAYERS, as it is referred, offers the game's richest purse of $9 million and 27,500 FedExCup points (equal to the four major championships). What also makes this event similar to a major is its outright fan appeal. The Stadium Course's par-3 17th, known as the "Island Green", consists only of a tee box and a 78-foot-long green with one measly little bunker -- the rest is water.
The 17th hole is so popular that ESPN devotes live streaming coverage of the hole on ESPN.com. And last year NBC had 11 cameras focused on the hole, including one camera that was under the lip of a bunker and another 120 feet in the air on a crane for the "blimp" shot.
Pick the right club because there really isn't much room for error on this hole. In last year's opening round a record number of balls, 50, found water. Predicting the winner is almost as tough, but here is a list of five golfers I'm considering and five that I'll avoid.
Players to Consider:
1. Phil Mickelson -- Mickelson claims that he has grown slightly in recent years thanks to a new stretching regimen, which has resulted in him changing from a 33.5 inch to a 35-inch putter. Mickelson might have opened up a new can of worms (or taken on a new excuse), but the truth is when Tiger Woods isn't around, Phil is the best player in the world. After becoming the first lefty to win THE PLAYERS last year, Mickelson will try to become the tournaments first repeat winner this year.
2. Jim Furyk -- Jimbo has finished in the top 10 in two consecutive tournaments and should be headed to his third straight. Furyk apparently will have the luxury of "home course advantage" because he lives nearby in Ponte Vedra Beach. Furyk couldn't capitalize on a second round 67 last weekend posting 71-72 on the weekend (finishing seventh). If Furyk can control his putter, he could get his first win of the season.
3. Adam Scott -- Last weekend Scott finished T8, but nearly missed the cut. Walking up to the 18th hole of his Friday round, Scott needed a par. He drove the ball into the rough, took two more shots to reach the green, but then luckily sunk a 14-footer to sneak under the cut line. Taking advantage of his opportunity, Scott posted a Saturday round of 66 and shot his way into the top 10 with a 71 on Sunday -- his sixth top 25 finish (out of seven events) on the season. Winner of 2004's TCP at Sawgrass, Scott is on my list of players to consider.
4. Ian Poulter -- Put Poulter's off the course comments aside and look at his play and you will see that he's someone to consider. A couple of top 25's in his last three tournaments has me watching what Ian can do this weekend.
5. Robert Allenby -- I've been following Allenby closely recently and I like what I've seen. After a strong showing last weekend, I think it's time for Allenby to flirt with victory. Nine of the last 24 winners at THE PLAYERS have ranked in the top 10 in GIR for the week. With Woods not playing (he's No. 1), the next best this week is Allenby.
Players to Avoid:
1. Ernie Els -- Swing changes from Butch Harmon can be a good thing, but it hasn't shown in Ernie's play just yet. I'll avoid Big Ern for the time being since his last two times out he's missed the cut. His victory at the Honda Classic in early March seems like last season with the struggles Els has faced since (82nd, 75th, T46th, 108th).
2. Justin Rose -- WD and MC have been the results of Rose's last two events. There was a string of three events through March where Rose had three top 20's in a row, so it shouldn't be long before he gets going again.
3. Mike Weir -- Weir participated for the first time since The Masters at the Wachovia last weekend, but missed the cut. Weir hasn't been consistent at all this year, placing well one weekend and then missing the cut the next. If you want to play high risk high reward, go for it. But I'm avoiding Weir-d.
4. Angel Cabrera -- Cabrera has managed to make the cut in his last two outings (The Masters, Wachovia), but he still isn't someone I'm about to consider. If Angel holds the lead for a couple rounds of a tournament, I might start looking at this guy for a possible bench spot on B-List in the Yahoo game. For right now, it's wiser to avoid him altogether, even if he does manage a run up the leaderboard.
5. Vaughn Taylor -- If you want to throw away your fantasy start, or waste some transactions in a challenge, choose Taylor this weekend. This guy is a mess and hasn't been right since he somehow finished in the top 10 at the Bob Hope back in January.
Regardless of whether golfers prepare for the TPC like a major, it sure pays like a major. THE PLAYERS, as it is referred, offers the game's richest purse of $9 million and 27,500 FedExCup points (equal to the four major championships). What also makes this event similar to a major is its outright fan appeal. The Stadium Course's par-3 17th, known as the "Island Green", consists only of a tee box and a 78-foot-long green with one measly little bunker -- the rest is water.
The 17th hole is so popular that ESPN devotes live streaming coverage of the hole on ESPN.com. And last year NBC had 11 cameras focused on the hole, including one camera that was under the lip of a bunker and another 120 feet in the air on a crane for the "blimp" shot.
Pick the right club because there really isn't much room for error on this hole. In last year's opening round a record number of balls, 50, found water. Predicting the winner is almost as tough, but here is a list of five golfers I'm considering and five that I'll avoid.
Players to Consider:
1. Phil Mickelson -- Mickelson claims that he has grown slightly in recent years thanks to a new stretching regimen, which has resulted in him changing from a 33.5 inch to a 35-inch putter. Mickelson might have opened up a new can of worms (or taken on a new excuse), but the truth is when Tiger Woods isn't around, Phil is the best player in the world. After becoming the first lefty to win THE PLAYERS last year, Mickelson will try to become the tournaments first repeat winner this year.
2. Jim Furyk -- Jimbo has finished in the top 10 in two consecutive tournaments and should be headed to his third straight. Furyk apparently will have the luxury of "home course advantage" because he lives nearby in Ponte Vedra Beach. Furyk couldn't capitalize on a second round 67 last weekend posting 71-72 on the weekend (finishing seventh). If Furyk can control his putter, he could get his first win of the season.
3. Adam Scott -- Last weekend Scott finished T8, but nearly missed the cut. Walking up to the 18th hole of his Friday round, Scott needed a par. He drove the ball into the rough, took two more shots to reach the green, but then luckily sunk a 14-footer to sneak under the cut line. Taking advantage of his opportunity, Scott posted a Saturday round of 66 and shot his way into the top 10 with a 71 on Sunday -- his sixth top 25 finish (out of seven events) on the season. Winner of 2004's TCP at Sawgrass, Scott is on my list of players to consider.
4. Ian Poulter -- Put Poulter's off the course comments aside and look at his play and you will see that he's someone to consider. A couple of top 25's in his last three tournaments has me watching what Ian can do this weekend.
5. Robert Allenby -- I've been following Allenby closely recently and I like what I've seen. After a strong showing last weekend, I think it's time for Allenby to flirt with victory. Nine of the last 24 winners at THE PLAYERS have ranked in the top 10 in GIR for the week. With Woods not playing (he's No. 1), the next best this week is Allenby.
Players to Avoid:
1. Ernie Els -- Swing changes from Butch Harmon can be a good thing, but it hasn't shown in Ernie's play just yet. I'll avoid Big Ern for the time being since his last two times out he's missed the cut. His victory at the Honda Classic in early March seems like last season with the struggles Els has faced since (82nd, 75th, T46th, 108th).
2. Justin Rose -- WD and MC have been the results of Rose's last two events. There was a string of three events through March where Rose had three top 20's in a row, so it shouldn't be long before he gets going again.
3. Mike Weir -- Weir participated for the first time since The Masters at the Wachovia last weekend, but missed the cut. Weir hasn't been consistent at all this year, placing well one weekend and then missing the cut the next. If you want to play high risk high reward, go for it. But I'm avoiding Weir-d.
4. Angel Cabrera -- Cabrera has managed to make the cut in his last two outings (The Masters, Wachovia), but he still isn't someone I'm about to consider. If Angel holds the lead for a couple rounds of a tournament, I might start looking at this guy for a possible bench spot on B-List in the Yahoo game. For right now, it's wiser to avoid him altogether, even if he does manage a run up the leaderboard.
5. Vaughn Taylor -- If you want to throw away your fantasy start, or waste some transactions in a challenge, choose Taylor this weekend. This guy is a mess and hasn't been right since he somehow finished in the top 10 at the Bob Hope back in January.
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