Otto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesThis Saturday the No.18 ranked USC Trojans will look to remain unbeaten as they host the Washington Huskies. USC improved to 4-0 on the season with an easy 50-16 win over Washington State last week, while the Huskies fell to 1-2 on the year with a lopsided 56-21 loss at home to Nebraska. If you are thinking about betting on the game this weekend, the current college football odds have the Trojans favored by 10-points over the Huskies at home.Washington (1-2, 0-0 Pac-10): It has not been the Oakland Raiders jersey
start the Huskies had imagined when the season got underway. Heisman hopeful Jake Locker really took a hit to his chances of winning with his performance against Nebraska, as Locker completed just 4 of 20 passes for 71 yards with just one touchdown to two interceptions. It was the third worst completion percentage by a FBS quarterback with at least 20 attempts since 2004. While I am certain Locker will bounce back the rest of the season, the rest of this team has a lot of improving to do before they even think about finishing the year with a winning record. The defense has been awful all season, allowing 33 points a game, and no matter how well Locker plays they are going to struggle to win when the defense allows the other team to score at will.The Huskies have had a nice running game so far this season, as they average nearly 160 yards a game on the ground. Chris Polk leads the way with 264 yards and two touchdowns, while Jesse Callier has added 143 yards on just 20 attempts, but has yet to find the endzone. The Trojans have struggled to put teams away this season, but I think it will be crucial for the Huskies to get off to a good start this Saturday, as I think it could get real ugly if they fall behind big early on.USC (4-0, 1-0 Pac-10): The Trojans wasted no Philadelphia Eagles jersey
time jumping out to an early lead against the Cougars, as they held a 28-13 lead at half. USC didnlet of the trigger in the second half, coming out and scoring 15 third quarter points to put the game out of reach for good. Quarterback Matt Barkley threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns on 16 of 25 passing, but did throw two more interceptions, giving him four in his last two games.Fullback Stanley Havili had himself quite a game against Washington State, as he ran the ball four times for 80 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown run, and had five catches for 107 yards and another touchdown. After this performance, donbe surprised if the Trojans donfind a way to get this kid the ball more often. Allen Bradford led the Trojans with 84 yards on seven carries, but there were four different backs that carried the ball at least seven times. Look for the Trojans to come out firing as they have plenty of want back after the Huskies beat them 16-13 last year when USC was ranked No.3 in the country.Looking at the Odds: Based on the fact that USC was able to only beat Hawaii by 13, Virginia by 3, and Minnesota by 11, I think the right bet in this game is to take the 10 points and bet on the Huskies to cover the spread. Locker will have a much better day throwing the football Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
without the Nebraska defense on the field, as they were constantly in his face the entire game. The Trojans are allowing just over 282 yards a game through the air this season, and I think that Locker will really make them pay in this one. My final score prediction is USC 34, Washington 27.Interested in making some money this college football season? Check out what our expert college football handicappers have to offer in their weekly college football picks.
2011年1月24日星期一
24 Jan 11 Washington-USC: Huskies Getting Double Digits Against The Trojans
Otto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesThis Saturday the No.18 ranked USC Trojans will look to remain unbeaten as they host the Washington Huskies. USC improved to 4-0 on the season with an easy 50-16 win over Washington State last week, while the Huskies fell to 1-2 on the year with a lopsided 56-21 loss at home to Nebraska. If you are thinking about betting on the game this weekend, the current college football odds have the Trojans favored by 10-points over the Huskies at home.Washington (1-2, 0-0 Pac-10): It has not been the Oakland Raiders jersey
start the Huskies had imagined when the season got underway. Heisman hopeful Jake Locker really took a hit to his chances of winning with his performance against Nebraska, as Locker completed just 4 of 20 passes for 71 yards with just one touchdown to two interceptions. It was the third worst completion percentage by a FBS quarterback with at least 20 attempts since 2004. While I am certain Locker will bounce back the rest of the season, the rest of this team has a lot of improving to do before they even think about finishing the year with a winning record. The defense has been awful all season, allowing 33 points a game, and no matter how well Locker plays they are going to struggle to win when the defense allows the other team to score at will.The Huskies have had a nice running game so far this season, as they average nearly 160 yards a game on the ground. Chris Polk leads the way with 264 yards and two touchdowns, while Jesse Callier has added 143 yards on just 20 attempts, but has yet to find the endzone. The Trojans have struggled to put teams away this season, but I think it will be crucial for the Huskies to get off to a good start this Saturday, as I think it could get real ugly if they fall behind big early on.USC (4-0, 1-0 Pac-10): The Trojans wasted no Philadelphia Eagles jersey
time jumping out to an early lead against the Cougars, as they held a 28-13 lead at half. USC didnlet of the trigger in the second half, coming out and scoring 15 third quarter points to put the game out of reach for good. Quarterback Matt Barkley threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns on 16 of 25 passing, but did throw two more interceptions, giving him four in his last two games.Fullback Stanley Havili had himself quite a game against Washington State, as he ran the ball four times for 80 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown run, and had five catches for 107 yards and another touchdown. After this performance, donbe surprised if the Trojans donfind a way to get this kid the ball more often. Allen Bradford led the Trojans with 84 yards on seven carries, but there were four different backs that carried the ball at least seven times. Look for the Trojans to come out firing as they have plenty of want back after the Huskies beat them 16-13 last year when USC was ranked No.3 in the country.Looking at the Odds: Based on the fact that USC was able to only beat Hawaii by 13, Virginia by 3, and Minnesota by 11, I think the right bet in this game is to take the 10 points and bet on the Huskies to cover the spread. Locker will have a much better day throwing the football Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
without the Nebraska defense on the field, as they were constantly in his face the entire game. The Trojans are allowing just over 282 yards a game through the air this season, and I think that Locker will really make them pay in this one. My final score prediction is USC 34, Washington 27.Interested in making some money this college football season? Check out what our expert college football handicappers have to offer in their weekly college football picks.
start the Huskies had imagined when the season got underway. Heisman hopeful Jake Locker really took a hit to his chances of winning with his performance against Nebraska, as Locker completed just 4 of 20 passes for 71 yards with just one touchdown to two interceptions. It was the third worst completion percentage by a FBS quarterback with at least 20 attempts since 2004. While I am certain Locker will bounce back the rest of the season, the rest of this team has a lot of improving to do before they even think about finishing the year with a winning record. The defense has been awful all season, allowing 33 points a game, and no matter how well Locker plays they are going to struggle to win when the defense allows the other team to score at will.The Huskies have had a nice running game so far this season, as they average nearly 160 yards a game on the ground. Chris Polk leads the way with 264 yards and two touchdowns, while Jesse Callier has added 143 yards on just 20 attempts, but has yet to find the endzone. The Trojans have struggled to put teams away this season, but I think it will be crucial for the Huskies to get off to a good start this Saturday, as I think it could get real ugly if they fall behind big early on.USC (4-0, 1-0 Pac-10): The Trojans wasted no Philadelphia Eagles jersey
time jumping out to an early lead against the Cougars, as they held a 28-13 lead at half. USC didnlet of the trigger in the second half, coming out and scoring 15 third quarter points to put the game out of reach for good. Quarterback Matt Barkley threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns on 16 of 25 passing, but did throw two more interceptions, giving him four in his last two games.Fullback Stanley Havili had himself quite a game against Washington State, as he ran the ball four times for 80 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown run, and had five catches for 107 yards and another touchdown. After this performance, donbe surprised if the Trojans donfind a way to get this kid the ball more often. Allen Bradford led the Trojans with 84 yards on seven carries, but there were four different backs that carried the ball at least seven times. Look for the Trojans to come out firing as they have plenty of want back after the Huskies beat them 16-13 last year when USC was ranked No.3 in the country.Looking at the Odds: Based on the fact that USC was able to only beat Hawaii by 13, Virginia by 3, and Minnesota by 11, I think the right bet in this game is to take the 10 points and bet on the Huskies to cover the spread. Locker will have a much better day throwing the football Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
without the Nebraska defense on the field, as they were constantly in his face the entire game. The Trojans are allowing just over 282 yards a game through the air this season, and I think that Locker will really make them pay in this one. My final score prediction is USC 34, Washington 27.Interested in making some money this college football season? Check out what our expert college football handicappers have to offer in their weekly college football picks.
2011年1月22日星期六
22 Jan 11 West Virginia Football: Bill Stewart Starts 3-0 For The First Time
In its heyday, the West Virginia University and Maryland rivalry signaled a turning point in the season for both schools. Whichever team won this game ultimately had a very successful season. After a two-year hiatus, one wonders if the old adage holds true. As a die-hard Mountaineer fan, I certainly hope so. Maryland, and Ralph Friedgen, had no answers to the Mountaineer attack on Saturday. Moreover, Maryland had no retort to the Mountaineer defense either. For one of the few times in the Bill Stewart era, WVU fans everywhere had reasons to rejoice over theBaltimore Ravens jersey
offensive play. Jeff Mullen dialed it up, and the lads brought it home. Friedgen took responsibility for the loss."They played a lot better than us in the first half and that's my fault," Friedgen said. "Crowd noise was a factor, but once we adapted to that, we came back and fought hard in the second half." Courtesy of the Associated Press. Much has been made of Jeff Mullen and his ability, or lack thereof, to coordinate the WVU attack. After three games, the Mountaineers are still undefeated, a solid sign that Mullen is very capable. Suddenly, Geno Smith, Noel Devine, and Tavon Austin are the new triplets. One can only wonder how the original triplets, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin feel about that development. Add insult to injury to the originals, being supplanted by players from West Virginia no less. In their day the triplets were the toast of football, that day has come and gone. While not the toast of football, yet, the new triplets are something to behold. Smith posted the following numbers Saturday, 19 completions from 29 attempts for 268 yards and four touchdowns. At one point Smith was 10-for-10 with 173 yards, and three touchdowns. That was before the second quarter was three minutes old. Smith finished the game with a 65 percent completion percentage, impressive by most Buffalo Bills jersey
quarterback standards. Smith entered the game with a 72 percent completion percentage; unbelievably Smith may actually be human. Austin showed seven receptions for 107 yards and two touchdown receptions. Suffice to say that the Austin experiment at wide receiver is a success. Austin is projected to break the 1,000-yard barrier as a receiver. Noel Devine posted a yeoman like performance with 27 carries for 131 yards, if those stats can be called yeoman like. The irony is, when speaking of Devine, they actually are. Devine has yet to truly break out in a game this year. Having witnessed Devineability starting as a freshman through his senior year, it is only a matter of time before lightening strikes, and Devine explodes in a game. The Saturday game against Maryland gave WVU fans something else to protest. The Mountaineers did an about face and started strong, something they had not done in their first two games. Only to finish weak, the WVU football team has yet to play a complete four quarters of football. Although, leading 28-0 in the third quarter lends itself to a sense of security. Still, having watched the Mountaineer football team, one gets the sense that the team is looking for a challenge. Arguably, the biggest test of the Mountaineer football team in 2010 waits in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Nevertheless, that is a story for another day. WVU has started 3-0, the first time that has happened in the Bill Stewart era. Impressive by most fan standards, yet, it is not enough for Mountaineer Nation. Mountaineer fans are some of the most loyal in all of college Carolina Panthers jersey
football. Understand that reality seldom is part of the equation when said fans evaluate the latest Mountaineer performance. WVU still represents the team with the most wins in the FBS without a national title. Mountaineer fans await their day to regale themselves in college footballultimate destiny. Fair or not, patience is no longer an accepted response to Mountaineer football. Rest assured Bill Stewart and his lads are aware, and are preparing to rectify the situation. As fans, we need to step back and enjoy the ride; it will all be over soon enough.
offensive play. Jeff Mullen dialed it up, and the lads brought it home. Friedgen took responsibility for the loss."They played a lot better than us in the first half and that's my fault," Friedgen said. "Crowd noise was a factor, but once we adapted to that, we came back and fought hard in the second half." Courtesy of the Associated Press. Much has been made of Jeff Mullen and his ability, or lack thereof, to coordinate the WVU attack. After three games, the Mountaineers are still undefeated, a solid sign that Mullen is very capable. Suddenly, Geno Smith, Noel Devine, and Tavon Austin are the new triplets. One can only wonder how the original triplets, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin feel about that development. Add insult to injury to the originals, being supplanted by players from West Virginia no less. In their day the triplets were the toast of football, that day has come and gone. While not the toast of football, yet, the new triplets are something to behold. Smith posted the following numbers Saturday, 19 completions from 29 attempts for 268 yards and four touchdowns. At one point Smith was 10-for-10 with 173 yards, and three touchdowns. That was before the second quarter was three minutes old. Smith finished the game with a 65 percent completion percentage, impressive by most Buffalo Bills jersey
quarterback standards. Smith entered the game with a 72 percent completion percentage; unbelievably Smith may actually be human. Austin showed seven receptions for 107 yards and two touchdown receptions. Suffice to say that the Austin experiment at wide receiver is a success. Austin is projected to break the 1,000-yard barrier as a receiver. Noel Devine posted a yeoman like performance with 27 carries for 131 yards, if those stats can be called yeoman like. The irony is, when speaking of Devine, they actually are. Devine has yet to truly break out in a game this year. Having witnessed Devineability starting as a freshman through his senior year, it is only a matter of time before lightening strikes, and Devine explodes in a game. The Saturday game against Maryland gave WVU fans something else to protest. The Mountaineers did an about face and started strong, something they had not done in their first two games. Only to finish weak, the WVU football team has yet to play a complete four quarters of football. Although, leading 28-0 in the third quarter lends itself to a sense of security. Still, having watched the Mountaineer football team, one gets the sense that the team is looking for a challenge. Arguably, the biggest test of the Mountaineer football team in 2010 waits in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Nevertheless, that is a story for another day. WVU has started 3-0, the first time that has happened in the Bill Stewart era. Impressive by most fan standards, yet, it is not enough for Mountaineer Nation. Mountaineer fans are some of the most loyal in all of college Carolina Panthers jersey
football. Understand that reality seldom is part of the equation when said fans evaluate the latest Mountaineer performance. WVU still represents the team with the most wins in the FBS without a national title. Mountaineer fans await their day to regale themselves in college footballultimate destiny. Fair or not, patience is no longer an accepted response to Mountaineer football. Rest assured Bill Stewart and his lads are aware, and are preparing to rectify the situation. As fans, we need to step back and enjoy the ride; it will all be over soon enough.
2011年1月18日星期二
18 Jan 11 UNC Tar Heels Football Suspensions Update: What Does It Mean If Heels Don't Win?
Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesThe NCAA disclosed a ruling on two North Carolina football players Wednesday, taking the next step in an investigation that has been ongoing since July. The NCAA ruled that cornerback Kendric Burney and safety Deunta Williams, both seniors, have to miss more games and pay back benefits to charity. The NCAA student-athlete reinstatement staff decided that Burney had received $1,333 in agent benefits stemming from trips to California, Atlanta, and Las Vegas. In order to regain his eligibility, Burney must sit out an additionalWashington Redskins jersey
four gamesmaking it six totaland pay $575.19 to a charity of his choice. Williams will miss two more gamesfour totaland pay $450.67 to a charity of his choice after receiving, according to the NCAA, $1,426 in benefits after making two reported trips to California. For now, thatall we know. UNC athletic director Dick Baddour said the school will appeal the suspensions, but the NCAA has zero reason for overturning its initial ruling. While I respect the NCAA process, I believe the penalties to be unduly harsh given the individual circumstances in these cases, Baddour said. Four to six games isntoo harsh for a player who broke NCAA rules and received free benefits from an agent if thatthe type of message the association wants to send.Shoot, Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green received a four-game ban for selling his own jersey to a man who proclaims he isnan agent. The NCAA claimed otherwise, and forced Green to sit. While any progress is joyfully accepted in Chapel Hill, the decisions on Burney and Williams doneven come close to wrapping up this investigation. Defensive starters Marvin Austin, Robert Quinn, Charles Brown, and DaNorris Searcy all remain sidelined. Wide receiver Greg Little and running back Ryan Houston also remain under investigation and will not play for the time being. The problem is that unless North Carolina turns its season around quicklyand quickly would include winning the must-win game at Rutgers this weekall of this news will be irrelevant. Nobody knows the fate of the remaining players under investigation, Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
but they presumably will not be eligible to play before Williams does in Week 5. And by then, Carolinaseason may be all but over, Butch Davis job all but gone. The 0-2 Tar Heels go to Rutgers this weekend, and they had better come out on Saturday like their season depends on it, because it does. If Carolina falls to 0-3, it returns home to face a dangerous East Carolina team that Butch Davis has beaten only once since coming to Chapel Hill.There are few games on North Carolinaschedule as important to the instate football fans than Carolina-ECU, and the Pirates will come to Chapel Hill ready to roll. You can count on that. The only silver lining is that Carolina will have played only one ACC gamea loss to Georgia Techwhen Williams returns to a defense that is begging for stability. The Tar Heels will still have seven ACC games left to play, plenty to remain competitive in the conference and compete for a conference crown. Carolina would probably have to go 6-1 in ACC games the rest of the waymaking the Heels 6-2 in ACC play for the yearin order to have a shot at playing in the Orange Bowl. For a season that started out with dark-horse national title talk, winning the ACC is the only way Carolina will get to a BCS bowl this season. Getting Williams back will help the defense regain some confidence and leadership, two things it greatly lacked last weekend against the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Techtriple option exposed Carolinainexperience as the Tar Heels repeatedly blew assignments and allowed quarterback Josh Nesbitt to execute his offense at will. The fact that Carolinadefense is its weak link is shocking, but thatexactly what these investigations have done to the program.Quarterback T.J. Yates has done his part in the first two games, showing improvement and a sense of urgency and command that he missed last year. Yates gross numbers will not jump off the page. Were not getting him mixed up with Denard Robinson here, OK. But the reason why Yates has kept Carolina in both of its games is because he has shown the ability to make much better decisions with the football. If the throw he wants isnthere, henot forcing it. Hell check it down and gain three yards, hell tuck it and run, or at worst he will throw it away. But theregoing to come a time, and that time is probably Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
this weekend, when Yates will have to gamble on some throws in an attempt to put this team on his back by putting points on the board. He knows what the defense is right now, and itnot the version he played with last year. But somehow, someway, Carolina will have to win while waiting for the NCAA to wrap up its investigation. If not, the investigation, much like a once-promising season, wonmean a thing. Andfor the seniors that abided by the rulesthat would be a shame.
four gamesmaking it six totaland pay $575.19 to a charity of his choice. Williams will miss two more gamesfour totaland pay $450.67 to a charity of his choice after receiving, according to the NCAA, $1,426 in benefits after making two reported trips to California. For now, thatall we know. UNC athletic director Dick Baddour said the school will appeal the suspensions, but the NCAA has zero reason for overturning its initial ruling. While I respect the NCAA process, I believe the penalties to be unduly harsh given the individual circumstances in these cases, Baddour said. Four to six games isntoo harsh for a player who broke NCAA rules and received free benefits from an agent if thatthe type of message the association wants to send.Shoot, Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green received a four-game ban for selling his own jersey to a man who proclaims he isnan agent. The NCAA claimed otherwise, and forced Green to sit. While any progress is joyfully accepted in Chapel Hill, the decisions on Burney and Williams doneven come close to wrapping up this investigation. Defensive starters Marvin Austin, Robert Quinn, Charles Brown, and DaNorris Searcy all remain sidelined. Wide receiver Greg Little and running back Ryan Houston also remain under investigation and will not play for the time being. The problem is that unless North Carolina turns its season around quicklyand quickly would include winning the must-win game at Rutgers this weekall of this news will be irrelevant. Nobody knows the fate of the remaining players under investigation, Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
but they presumably will not be eligible to play before Williams does in Week 5. And by then, Carolinaseason may be all but over, Butch Davis job all but gone. The 0-2 Tar Heels go to Rutgers this weekend, and they had better come out on Saturday like their season depends on it, because it does. If Carolina falls to 0-3, it returns home to face a dangerous East Carolina team that Butch Davis has beaten only once since coming to Chapel Hill.There are few games on North Carolinaschedule as important to the instate football fans than Carolina-ECU, and the Pirates will come to Chapel Hill ready to roll. You can count on that. The only silver lining is that Carolina will have played only one ACC gamea loss to Georgia Techwhen Williams returns to a defense that is begging for stability. The Tar Heels will still have seven ACC games left to play, plenty to remain competitive in the conference and compete for a conference crown. Carolina would probably have to go 6-1 in ACC games the rest of the waymaking the Heels 6-2 in ACC play for the yearin order to have a shot at playing in the Orange Bowl. For a season that started out with dark-horse national title talk, winning the ACC is the only way Carolina will get to a BCS bowl this season. Getting Williams back will help the defense regain some confidence and leadership, two things it greatly lacked last weekend against the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Techtriple option exposed Carolinainexperience as the Tar Heels repeatedly blew assignments and allowed quarterback Josh Nesbitt to execute his offense at will. The fact that Carolinadefense is its weak link is shocking, but thatexactly what these investigations have done to the program.Quarterback T.J. Yates has done his part in the first two games, showing improvement and a sense of urgency and command that he missed last year. Yates gross numbers will not jump off the page. Were not getting him mixed up with Denard Robinson here, OK. But the reason why Yates has kept Carolina in both of its games is because he has shown the ability to make much better decisions with the football. If the throw he wants isnthere, henot forcing it. Hell check it down and gain three yards, hell tuck it and run, or at worst he will throw it away. But theregoing to come a time, and that time is probably Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
this weekend, when Yates will have to gamble on some throws in an attempt to put this team on his back by putting points on the board. He knows what the defense is right now, and itnot the version he played with last year. But somehow, someway, Carolina will have to win while waiting for the NCAA to wrap up its investigation. If not, the investigation, much like a once-promising season, wonmean a thing. Andfor the seniors that abided by the rulesthat would be a shame.
2011年1月15日星期六
15 Jan 11 "St. Louis Rams" New (Old) Coach, Old (New) Quarterback in Place for Rams
Most Rams fans got what they wanted when coach Scott Linehan was fired after the team;s 31-14 loss to Buffalo last Sunday. They also got what they wanted when former starting quarterback Marc Bulger was reinstated for the rest of the season by interim head coach Jim Haslett.Commentary: Linehan was dismal during his tenure with the Rams, going 3-17 over his final 20 games. Linehan;s firing probably came a season too late, but that;s topic for another debate. The selection of Haslett to replace Linehan likely doesn;t have Rams fans doing cartwheels in St. Louis, but what else was the team going to do? Let;s face it, the only options the Rams had were Haslett and offensive coordinator Al Saunders.At least Haslett, who's familiar with the personnel, is the polar opposite of Linehan. Haslett, the ex-New Orleans head coach, won;t take a lack of effort without issuing some colorful expletives, benching a player and letting him know that things had better change or else. And at least the team has Bulger back behind center, where he belongs. You don;t pay a Indianapolis Colts jersey
guy $65 million to hold a clipboard.Fan Pulse: Most Rams fans seem glad that Linehan is gone, that Bulger is back at QB and that things can return to normal in St. Louis. Fan posts have hinted at the absurdity of benching the franchise quarterback in Bulger and that Haslett is probably the best coaching option at the present time.Fantasy Football Impact: With Bulger back and players like Steven Jackson and Torry Holt hopefully having enough pride to want to earn back some league respect, things should improve for their fantasy football owners. That;s not to say that you should start Bulger this week or even next, but don;t be surprised if he starts to put up numbers that more closely resemble his performance from years past.Injury Watch: Tight end Randy McMichael;s ankle injury is serious and might cost him the rest of the season. Cornerback Tye Hill;s knee injury is severe enough to sideline him for several weeks. (2)
guy $65 million to hold a clipboard.Fan Pulse: Most Rams fans seem glad that Linehan is gone, that Bulger is back at QB and that things can return to normal in St. Louis. Fan posts have hinted at the absurdity of benching the franchise quarterback in Bulger and that Haslett is probably the best coaching option at the present time.Fantasy Football Impact: With Bulger back and players like Steven Jackson and Torry Holt hopefully having enough pride to want to earn back some league respect, things should improve for their fantasy football owners. That;s not to say that you should start Bulger this week or even next, but don;t be surprised if he starts to put up numbers that more closely resemble his performance from years past.Injury Watch: Tight end Randy McMichael;s ankle injury is serious and might cost him the rest of the season. Cornerback Tye Hill;s knee injury is severe enough to sideline him for several weeks. (2)
2011年1月13日星期四
14 Jan 11 The Carolina Panthers signed offensive lineman Mike Wahle and cornerback Ken Lucas to long-term contracts March 5 2005
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - The Carolina Panthers signed offensive lineman Mike Wahle and cornerback Ken Lucas to long-term contracts, the most aggressive single day of free agent acquisitions in franchise history. Wahle, who spent 7 seasons in Green Bay, signed a 5 year deal worth about $25 million. Lucas, Miami Dolphins jersey
a 3 year starter in Seattle, signed a 6 year contract. Terms on Lucas' deal were not immediately available, but his signing bonus was believed to be $13 million. The Panthers didn't have to work very hard to sign either player. Both Wahle and Lucas made Carolina their first and only recruiting visit and came in hoping to get quick deals. Lucas said he desperately wanted to join Carolina's vaunted defense to play behind Julius Peppers and Kris Jenkins. Lucas was Seattle's 2nd round draft pick in 2001. He started 47 games and has 11 career interceptions. Lucas had 6 picks last season, tying him with Carolina CB Chris Gamble for most in the NFC. Now, he may push Gamble out of a starting job. Panthers coach John Fox said Lucas will start for Carolina, and Gamble and Ricky Manning Jr. will have to battle for the other slot. Gamble was a first-round draft pick last season, and Manning is best known for his 3 INTs against Philadelphia in the 2004 NFC championship game. Whale said winning a Super Bowl is his top priority and he believed he had a better shot at doing that with Carolina. The Panthers were the 2003 NFC champions, but lost to New England in the Super Bowl. The Packers were forced to release Wahle earlier this week in a salary cap move. Considered one of the top free-agent offensive linemen, he can play guard or tackle. The Panthers said they will start Wahle out at left guard. Because he is capable of playing anywhere on the line except center, the team is willing to move him around to find the best fit. Wahle has started 83 of 97 games in his career, including 64 straight. The signings are unusual for the Panthers, who have traditionally sat back during the first few days of free agency as teams frantically pursue new talent. Carolina has made a habit of waiting until the signing period calms down Minnesota Vikings
a bit, then combing through the leftovers. In addition, the Panthers said they were still optimistic they can re-sign LB Mark Fields. Originally thought to be an easy negotiation, he instead became a free agent. Carolina general manager Marty Hurney said he didn't know of any visits that Fields has lined up with other teams. Lastly, Fox said the Panthers would like WR Ricky Proehl to play another season and are waiting for Proehl to decide on his future.
a 3 year starter in Seattle, signed a 6 year contract. Terms on Lucas' deal were not immediately available, but his signing bonus was believed to be $13 million. The Panthers didn't have to work very hard to sign either player. Both Wahle and Lucas made Carolina their first and only recruiting visit and came in hoping to get quick deals. Lucas said he desperately wanted to join Carolina's vaunted defense to play behind Julius Peppers and Kris Jenkins. Lucas was Seattle's 2nd round draft pick in 2001. He started 47 games and has 11 career interceptions. Lucas had 6 picks last season, tying him with Carolina CB Chris Gamble for most in the NFC. Now, he may push Gamble out of a starting job. Panthers coach John Fox said Lucas will start for Carolina, and Gamble and Ricky Manning Jr. will have to battle for the other slot. Gamble was a first-round draft pick last season, and Manning is best known for his 3 INTs against Philadelphia in the 2004 NFC championship game. Whale said winning a Super Bowl is his top priority and he believed he had a better shot at doing that with Carolina. The Panthers were the 2003 NFC champions, but lost to New England in the Super Bowl. The Packers were forced to release Wahle earlier this week in a salary cap move. Considered one of the top free-agent offensive linemen, he can play guard or tackle. The Panthers said they will start Wahle out at left guard. Because he is capable of playing anywhere on the line except center, the team is willing to move him around to find the best fit. Wahle has started 83 of 97 games in his career, including 64 straight. The signings are unusual for the Panthers, who have traditionally sat back during the first few days of free agency as teams frantically pursue new talent. Carolina has made a habit of waiting until the signing period calms down Minnesota Vikings
a bit, then combing through the leftovers. In addition, the Panthers said they were still optimistic they can re-sign LB Mark Fields. Originally thought to be an easy negotiation, he instead became a free agent. Carolina general manager Marty Hurney said he didn't know of any visits that Fields has lined up with other teams. Lastly, Fox said the Panthers would like WR Ricky Proehl to play another season and are waiting for Proehl to decide on his future.
14 Jan 11 The Carolina Panthers signed offensive lineman Mike Wahle and cornerback Ken Lucas to long-term contracts March 5 2005
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - The Carolina Panthers signed offensive lineman Mike Wahle and cornerback Ken Lucas to long-term contracts, the most aggressive single day of free agent acquisitions in franchise history. Wahle, who spent 7 seasons in Green Bay, signed a 5 year deal worth about $25 million. Lucas, Miami Dolphins jersey
a 3 year starter in Seattle, signed a 6 year contract. Terms on Lucas' deal were not immediately available, but his signing bonus was believed to be $13 million. The Panthers didn't have to work very hard to sign either player. Both Wahle and Lucas made Carolina their first and only recruiting visit and came in hoping to get quick deals. Lucas said he desperately wanted to join Carolina's vaunted defense to play behind Julius Peppers and Kris Jenkins. Lucas was Seattle's 2nd round draft pick in 2001. He started 47 games and has 11 career interceptions. Lucas had 6 picks last season, tying him with Carolina CB Chris Gamble for most in the NFC. Now, he may push Gamble out of a starting job. Panthers coach John Fox said Lucas will start for Carolina, and Gamble and Ricky Manning Jr. will have to battle for the other slot. Gamble was a first-round draft pick last season, and Manning is best known for his 3 INTs against Philadelphia in the 2004 NFC championship game. Whale said winning a Super Bowl is his top priority and he believed he had a better shot at doing that with Carolina. The Panthers were the 2003 NFC champions, but lost to New England in the Super Bowl. The Packers were forced to release Wahle earlier this week in a salary cap move. Considered one of the top free-agent offensive linemen, he can play guard or tackle. The Panthers said they will start Wahle out at left guard. Because he is capable of playing anywhere on the line except center, the team is willing to move him around to find the best fit. Wahle has started 83 of 97 games in his career, including 64 straight. The signings are unusual for the Panthers, who have traditionally sat back during the first few days of free agency as teams frantically pursue new talent. Carolina has made a habit of waiting until the signing period calms down Minnesota Vikings
a bit, then combing through the leftovers. In addition, the Panthers said they were still optimistic they can re-sign LB Mark Fields. Originally thought to be an easy negotiation, he instead became a free agent. Carolina general manager Marty Hurney said he didn't know of any visits that Fields has lined up with other teams. Lastly, Fox said the Panthers would like WR Ricky Proehl to play another season and are waiting for Proehl to decide on his future.
a 3 year starter in Seattle, signed a 6 year contract. Terms on Lucas' deal were not immediately available, but his signing bonus was believed to be $13 million. The Panthers didn't have to work very hard to sign either player. Both Wahle and Lucas made Carolina their first and only recruiting visit and came in hoping to get quick deals. Lucas said he desperately wanted to join Carolina's vaunted defense to play behind Julius Peppers and Kris Jenkins. Lucas was Seattle's 2nd round draft pick in 2001. He started 47 games and has 11 career interceptions. Lucas had 6 picks last season, tying him with Carolina CB Chris Gamble for most in the NFC. Now, he may push Gamble out of a starting job. Panthers coach John Fox said Lucas will start for Carolina, and Gamble and Ricky Manning Jr. will have to battle for the other slot. Gamble was a first-round draft pick last season, and Manning is best known for his 3 INTs against Philadelphia in the 2004 NFC championship game. Whale said winning a Super Bowl is his top priority and he believed he had a better shot at doing that with Carolina. The Panthers were the 2003 NFC champions, but lost to New England in the Super Bowl. The Packers were forced to release Wahle earlier this week in a salary cap move. Considered one of the top free-agent offensive linemen, he can play guard or tackle. The Panthers said they will start Wahle out at left guard. Because he is capable of playing anywhere on the line except center, the team is willing to move him around to find the best fit. Wahle has started 83 of 97 games in his career, including 64 straight. The signings are unusual for the Panthers, who have traditionally sat back during the first few days of free agency as teams frantically pursue new talent. Carolina has made a habit of waiting until the signing period calms down Minnesota Vikings
a bit, then combing through the leftovers. In addition, the Panthers said they were still optimistic they can re-sign LB Mark Fields. Originally thought to be an easy negotiation, he instead became a free agent. Carolina general manager Marty Hurney said he didn't know of any visits that Fields has lined up with other teams. Lastly, Fox said the Panthers would like WR Ricky Proehl to play another season and are waiting for Proehl to decide on his future.
2011年1月12日星期三
13 Jan 11 Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers: We'll Get 'Em Next Year
Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesWhy?Is it because having two good teams in L.A. is one too many? Is it because the Clippers enjoyed one great year in 2006 and are only allowed one every century or so? Why do the basketball gods dislike the Clippers so much?The team was coming together and Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
playing exciting basketball, which was motivated in part by a goal to reach .500 before Blake Griffin's return. That return was scheduled to be later this month. Turns out we won't see Griffin until the 2010-2011 season.Why?An examination Tuesday revealed his recovery wasn't progressing properly, the Clippers announced Wednesday in a statement. Apparently Griffin was increasing his workload in preparation for his return and felt pain in his knee. Griffin and the team opted for surgery, which puts an end to his season before it ever began.Repeat after me, Clipper fans: There is no curse. Again: There is no curse. Once more: There is no curse!? There is, however, unbelievably bad luck. The Clippers have had their share.However, it's time for the Clipper faithful to look for the good in today's announcement. You have to squint hard, tilt your head just so, and not move too much, but good news is there.Now with Griffin officially not debuting this year, we can put all the silly Marcus Camby trade rumors to bed. "Ponce de la Camby" is here this season and hopefully beyond. Sit your young basketball player down in front of the TV, and tell him to watch Camby if you want him or her to learn how to defend.Without Griffin, the team won't have to worry about adjusting to his game wReebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
hile the games matter. This team has come together, and although they would have certainly adjusted to Griffin, this announcement makes it clear that this is the team this year, for better or worse.Finally, the core of this group that's playing exciting basketball is under contract for next year. We won't get to see a Davis, Gordon, Kaman, Thornton, and Griffin starting five this year, but we will next.Right, basketball gods?
playing exciting basketball, which was motivated in part by a goal to reach .500 before Blake Griffin's return. That return was scheduled to be later this month. Turns out we won't see Griffin until the 2010-2011 season.Why?An examination Tuesday revealed his recovery wasn't progressing properly, the Clippers announced Wednesday in a statement. Apparently Griffin was increasing his workload in preparation for his return and felt pain in his knee. Griffin and the team opted for surgery, which puts an end to his season before it ever began.Repeat after me, Clipper fans: There is no curse. Again: There is no curse. Once more: There is no curse!? There is, however, unbelievably bad luck. The Clippers have had their share.However, it's time for the Clipper faithful to look for the good in today's announcement. You have to squint hard, tilt your head just so, and not move too much, but good news is there.Now with Griffin officially not debuting this year, we can put all the silly Marcus Camby trade rumors to bed. "Ponce de la Camby" is here this season and hopefully beyond. Sit your young basketball player down in front of the TV, and tell him to watch Camby if you want him or her to learn how to defend.Without Griffin, the team won't have to worry about adjusting to his game wReebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
hile the games matter. This team has come together, and although they would have certainly adjusted to Griffin, this announcement makes it clear that this is the team this year, for better or worse.Finally, the core of this group that's playing exciting basketball is under contract for next year. We won't get to see a Davis, Gordon, Kaman, Thornton, and Griffin starting five this year, but we will next.Right, basketball gods?
12 Jan 11 NBA All-Star Roster Revealed, Who Just Missed Out?
Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesThe NBA All-Star rosters are set. The All-Star Starters are:West:F- Carmelo AnthonyF - Tim DuncanC- Amar StoudemireG Steve NashG Kobe BryantReserves: Deron Williams G, Chris Paul G, Pau Gasol F, Kevin Durant F, Dirk Nowitzki F, Zach Randolph F, Arizona Cardinals jersey
and Brandon Roy G.East:F Kevin GarnettF Lebron JamesC Dwight HowardG Dwayne WadeG Allen IversonReserves: Rajon Rondo G, Derrick Rose G, Joe Johnson G, Paul Pierce F, Chris Bosh F, Gerald Wallace F, Al Horford CNow every time the All-Star rosters are released, there are always speculations as to who deserved to be there.Guard Chauncey Billups being the biggest All-Star snub. Many overlook Billups because of the amazing improvement of Carmelo Anthony, but Chauncey is one of the biggest reason the Nuggets are contenders in the West.Billups brings leadership, and great three point shooting. On the season Billups averages 19.2 points and 5.9 assist per game and when in the lineup the Nuggets are 28-9.Guard Jamal Crawford, a big player for the Hawks off the bench. Jamal this season is scoring 17.4 points off the bench, and it hard to slow a player of his caliber down when he is hot.I know rookies don really make it to All-Star game but guard Tyreke Evans has played amazing for the Sacramento Kings. Just last season the Kings were (17-65), this season so far their (16-28). Tyreke averages 20.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assist per game. Not to mention that Kevin Martin has only played in 12 games this season thus far.Center Shaquille ONeal has been to Atlanta Falcons jersey
14 straight All-Star games. Due to his inability to produce this season, his streak has ended. This season Shaq has accumulated 11.3 points, and 6.6 rebounds; both career lows for the 7-0 center.However, the All-Star roster presents very well deserved bid despite Iverson All-Star birth. The All-Star game will be jam packed with a lot of entertainment.Other players the just missed: Josh Smith F, Joakim Noah C, David Lee F/C, Monta Ellis G, Antawn Jamison F, and Chris Kaman C.
and Brandon Roy G.East:F Kevin GarnettF Lebron JamesC Dwight HowardG Dwayne WadeG Allen IversonReserves: Rajon Rondo G, Derrick Rose G, Joe Johnson G, Paul Pierce F, Chris Bosh F, Gerald Wallace F, Al Horford CNow every time the All-Star rosters are released, there are always speculations as to who deserved to be there.Guard Chauncey Billups being the biggest All-Star snub. Many overlook Billups because of the amazing improvement of Carmelo Anthony, but Chauncey is one of the biggest reason the Nuggets are contenders in the West.Billups brings leadership, and great three point shooting. On the season Billups averages 19.2 points and 5.9 assist per game and when in the lineup the Nuggets are 28-9.Guard Jamal Crawford, a big player for the Hawks off the bench. Jamal this season is scoring 17.4 points off the bench, and it hard to slow a player of his caliber down when he is hot.I know rookies don really make it to All-Star game but guard Tyreke Evans has played amazing for the Sacramento Kings. Just last season the Kings were (17-65), this season so far their (16-28). Tyreke averages 20.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assist per game. Not to mention that Kevin Martin has only played in 12 games this season thus far.Center Shaquille ONeal has been to Atlanta Falcons jersey
14 straight All-Star games. Due to his inability to produce this season, his streak has ended. This season Shaq has accumulated 11.3 points, and 6.6 rebounds; both career lows for the 7-0 center.However, the All-Star roster presents very well deserved bid despite Iverson All-Star birth. The All-Star game will be jam packed with a lot of entertainment.Other players the just missed: Josh Smith F, Joakim Noah C, David Lee F/C, Monta Ellis G, Antawn Jamison F, and Chris Kaman C.
12 Jan 11 NBA All-Star Roster Revealed, Who Just Missed Out?
Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesThe NBA All-Star rosters are set. The All-Star Starters are:West:F- Carmelo AnthonyF - Tim DuncanC- Amar StoudemireG Steve NashG Kobe BryantReserves: Deron Williams G, Chris Paul G, Pau Gasol F, Kevin Durant F, Dirk Nowitzki F, Zach Randolph F, Arizona Cardinals jersey
and Brandon Roy G.East:F Kevin GarnettF Lebron JamesC Dwight HowardG Dwayne WadeG Allen IversonReserves: Rajon Rondo G, Derrick Rose G, Joe Johnson G, Paul Pierce F, Chris Bosh F, Gerald Wallace F, Al Horford CNow every time the All-Star rosters are released, there are always speculations as to who deserved to be there.Guard Chauncey Billups being the biggest All-Star snub. Many overlook Billups because of the amazing improvement of Carmelo Anthony, but Chauncey is one of the biggest reason the Nuggets are contenders in the West.Billups brings leadership, and great three point shooting. On the season Billups averages 19.2 points and 5.9 assist per game and when in the lineup the Nuggets are 28-9.Guard Jamal Crawford, a big player for the Hawks off the bench. Jamal this season is scoring 17.4 points off the bench, and it hard to slow a player of his caliber down when he is hot.I know rookies don really make it to All-Star game but guard Tyreke Evans has played amazing for the Sacramento Kings. Just last season the Kings were (17-65), this season so far their (16-28). Tyreke averages 20.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assist per game. Not to mention that Kevin Martin has only played in 12 games this season thus far.Center Shaquille ONeal has been to Atlanta Falcons jersey
14 straight All-Star games. Due to his inability to produce this season, his streak has ended. This season Shaq has accumulated 11.3 points, and 6.6 rebounds; both career lows for the 7-0 center.However, the All-Star roster presents very well deserved bid despite Iverson All-Star birth. The All-Star game will be jam packed with a lot of entertainment.Other players the just missed: Josh Smith F, Joakim Noah C, David Lee F/C, Monta Ellis G, Antawn Jamison F, and Chris Kaman C.
and Brandon Roy G.East:F Kevin GarnettF Lebron JamesC Dwight HowardG Dwayne WadeG Allen IversonReserves: Rajon Rondo G, Derrick Rose G, Joe Johnson G, Paul Pierce F, Chris Bosh F, Gerald Wallace F, Al Horford CNow every time the All-Star rosters are released, there are always speculations as to who deserved to be there.Guard Chauncey Billups being the biggest All-Star snub. Many overlook Billups because of the amazing improvement of Carmelo Anthony, but Chauncey is one of the biggest reason the Nuggets are contenders in the West.Billups brings leadership, and great three point shooting. On the season Billups averages 19.2 points and 5.9 assist per game and when in the lineup the Nuggets are 28-9.Guard Jamal Crawford, a big player for the Hawks off the bench. Jamal this season is scoring 17.4 points off the bench, and it hard to slow a player of his caliber down when he is hot.I know rookies don really make it to All-Star game but guard Tyreke Evans has played amazing for the Sacramento Kings. Just last season the Kings were (17-65), this season so far their (16-28). Tyreke averages 20.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assist per game. Not to mention that Kevin Martin has only played in 12 games this season thus far.Center Shaquille ONeal has been to Atlanta Falcons jersey
14 straight All-Star games. Due to his inability to produce this season, his streak has ended. This season Shaq has accumulated 11.3 points, and 6.6 rebounds; both career lows for the 7-0 center.However, the All-Star roster presents very well deserved bid despite Iverson All-Star birth. The All-Star game will be jam packed with a lot of entertainment.Other players the just missed: Josh Smith F, Joakim Noah C, David Lee F/C, Monta Ellis G, Antawn Jamison F, and Chris Kaman C.
12 Jan 11 What If the Lakers Had Never Traded Shaquille O'Neal?
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesAfter inking a seven year, $121 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996, Shaquille O'Neal, with the help of Kobe Bryant, lead his new team to three consecutive NBA titles from 2000-2002.The Lakers were bounced out of the playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs in '03, but reached the Finals in '04, where they lost to the overachieving Detroit Pistons in five games.In the summer of '04, management decided to break up the dynamic duo of Shaq and Kobe, who were constantly feuding with one another, and rebuild the team around the much-younger Bryant. O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat in exchange for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a future first-round draft pick (Jordan Farmar).Without Shaq, the Lakers missed the playoffs in '05, suffered first-round exits the following two years, lost in the finals in '08, and then won it all in '09. So basically, the Lakers didn't turn into a perennial lottery team by trading O'Neal, but just imagine what may have happened if the deal had never went down.What if Shaq and Kobe could have worked out their differences and had remained the best of friends and what if head coach Phil Jackson didn't take a one-year leave?Just how many more championships could they have won together? At least two or three.It would have been pretty interesting to watch Shaq and Kobe switch roles. Shaq would have went from "The Man" of the team to Kobe's superstar sidekick, much like he did in Miami with Dwyane Wade.Speaking of D-Wade, he might have been ringless today if he had never joined forces with Shaq. But then again, the Heat could have packaged Odom, Butler, and Grant and acquired another star that Wade could have teamed with to win a title.You never know.It's unclear what role players may have been brought in to surround the Kobe-Shaq duo.It definetley would have been interesting to see Karl Malone and Gary Payton stick around for at least another year. Malone might have retired with a championship and Payton might have gotten his ring in L.A. instead of Miami.You probably would have seen the Lakers sign fairly inexpensive veterans like Alonzo Mourning, who backed up Shaq in Miami, Michael Finley and Antonio McDyess.And if the Lakers hadn't traded Shaq, they likely would have owned a lower pick in the '05 draft meaning they could have taken either Danny Granger, Nate Robinson or David Lee instead of Andrew Bynum.A trio of Kobe, Shaq, and Granger wouldn't have quite been Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy, but it would have led the Lakers to tons of victories.But does it really matter who the role players would have been? The Lakers won three titles with a non-All-Star supporting cast that included guys like Derek Fisher, Brian Shaw, and Rick Fox.As long as they had a healthy Shaq and Kobe, the Lakers could have won with a bunch of middle school kids filling in as the role players.Yes, the Lakers may have hung a few more championship banners in Staples Center if Shaq was never sent packing, but on the other hand, it could have turned out to be a total disaster. We'll never know what may have happened.Hindsight is 20/20.
2011年1月10日星期一
10 Jan 11 Ray Allen Rediscovers Shooting Touch in Win over Los Angeles Lakers
Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesNo one said that winning was pretty as evidentin the Boston Celtics win over the Lakers last night.The Celtics stayed true to their nature byrelinquishing an 11-point lead in the third quarter. This time however the outcomewas different thanks to RayAllen's prolific shooting in the first three quarters.Ray Indianapolis Colts jersey
Allen was finally able to exhale afterThursday's 3pm deadline and it showed in his play.Through it all he was a model citizen, he stayed healthy and logged the most minutes of the big three. His dunk and subsequent foul called on Shannon Brown showed the vehemence in his excitement; he had survived the trade rumours.He even showed a renewed defensive zestby makingthe criticalstop on Derek Fishers' desperation heaveto preserve the victory. This is the Ray Allen the Celtics hope to see throughout the playoffs; the real decisions about his future will come after that.Danny Ainge understands that he will not have the money to offer a LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, andpossibly even Joe Johnson. The real coup could come from the next level of stars that will be available. Boston has a bunch of expiring contractsand because of their recent success can possibly lure these free-agents.Tony Allen, Brian Scalabrine, Shelden Williams, Marquis Daniels, Nate Robinson,Ray Allen, and MarcusLandry are all free agents in waiting. The Celtics arepossibly only going to offer contracts to Ray Allen, Marquis Daniels, and Nate Robinson out of that group. Danny will give each a qualifying offer and spend the bulk of his time trying to find a younger more athletic shooting guard.The Memphis Grizzlies let Rudy Gay's rookie contract expire and he will explore the open market. He has been the consummate pro as evident of Memphis' run to get into the playoffs and their ability to protecttheir homecourt. Ray might be able to convince him to come to Boston because of their Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
University of Connecticut ties. Heck, Ray may even be willing to come of the bench to get him in Celtic green.Memphis management made a shrewd move and received Ronnie Brewer from the Utah Jazz in a last minute deal. He is also arestricted free agent and may be insurance in case Rudy decides to leave.Richard Jefferson has not been able to find his basketball groove in San Antonio. Gregg Popovich tried desperately to trade him but their were no takers for his services. The Western conference has been unkind to his East coast game. Jefferson would be an upgrade from Tony Allen.He is a very good defender and has had Finals experience. Don't be surprised if the San Antonio Spurs buy him out and the Boston Celtics make a run at him.Anthony Morrow of the Golden State warriors brings length and a great shooting stroke to the game. He also has the ability to stretch the defense and could be a great two guard to add to the second unit. This will allow Ray to get even more rest next year and he could mentor Morrow in the Celtic way.Adam Morrison of the Los Angeles Kansas City Chiefs jersey
Lakers could be Brian Scalabrine's replacement;a spot up shooter with younger legs. He could also spell Ray Allen or Paul Pierce in a pinch.John Salmons of the Milwaukee Bucks could finally fill the role that James Posey had, a solid defender who can stretch the defense with his shooting.Chris Douglas-Roberts, Jarvis Hayes, and Bobby Simmons to name a few more.Danny Ainge has a tough decision to make next year but until then he will role the dice with Ray Allen's rediscovered shooting touch.
Allen was finally able to exhale afterThursday's 3pm deadline and it showed in his play.Through it all he was a model citizen, he stayed healthy and logged the most minutes of the big three. His dunk and subsequent foul called on Shannon Brown showed the vehemence in his excitement; he had survived the trade rumours.He even showed a renewed defensive zestby makingthe criticalstop on Derek Fishers' desperation heaveto preserve the victory. This is the Ray Allen the Celtics hope to see throughout the playoffs; the real decisions about his future will come after that.Danny Ainge understands that he will not have the money to offer a LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, andpossibly even Joe Johnson. The real coup could come from the next level of stars that will be available. Boston has a bunch of expiring contractsand because of their recent success can possibly lure these free-agents.Tony Allen, Brian Scalabrine, Shelden Williams, Marquis Daniels, Nate Robinson,Ray Allen, and MarcusLandry are all free agents in waiting. The Celtics arepossibly only going to offer contracts to Ray Allen, Marquis Daniels, and Nate Robinson out of that group. Danny will give each a qualifying offer and spend the bulk of his time trying to find a younger more athletic shooting guard.The Memphis Grizzlies let Rudy Gay's rookie contract expire and he will explore the open market. He has been the consummate pro as evident of Memphis' run to get into the playoffs and their ability to protecttheir homecourt. Ray might be able to convince him to come to Boston because of their Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
University of Connecticut ties. Heck, Ray may even be willing to come of the bench to get him in Celtic green.Memphis management made a shrewd move and received Ronnie Brewer from the Utah Jazz in a last minute deal. He is also arestricted free agent and may be insurance in case Rudy decides to leave.Richard Jefferson has not been able to find his basketball groove in San Antonio. Gregg Popovich tried desperately to trade him but their were no takers for his services. The Western conference has been unkind to his East coast game. Jefferson would be an upgrade from Tony Allen.He is a very good defender and has had Finals experience. Don't be surprised if the San Antonio Spurs buy him out and the Boston Celtics make a run at him.Anthony Morrow of the Golden State warriors brings length and a great shooting stroke to the game. He also has the ability to stretch the defense and could be a great two guard to add to the second unit. This will allow Ray to get even more rest next year and he could mentor Morrow in the Celtic way.Adam Morrison of the Los Angeles Kansas City Chiefs jersey
Lakers could be Brian Scalabrine's replacement;a spot up shooter with younger legs. He could also spell Ray Allen or Paul Pierce in a pinch.John Salmons of the Milwaukee Bucks could finally fill the role that James Posey had, a solid defender who can stretch the defense with his shooting.Chris Douglas-Roberts, Jarvis Hayes, and Bobby Simmons to name a few more.Danny Ainge has a tough decision to make next year but until then he will role the dice with Ray Allen's rediscovered shooting touch.
2011年1月9日星期日
9 Jan 11 Fantasy Basketball Box Score Breakouts – 2/28/10
Al Bello/Getty ImagesHere a look at some fantasy basketball players that blew up the box score last night. DeJuan Blair, San Antonio Spurs Blair had 14 points and 7 boards against the Suns. He's a decent option in daily leagues for points, rebounds, and field goal percentage.Arron Afflalo, Denver Nuggets Afflalo had 16 points against the Lakers. He's a decent daily option for points, and three-pointers.Al Thornton, Washington Wizards Thornton had 20 points against the Nets. He's played at a high level and should be in most lineups.Yi Jianlian, New Jersey Nets Yi went off with 20 points and 19 rebounds. Kudos to you if you had him in your lineup. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.Jerry Stackhouse, Milwaukee Bucks Stack had 20 points for the Bucks. He's really turned back the clock averaging Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
15 points over his last four games.Rafer Alston, Miami Heat Rafer had 15 points last night. He's not really a fantasy option.J.J. Redick, Orlando Magic J.J. also had 15 points. He's not terribly consistent.Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder Ibaka had a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds). He's not productive enough.Drew Gooden, Los Angeles Clippers Gooden had 17 points and 8 rebounds for the Clippers. He's been a real force for them.Marcus Thornton, New Orleans Hornets Thornton went for 21 points last night. He's a great option right now despite the 6-15 shooting.
15 points over his last four games.Rafer Alston, Miami Heat Rafer had 15 points last night. He's not really a fantasy option.J.J. Redick, Orlando Magic J.J. also had 15 points. He's not terribly consistent.Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder Ibaka had a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds). He's not productive enough.Drew Gooden, Los Angeles Clippers Gooden had 17 points and 8 rebounds for the Clippers. He's been a real force for them.Marcus Thornton, New Orleans Hornets Thornton went for 21 points last night. He's a great option right now despite the 6-15 shooting.
2011年1月8日星期六
8 Jan 11 Boston Celtics Take Two Game Win Streak on the Road
Elsa/Getty ImagesAfter failing to measure up to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday the Boston Celtics have taken advantage of playing on their home court. They have gotten back to what they consider to be Celtic basketballa hustling, physical defensive unit that covers up for the lack of athleticism on Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
the team.The Celtics have now beaten the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks, two teams that have no hope of playing beyond the regular season.Next, the Celtics face a tough three game road trip that includes the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and the Utah Jazz.It seems like Boston's only opportunity for a successful road trip is to win in Houston.Houston will probably test Boston's resolve the most because of the tenacity with which they approachdefense. We'll see if the Celtics continue to make the "hockey pass" that Doc Rivers loves so much.Both teams are battling injuries, though Houston is in worse shape.The Rockets added scorer Kevin Martin at the trading deadline, but lost their heart and soul Carl Landry to Sacramento in the process.This has taken a lot of the pressure off of Trevor Ariza and he seems to be playing a more free brand of basketball.Rondo will have to contend with a potentially speedier guard in Aaron Brooks who can attack the rim as well as shoot the three. He will have to play honest defense in order to slow down thisReebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
water bug.Houston is presently the 10th seed in the western conference, so Boston cannot take them lightly.The Celtics will have to take advantage of their inside presence and force Houston to double down low.Kevin Garnett said something inlast night'spresser that I'd never heard before, a public acknowledgement of Rajon Rondo as an emerging scorer on the team.KG also spoke of how Rondo provides additional balance to the offensive attackand is now takingsome pressure off of Paul Pierce, himself, and Ray Allen.In spite of Rondo's newfound offensive game, he still must learn to recognize when to give the ball to a struggling teammate and how to find the hot hand; he sometimes falls in love with the spectacular pass instead of keeping it simple.Once he takes that step he will be the hall-of-famer that Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
Tommy Heinsohn predicted he would be before he ever played his first NBA game.The Celtics like to say that they area work in progress and are not worried about their perceived lack of interest by the public.This weekends' road trip will tell if the progress made from this two game win streak against non-playoff teams translates when they face stiffer competition.
the team.The Celtics have now beaten the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks, two teams that have no hope of playing beyond the regular season.Next, the Celtics face a tough three game road trip that includes the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and the Utah Jazz.It seems like Boston's only opportunity for a successful road trip is to win in Houston.Houston will probably test Boston's resolve the most because of the tenacity with which they approachdefense. We'll see if the Celtics continue to make the "hockey pass" that Doc Rivers loves so much.Both teams are battling injuries, though Houston is in worse shape.The Rockets added scorer Kevin Martin at the trading deadline, but lost their heart and soul Carl Landry to Sacramento in the process.This has taken a lot of the pressure off of Trevor Ariza and he seems to be playing a more free brand of basketball.Rondo will have to contend with a potentially speedier guard in Aaron Brooks who can attack the rim as well as shoot the three. He will have to play honest defense in order to slow down thisReebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
water bug.Houston is presently the 10th seed in the western conference, so Boston cannot take them lightly.The Celtics will have to take advantage of their inside presence and force Houston to double down low.Kevin Garnett said something inlast night'spresser that I'd never heard before, a public acknowledgement of Rajon Rondo as an emerging scorer on the team.KG also spoke of how Rondo provides additional balance to the offensive attackand is now takingsome pressure off of Paul Pierce, himself, and Ray Allen.In spite of Rondo's newfound offensive game, he still must learn to recognize when to give the ball to a struggling teammate and how to find the hot hand; he sometimes falls in love with the spectacular pass instead of keeping it simple.Once he takes that step he will be the hall-of-famer that Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
Tommy Heinsohn predicted he would be before he ever played his first NBA game.The Celtics like to say that they area work in progress and are not worried about their perceived lack of interest by the public.This weekends' road trip will tell if the progress made from this two game win streak against non-playoff teams translates when they face stiffer competition.
2010年12月30日星期四
30 Dec 10 Boston Celtics' Mentality Will Kill Them
Elsa/Getty ImagesPlease find the original at Loscy.com -- Yes. Weve finally heard it all from Doc Rivers this year, and this latest piece of brilliance is the last thing you want to hear coming from your coach: We played like a high school team at times. -Doc Rivers, after the loss to Houston... As a basketball fan, it always more fun and exciting to attend tightly contested games that come down to the stretch. But two close games in two nights with two losses might be a little bit too much for this blogger. From the plebe section up top, I had a great view of all of our offensive and defensive deficiencies.Unfortunately, they were plentiful throughout both evenings. Five things stuck out to me from both losses (along with many, many other losses against above-.500 teams this year): weGreen Bay Packers jersey
can finish quarters strong, we are missing defensive rotations when the opponent ball movement is quick/crisp, we can close out on long-balls, we can rebound in the stretch, and we can compose ourselves to recover when teams break our flow/tempo in the game. Shall we? We can finish quarters strong. Are the Celtics tired? Are the Celtics mentally not able to keep momentum going through an entire quarter? Is the Celtics mentality simply, well get em next quarter?Lord help us if the last question is truly embedded into their playing psyche. Telling themselves that they will make up ground later is simply rolling over and letting their opponent do whatever they want, whenever they want in the moment... Which is, unfortunately, what we as fans are seeing out of this team.This is nothing but bad news. It means that there is a loser mentality: if this is the case, they have resigned during moments that they just aren as good as the other team. We are missing defensive rotations when the opponent ball movement is quick/crisp.It so easy to see: when teams move the ball well in the half-court, we have some serious issues catching up with it and being where we are supposed to be.In recent strong-side, double-team/traps, the free-safety (often Kevin Garnett) doesn have the lateral movement to recover. Kendrick Perkins can pick up smaller, faster guys without fouling. Ray Allen doesn have the defensive awareness to know if he needs to switch or stay on when someone puts the ball on the floor. Rajon Rondo continues to gamble. Unselfish teams that pass a lot stand a great chance of shredding apart our defensive. We can close out on long-balls.This is like the last observation: we are too slow to move and catch up with the ball. While OKC was only 5/11 from behind the line, there were plenty of open looksincluding two Jeff Green daggers late in the fourth quarter that sealed the deal on Wednesday.Again, we are just too slow on defensive rotations and at times, even lacking that instinctual anticipation to close out on where the ball is going.Houston was a blistering 12-of-18 from the three-point line...12-of-18! Chase Budinger (what a freakin name) was 6-of-8 from long distance, and out of those eight shots, at least five of them were wide open, clear looks.Yes, trash-talking Celtics, a seriously white rookie by the name of Chase Budinger (giggle, giggle) lit you up last night. We can rebound in the stretch.Why even go into this? We can rebound for garbage. We can compose ourselves to recover when teams break our flow/tempo in the game. This is, perhaps, the most troubling observation made during the games. No one on the team, NO ONE, can compose this team when their run ends or when they Houston Texans jersey
have lost control of the tempo in the game.Aaron Brooks had the not-so-secret strategic move last night when the Celtics scored a bucket: push the ball as fast as possible down the throats of the Celtics defense, right up the gut or ripping down the sideline. From there, he would pull up a 24-footer, drive in for an easy lay up, or dish out. Brooks kept us honest and was converting more often than not: 30 points and nine assists.Whoa. We had no answers on offense. We had no answers on defense. What to take away from this? What are the essential points here?The Celtics are old, old, old. The team keeps talking about how they are a a team built for playoffs, and I sure hope theyre right. I have used that rhetoric before: the 2010 Celtics are built for the playoffs. In Marc Spear recent piece on the Celtics: "Through it all, however, Pierce remains confident the Celtics will get better in the playoffs. They won have to worry about playing back-to-back games in the postseason, a concern for any aging team. The playoffs also become more of a half-court game, which could benefit the defensive-minded Celtics. ;'To be honest with you, I think our team is really built for the playoffs,' Pierce said. 'You get into a series, the game slows down. The scoring isn as much. I just think that the way our team is built. We got a lot of older vets. That what playoff basketball is executing in the half court.'" The team has done a good job of selling me on this idea that they might be a better playoff team than a regular season team. But... is that just simply deferring the truth? That the Celtics just aren that good anymore?Bad habits are made in practice and they show up in games. Bad habits are made in regular season games and make their way into the playoffs. If you can steadily do something right, how is it going to suddenly fall into place when the calendar changes and your mind tells you one thing, but it so conditioned to do the opposite?So what if we don have to play back-to-back games? That just means more rest for the younger teams that will turn each game in the playoffs into a freakin track meet and just run.That it. There the blueprint for winning against the Celtics: just run. Run and pass the ball around the perimeter. Run and pass the ball to get it moving from outside-in-outside-in-outside. There you go.Milwaukee? They can run. Atlanta? They can run. Charlotte? They can run. Miami? They can run. Cleveland? They can run. Orlando? They can run. Boston? They cannot run. Im not giving up on this team. Im not. But Im frustrated.Im frustrated that the Celtics cannot consistently execute on either end of the floor. The offense looks out of tune, the defense is inconsistent.That doesn mean Indianapolis Colts jersey
there aren flashes of great basketball on either end...it just happening in small bunches, and the Celtics can maintain it.You can rule out a team like the Celtics, because theyre capable of playing great basketball and everyone has seen it...at times.That the thing, weve only seen it at times. If theyre going to rely on luck to make their good play habitual, then we will look forward to an early exit from the playoffs. If theyre waiting for the next quarter, in this case that next quarter being the playoffs...then, oh boy.Like I said, a bad mentality to have.
can finish quarters strong, we are missing defensive rotations when the opponent ball movement is quick/crisp, we can close out on long-balls, we can rebound in the stretch, and we can compose ourselves to recover when teams break our flow/tempo in the game. Shall we? We can finish quarters strong. Are the Celtics tired? Are the Celtics mentally not able to keep momentum going through an entire quarter? Is the Celtics mentality simply, well get em next quarter?Lord help us if the last question is truly embedded into their playing psyche. Telling themselves that they will make up ground later is simply rolling over and letting their opponent do whatever they want, whenever they want in the moment... Which is, unfortunately, what we as fans are seeing out of this team.This is nothing but bad news. It means that there is a loser mentality: if this is the case, they have resigned during moments that they just aren as good as the other team. We are missing defensive rotations when the opponent ball movement is quick/crisp.It so easy to see: when teams move the ball well in the half-court, we have some serious issues catching up with it and being where we are supposed to be.In recent strong-side, double-team/traps, the free-safety (often Kevin Garnett) doesn have the lateral movement to recover. Kendrick Perkins can pick up smaller, faster guys without fouling. Ray Allen doesn have the defensive awareness to know if he needs to switch or stay on when someone puts the ball on the floor. Rajon Rondo continues to gamble. Unselfish teams that pass a lot stand a great chance of shredding apart our defensive. We can close out on long-balls.This is like the last observation: we are too slow to move and catch up with the ball. While OKC was only 5/11 from behind the line, there were plenty of open looksincluding two Jeff Green daggers late in the fourth quarter that sealed the deal on Wednesday.Again, we are just too slow on defensive rotations and at times, even lacking that instinctual anticipation to close out on where the ball is going.Houston was a blistering 12-of-18 from the three-point line...12-of-18! Chase Budinger (what a freakin name) was 6-of-8 from long distance, and out of those eight shots, at least five of them were wide open, clear looks.Yes, trash-talking Celtics, a seriously white rookie by the name of Chase Budinger (giggle, giggle) lit you up last night. We can rebound in the stretch.Why even go into this? We can rebound for garbage. We can compose ourselves to recover when teams break our flow/tempo in the game. This is, perhaps, the most troubling observation made during the games. No one on the team, NO ONE, can compose this team when their run ends or when they Houston Texans jersey
have lost control of the tempo in the game.Aaron Brooks had the not-so-secret strategic move last night when the Celtics scored a bucket: push the ball as fast as possible down the throats of the Celtics defense, right up the gut or ripping down the sideline. From there, he would pull up a 24-footer, drive in for an easy lay up, or dish out. Brooks kept us honest and was converting more often than not: 30 points and nine assists.Whoa. We had no answers on offense. We had no answers on defense. What to take away from this? What are the essential points here?The Celtics are old, old, old. The team keeps talking about how they are a a team built for playoffs, and I sure hope theyre right. I have used that rhetoric before: the 2010 Celtics are built for the playoffs. In Marc Spear recent piece on the Celtics: "Through it all, however, Pierce remains confident the Celtics will get better in the playoffs. They won have to worry about playing back-to-back games in the postseason, a concern for any aging team. The playoffs also become more of a half-court game, which could benefit the defensive-minded Celtics. ;'To be honest with you, I think our team is really built for the playoffs,' Pierce said. 'You get into a series, the game slows down. The scoring isn as much. I just think that the way our team is built. We got a lot of older vets. That what playoff basketball is executing in the half court.'" The team has done a good job of selling me on this idea that they might be a better playoff team than a regular season team. But... is that just simply deferring the truth? That the Celtics just aren that good anymore?Bad habits are made in practice and they show up in games. Bad habits are made in regular season games and make their way into the playoffs. If you can steadily do something right, how is it going to suddenly fall into place when the calendar changes and your mind tells you one thing, but it so conditioned to do the opposite?So what if we don have to play back-to-back games? That just means more rest for the younger teams that will turn each game in the playoffs into a freakin track meet and just run.That it. There the blueprint for winning against the Celtics: just run. Run and pass the ball around the perimeter. Run and pass the ball to get it moving from outside-in-outside-in-outside. There you go.Milwaukee? They can run. Atlanta? They can run. Charlotte? They can run. Miami? They can run. Cleveland? They can run. Orlando? They can run. Boston? They cannot run. Im not giving up on this team. Im not. But Im frustrated.Im frustrated that the Celtics cannot consistently execute on either end of the floor. The offense looks out of tune, the defense is inconsistent.That doesn mean Indianapolis Colts jersey
there aren flashes of great basketball on either end...it just happening in small bunches, and the Celtics can maintain it.You can rule out a team like the Celtics, because theyre capable of playing great basketball and everyone has seen it...at times.That the thing, weve only seen it at times. If theyre going to rely on luck to make their good play habitual, then we will look forward to an early exit from the playoffs. If theyre waiting for the next quarter, in this case that next quarter being the playoffs...then, oh boy.Like I said, a bad mentality to have.
2010年12月29日星期三
29 Dec 10 The Monta Ellis Dilemma
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesWarrior fans have survived through a strange collection of players throughout the years. From the slashing days of Latrell Sprewell to the short-lived success of the longball years with Stack Jack, Baron Davis, and company, the Warriors have had an eclectic collection of scorers.However, current Warriors guard Monta Ellis has caused more controversy among Warriors fans than any of these former players, all while rarely opening his mouth. Few question his scoring ability, Ellis is currently Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
sixth in the nation in points per game, but recently his defense, leadership ability, and fit in the Warriors system have all come under fire.Many were disappointed that he wasn swapped at the trade deadline, and the Warriors will certainly have more trading options for him when the season is over.Ellis supporters point to his clutch play, developing defense, and pure scoring ability as reasons to hold on to the young star.Fans that want Ellis traded fall into two categories; those that think he doesn fit the system and those that think his presence on the Warriors hampers the development of the Warriors other young star, Steph Curry.In my opinion, Warriors Management should learn from past mistakes and the success of teams in similar situations and keep Monta Ellis around, at least for another couple of years.In the past, Warriors fans have seen young and talented players leave before their primes for big paydays, while big name free-agents continually pass over offers from Oakland in favor of better offers in better locations.Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, Tim Hardaway, and Chris Webber are some of the higher profile names that have left the Warriors before reaching their primes (and the playoffs) with another team. These players seemingly established a formula for success; establish your name with the Warriors, earn a bigger contract with another team, and become a star.The Warriors must stop bleeding talent. This starts with committing to players like Ellis, who are young and promising. We will not know for another three or four years if Ellis can become a complete basketball player. Fans often forget that he is 24 years old, at that age Chauncey Billiups was considered a tweener who could score but wasn much of a passer.Ellis faces a similar challenge; he must prove to the NBA and Warriors fans that he can be more than a one-dimensional player.Another recurring problem with the Warriors has been their inability to entice impact free-agents to come to Oakland. Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
This has been due to two problems, a lack of success and a lack of commitment to players already on the team. To correct the problems, the Warriors should examine their final opponent, the Portland Trail Blazers.As early as the 2005-2006 season, the Blazers were a team with no hope. They had just posted the worst record in the league, and had a much-deserved reputation as a team of troublemakers. Their turnaround has been stunning, and can be characterized by three key events:1. Commitment to young players: Brandon Roy and Lamarcus Aldridge are the foundation for the Blazers. Both were drafted in 2005, and both were given significant playing time in their rookie seasons despite being young and mistake prone.The Blazers also committed many minutes to role players like Sergio Rodriguez and Martell Webster. This commitment has been lacking for the Warriors; Anthony Randolph is taken out after every mistake, Morrow has been jerked in and out of the lineup, and Ellis has been subject to constant trade rumors.2. Shedding large and long contracts, especially veterans: By ridding themselves of large contracts like Zach Randolph, the Blazers made room to sign their young drafted players to larger deals. The Warriors have historically taken a different route, tying up their money in long-term deals only to watch talented players like Gilbert Arenas leave without an offer.3. Offering only short-term deals to free agents: This is where the Warriors have made their most grave mistakes, and have paid dearly for them. As most NBA fans will remember, the Blazers campaigned hard to get Hedo Turkoglu, a high profile free agent coming off of a NBA Championship appearance. In a surprising move, the Turk backed out of Portland offer in the final minutes, opting instead to go to Toronto.Instead of turning around and offering a similar deal to the next best free agent, the Blazers filled a need and improved their playoff aspirations by signing veteran point guard Andre Miller to a short term deal. This signing provides a stark contrast to the Warriors desperate signing of Corey Maggette after being shunned by Baron Davis in the summer of 2008.The outcomes are clear: while the Warriors struggle through another season of mediocrity, the Blazers deep bench of promising young draft picks and veterans with short-term deals have kept them afloat even after losing much of their starting 5 to injuries.In the end, Ellis success with the team hinges on his ability to Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
adapt to his role as Curry sidekick. Recent games have made it clear that Curry is a special talent, with an understanding of the flow of the game that is unmatched by any rookie of recent memory. Every great team needs a great distributor, and Curry promises to fill that role.But there no reason that Ellis can be the secondary scorer, attacking the weak side of the defense and creating offense through turnovers. If the Warriors commit to developing his talents within their system, they just might wind up with a two-guard combo that rivals any in the Western Conference, and the NBA.
sixth in the nation in points per game, but recently his defense, leadership ability, and fit in the Warriors system have all come under fire.Many were disappointed that he wasn swapped at the trade deadline, and the Warriors will certainly have more trading options for him when the season is over.Ellis supporters point to his clutch play, developing defense, and pure scoring ability as reasons to hold on to the young star.Fans that want Ellis traded fall into two categories; those that think he doesn fit the system and those that think his presence on the Warriors hampers the development of the Warriors other young star, Steph Curry.In my opinion, Warriors Management should learn from past mistakes and the success of teams in similar situations and keep Monta Ellis around, at least for another couple of years.In the past, Warriors fans have seen young and talented players leave before their primes for big paydays, while big name free-agents continually pass over offers from Oakland in favor of better offers in better locations.Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, Tim Hardaway, and Chris Webber are some of the higher profile names that have left the Warriors before reaching their primes (and the playoffs) with another team. These players seemingly established a formula for success; establish your name with the Warriors, earn a bigger contract with another team, and become a star.The Warriors must stop bleeding talent. This starts with committing to players like Ellis, who are young and promising. We will not know for another three or four years if Ellis can become a complete basketball player. Fans often forget that he is 24 years old, at that age Chauncey Billiups was considered a tweener who could score but wasn much of a passer.Ellis faces a similar challenge; he must prove to the NBA and Warriors fans that he can be more than a one-dimensional player.Another recurring problem with the Warriors has been their inability to entice impact free-agents to come to Oakland. Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
This has been due to two problems, a lack of success and a lack of commitment to players already on the team. To correct the problems, the Warriors should examine their final opponent, the Portland Trail Blazers.As early as the 2005-2006 season, the Blazers were a team with no hope. They had just posted the worst record in the league, and had a much-deserved reputation as a team of troublemakers. Their turnaround has been stunning, and can be characterized by three key events:1. Commitment to young players: Brandon Roy and Lamarcus Aldridge are the foundation for the Blazers. Both were drafted in 2005, and both were given significant playing time in their rookie seasons despite being young and mistake prone.The Blazers also committed many minutes to role players like Sergio Rodriguez and Martell Webster. This commitment has been lacking for the Warriors; Anthony Randolph is taken out after every mistake, Morrow has been jerked in and out of the lineup, and Ellis has been subject to constant trade rumors.2. Shedding large and long contracts, especially veterans: By ridding themselves of large contracts like Zach Randolph, the Blazers made room to sign their young drafted players to larger deals. The Warriors have historically taken a different route, tying up their money in long-term deals only to watch talented players like Gilbert Arenas leave without an offer.3. Offering only short-term deals to free agents: This is where the Warriors have made their most grave mistakes, and have paid dearly for them. As most NBA fans will remember, the Blazers campaigned hard to get Hedo Turkoglu, a high profile free agent coming off of a NBA Championship appearance. In a surprising move, the Turk backed out of Portland offer in the final minutes, opting instead to go to Toronto.Instead of turning around and offering a similar deal to the next best free agent, the Blazers filled a need and improved their playoff aspirations by signing veteran point guard Andre Miller to a short term deal. This signing provides a stark contrast to the Warriors desperate signing of Corey Maggette after being shunned by Baron Davis in the summer of 2008.The outcomes are clear: while the Warriors struggle through another season of mediocrity, the Blazers deep bench of promising young draft picks and veterans with short-term deals have kept them afloat even after losing much of their starting 5 to injuries.In the end, Ellis success with the team hinges on his ability to Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
adapt to his role as Curry sidekick. Recent games have made it clear that Curry is a special talent, with an understanding of the flow of the game that is unmatched by any rookie of recent memory. Every great team needs a great distributor, and Curry promises to fill that role.But there no reason that Ellis can be the secondary scorer, attacking the weak side of the defense and creating offense through turnovers. If the Warriors commit to developing his talents within their system, they just might wind up with a two-guard combo that rivals any in the Western Conference, and the NBA.
2010年12月28日星期二
28 Dec 10 Schooling LeBron and Kobe: All Hail Michael Jordan's All-Time Playoff Dominance
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesAnother NBA regular season is in the books and the playoffs are in full swing.People all over are still trying to find the next Jordan, to no avail. Ponder Kobe and LeBron, Durant and Duncan, Pierce and Nash, and then ponder these all-time Jordan records.Then pay homage to the untouchable greatest man who ever played the game: Michael Jordan.Players on fire keep in the zone and they may even break a record or two. Jordan played in such a way, especially in the playoffs, that he led his teams to an unbeatable 6-0 Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
finals record.The 2009-10 regular season saw a plethora of record-breaking opportunities in its 82-game schedule. NBA legend Jordan played in 1,072 regular season games over his career (not an all-time record).During those games, he set a record against Miami in 1992 when he made 20 free throws in a half; he took 23also an all-time regular season record.Once, Jordan recorded eight steals in a half, which is tied for an all-time regular season record. Defense was obviously one of his strong suits. Jordan holds the all-time record (tie) for leading the NBA in steals three times.Scoring was also a strong suit. Jordan led the NBA in total points scored in 11 different seasons.This is an all-time record.In his rookie year, Jordan averaged 28.2 points per game. He finished third in the scoring race behind Bernard King and Larry Byrd, but he played all 82 games and led the league in total season pointsas a rookie!Ten times, Jordan led the NBA in points per game: '87, '88, '89, '90, '91, '92, '93, '96, '97, and '98.His 30.12 regular season scoring average (over 15 separate seasons) is the highest in NBA history, and neither LeBron nor Kobe will ever pass that.Jordan recorded 563 career regular season games where he scored over 30 points. This is an all-time NBA record, as is his all-time regular season record of 866 straight games scoring in double figures.Of course, Jordan shone even brighter in the playoffs, taking his team to an all-time NBA best 6-0 finals record with the Bulls.Everyone else lost in the Finals.In one playoff game against the Celtics in 1986 in Jordan second season, he scored 63 points, an all-time NBA playoff record. He set a record by making 13 consecutive shots from the field versus L.A. in the 1991 Finals, an all-time playoff record. Jordan made 24 shots from the field against Cleveland in 1988also a playoff record.Also a record-setter for playoffs was Jordan 13 free throws made in a quarter against Detroit in 1991.Jordan holds the three-game series total points record with 135 points, versus Miami. He averaged 45.0 ppg in that series. In the same series, he made a record 53 shots from the field.Jordan holds the five-game series record for total points with 226 in 1988 versus Cleveland (45.2 ppg). He hit a record 101 FGs in a six game series against Phoenix in 1993.In fact, Jordan has scored more points in the playoffs than anyone, ever, in NBA history, with 5,987 points.His amazing career playoff scoring average is an all-time high 33.45 points per game!He Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
set records by having the most 50-point playoff games with eight.His 38 games in the playoffs with 40-plus points is the most ever, and his all-time record of 30-plus point playoff games totals 109. He also had more 20-plus point games than anyone ever with 173.These are all amazing and unbreakable records.Jordan is the only player ever in NBA history to score at least 15 points in every single playoff game he ever played in. He played in 179 career playoff games (not a record).In the playoffs versus Cleveland in 1988, Jordan scored 50 points and then 55 the next game, which makes him the only player ever in the playoffs to score 50-plus points, consecutively. He did the same with three straight over-45 point games in the playoffs, also a record.In one span, Jordan tabulated over 20 points, 60 consecutive times, which is an all-time NBA playoff record. So is his 15-plus point playoff game record of 179 (all his playoff games ever).In fact, no other player ever has even scored 10-plus points in 179 straight games. Jordan lowest playoff points game was 15.He took more shots than anyone in playoff history with 4,497 FG attempts. He has made more playoff free throws than anyone ever with 1,463.In the finals, Jordan set himself apart from any player ever, because he never lost in the finals. He scored 35 points in a half versus Portland in 1992 Finals, which is an all-time finals record.So is making 14 FGs in a half and 13 consecutively. He ties for most three-pointers made in a half in the finals with six. He made nine free throws in a quarter, a finals record.He has the highest finals series scoring average ever with 41.0 ppg versus Phoenix in 1993.Defensively, Jordan set a finals record with 14 steals in a five game series in 1991.In a six-game finals (Jordan never let a finals get to Game Seven) series, Jordan holds all-time records with 246 points, 101 FGs made, and being the only player to ever score at least 20 points in every finals game he ever played in.The record is 35 times, every one of his finals games!!!Even as an old man, Jordan set all-time NBA records. He is the oldest player to ever score 50-plus points in a game when he scored 51 against the Hornets at 38 years and 315 days old. He scored 24 in a quarter that day, which is an opponent's all-time high points scored in quarter against the Hornets.Also, he became the oldest player to ever score 40 points in a game at 40 years old and 4 days in 2003, and became the only player over 40 to average 20 points per Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
game (in 2003, his 20.0 was his lowest season average).Jordan set records like the most 30-points-per-game seasons ever for one player, with eight and seven consecutively.Both are records.Jordan blocked more shots than any guard ever in NBA history, with 893 for his career and 131 in one season (also an NBA guard record). Jordan became the first player ever to record 200 steals and 100 blocks in a season, and he did it twice in 1987 and 1988.Kobe has neverand will never do eitherlet alone both.Jordan six-time Finals MVP awards are an all-time NBA record. and he was NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988) and an all-defensive first team player nine times, which is an NBA record.His teams, therefore, won a lot of games. The Bulls actually recorded the greatest regular season record ever in 95-96 at 72 wins and 10 losses (Next two years, they went 69-13 and 62-20).Jordan was named (the oldest ever at age 35) NBA MVP that year and also Finals MVP. They opened the season with a 41-3 record (a record).In fact, from '95 to '96, Jordan and the Bulls completed a 33-8 road win record, which is a record. They also notched a record with their 14-0 win-loss record month in 1996.In the finals, Jordan was the defensive and offensive catalyst in the all-time most lopsided finals game ever when his Bulls beat Utah by 42 points.In 1998-99, the season after Jordan left the Bulls, not only did NBA players strike for 32 games, but the Bulls only averaged 81.9 points per game, which is an all-time low record in the NBA!They obviously missed MJ, who was the oldest scoring champion ever at 35 for the Bulls the year before, putting up 28.7 points per game.We shall say, then, with authority, that Michael Jordan is the greatest ever and would do the same or Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
more today if he were in his prime.So, next time you flip on an NBA game and before you even try and say LeBron and Kobe are great, you must first recognize the untouchable master: Michael Jordan.And remember how life could be if we could bring the greatest ever back to school the little wannabes.
finals record.The 2009-10 regular season saw a plethora of record-breaking opportunities in its 82-game schedule. NBA legend Jordan played in 1,072 regular season games over his career (not an all-time record).During those games, he set a record against Miami in 1992 when he made 20 free throws in a half; he took 23also an all-time regular season record.Once, Jordan recorded eight steals in a half, which is tied for an all-time regular season record. Defense was obviously one of his strong suits. Jordan holds the all-time record (tie) for leading the NBA in steals three times.Scoring was also a strong suit. Jordan led the NBA in total points scored in 11 different seasons.This is an all-time record.In his rookie year, Jordan averaged 28.2 points per game. He finished third in the scoring race behind Bernard King and Larry Byrd, but he played all 82 games and led the league in total season pointsas a rookie!Ten times, Jordan led the NBA in points per game: '87, '88, '89, '90, '91, '92, '93, '96, '97, and '98.His 30.12 regular season scoring average (over 15 separate seasons) is the highest in NBA history, and neither LeBron nor Kobe will ever pass that.Jordan recorded 563 career regular season games where he scored over 30 points. This is an all-time NBA record, as is his all-time regular season record of 866 straight games scoring in double figures.Of course, Jordan shone even brighter in the playoffs, taking his team to an all-time NBA best 6-0 finals record with the Bulls.Everyone else lost in the Finals.In one playoff game against the Celtics in 1986 in Jordan second season, he scored 63 points, an all-time NBA playoff record. He set a record by making 13 consecutive shots from the field versus L.A. in the 1991 Finals, an all-time playoff record. Jordan made 24 shots from the field against Cleveland in 1988also a playoff record.Also a record-setter for playoffs was Jordan 13 free throws made in a quarter against Detroit in 1991.Jordan holds the three-game series total points record with 135 points, versus Miami. He averaged 45.0 ppg in that series. In the same series, he made a record 53 shots from the field.Jordan holds the five-game series record for total points with 226 in 1988 versus Cleveland (45.2 ppg). He hit a record 101 FGs in a six game series against Phoenix in 1993.In fact, Jordan has scored more points in the playoffs than anyone, ever, in NBA history, with 5,987 points.His amazing career playoff scoring average is an all-time high 33.45 points per game!He Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
set records by having the most 50-point playoff games with eight.His 38 games in the playoffs with 40-plus points is the most ever, and his all-time record of 30-plus point playoff games totals 109. He also had more 20-plus point games than anyone ever with 173.These are all amazing and unbreakable records.Jordan is the only player ever in NBA history to score at least 15 points in every single playoff game he ever played in. He played in 179 career playoff games (not a record).In the playoffs versus Cleveland in 1988, Jordan scored 50 points and then 55 the next game, which makes him the only player ever in the playoffs to score 50-plus points, consecutively. He did the same with three straight over-45 point games in the playoffs, also a record.In one span, Jordan tabulated over 20 points, 60 consecutive times, which is an all-time NBA playoff record. So is his 15-plus point playoff game record of 179 (all his playoff games ever).In fact, no other player ever has even scored 10-plus points in 179 straight games. Jordan lowest playoff points game was 15.He took more shots than anyone in playoff history with 4,497 FG attempts. He has made more playoff free throws than anyone ever with 1,463.In the finals, Jordan set himself apart from any player ever, because he never lost in the finals. He scored 35 points in a half versus Portland in 1992 Finals, which is an all-time finals record.So is making 14 FGs in a half and 13 consecutively. He ties for most three-pointers made in a half in the finals with six. He made nine free throws in a quarter, a finals record.He has the highest finals series scoring average ever with 41.0 ppg versus Phoenix in 1993.Defensively, Jordan set a finals record with 14 steals in a five game series in 1991.In a six-game finals (Jordan never let a finals get to Game Seven) series, Jordan holds all-time records with 246 points, 101 FGs made, and being the only player to ever score at least 20 points in every finals game he ever played in.The record is 35 times, every one of his finals games!!!Even as an old man, Jordan set all-time NBA records. He is the oldest player to ever score 50-plus points in a game when he scored 51 against the Hornets at 38 years and 315 days old. He scored 24 in a quarter that day, which is an opponent's all-time high points scored in quarter against the Hornets.Also, he became the oldest player to ever score 40 points in a game at 40 years old and 4 days in 2003, and became the only player over 40 to average 20 points per Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
game (in 2003, his 20.0 was his lowest season average).Jordan set records like the most 30-points-per-game seasons ever for one player, with eight and seven consecutively.Both are records.Jordan blocked more shots than any guard ever in NBA history, with 893 for his career and 131 in one season (also an NBA guard record). Jordan became the first player ever to record 200 steals and 100 blocks in a season, and he did it twice in 1987 and 1988.Kobe has neverand will never do eitherlet alone both.Jordan six-time Finals MVP awards are an all-time NBA record. and he was NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988) and an all-defensive first team player nine times, which is an NBA record.His teams, therefore, won a lot of games. The Bulls actually recorded the greatest regular season record ever in 95-96 at 72 wins and 10 losses (Next two years, they went 69-13 and 62-20).Jordan was named (the oldest ever at age 35) NBA MVP that year and also Finals MVP. They opened the season with a 41-3 record (a record).In fact, from '95 to '96, Jordan and the Bulls completed a 33-8 road win record, which is a record. They also notched a record with their 14-0 win-loss record month in 1996.In the finals, Jordan was the defensive and offensive catalyst in the all-time most lopsided finals game ever when his Bulls beat Utah by 42 points.In 1998-99, the season after Jordan left the Bulls, not only did NBA players strike for 32 games, but the Bulls only averaged 81.9 points per game, which is an all-time low record in the NBA!They obviously missed MJ, who was the oldest scoring champion ever at 35 for the Bulls the year before, putting up 28.7 points per game.We shall say, then, with authority, that Michael Jordan is the greatest ever and would do the same or Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
more today if he were in his prime.So, next time you flip on an NBA game and before you even try and say LeBron and Kobe are great, you must first recognize the untouchable master: Michael Jordan.And remember how life could be if we could bring the greatest ever back to school the little wannabes.
2010年12月27日星期一
27 Dec 10 Kobe Bryant Is No Michael Jordan, but He's the Best Player in the NBA
Harry How/Getty ImagesIn the continuing debate over who is better, Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant, there is no debate. Michael Jordan is better.Michael was faster, quicker, leaped higher, had greater hang time, more body control, greater presence, was a purer scorer, was more creative, and was the greatest closer of all time.Although, Kobe is a better three-point shooter, statistically, and probably a purer shooter, Michael was the better player, and not by a small margin.Can you imagine what Michael could've done with the rules of today's NBA?You could probably add 15 points to his average and increase his shooting percentage by 10 percent.It's possible that he could've broken Wilt Chamberlain's record 100 points in one game.Scary.Pound-for-pound, Michael was the best NBA Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
basketball player ever.The fact that Kobe copied his moves, adopted his speaking pattern and facial expressions, andoccasionallyeven drives the lane with his tongue out, says it all.Kobe copied the best, but isn't him.That said, Kobe is the best player in the NBA today.We have to remember that Kobe is one of the elder statesmen in the NBA today. Though only 31 years old, he is a 14-year veteran of the league.His legs have a lot of miles on them, and he has accrued a plethora of injuries over the years; the last few years having to play through the season and playoffs with them.Whether it's been his knee, his back, or fingers, every year he finds a way to beat the other premier teams (and players) in the league.Let's compare him to some other players in the league.LeBron JamesLeBron is a physical phenomenon.His height, stature, athleticism, and basketball IQ is amazing, and night after night he is a human highlight reel.It would be fair to say that he is stronger than Kobe, and maybe a bit quicker than him, but killer instinct and heart count for a lot in sports.Kobe has bucket loads of both, in the regular season and the playoffs.LeBron has hit some game winning shots, but if it was the fourth quarter of Game Seven of the finals, and your team was down by one with nine seconds on the clock, who would you want with the ball?'Nuff said.Dwayne WadeWade is another complete player. Giving up a few inches to Kobe, he is lightning quick, is an explosive finisher on the drive, and plays stellar defense.Wade Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
has heart in bunches, and in many ways matches Kobe's nightly output. In the 2008/09 season he averaged more points, steals, and block averages than both Kobe and LeBron.Kobe is a much better three-point shooter, and with his height, can effectively guard more positions.It is also noteworthy that when looking at games that the Heat and the Lakers were down, Kobe's will to win seems more dominant, but not by much.While many fans lean towards LeBron being the better player, when taking into account the intangibles, Wade is the closest thing to Kobe in the NBA.Give Wade three more inches, and we wouldn't be having this discussion.Kevin DurantDurant is one of the up and coming great players in the league. At 6'9"/6'10", he is as nimble as a guard and has great ability to score in bunches.A pure shooter, Durant is a threat from anywhere on the court. He has good speed, and has learned how to draw fouls as well as his veteran counterparts.What Durant hasn't shown consistently is the ability to create his own shot. With his shooting percentage under .500 in the regular season, and under .400 in the playoffs, that is something he has to work on.Putting on a few more pounds will do him well. Working on getting better looks will also make him a better closer.He has all the talent in the world, but needs a few more years to put it together.Carmelo AnthonyCarmelo is a great scorer with everything he needs, except consistency and killer instinct.If you could mix Carmelo with Chauncey Billups, and make one player, you would have Kobe Bryant.Unfortunately for Carmelo, he isn't.Final thoughtsDespite 14 long seasons of wear and tear, injuries, and teams with younger superstars, Kobe is still the best player in the league.Beyond the media hype and highlight reels of Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
other players, when the game is on the line, there is no better closer in the league today.He's still playing at a high level, entertaining us night after night and even if you're not a Lakers fan, enjoy him.Great players like Kobe don't come that often, and since Michael Jordan retired, no one has been better. No one.
basketball player ever.The fact that Kobe copied his moves, adopted his speaking pattern and facial expressions, andoccasionallyeven drives the lane with his tongue out, says it all.Kobe copied the best, but isn't him.That said, Kobe is the best player in the NBA today.We have to remember that Kobe is one of the elder statesmen in the NBA today. Though only 31 years old, he is a 14-year veteran of the league.His legs have a lot of miles on them, and he has accrued a plethora of injuries over the years; the last few years having to play through the season and playoffs with them.Whether it's been his knee, his back, or fingers, every year he finds a way to beat the other premier teams (and players) in the league.Let's compare him to some other players in the league.LeBron JamesLeBron is a physical phenomenon.His height, stature, athleticism, and basketball IQ is amazing, and night after night he is a human highlight reel.It would be fair to say that he is stronger than Kobe, and maybe a bit quicker than him, but killer instinct and heart count for a lot in sports.Kobe has bucket loads of both, in the regular season and the playoffs.LeBron has hit some game winning shots, but if it was the fourth quarter of Game Seven of the finals, and your team was down by one with nine seconds on the clock, who would you want with the ball?'Nuff said.Dwayne WadeWade is another complete player. Giving up a few inches to Kobe, he is lightning quick, is an explosive finisher on the drive, and plays stellar defense.Wade Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
has heart in bunches, and in many ways matches Kobe's nightly output. In the 2008/09 season he averaged more points, steals, and block averages than both Kobe and LeBron.Kobe is a much better three-point shooter, and with his height, can effectively guard more positions.It is also noteworthy that when looking at games that the Heat and the Lakers were down, Kobe's will to win seems more dominant, but not by much.While many fans lean towards LeBron being the better player, when taking into account the intangibles, Wade is the closest thing to Kobe in the NBA.Give Wade three more inches, and we wouldn't be having this discussion.Kevin DurantDurant is one of the up and coming great players in the league. At 6'9"/6'10", he is as nimble as a guard and has great ability to score in bunches.A pure shooter, Durant is a threat from anywhere on the court. He has good speed, and has learned how to draw fouls as well as his veteran counterparts.What Durant hasn't shown consistently is the ability to create his own shot. With his shooting percentage under .500 in the regular season, and under .400 in the playoffs, that is something he has to work on.Putting on a few more pounds will do him well. Working on getting better looks will also make him a better closer.He has all the talent in the world, but needs a few more years to put it together.Carmelo AnthonyCarmelo is a great scorer with everything he needs, except consistency and killer instinct.If you could mix Carmelo with Chauncey Billups, and make one player, you would have Kobe Bryant.Unfortunately for Carmelo, he isn't.Final thoughtsDespite 14 long seasons of wear and tear, injuries, and teams with younger superstars, Kobe is still the best player in the league.Beyond the media hype and highlight reels of Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
other players, when the game is on the line, there is no better closer in the league today.He's still playing at a high level, entertaining us night after night and even if you're not a Lakers fan, enjoy him.Great players like Kobe don't come that often, and since Michael Jordan retired, no one has been better. No one.
2010年12月26日星期日
26 Dec 10 2010 NBA Playoffs: Phoenix Suns Face Elimination for the First Time
Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesPlanet Orange was smiling after the Suns pulled off a nine-point victory Tuesday night in Phoenix. Some Phoenix fans were left broken-hearted after Thursday night's loss in Los Angeles. Either way, tonight's game is the first must-win these Suns have faced in this post-season. Miami Dolphins jersey
After a thrilling game that saw its fair share of late heroics, Alvin Gentry and his team are faced with the prospect of elimination. Tonight, Suns fans, is the night that you will either celebrate one more win or agonize over what could have been.Hopefully, even in a loss, you won't think about what could have been this year.As opposed to those series in the past when Suns fans could have complained about injuries, suspensions, mysterious three-pointers, or any other cosmic forces depriving them of what they felt was rightfully theirs for the taking; this year, in this series, if the Suns lose, it will be because the Lakers won. That's right.Read it again if you need to.If we lose this series, it will be because the Lakers won. Does it feel awkward to think of someone other than the San Antonio Spurs Minnesota Vikings
eliminating us? Of course it does, especially those Lakers. But this year we'll be left with no excuses other than basketball.I hope the Suns will win tonight, but if they don't I'd like to thank the Suns for a great season. I'd like to thank Grant Hill for his dedication to our team, coach Gentry for his calm, collected leadership, our bench for their inspired play throughout the season, and Richardson, Stoudemire, and Nash for giving us reason to believe. Sometimes that's all we have.If we lose tonight, or go on to lose in seven, I'll consider this season a success New England Patriots jersey
and support our NBA Western Conference, Pacific Division rivals, and allies against Boston and I hope you will, too. That may be a little too much to ask, I know, but I'd always rather lose to the champions than anyone else.
After a thrilling game that saw its fair share of late heroics, Alvin Gentry and his team are faced with the prospect of elimination. Tonight, Suns fans, is the night that you will either celebrate one more win or agonize over what could have been.Hopefully, even in a loss, you won't think about what could have been this year.As opposed to those series in the past when Suns fans could have complained about injuries, suspensions, mysterious three-pointers, or any other cosmic forces depriving them of what they felt was rightfully theirs for the taking; this year, in this series, if the Suns lose, it will be because the Lakers won. That's right.Read it again if you need to.If we lose this series, it will be because the Lakers won. Does it feel awkward to think of someone other than the San Antonio Spurs Minnesota Vikings
eliminating us? Of course it does, especially those Lakers. But this year we'll be left with no excuses other than basketball.I hope the Suns will win tonight, but if they don't I'd like to thank the Suns for a great season. I'd like to thank Grant Hill for his dedication to our team, coach Gentry for his calm, collected leadership, our bench for their inspired play throughout the season, and Richardson, Stoudemire, and Nash for giving us reason to believe. Sometimes that's all we have.If we lose tonight, or go on to lose in seven, I'll consider this season a success New England Patriots jersey
and support our NBA Western Conference, Pacific Division rivals, and allies against Boston and I hope you will, too. That may be a little too much to ask, I know, but I'd always rather lose to the champions than anyone else.
2010年12月25日星期六
25 Dec 10 Cavaliers vs. 76ers: Triumph of the Meeks as Philadelphia Topples Cleveland
Sixers guard Jodie Meeks takes a break from his hot shooting to talk it over with the official.Marc Serota/Getty ImagesA win over the King-less Cleveland Cavaliers isn exactly putting the NBA on notice, but the Philadelphia 76ers and blossoming young guard Jodie Meeks will take it.A balanced team effort saw the Sixers take control in the first quarter and never look back. They led by nine after the first quarter and 14 at the break on their way to a trouble-free 117-97 win.Seven Sixers scored in double figures, led by Thaddeus Young 26 off the bench. Buffalo Bills jersey
Meeks contributed again with 16 points, including 4-of-9 three-point shooting, following up on his eye-opening 26-point performance against the Charlotte Bobcats Saturday night.On Saturday, Meeks scored 20 points in the first quarter, knocking down seven three-pointers in the game. He hit 21-of-44 three-pointers on the season, a .477 percent clip, well above his career average of .358. The 23-year-old out of Kentucky, acquired last season from the Milwaukee Bucks in an at-the-time barely noticed trade for Primo Brezec, Royal Ivey and a 2010 second-round draft pick, has replaced No. 2-overall pick Evan Turner in the starting lineup.He may be earning himself a longer look on a young team still searching for the right combinations.Off the bench, Turner scored only two points in 15 minutes, but Young shot a scorching 11-of-12 from field-goal range, finishing with 26 points to go along with his 11 rebounds. And don tell Young that a victory against this woebegone Cleveland team was meaningless.It's very refreshing, Young said. Any time we can go out there and get four out of five victories, it's big for the team. We need those wins that help us make a push for the playoffs and help get us in the mix for things.Laughers have been hard to come by in the Sixers now 7-14 campaign, Carolina Panthers jersey
but after starting the season 3-13, the Sixers have won four of their last five, including five in a row at the suddenly friendly confines of the Wells Fargo Center.The Sixers controlled the glass all night, winning the rebound battle 44 to 29. When the 7-14 Cavaliers lose, they lose big, having lost by 20 points or more six teams already this season. And they now lost five in a row, all by double figures, including their drubbing last week at the hands of LeBron James and his Miami Heat.J.J. Hickson team-high 18 points weren enough, and Mo Williams contributed 15 points and seven assists on a night when the overmatched Cavaliers gave a less-than-inspiring effort.We're getting beat off the dribble like we're not even there, Cavs coach Byron Scott said. Pride has to come into it. Guys go right down the lane for easy layups and nobody seems upset by it. Everybody has to do a lot of soul-searching."The Sixers, who were able to avenge two November losses to the Cavs, probably wish they played Cleveland every night. But their home winning streak will be put to the test when the Boston Celtics come to town Thursday night, and the New Orleans Hornets arrive for a Sunday afternoon contest.They may have only won one-third of their games, but the Sixers have been competitive. They lost four games by five points or less. Doug Collins is mixing and matching his parts, trying to find a mix that delivers victories on the potential inherent in his athletic, young team.Time will tell if he found a winning combination on a team that been perennially Chicago Bears jersey
filled with question marks. And the Sixers can play teams as moribund as the Cavaliers every night.But the Eastern Conference is flabby;the Sixers are, amazingly, only one game out of the No. 8 spot;and if players like Meeks keep stepping up and surprising people, that playoff gleam in Young eye might not seem so far-fetched
Meeks contributed again with 16 points, including 4-of-9 three-point shooting, following up on his eye-opening 26-point performance against the Charlotte Bobcats Saturday night.On Saturday, Meeks scored 20 points in the first quarter, knocking down seven three-pointers in the game. He hit 21-of-44 three-pointers on the season, a .477 percent clip, well above his career average of .358. The 23-year-old out of Kentucky, acquired last season from the Milwaukee Bucks in an at-the-time barely noticed trade for Primo Brezec, Royal Ivey and a 2010 second-round draft pick, has replaced No. 2-overall pick Evan Turner in the starting lineup.He may be earning himself a longer look on a young team still searching for the right combinations.Off the bench, Turner scored only two points in 15 minutes, but Young shot a scorching 11-of-12 from field-goal range, finishing with 26 points to go along with his 11 rebounds. And don tell Young that a victory against this woebegone Cleveland team was meaningless.It's very refreshing, Young said. Any time we can go out there and get four out of five victories, it's big for the team. We need those wins that help us make a push for the playoffs and help get us in the mix for things.Laughers have been hard to come by in the Sixers now 7-14 campaign, Carolina Panthers jersey
but after starting the season 3-13, the Sixers have won four of their last five, including five in a row at the suddenly friendly confines of the Wells Fargo Center.The Sixers controlled the glass all night, winning the rebound battle 44 to 29. When the 7-14 Cavaliers lose, they lose big, having lost by 20 points or more six teams already this season. And they now lost five in a row, all by double figures, including their drubbing last week at the hands of LeBron James and his Miami Heat.J.J. Hickson team-high 18 points weren enough, and Mo Williams contributed 15 points and seven assists on a night when the overmatched Cavaliers gave a less-than-inspiring effort.We're getting beat off the dribble like we're not even there, Cavs coach Byron Scott said. Pride has to come into it. Guys go right down the lane for easy layups and nobody seems upset by it. Everybody has to do a lot of soul-searching."The Sixers, who were able to avenge two November losses to the Cavs, probably wish they played Cleveland every night. But their home winning streak will be put to the test when the Boston Celtics come to town Thursday night, and the New Orleans Hornets arrive for a Sunday afternoon contest.They may have only won one-third of their games, but the Sixers have been competitive. They lost four games by five points or less. Doug Collins is mixing and matching his parts, trying to find a mix that delivers victories on the potential inherent in his athletic, young team.Time will tell if he found a winning combination on a team that been perennially Chicago Bears jersey
filled with question marks. And the Sixers can play teams as moribund as the Cavaliers every night.But the Eastern Conference is flabby;the Sixers are, amazingly, only one game out of the No. 8 spot;and if players like Meeks keep stepping up and surprising people, that playoff gleam in Young eye might not seem so far-fetched
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