basketball
07/25/2007
David Stern Gets Stern, Real Stern
David Stern isn't known for hyperbole or hysterical behavior. In fact, it's been his level-headed, brilliant strategizing that has made him the best commissioner in all of professional sports. So when he says that something is really bad, he ain't kidding. So the Tim Donaghy referee scandal is about as bad as it gets? Here's what Stern had to say in today's press conference: "I've been involved with the NBA for 40 years in some shape or form,
and I can tell you that this is the most serious situation and worst
situation that I have ever experienced, either as a fan of the NBA, a
lawyer for the NBA or as a commissioner of the NBA."
This makes the Pistons-Pacers brawl seem inconsequential. Hell, it even makes the whole Mike Vick/Barry Bonds sideshows seem inconsequential. Will the NBA ever recover? Probably, but the fans' faith in fair play -- not to mention Stern's impeccable stewardship of the league -- will be tainted for decades to come. But hey, it could be worse -- it could be the Tour de France.
In the next few weeks, expect tons of evidence to emerge about just how bad one apple managed to change the outcome of games. Until then, here's one YouTuber's take on Donaghy's work in game 3 of the Suns-Spurs playoff series.
06/15/2007
NBA Finals mercifully end
It's official. The Spurs/Cavs 2007 Finals is the lowest rated NBA Finals ever. In history. And with mega-markets like San Antonio and Cleveland coming together for one of, if not the most lopsided championship match-ups ever, it's hard to imagine why. Jason Whitlock put it best when he wrote, "So why don’t the Spurs connect? Why were these finals a TV ratings disaster and a challenge to watch? Because sports fans aren’t stupid. They can sniff an impostor even when we in the media try to convince them otherwise."
Thankfully, NBA TV put together a minute and twelve seconds of all you need to see about San Antonio's third title in five years. Note that Tony Parker (better known as "Mr. Eva Longoria"), who would go on to win Finals MVP, is responsible for all three Spurs highlights.
05/29/2007
NBA Playoffs: Pistons-Cavaliers Game 4 Preview
NBA playoffs! Very exciting! And if you're like me and just now catching up with the action, this NBA-produced preview for tonight's Pistons-Cavaliers Game 4 is the perfect place to start. In two minutes, you not only get a recap of the series's biggest moments, but predictions regarding tonight's game, including thoughts on what Larry Hughes's leg injury might mean for the Cavaliers line-up. Pistons are up 2-1, but tonight the Cavaliers are going home to Cleveland, and LeBron James looks ready to bring it. (Not that James ever looks un-ready to bring it. It's part of his charm.)
04/30/2007
Baron Davis Halfcourt Shot
I almost feel sorry for Cuban, but then I remember his billions of dollars and I decide that I don't care if his team is pitted against the toughest eight-seed in years. An eight-seed that hasn't been to the playoffs since 1994 when they were swept. An eight-seed with fans that are starving for a playoff series victory. And most importantly, an eight-seed with Baron Davis.
Former UCLA star Davis has been amazing. His half court shot to tie the game going into halftime is the tip of the iceberg. If you missed the game last night, you also need to check him out as he steals an inbound pass from the Mavericks and goes coast to coast for a buzzer beater to tie it again at the end of the third. Baron Davis has been insane. Baron Davis is playing the way the Dallas Mavericks should be. Instead, the Mavericks are playing the mechanical basketball that earned them the regular season's best record--fundamentally sound, but lacking the passion to win an NBA championship.
While I don't want to count them out because of what happened to the Lakers last season when they put the Suns down 3-1, I also have to say that the Mavericks -- the number one team in the NBA, last year's Western Conference champs -- are looking like a long shot against the Warriors. Most notably, they are going to have to win one at Golden State, which I just can't see happening. These fans and Baron Davis are just too crazy to beat on the road. Especially when everything is going the Warriors way, including half court shots like this. You know, the type of shot that people like Cuban have nightmares about for the rest of their lives? Oh you don't know? Then watch this video and see what Cuban sees every time he tries to get some shuteye.
