What is up with these Cavs? I thought the beatdown they issued in Game 3 was going to restore the universe to its natural balance. With King James proving to be mere mortal -- at least when his hand is forced -- they look lost. They have nobody willing or able to step up if Lebron has an off game. His woeful display in Game 5 proves the greatness of MJ. Can we stop the comparisons, please?
If Ray Allen continues to feast on this slow, er..um..I mean, vaunted defense, look for LBJ to be speaking as to why he is unhappy with his Knicks' play when the Celts or Magic bounce them out in the first round next year.
I'm not counting the Cavs out. They showed in Game 3 that when they bring their "A" game, they can be formidable. They have plenty of playoff experience. But James will need to have two superb games. He will have to live up to the "next MJ" hype. He will need to will his team to wins. Can Jamison toss in a point or two?
Boston forced its will on the Cavs in game 5. This game was over when Bron-Bron started looking up at the score board in the middle of the third quarter. No, LBJ, the "great scoreboard in the sky" is not gonna put the ball in the hoop. Or prevent Pierce from getting all up in your jersey. Or stop the double teams. Or give you consistent, legitimate three point threats to space the floor. It's up to you.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Machida - Rua
Rua can now legally lay claim to what was rightfully his 6 months ago. I suspect if these two fought 10 times, Rua wins 6. Machida wins 4. They're closely matched, but Rua appears to be just a tad stronger.
Koschek is a tough fighter to figure. At times he looks like a fighter destined for greatness, while at others he looks like a good fighter who'll not achieve that greatness -- or, at most -- not stay on top for long. When he brings it, he can be as formidable as anyone. That said, calling out Silva (presumably) hasn't boded well for an awful lot of MMA fighters over the last several years.
Kimbo Slice obviously never had a street fight last longer than 5 minutes. Most last less than 2. But he has now been fighting MMA long enough to understand the importance of superior conditioning. I was never a fan, but have been impressed with his humility and willingness to learn since joining TUF. I've heard -- and believe -- he works very hard. But he's 36, and whatever he's doing still hasn't provided him the conditioning he needs. I thought he had turned a corner against Alexander. But if he doesn't succeed in his next fight or two, he may well be out of fighting altogether, other than issuing regular backyard beatdowns.
Koschek is a tough fighter to figure. At times he looks like a fighter destined for greatness, while at others he looks like a good fighter who'll not achieve that greatness -- or, at most -- not stay on top for long. When he brings it, he can be as formidable as anyone. That said, calling out Silva (presumably) hasn't boded well for an awful lot of MMA fighters over the last several years.
Kimbo Slice obviously never had a street fight last longer than 5 minutes. Most last less than 2. But he has now been fighting MMA long enough to understand the importance of superior conditioning. I was never a fan, but have been impressed with his humility and willingness to learn since joining TUF. I've heard -- and believe -- he works very hard. But he's 36, and whatever he's doing still hasn't provided him the conditioning he needs. I thought he had turned a corner against Alexander. But if he doesn't succeed in his next fight or two, he may well be out of fighting altogether, other than issuing regular backyard beatdowns.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Suns - Spurs
The window has closed for the San Antonio Spurs. The Suns have beat them 3 different ways in 3 different games. Tonight they were exposed. This team used to defend the basket. Even when perimeter players from opposing teams penetrated deep in the paint, "Timmy" or "The Admiral" would make them take very difficult shots. The fact is unless they get another long shotblocker, they cannot be the defensive team they used to be.
The pick-and-roll is destroying them. The Suns can simply space the floor. When the Spurs close out on them, they simply drive fearlessly to the basket. Sure, "Timmy" might get 1 or 2 per game, but the Suns will take 20 successful drives per 1 block anytime.
This team is playing well. However, I fear they will run into a buzzsaw with the length of the Lakers. The Lakers can stay at home on their 3-point shooters. Nash can get by Fisher, but will have to finish over Gasol, Odom, or Bynam, who are more athletic at this stage than Duncan and McDyess. Plus, as we have seen lately, size matters.
I fear the Lakers length, along with the NBA's unwritten mandate of "Kobe-Lebron Finals at any cost," will see the Suns' sparkling run come to an end. Unless, much like Orlando did last year with Cleveland, they so outplay the Lakers they offset the NBA's allegedly sanctioned biased officiating. That will be a tall order. Just ask the 2002 Kings.
The pick-and-roll is destroying them. The Suns can simply space the floor. When the Spurs close out on them, they simply drive fearlessly to the basket. Sure, "Timmy" might get 1 or 2 per game, but the Suns will take 20 successful drives per 1 block anytime.
This team is playing well. However, I fear they will run into a buzzsaw with the length of the Lakers. The Lakers can stay at home on their 3-point shooters. Nash can get by Fisher, but will have to finish over Gasol, Odom, or Bynam, who are more athletic at this stage than Duncan and McDyess. Plus, as we have seen lately, size matters.
I fear the Lakers length, along with the NBA's unwritten mandate of "Kobe-Lebron Finals at any cost," will see the Suns' sparkling run come to an end. Unless, much like Orlando did last year with Cleveland, they so outplay the Lakers they offset the NBA's allegedly sanctioned biased officiating. That will be a tall order. Just ask the 2002 Kings.
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