24.5.09

The Conference Finals

Well, series were tied 1-1 on both the East and West sides.  Last night, the Lakers beat the Nuggets to go up 2-1.  

It's kind of heart breaking after watching over and over, Lebron tie up the series with the 3 point dagger at the end of game 1.  I think that shot alone will change the entire series.  The Orlando Magic would've had a 2 game lead in the best of 4 match up.  Half way there, with home court advantage, all taken away in that last 1 second shot.  AMAZING.   I don't really mind LbJ so for him to hit his first playoff game winner was pretty impressive.  

On the other side, the Lakers beat out the Nuggets.  It's still impressive that all of the Conference Finals games have been pretty darn close.  It's pitiful to see the Lakers and Kobe beat out the Nuggets, especially after watching the Birdman terrorize the Lakers defense.  Anyways, this one like Game 1, got away from the Nuggets.  And now they're on the brinks of falling behind 3-1 if they can't stop Kobe .  

11.5.09

Nba Suspensions


NBA Playoff Suspensions
There's been a problem that often arises during the spring time in the NBA.  Playoff Suspensions.  Should they, or should they not be in affect during playoff games.  
Standing from one side, we can see that it is really unfair to the team serving a suspension.   It is often what decides the winner of the game, usually rewarding the non affecting group.  On the opposite side, it is the league rule that players will serve the suspension the following game.  So what should the league do now?
I say the league excludes the suspensions from playoff basketball because it is such a big factor in deciding who wins and loses games.  Even if it's not a star player being suspended, it still affects the rotation of the bench, and outcome of the game.  It doesn't necessarily and always affect the penalized group, as we've seen the Magic win without Dwight Howard in Game 6 Vs the Sixers.  Over a number of years, we've seen Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw sit out a decisive game 6 vs the San Antonio Spurs.  But on the contrary, that would also mean Robert Horry would be able to play the next game, even after smashing Steve Nash into the scorer's table in game 5.  
A big part of the suspensions in NBA playoffs are caused not from altercations among players, or benches stepping foot on the floor during an altercation.  As we've seen this year, the Flagrant one and Flagrant two fouls are a big reason for suspensions, or at least a re-evaluation by the league's Stu Jackson.  This year alone, there's been incidents involving Kendrick Perkins, Ron Artest, Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade, and 4-5 more.  Not everyone who's received a flagrant one or two has received a suspension, but most have been thrown out of the game.  And although being ejected is somewhat reasonable, I believe it is unnecessary to keep them from returning for the next game.  Of course, there comes exceptions within the league, and the league should be able to override the ruling.  I also think the ref's should take another look at the calls they make in regarding to flagrant one and flagrant two calls.  In particular, they shouldn't be changing flagrant ones to flagrant two's because of the hype or intensity of the game.  Instead, it should be called fairly enough where it can be visibly seen whether the accused players are actually going for the ball or intentionally going to hurt someone.  
Overall, the suspensions should be served during the upcoming season.  If the players are to be retiring that year, they should pay a fine.  What shouldn't happen are players to be sat out during the most crucial games of the year and even their career.  They should be able to help their team as much as they can, and not be giving the series a handicap.  There will always be exceptions that the front officials can overrule, but I disagree that suspensions should take place during the playoffs.  It will most likely give opposing teams handicaps and seeding.  
On other notes, it seems like the playoffs are getting very intense.  Boston and the Magic are tied, with the game winning shot coming from Big Baby Davis.  That shot was AMAZING might I add, kind of like the old Vlade Divac in the SAcramento Days where we all yell, "NO!" and after it goes in, "YEAH!!!." Haha that was a very good game from start to finish.  Might I add, the TRuth is simply the TRUTH.  
Rockets and Lakers are tied despite losing YAO Ming! WHAT!? First Tmac, then Dikembe, now Yao.. and they're tied ?  What the.? Ron Ron baby.  The Rockets are showing depth, and they are showing poise.  Or is it just luck on an off night of Kobe?  We'll see in game 5 in LA.  I'd love to see the Rockets win, but the chances of that happening and proceeding to the Western Conference Finals is highly unlikely.
Unlike my man, Big Shot Chauncey Billups, the Nuggets are looking like a team without fear.  They are simply the best Western Conference Team right now, and it's all because of the general.  No, not the Admiral, the General.  There's one of the best, interesting, factual article on Espn that's made me a huge Chauncey Fan.  He was always go to man on the court, but now he's the go to man off the court.  READ THIS  

And the other 3-0 team on the Eastern side, the Cavs vs the HAwks.  Sorry to say, the man child is simply beasting everybody that steps in their way.  Oh man, it's almost unfair.  haha

7.5.09

good friends are hard to come by..

Who do you think the hardest people to find are.? Celebrities? Your other half? Well I suppose both are hard to find, but then again, celebrities are people just like us. And our other half, well that's something that should find us. That is something we shouldn't look for. Instead, we should look for something deeper, more meaningful that will last a life time. Beside the other half, there stands the idea of friendship. Friendship is probably something we all take for granted, thinking that those certain people will always be there. But let me tell you something from firsthand experience. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "the ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand in times of challenge and controversy." Take a minute and think about what these powerful words from one of the great leaders of all time has said. The measure of a person is not where they stand at the memories, the good times, or the convenient times. It is where they stand during the the rough, ugly, and hectic times. Ask yourself, when the world walks out on you, who walks in?


We've all had our share of friends, from our youth in elementary and middle school, to co-workers and college experiences. We remember the High School cliques we'd walk in the halls with and eat lunch with. We remember the ones we'd share interests with such as sports, church, or culture. So as we look at the past, and think about the present, who's really our friend? Who really knows us for us. It seems like we've all had those friends we used to call best friends, or at least close. But somewhere down the road, things fell apart like a new item that deteriorates and depreciates. It's human nature for things to fall apart, and we are often left questioning, what happened, who's to blame, and why... Maybe we took a wrong turn, or we did something we shouldn't have. Maybe they got into a relationship, and left us to rot. No, our close friends shouldn't do that, but did they?


Now I'm not trying to get on anyones case about losing a friend, or leaving a friend, because we all have our reasons. We all have our excuses, and we all have our own characteristics. I am trying to say is that, good friends are hard to come by. My communications professor told us, "You know, I only have five friends.." The class laughed at first. But then he finished," Five people I would die for, five people that would willingly die for me. The rest of the people are just acquaintances." I don't know how the rest of the class interpreted his statement, but I believe what he said is completely, totally 100 percent true. It doesn't matter how many you actually have, but just know what ones are true and what ones are fake.


See this world is filled with billions, and among those billions each and every person is different. That means, there's a world filled with all kinds of people. So be open to meeting everyone because you'll never know what your find. The best find is something you weren't looking for. If I could advise you, I'd say to learn from each and everyone you meet somehow, because in the long run you won't experience it all in your life. And while searching among the billion people in this world, the best reliable friends are the ones you can trust. Trust goes such a long way, but it is the honest factor when you look at your real friends and your acquaintances. The ones you trust with your life, and vice versa, are the ones that will be with you the rest of your life.


One thing that we all have and will always experience is drama. Yes, drama. And maybe it's high school drama, or kiddish drama, either way, it's like the kryptonite of a friendship. Drama is the thing that will tear a friendship apart in an instant...And it's not the depth of the drama, but rather how people handle the drama. I think the main thing that happens when dealing with drama is we get too caught up with what other people will think of us when the drama is out in the open. We always think, well what will they think of me if I'm this way or that way. But when handling drama, remember the truth or the facts, and the overall circumstances of the problem. Is it worth losing a friendship over? Is it worth all the tears and stress? You could say, why the hell are we here in the first place? Most drama is avoidable by one simple solution. Openness. Openness with the relations to communication. If there's something he or she did to you that you didn't like, let them know. Don't let the popularity of the person or the persons background intimidate you. Like you, they are only human. Reguardless of how they handle situations in the past, realize that there is a right and there is a wrong, and if they're in the wrong let them know. If you're wrong, admit defeat. Stop avoiding your pride and ego, and just apologize. Nobody likes to admit they're wrong, but if you are than be a grown adult and admit to it. Yeah it sounds easier than it really is, but that's probably the easiest way to handle a situation without losing respect.


All in all, my view on drama is avoid it if possible. If it isn't avoidable, than talk it out and communicate. Apologize if need be, and go from there. If the other person is too stubborn to admit they're wrong or accept your apology, forget it. Let it go and move on. It shows a lot in a person's characteristics if they're wrong and won't admit to it. But it's nothing to big, and there's a lot more friends out there. Sometimes it can be heard, especially with the close close close friends that have been there from day one. But the closer they are, the easier it should be to talk to em. Friends have value, and you have value to them. The best friends are the ones that are there no matter what. True friends are like stars, you might not always see them, but you know they're there. We've all had our friends come and go, so they're more like acquaintances. The ones that mean the most are the ones that we're willing to risk everything for and vice versa. Great Friends are extended family, so if you don't think they share the same views and morales as your family, chances are they aren't going to be a great friend..


Know that having a great friend requires one thing from you, and that's be a great friend in return. If you're a good friend and people abuse the privileges, they don't deserve you. If you stay a good friend and your efforts go unrecognized, I must say I'm truly sorry. It's your choice to stay or go. You're a good friend but sometimes people don't know what they have until it's gone. And in the end, we both lose out which sucks, but if that's what happens, you can't really do anything about it. So be careful who you trust these days because good friends are hard to find. The measure of a person is one that is trying to solve the problem with you, not running away. If somebody ever hurts you , it is later up to you if you forgive them or not. But remember, "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me." Like I said earlier, there are billion people in this world, so like a relationship, don't get caught up with just one person. If they hurt you and they don't apologize, chances are they don't care. I know this blog is all over the place with friends...It's such a big topic! But the main points were to be careful who you trust because people will abuse it. The greatest friends are the ones we trust though. Don't get caught up with just one friend, but vary it out. Good friends will build over a period of time, you just have to know the person completely before you trust them. "The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand in times of challenge and controversy." -MLK... " Be true to yourself ,and be true to others. To handle yourself, use your head. To handle others, use your heart." E. Roosevelt.

oh NBA TEAMS!

Well, let me first say that these are my awards, not my predictions..for the teams already came out. It's funny I didn't do this when I did the individual awards.

First NBA Team

Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dwight Howard

Second Nba Team

Deron Williams, Brandon Roy, Paul Pierce, Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki

Third NBA Team

Rajon Rondo, Danny Granger, Kevin Durant, Chris Bosh, Pau Gasol

I was going to put Chauncey Billups instead of one of the guards, but it's kind of hard since Granger was having a break out year. Actually, Durant could be placed behind Granger. I also wanted to put in Devin Harris or Jason Kidd cause they both had a good year as well (stat wise). Unfortunately I was unable to put em on.

All Defensive First Team

Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, Lebron James, Ron Artest, Dwight Howard

All Defensive Second Team

Rajon Rondo, Kobe Bryant, Shane Battier, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett

Do they have a 3rd defensive team? Well, I wouldn't know who to pick. I know that KG was picked on the 1st team this year, but I don't think I can agree saying he missed half of the season with his knee injury. Plus, he's not playing in the playoffs either, even though it's a season award. I think Duncan or KG can be on the 1st instead of Ron Ron, but I guess I felt KG was MIA the last 3 months.

1st NBA Rookie Team

Derrick Rose, O.J Mayo, Russell Westbrook, Greg Oden, Brook Lopez

2nd NBA Rookie Team

Mario Chalmers, D.J Augustine, Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, Marc Gasol

Compared to the actual picks, I say the first team was correct. I have Greg Oden instead of Michael Beasley. Even tho B.Easy is my man on 2k9, I don't think he did quite as well as the hype. Although there were times he did play well, there were more often times he was faltering either by missing shots, making rookie mistakes, or poor defense. Overall, Greg Oden could be on the 2nd team, and boost up Kevin Love or another double double guy like Marc. Either way, I like my picks...

6.5.09

Round 2 playoffs


Done Series


Man have the NBA Playoffs sure heated up.  So my predictions are obviously not as correct as they could've been.  Cleveland went undefeated against the Pistons, ending the 6 year Conference Finals Appearances for them.  San Antonio lost to Dallas in 5, but I suppose it was predictable knowing that Manu wasn't going to be participating in the playoffs.  Yeah, I didn't know that, or else I think i would've picked Dallas.  San Antonio isn't really any offensive threat besides Tony Parker and Tim Duncan.  Tony Parker had 31 in one half though, which was kinda tite.  Too bad they still lost.  Kobe Bryant and the Lakers proceeded, who would've doubted..They got my predictions right. haha New Orleans has failed me, making my second wrong pick... I guess I underrated the Birdman, Big Shot Billups, JR Smith, and Carmelo.  I think the huge X factors for them is the Birdman and JR.  Stop them, and I think you have a good shot in winning the series.   


Denver Vs Dallas.  That's an interesting match up, but I don't think Dallas will do very good against the heavily stacked and experienced Nuggets.  Besides playing in Mile High Denver, the Nuggets have a better chemistry than the Mavs.  Chauncey Billups seems to be the factor in this game, as he and Jason Kidd go at it for the 100th time.  Both are extremely gifted and well experienced point guards that have different games.  If put together, I'd say they'd be the ultimate point guard.  Clutch shooter, great passer with a basketball IQ of 1000.  This series will be a good one, but I think Denver in possibly 6.  Sorry, I've never supported Dirk Nowitzki or Mark Cuban..



Man can you believe the Rockets finally made it out of the first round? The funny thing is that it's a "TMAC" to be stuck in the first round.. Ironic thing is that Tmac got out of the first round, and he didn't even play.  Hmmm that says something about TMAc or it's just the luck of the straw.  Anyways, the series is over and I'm sure Portland will be fighting next year.  They're probably really disappointed in themselves saying they had home court advantage at the number 4 seed.  I can't believe Ron Artest said Brandon Roy is the hardest guy to guard in the NBA, even including Lebron, Dwyane, and Kobe.  Kinda funny, but then again, Ron Ron is always saying something stupid.  Anyways, now it's the Rockets Vs the Lakers.  

So since Ron Ron's quote about Brandon Roy, it seems to be an "easier" match up for Artest.  Maybe it's cause Brandon Roy is young and more athletic, running a lot more than Kobe.  But either way, he's gonna have to guard Kobe now.  We'll be sure to listen for new quotes from Ron Ron about how unguardable Kobe is. I think it's because Ron Ron underestimated the quickness and overall game of Brandon Roy.  I know we all have.  Especially since Ron Ron has played Kobe way more times than Roy.  Anyways, this match up will be a great one, but I see the Rockets falling short because the lack of firepower they have.  Like 2k9, I see the match up of the Lakers vs anyone is almost unfair. Their bench is so deep, it reminds me of the Kings in 2004.  Yeah that bench was super deep.  Remember when we had, Hedo, Bobby J, Gerald Wallace, Keon Clark, Anthony Peeler, Jimmy Jackson, and I dunno.  Basically our bench could've been the starting line up.  This year, Shannon Brown has stepped up.  Vujachic is a pure shooter when he's hot.  Powell has strength in rebounding, Farmar is an extremely quick point guard.  And Lamar Odom or Andrew Bynum off the bench.  Man that's deep.  I say Lakers in 6 especially since Yao Ming will have a handful with three different type of bigs.  Maybe if they had TMAC it'd be a great matchup, but then again, maybe the Rockets are better without em.  


Boston and the Magic.. Well I guess the best playoff series in history was in the first round, so it's hard to say if it'll get any better in this series.  Of course the Magic are a 3 point shooting team that relies on mostly perimeter shots.  Like all season, if the shots ain't fallin, they ain't winnin.  The Celtics on the other hand, might be too tired to compete with such a run and gun offense.  I know that they're struggling a little bit too on the offensive side with little help outside Paul "the Truth" Pierce, and Ray Allen.  Eddie House needs to step up, alongside of Mikki Moore and Stephon Marbury.  Big Baby Davis and Kendrick Perkins are also a great one two punch to contain Dwight Howard, but foul trouble will be an issue.  Courtney Lee will be a factor if he comes back from his sinus injury caused by Dwight Howard in the Philly Matchup.  Another key factor is if Dwight stops throwin Bow's against the opponents and teammates.  I know everyone wants him to play like Shaq, but that one elbow against Samuel Dalembert was just wrong.  Anyways, this will be a good match up, but I see the Celtics on top in possibly 6 or 7.  Funny, all the second round series are six or seven games.  Except.....


The Hawks and Cavs.  Hmm I'm disappointed that my rookies on the Heat couldn't help Dwade and Udonis in game 7.  So with the Hawks playing the Cavs, I see this ending in a hurry.  Maybe the home crowd will give the Hawks a boost, but then again, the Cavs home crowd gives the Cavs a 2-0 start.  I think the Cavs are very deep and have exceptionally well chemistry.  The Hawks don't have home court advantage so if they don't win in Cleveland, game over.  I don't even see it getting that far though, saying the Cavs have the MVP Lebron James.  Yeah, unfortunately Lebron will take the MVP this year instead of Dwade, but props to him cause he had a great year as well.  Lebron is everything to the Cavs like DWADE so it's gonna be tough for the Hawks to stop him.  Josh Smith is the only one on the Hawks that can stop LBJ because he has the athleticism and body to keep up with Lebron.  But even if he stops Lebron from scoring, Lebron is such a quick big man and passer that it'll be hard to stop his penetration and dish.  Also Lebron is so smart that he knows where the open man is at all times when he's doubled.  Josh Smith couldn't even guard Dwade, so I can't possibly see Josh Smith stopping LBJ for four games let alone one.  Anyways, I say Cavs in 4.. or 5.  Either way, Hawks have no chance... Kinda like how the Rockets have no chance against Kobe. .