The Suns of 2009-2010 are a much different team than any Suns team in the past.
Sure they still run and gun as they did during the D’Antoni era. However, they actually do something they have long been criticized for not doing and that’s playing DEFENSE. Yes ladies and gentlemen, the Phoenix Suns play defense. They are actually being praised for it by the like of Gregg Poppovich.
As I was watching the predictions for the Phoenix Suns series against the San Antonio Spurs, not many analysts and so called “experts” were giving the Suns much of a chance even though they had the better record and the home court advantage.
I guess I can’t really blame them. Look at series past. And I will admit that as big of a Suns “homer” as I am even I did not predict the Suns actually sweeping the Spurs. Hell the Spurs haven’t been swept since 2001 and that was by a Lakers team with Kobe and Shaq on it.
But for anyone who has not been paying attention to NBA basketball since the All-Star break; this Phoenix Suns team is playing some of the best basketball ever. There is only one team playing better and that is the Orlando Magic.
The Suns all year have been utilizing their bench. Again something that in coaching regime’s past was ignored. Coach Alvin Gentry has done a phenomenal job with this team. He has developed a great relationship with Amare Stoudemire. This relationship may just be what is needed to keep Amare in Phoenix next season. Gentry has also shown faith and confidence in his bench players allowing them to develop, and allowing his starters to get much needed rest to stay fresh. These fresh legs are what is helping this team make such a deep playoff run.
While Suns fans all year have known about Goran Dragic, Game 3 in San Antonio was his “coming out” party on a national stage.
The “Slovenian Jordan” as he is called by teammates showed what he could do. I guess the Suns secret weapon has been unleashed and is not so secret anymore. Behind Dragic’s great play all season and especially in the playoffs, Steve Nash has been tallying an average of just around 35 minutes a game. That is the least amount of minutes for a starting point guard in playoff history.
Ask Nash how he feels about the success Dragic had in that Game 3 and he beams from ear to ear like a proud parent.
Dragic used to stay up late at night in Slovakia to watch his idol Nash play basketball. Now he is learning from Nash.
Still, there seems to be pessimism about this Suns team. Are they for real? Can they ever win the big one?
While I like to think so, the Suns have to get through the defending champion Lakers first. While not many are giving the Suns a chance in the series, one thing to keep in mind…in the last 5 playoff series with the Lakers, the Suns have emerged victorious 4 of those times. Shocked? I admit I was when I realized that.
One other thing to note…while most people talk about the “7 year itch”, the Suns seem to have a “17 year itch”. The Suns have only been to the NBA finals twice. The first time in 1979, the second time in 1993. That was a span of 17 years. This season marks 17 years since the Suns last reached the finals. Will that 17 year itch be on their side again? Time will only tell but this Suns fan is hoping so!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
NBA Playoffs Round One Recap
NBA playoffs have wrapped up the first round.
There have been a few surprises in the first round, and some expected outcomes.
Let’s do a brief recap by series:
I don’t think anyone really expected this series to go any different than it did. The “Akron Hammer” aka King James, aka Bron Bron showed why he won the MVP award for the second straight year.
The Cavs played a little sloppy in Game 5 but were still able to eliminate the Bulls.
LeBron injured his elbow during game 5 and test results show a right elbow strain and bone bruise.
He will continue to get treatment but should not miss any playing time.
Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro continues to draw the ire from the front office and rumor has it he may be looking for a new job soon. He does however, have the support of his players. Personally, I think he has done a hell of a job with his players. They’ve gone to the playoffs the last 2 seasons. Is it really his fault they came up against the Cavs?
I read somewhere a stat on the betting line for this series. The basic gist of it was, in any series that the Cavs are in, bet on them to win. After all, David Stern wants LeBron to win a championship and hopefully stay in Cleveland. And as us Suns fans are all too aware, whatever David Stern wants, David Stern gets.
Ponder on that for a minute.
The old guys versus Dwayne Wade. That is what this series looked like. Poor D-Wade. He has a rough summer ahead of him. He may test the free agent market, or he may re-sign with Miami. He also is trying to play with Team USA and is facing a tough divorce battle. I certainly would not want to be in his shoes right about now. The “old guys” in Boston once again were able to put it all together and are looking formidable.
The Celtics have a lot and I mean A LOT of experience on their team. They were able to use that experience to handle the Heat 4-1. Next up for the Celtics are the Cavs. This should be a great battle but in the end I predict King James and crew will be too much for the aging Celtics.
Orlando reached the Finals last year and this is the first year the Bobcats have been in the playoffs.
Dwight Howard and company played the best basketball of any team coming out of the All Star break.
This will mark Michael Jordan’s first time in the playoffs as an owner and he’s hoping his team makes a respectable showing. Unfortunately, they came up against the Magic, who continued their great basketball playing and eliminated the Bobcats 4-0 without much of a struggle.
Looks like swapping players (Vince Carter and Hedo Turkoglu) was the right move for the Magic, but maybe not so right for the Bobcats.
The highlight of this series was Stan Van Gundy running his mouth off about the officiating, the way the NBA schedules games, and everything in between. Even David Stern hitting him with a $35,000 fine did little to slow his mouth.
Jamal Crawford, swallowing his pride and agreeing to come off the bench for Atlanta after playing for Golden State and starting his entire career received his first trip to the playoffs. He was rewarded also with the NBA’s Sixth Man Award.
The Hawks have seasoned veterans Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson playing for them and looking to make a deep playoff run.
The Bucks came into this series undermanned with the unfortunate loss of Andrew Bogut to a horrible injury. If you haven’t seen it…look it up on You Tube and make sure your stomach is not weak. It is a Thiesmann -esque type of injury. However, the Bucks also have rookie Brandon Jennings and he started his playoffs off right…scoring 34 points in his playoff debut.
This series started out with the home-court team Atlanta winning. Then the Bucks came storming back to tie the series up. As I write this, the Bucks took a 3-2 game lead stunning most people including myself.
A week ago, without Bogut and down 2-0 to the Hawks, many were predicting the series all but over and the Bucks to start cleaning out their locker.
However, with Bogut on the sidelines watching, and behind Jennings, the Bucks have won 3 straight and could have wrapped up the series at home.
However the Hawks showed that they were not to be counted out. They were able to take game 6 and won game 7 at home.
Wow-this was a great series and the Thunder put a bit of a scare into some Lakers fans. After playing less than defending champion like in games 3 and 4, the Lakers finally woke up and played like, well the Lakers in a game 5 victory. All it took was finally putting Kobe on Westbrook who up until that point was making it look easy to score on LA.
The Lakers were able to take game 6 in Oklahoma City despite the Thunder really putting it to the defending champs. It took a nice put back by Gasol and a last minute attempt by the Thunder to miss it's mark for the defending champs to walk away with the series win. It literally came down to the last second.
Had the Thunder won game 6 I still think the Lakers would have won game 7 in L.A. but I think they are grateful it didn’t come to that.
Do not think for one minutes that this Thunder team is a fluke. They won 50 regular season games and had they been in the East, would have been a much higher seed.
This team is young and full of talent. They have a bona fide Superstar in Kevin Durant.
A special shout out to my ASU Sun Devil alum James Harden. My family jokes that his beard has magical healing powers. So all hail Harden and the “magical healing beard”. We were able to experience his talent on the college level. As he gains more experience look for him to also become a STUD!
This team in a few years will be a major force in the West. They are that scary good!
WOW! That’s about all I can say here. The Nuggets were favored to win. The Jazz are beat down, tore up injured. The Nuggets had the emotional factor on their side. Nothing like playing for a hurt coach to act as a little extra motivation.
Or so you would think. However the loss of Coach Karl just ended being too much for the Nuggets to overcome. Prayers of course out to Coach Karl as he continues to battle throat and neck cancer. We are all hoping for a speedy and full recovery but it’s a long hard road he faces. Major kudos to Adrian Dantley who came in to lead this team in Karl’s absence. However, the players said he wasn’t as “in your face” as Coach Karl was and they needed that. There was also rumored bad blood in the locker room with some players feeling others weren’t doing their part. Added up together and it was just too much for the Nuggets.
And as beat up as the Jazz have been, they are playing good ball. Deron Williams became the first player since Magic Johnson to have AT LEAST 20 points and 10 assists in EACH of the first 4 playoff games in a series. He got a little banged up in the last game but seems to be ok.
Mehmet Okur is out with a ruptured Achilles tendon and as the Jazz now face the Lakers, he will be missed.
This was another series that I did not see ending the way it did. This was a very physical series with technicals and flagrant fouls being called on both teams. I do find it ironic that after a VERY physical game 4 Spurs fans were whining calling the Mavs “dirty players”. Really? Pot…Kettle…Black!
Hey Spurs fans, let me call you the “wambulance”. I guess you don’t like seeing your team get a taste of their own medicine. Get over it! Your team has been playing like that for YEARS! Ask Suns fans…the series in 2007 is proof positive of that. But that’s an article for another day!
A few quick notes on this series: In Games 1-3 Tim Duncan scored 25 points each, but in games 4-5 he only combined for 15.
Manu Ginobili was also shooting only 26% after breaking his nose (minus game 6) despite insisting the injury was not a factor.
Another interesting note…the ref’s in the NBA 100% SUCK! I do not know how they earn a paycheck.
Joey Crawford needs to be FIRED! Or at least not be allowed to ref any game in which the Dallas Mavericks are playing.
Disgraced former ref Tim Donaghy had always said when he bet on games, he looked at who the ref was and used that as a factor in his betting.
The Mavs are a horrible 1-16 in playoff games in which Crawford was a ref. Ponder that for a minute…1-16!! No ref should have that much of a factor in a game and yet he does. His personal grudge against Mavs owner Mark Cuban should not have such a negative impact on the team. Hopefully now that more people are commenting on it, Crawford will not be reffing any Mavs games, but I won’t hold my breath. David Stern has blinders on.
Mark my words, just like Jose Canseco who was at first ostracized and ridiculed for naming names in his book on steroid users and who now looks like a prophet, Tim Donaghy will also soon be looking like a prophet. The NBA is fixed all the way up to the top.
I will be the first one to admit that I am a big time Suns homer. And I knew that the Blazers would play us tough. They had all season.
Games 1 and 4 and the start of game 5 the Suns looked like zombies out there. They had no fire, no spirit, not SPUNK. Then BAM! The zombie trance wore off and the SUNS started to play their ball and game 5 went their way. Games 2-3 were also blowouts by the Suns.
If the Suns stop playing like they are bi-polar I see them going far in these playoffs.
Brandon Roy was pretty much a non-factor for the Blazers. He probably should not have come back from micro-fracture surgery after only 8 days. Hopefully he did not do any more damage to his knee by coming back to play. You never want to see a player suffer a serious injury especially someone as young and as talented as Roy.
The Suns bench continues to play very well when they are in. That is something quite different than Suns teams of the past. Their strong play is allowing the starters particularly Steve Nash to get some much needed rest. With a hip injury flaring up, rest is what Nash needs if he is going to be a factor for this team. As long as this trend continues, and the starters get rest, they should still be fairly fresh and will hopefully allow for a deep playoff run.
Next round will see the Celtics battling the Cavs, and the Magic taking on the Hawks in the East and the Lakers versus the Jazz, and the Spurs taking on the Suns in the West.
I’ll have another recap after the conference semi-finals.
There have been a few surprises in the first round, and some expected outcomes.
Let’s do a brief recap by series:
Cleavland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls
The Cavs played a little sloppy in Game 5 but were still able to eliminate the Bulls.
LeBron injured his elbow during game 5 and test results show a right elbow strain and bone bruise.
He will continue to get treatment but should not miss any playing time.
Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro continues to draw the ire from the front office and rumor has it he may be looking for a new job soon. He does however, have the support of his players. Personally, I think he has done a hell of a job with his players. They’ve gone to the playoffs the last 2 seasons. Is it really his fault they came up against the Cavs?
I read somewhere a stat on the betting line for this series. The basic gist of it was, in any series that the Cavs are in, bet on them to win. After all, David Stern wants LeBron to win a championship and hopefully stay in Cleveland. And as us Suns fans are all too aware, whatever David Stern wants, David Stern gets.
Ponder on that for a minute.
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat
The Celtics have a lot and I mean A LOT of experience on their team. They were able to use that experience to handle the Heat 4-1. Next up for the Celtics are the Cavs. This should be a great battle but in the end I predict King James and crew will be too much for the aging Celtics.
Orlando Magic vs. Charolotte Bobcats
Dwight Howard and company played the best basketball of any team coming out of the All Star break.
This will mark Michael Jordan’s first time in the playoffs as an owner and he’s hoping his team makes a respectable showing. Unfortunately, they came up against the Magic, who continued their great basketball playing and eliminated the Bobcats 4-0 without much of a struggle.
Looks like swapping players (Vince Carter and Hedo Turkoglu) was the right move for the Magic, but maybe not so right for the Bobcats.
The highlight of this series was Stan Van Gundy running his mouth off about the officiating, the way the NBA schedules games, and everything in between. Even David Stern hitting him with a $35,000 fine did little to slow his mouth.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have seasoned veterans Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson playing for them and looking to make a deep playoff run.
The Bucks came into this series undermanned with the unfortunate loss of Andrew Bogut to a horrible injury. If you haven’t seen it…look it up on You Tube and make sure your stomach is not weak. It is a Thiesmann -esque type of injury. However, the Bucks also have rookie Brandon Jennings and he started his playoffs off right…scoring 34 points in his playoff debut.
This series started out with the home-court team Atlanta winning. Then the Bucks came storming back to tie the series up. As I write this, the Bucks took a 3-2 game lead stunning most people including myself.
A week ago, without Bogut and down 2-0 to the Hawks, many were predicting the series all but over and the Bucks to start cleaning out their locker.
However, with Bogut on the sidelines watching, and behind Jennings, the Bucks have won 3 straight and could have wrapped up the series at home.
However the Hawks showed that they were not to be counted out. They were able to take game 6 and won game 7 at home.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Lakers were able to take game 6 in Oklahoma City despite the Thunder really putting it to the defending champs. It took a nice put back by Gasol and a last minute attempt by the Thunder to miss it's mark for the defending champs to walk away with the series win. It literally came down to the last second.
Had the Thunder won game 6 I still think the Lakers would have won game 7 in L.A. but I think they are grateful it didn’t come to that.
Do not think for one minutes that this Thunder team is a fluke. They won 50 regular season games and had they been in the East, would have been a much higher seed.
This team is young and full of talent. They have a bona fide Superstar in Kevin Durant.
A special shout out to my ASU Sun Devil alum James Harden. My family jokes that his beard has magical healing powers. So all hail Harden and the “magical healing beard”. We were able to experience his talent on the college level. As he gains more experience look for him to also become a STUD!
This team in a few years will be a major force in the West. They are that scary good!
Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets
Or so you would think. However the loss of Coach Karl just ended being too much for the Nuggets to overcome. Prayers of course out to Coach Karl as he continues to battle throat and neck cancer. We are all hoping for a speedy and full recovery but it’s a long hard road he faces. Major kudos to Adrian Dantley who came in to lead this team in Karl’s absence. However, the players said he wasn’t as “in your face” as Coach Karl was and they needed that. There was also rumored bad blood in the locker room with some players feeling others weren’t doing their part. Added up together and it was just too much for the Nuggets.
And as beat up as the Jazz have been, they are playing good ball. Deron Williams became the first player since Magic Johnson to have AT LEAST 20 points and 10 assists in EACH of the first 4 playoff games in a series. He got a little banged up in the last game but seems to be ok.
Mehmet Okur is out with a ruptured Achilles tendon and as the Jazz now face the Lakers, he will be missed.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks
Hey Spurs fans, let me call you the “wambulance”. I guess you don’t like seeing your team get a taste of their own medicine. Get over it! Your team has been playing like that for YEARS! Ask Suns fans…the series in 2007 is proof positive of that. But that’s an article for another day!
A few quick notes on this series: In Games 1-3 Tim Duncan scored 25 points each, but in games 4-5 he only combined for 15.
Manu Ginobili was also shooting only 26% after breaking his nose (minus game 6) despite insisting the injury was not a factor.
Another interesting note…the ref’s in the NBA 100% SUCK! I do not know how they earn a paycheck.
Joey Crawford needs to be FIRED! Or at least not be allowed to ref any game in which the Dallas Mavericks are playing.
Disgraced former ref Tim Donaghy had always said when he bet on games, he looked at who the ref was and used that as a factor in his betting.
The Mavs are a horrible 1-16 in playoff games in which Crawford was a ref. Ponder that for a minute…1-16!! No ref should have that much of a factor in a game and yet he does. His personal grudge against Mavs owner Mark Cuban should not have such a negative impact on the team. Hopefully now that more people are commenting on it, Crawford will not be reffing any Mavs games, but I won’t hold my breath. David Stern has blinders on.
Mark my words, just like Jose Canseco who was at first ostracized and ridiculed for naming names in his book on steroid users and who now looks like a prophet, Tim Donaghy will also soon be looking like a prophet. The NBA is fixed all the way up to the top.
Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Games 1 and 4 and the start of game 5 the Suns looked like zombies out there. They had no fire, no spirit, not SPUNK. Then BAM! The zombie trance wore off and the SUNS started to play their ball and game 5 went their way. Games 2-3 were also blowouts by the Suns.
If the Suns stop playing like they are bi-polar I see them going far in these playoffs.
Brandon Roy was pretty much a non-factor for the Blazers. He probably should not have come back from micro-fracture surgery after only 8 days. Hopefully he did not do any more damage to his knee by coming back to play. You never want to see a player suffer a serious injury especially someone as young and as talented as Roy.
The Suns bench continues to play very well when they are in. That is something quite different than Suns teams of the past. Their strong play is allowing the starters particularly Steve Nash to get some much needed rest. With a hip injury flaring up, rest is what Nash needs if he is going to be a factor for this team. As long as this trend continues, and the starters get rest, they should still be fairly fresh and will hopefully allow for a deep playoff run.
Next round will see the Celtics battling the Cavs, and the Magic taking on the Hawks in the East and the Lakers versus the Jazz, and the Spurs taking on the Suns in the West.
I’ll have another recap after the conference semi-finals.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
SportsJabber Radio
I was honored to be a guest on sportsjabber radio last night.
I talked on the NBA playoffs to date.
Check it out here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sports-jabber/2010/04/29/sports-jabber-radio--nba-playoffs-and-nfl-draft-recap--wednesday-42810-at-900pm-cdt
Mark and Ben were gracious hosts. They also talked a little NHL playoffs, NFL draft and the goings on at sportsjabber.net.
I talked on the NBA playoffs to date.
Check it out here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sports-jabber/2010/04/29/sports-jabber-radio--nba-playoffs-and-nfl-draft-recap--wednesday-42810-at-900pm-cdt
Mark and Ben were gracious hosts. They also talked a little NHL playoffs, NFL draft and the goings on at sportsjabber.net.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Honoring an American hero
There are certain dates that when given immediately strike a cord with Americans. December 7, 1941, September 11, 2001, April 22, 2004. April 22, 2004?
Many might not recall this date. However for me and many other people across this country, this date holds significance.
I will remember where I was when I heard that Pat Tillman had been killed in Afghanistan.
It was a Friday before the NFL draft. A day after he had been killed in action that the news broke.
During lunch at work we had been talking about the draft that weekend. I mentioned how I was disgusted that Eli Manning who was projected to be the #1 draft (and he was) was whining about not wanting to play in San Diego and that he didn’t want the Chargers to draft him.
During that conversation I brought up Tillman and how many a professional athletes, not just in the NFL needed to learn a lesson or two from him. How he literally walked away from millions and went to serve our country. Little did I know that he had by that time already paid the ultimate price. And to this day, I still have no respect for Eil Manning and his whining. He could learn a thing or two from Pat Tillman.
A few hours later, one of the guys I had lunch with came up to me and asked if I had heard about Tillman. He told me he had been killed. I smacked him across the arm and told him that was not a funny joke. He told me he wasn’t joking. I went to my computer and pulled up the local news website and there it was…staring me in the face.
I was devastated. I have been a lifelong ASU fan and admired Pat for his style of play, his intensity, and the fact that he wouldn’t take no for answer. There has been more than one article written on Pat Tillman and how he received the last scholarship to ASU from Coach Bruce Snyder in 1994, who wanted Tillman to sit out his freshman year. Tillman told him he wasn’t as he was planning on graduating on time and had other things to do in life. Little did anyone know just how much more he had to do.
Tillman played linebacker and at only 5’11”, he was considered small for the position.
Pat Tillman would often climb the light posts outside Sun Devil Stadium to reflect and meditate.
He was well read and smart. He was more than just a football player. However he excelled at that as well. Pat Tillman was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the year in 1998. The year before his team went to the Rose Bowl and was a mere seconds away from claiming a National Championship. Tillman was also a gifted scholar and graduated with a degree in Marketing with a 3.84 GPA.
Pat Tillman was drafted by the Cardinals in 1998 in the 7th round-the 226th overall pick and moved to safety where again he excelled. A year after the St. Louis Rams won the Super Bowl; they offered him a $9 million dollar five year contract. Tillman refused it and re-signed with the Cardinals out of loyalty to the team that drafted him. He said at the time he felt he could help the team improve.
Then on a beautiful Tuesday in September, everything changed. Pat sat mesmerized and PISSED off as he watched the events of 9/11/01 unfold on the television screen in the Cardinals Media Room.
A camera crew asked him his thoughts and a reflective Pat stated, “My great grandfather was at Pearl Harbor and a lot of my family has given up, gone and fought in wars. I haven’t really done a damn thing as far as laying myself on the line like that. So I have a lot of respect for those that have and for what the flag stands for.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBM2hiXRZA0
Pat Tillman played out the remaining games of the 2001-2002 season and eventually turned down a $3.6 million dollar 3 year contract so he could join the Army with his brother Kevin-who gave up a promising baseball career himself.
Pat made the decision to join the Army shortly after 9/11 but kept his plans secret. He advised the Cardinals and his former ASU coach and asked them to keep it quiet just long enough for him to enlist.
Kevin and Pat Tillman actually enlisted in Colorado so as to avoid media attention. Once he was safely tucked away in basic training did the story break. Pat Tillman was not content to just join the Army however, him and his brother signed up to join the elite Army Rangers and go through Ranger training.
There were multiple requests for interviews during his time in training but Pat refused them all. He felt he was not a celebrity, he was a soldier the same as the man sitting next to him going through the same training. It was this humility that Pat was known for that earned the respect of his fellow Rangers. They voted Pat to carry the flag during graduation ceremonies.
In 2003 both Pat and Kevin Tillman received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award from the Espy’s. The sent their younger brother to accept for them. They both felt that they were no better than the soldiers they served next to. They did not think they were doing anything extraordinary.
Pat Tillman served in both Iraq and Afghanistan where he was critical of the war. His first mission in Iraq was the rescue of Jessica Lynch. It was this mission that first made Pat critical of the war.
The details surrounding Pat’s death have been the subject of Congressional hearings. What we do know for certain is that Pat Tillman was not killed in an enemy ambush as was first reported after his death. Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire. Some say he was murdered. Some others take it further and say he was murdered to promote the war.
To me, the reason for his death does not diminish the man to be any less of a hero. Pat Tillman literally put his money where his mouth was. He walked away from millions to serve this great country.
He knew this country had flaws, but he loved it and wanted to protect it as best he could. He was and still is a hero in my eyes and in the eyes of many others.
There have been many tributes to Tilly as he was nicknamed and his legacy. The Pat Tillman Foundation helps to give scholarships to college students who show and live Pat’s values and who set out to improve their communities and the world.
They also have a scholarship for military members and their family. As part of the foundation, I was able to get red bracelets with his number. I still wear mine.
The Arizona Cardinals retired Tillman’s #40 jersey and named the area outside University of Phoenix Stadium as Pat Tillman Freedom Plaza. On this plaza is also a bronze statue of Pat Tillman with his trademark long locks flowing.
Arizona State also retired Pat’s #42 jersey. I was at the game where his number was retired and his name added to the ring of honor. It was an emotional game where even the opposing team and fans stood, cheered and cried as his name was revealed. I made a sign to hold up that had a photo of Pat making a tackle. I had simply placed on it “God Bless You Pat”.
The tunnel entering the stadium was also named “Pat Tillman Memorial Tunnel”. There is a large # 42 that the football players run past and hit with their hands as they enter the stadium before each home game.
The NFL donated $250,000 to the USO. That money was used to build the Pat Tillman USO Center, the first USO center in Afghanistan.
There have been athletes who changed their number to #40 in honor of Pat, who grew their hair out in tribute etc.
There is a bridge being built over the Hoover Damn spanning Nevada and Arizona. A portion of the bridge will be called the Pat Tillman Bridge. The entire bridge will be called the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
A park near Pat’s hometown was named after him and the football stadium at his former high school now bears his name.
Pat Tillman touched many lives with his style of play, with his loyalty, and with his courage. There need to be more Pat Tillman’s in the world.
Each year, they have Pat’s Run here in Tempe. The run is 4.2 miles and finishes at the 42 yard line at Sun Devil Stadium where Pat had many great moments on the field. The football players, cheerleaders, and of course Sparky cheer the runners in as they complete the event. The first year many former players including Jake Plummer attended the run. Each year, there are military members who run the event in full gear.
This year’s Pat’s Run had over 28,000 participants. Next year I will run my first Pat’s Run, and my youngest son who I named in Pat Tillman’s honor will greet me at the finish line.
I can think of no greater man that my children to look up and call a hero.
April 22, 2004 will be a day I will never forget, along the lines of September 11, 2001.
Thank you Pat for being a role model I am not ashamed to have my children look up to.
R.I.P. Cpl Tillman-you are gone but never forgotten.
Many might not recall this date. However for me and many other people across this country, this date holds significance.
I will remember where I was when I heard that Pat Tillman had been killed in Afghanistan.
It was a Friday before the NFL draft. A day after he had been killed in action that the news broke.
During lunch at work we had been talking about the draft that weekend. I mentioned how I was disgusted that Eli Manning who was projected to be the #1 draft (and he was) was whining about not wanting to play in San Diego and that he didn’t want the Chargers to draft him.
During that conversation I brought up Tillman and how many a professional athletes, not just in the NFL needed to learn a lesson or two from him. How he literally walked away from millions and went to serve our country. Little did I know that he had by that time already paid the ultimate price. And to this day, I still have no respect for Eil Manning and his whining. He could learn a thing or two from Pat Tillman.
A few hours later, one of the guys I had lunch with came up to me and asked if I had heard about Tillman. He told me he had been killed. I smacked him across the arm and told him that was not a funny joke. He told me he wasn’t joking. I went to my computer and pulled up the local news website and there it was…staring me in the face.
I was devastated. I have been a lifelong ASU fan and admired Pat for his style of play, his intensity, and the fact that he wouldn’t take no for answer. There has been more than one article written on Pat Tillman and how he received the last scholarship to ASU from Coach Bruce Snyder in 1994, who wanted Tillman to sit out his freshman year. Tillman told him he wasn’t as he was planning on graduating on time and had other things to do in life. Little did anyone know just how much more he had to do.
Tillman played linebacker and at only 5’11”, he was considered small for the position.
He was well read and smart. He was more than just a football player. However he excelled at that as well. Pat Tillman was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the year in 1998. The year before his team went to the Rose Bowl and was a mere seconds away from claiming a National Championship. Tillman was also a gifted scholar and graduated with a degree in Marketing with a 3.84 GPA.
Pat Tillman was drafted by the Cardinals in 1998 in the 7th round-the 226th overall pick and moved to safety where again he excelled. A year after the St. Louis Rams won the Super Bowl; they offered him a $9 million dollar five year contract. Tillman refused it and re-signed with the Cardinals out of loyalty to the team that drafted him. He said at the time he felt he could help the team improve.
Then on a beautiful Tuesday in September, everything changed. Pat sat mesmerized and PISSED off as he watched the events of 9/11/01 unfold on the television screen in the Cardinals Media Room.
A camera crew asked him his thoughts and a reflective Pat stated, “My great grandfather was at Pearl Harbor and a lot of my family has given up, gone and fought in wars. I haven’t really done a damn thing as far as laying myself on the line like that. So I have a lot of respect for those that have and for what the flag stands for.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBM2hiXRZA0
Pat Tillman played out the remaining games of the 2001-2002 season and eventually turned down a $3.6 million dollar 3 year contract so he could join the Army with his brother Kevin-who gave up a promising baseball career himself.
Pat made the decision to join the Army shortly after 9/11 but kept his plans secret. He advised the Cardinals and his former ASU coach and asked them to keep it quiet just long enough for him to enlist.
Kevin and Pat Tillman actually enlisted in Colorado so as to avoid media attention. Once he was safely tucked away in basic training did the story break. Pat Tillman was not content to just join the Army however, him and his brother signed up to join the elite Army Rangers and go through Ranger training.
There were multiple requests for interviews during his time in training but Pat refused them all. He felt he was not a celebrity, he was a soldier the same as the man sitting next to him going through the same training. It was this humility that Pat was known for that earned the respect of his fellow Rangers. They voted Pat to carry the flag during graduation ceremonies.
In 2003 both Pat and Kevin Tillman received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award from the Espy’s. The sent their younger brother to accept for them. They both felt that they were no better than the soldiers they served next to. They did not think they were doing anything extraordinary.
Pat Tillman served in both Iraq and Afghanistan where he was critical of the war. His first mission in Iraq was the rescue of Jessica Lynch. It was this mission that first made Pat critical of the war.
The details surrounding Pat’s death have been the subject of Congressional hearings. What we do know for certain is that Pat Tillman was not killed in an enemy ambush as was first reported after his death. Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire. Some say he was murdered. Some others take it further and say he was murdered to promote the war.
To me, the reason for his death does not diminish the man to be any less of a hero. Pat Tillman literally put his money where his mouth was. He walked away from millions to serve this great country.
He knew this country had flaws, but he loved it and wanted to protect it as best he could. He was and still is a hero in my eyes and in the eyes of many others.
There have been many tributes to Tilly as he was nicknamed and his legacy. The Pat Tillman Foundation helps to give scholarships to college students who show and live Pat’s values and who set out to improve their communities and the world.
They also have a scholarship for military members and their family. As part of the foundation, I was able to get red bracelets with his number. I still wear mine.
The Arizona Cardinals retired Tillman’s #40 jersey and named the area outside University of Phoenix Stadium as Pat Tillman Freedom Plaza. On this plaza is also a bronze statue of Pat Tillman with his trademark long locks flowing.
Arizona State also retired Pat’s #42 jersey. I was at the game where his number was retired and his name added to the ring of honor. It was an emotional game where even the opposing team and fans stood, cheered and cried as his name was revealed. I made a sign to hold up that had a photo of Pat making a tackle. I had simply placed on it “God Bless You Pat”.
The tunnel entering the stadium was also named “Pat Tillman Memorial Tunnel”. There is a large # 42 that the football players run past and hit with their hands as they enter the stadium before each home game.
The NFL donated $250,000 to the USO. That money was used to build the Pat Tillman USO Center, the first USO center in Afghanistan.
There have been athletes who changed their number to #40 in honor of Pat, who grew their hair out in tribute etc.
There is a bridge being built over the Hoover Damn spanning Nevada and Arizona. A portion of the bridge will be called the Pat Tillman Bridge. The entire bridge will be called the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
Each year, they have Pat’s Run here in Tempe. The run is 4.2 miles and finishes at the 42 yard line at Sun Devil Stadium where Pat had many great moments on the field. The football players, cheerleaders, and of course Sparky cheer the runners in as they complete the event. The first year many former players including Jake Plummer attended the run. Each year, there are military members who run the event in full gear.
This year’s Pat’s Run had over 28,000 participants. Next year I will run my first Pat’s Run, and my youngest son who I named in Pat Tillman’s honor will greet me at the finish line.
April 22, 2004 will be a day I will never forget, along the lines of September 11, 2001.
Thank you Pat for being a role model I am not ashamed to have my children look up to.
R.I.P. Cpl Tillman-you are gone but never forgotten.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Weekly NBA Power Rankings 04/12/10
It's the last few days of the regular season and the playoffs will be upon us shortly.
I just want to point out that when I do these rankings, I don't neccessarily do them on a "season as a whole" basis but more of a week by week basis.
There will be some major reshuffling in my rankings this week based on performance the past week. This does not mean I think a team is better than another. This is not 100% about overall record. This is about play as of late.
With that being said, here are my rankings for this week:
1. Magic-
Now I know there are plenty of you who are going to let out a collective "WHAT!!?" but bear with me here for a minute. The Magic's win on Sunday gives them a 1 game home court advantage over the Lakers should they meet in the Finals again. The Magic are a league best 21-5 since the All-Star break and have been playing well (boy is that ever an understatement). The Cavs and the Lakers are not even in the top five of that list. And yes, I know the Cavs were without King James when the Magic beat them, but they still beat them.
2. Cavs-
Life sure is good in Cleveland right now. Hopefully LeBron sticks around after the season. The Cavs have been playing so well that they have allowed James to get a 4 game rest before the playoffs. The first few games of the playoffs will also allow Shaq to get back into playing shape before the next series and beyond starts.
3. Suns-
Behind the Magic, no other team has had a better record since the All-Star break. And they still keep finding a way to win without Robin Lopez. Home-Court advantage does not mean more to any team more than the Suns. The Suns are just 2-9 on the road against the other playoff teams. They are almost 9 points better at home than on the road. The games against Utah and Denver are key this week.
4. Lakers-
I could easily drop the defending champs further on the list based on their play of late. I don't think anyone saw the "Champs" finishing so far down the list as it is but their record of 15-11 since the All-Star break leaves a lot to be desired. Sure, they may be saving themselves for the playoffs, but it is often hard to get back on track when you've gotten off. And if the Lakers are truely saving themselves for the playoffs, I don't think we would have seen Kobe in uniform like we have been.
5. Jazz-
Utah has been better off offensively than defensively since Kirilenko has been out the past month. Just a side note I found interesting...the Timberwolves have only beaten three teams more than once this season...The Nets, the Kings, and...the Jazz. If Utah does not finish the season in the second seed in the West I am sure they will be kicking themselves pretty hard.
6. Spurs-
San Antonnio is tied for second in the West for average point margin, just set an NBA record by finishing with a winning ROAD record for the 13th straight season, and they are the only WESTERN team to be ranked in the top 10 both OFFENSIVELY and DEFENSIVELY. Don't sleep sleep on the Spurs come playoff time saturday, even if they are facing the Lakers.
7. Mavs-
Dallas has the LOWEST point differential than any other West team, and history has shown that this in fact a big deal. However, if holding both the Grizzlies and Blazers to a combined 161 points the Mavs had one of their best defensive showings yet. Even more impressive was they did it without their best defensive player Shawn Marion.
8. Blazers-
Portland should be celebrating thier win against the Lakers on the Lakers home court, however with Brandon Roy out with an bruised knee, the celebration was short lived if even that. They have a critical game against the Thunder later tonight, with Roy expected to sit the Blazers could end up as the 8th seed in the West.
9. Thunder-
OKC is simply not playing their best basketball of late. The good news is that Durant only needs 26 ppg is LeBron stays sitting to win the scoring title. The bad news is with the collapse against Golden State, the Thunder could have easily set themselves up for a baptism by playoff fire against the Lakers.
10. Hawks-
Atlanta had a shot at thier first winning road record in 11 years but lost to both Charlotte and Detroit. They have had a trend of getting worse defensively each month and April did not see that trend stopping. The Hawks are also 1-6 against the East's top 2 teams. Will this make a differnce when they face the cavs without LeBron? Will that number be more important than winning 50 games for the first time since 1997-1998?
I just want to point out that when I do these rankings, I don't neccessarily do them on a "season as a whole" basis but more of a week by week basis.
There will be some major reshuffling in my rankings this week based on performance the past week. This does not mean I think a team is better than another. This is not 100% about overall record. This is about play as of late.
With that being said, here are my rankings for this week:
1. Magic-
Now I know there are plenty of you who are going to let out a collective "WHAT!!?" but bear with me here for a minute. The Magic's win on Sunday gives them a 1 game home court advantage over the Lakers should they meet in the Finals again. The Magic are a league best 21-5 since the All-Star break and have been playing well (boy is that ever an understatement). The Cavs and the Lakers are not even in the top five of that list. And yes, I know the Cavs were without King James when the Magic beat them, but they still beat them.
2. Cavs-
Life sure is good in Cleveland right now. Hopefully LeBron sticks around after the season. The Cavs have been playing so well that they have allowed James to get a 4 game rest before the playoffs. The first few games of the playoffs will also allow Shaq to get back into playing shape before the next series and beyond starts.
3. Suns-
Behind the Magic, no other team has had a better record since the All-Star break. And they still keep finding a way to win without Robin Lopez. Home-Court advantage does not mean more to any team more than the Suns. The Suns are just 2-9 on the road against the other playoff teams. They are almost 9 points better at home than on the road. The games against Utah and Denver are key this week.
4. Lakers-
I could easily drop the defending champs further on the list based on their play of late. I don't think anyone saw the "Champs" finishing so far down the list as it is but their record of 15-11 since the All-Star break leaves a lot to be desired. Sure, they may be saving themselves for the playoffs, but it is often hard to get back on track when you've gotten off. And if the Lakers are truely saving themselves for the playoffs, I don't think we would have seen Kobe in uniform like we have been.
5. Jazz-
Utah has been better off offensively than defensively since Kirilenko has been out the past month. Just a side note I found interesting...the Timberwolves have only beaten three teams more than once this season...The Nets, the Kings, and...the Jazz. If Utah does not finish the season in the second seed in the West I am sure they will be kicking themselves pretty hard.
6. Spurs-
San Antonnio is tied for second in the West for average point margin, just set an NBA record by finishing with a winning ROAD record for the 13th straight season, and they are the only WESTERN team to be ranked in the top 10 both OFFENSIVELY and DEFENSIVELY. Don't sleep sleep on the Spurs come playoff time saturday, even if they are facing the Lakers.
7. Mavs-
Dallas has the LOWEST point differential than any other West team, and history has shown that this in fact a big deal. However, if holding both the Grizzlies and Blazers to a combined 161 points the Mavs had one of their best defensive showings yet. Even more impressive was they did it without their best defensive player Shawn Marion.
8. Blazers-
Portland should be celebrating thier win against the Lakers on the Lakers home court, however with Brandon Roy out with an bruised knee, the celebration was short lived if even that. They have a critical game against the Thunder later tonight, with Roy expected to sit the Blazers could end up as the 8th seed in the West.
9. Thunder-
OKC is simply not playing their best basketball of late. The good news is that Durant only needs 26 ppg is LeBron stays sitting to win the scoring title. The bad news is with the collapse against Golden State, the Thunder could have easily set themselves up for a baptism by playoff fire against the Lakers.
10. Hawks-
Atlanta had a shot at thier first winning road record in 11 years but lost to both Charlotte and Detroit. They have had a trend of getting worse defensively each month and April did not see that trend stopping. The Hawks are also 1-6 against the East's top 2 teams. Will this make a differnce when they face the cavs without LeBron? Will that number be more important than winning 50 games for the first time since 1997-1998?
Santonio Holmes traded for 151st pick
NEW YORK (AP)—The New York Jets sure know how to make headlines.
In their latest big move of a busy offseason, the Jets acquired talented but troubled wide receiver Santonio Holmes(notes) from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night for a fifth-round pick in this month’s NFL draft.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=ApgTKs3T1bC6z2j3uCzT47o5nYcB?slug=ap-jets-steelerstrade
My take on this trade:
Santonio Holmes is no stranger to off the field issues. From a 2006 domestic violence issue, to a 2008 marijuana possession arrest. Holmes is also facing a lawsuit down in Florida.
There is rumor that Holmes is also going to be suspended the first 4 games of the 2010 season for violation of the leagues substance abuse policy.
If true, it helps to explain how the Jets were able to get Holmes for such a low price. Anyone with half a brain knows Holmes is worth much more than a 5th round pick.
I believe that the Rooney's were sick of the issues. The Rooney's don't just want a good football team on the field, they want a team with character people OFF the field.
The Rooney's may have just said, "Screw it" and washed their hands of Holmes.
So, the question begs, what does this say for Big Ben and his future with the team?
Only time will tell, but he may also be on borrowed time. If Ben puts himself in any other situations such as he has faced in Nevada and Georgia, he could also find himself shipped off to a new team.
Or maybe the Rooney's figure a WR with off the field issues is more expendable than a QB with off the field issues?
As for the Jets, they have made some great moves this off season to shore up both the offense and defense. The defense was fantastic last season, and is really what won them all the games. By getting a real deal WR in Holmes, adding LaDananian Tomlinson at RB, and with Braylon Edwards, and Jerricho Cotchery at WR and Dustin Keller at TE the Jets offense is looking pretty darn good on paper from where I stand.
Monday, April 5, 2010
NBA Power Rankings 04/05/10
Many of the top teams suffered losses this week, was it enough to shake up the rankings?
As we are winding down the season, things are getting closer in the West. There are 4 teams tied for 2nd place in the West (Suns, Jazz, Mavs, and Nuggets). With these teams squaring off against each other it will make for some interesting jockeying for seeding.
On to the rankings for this week:
1. Cavs-
Loss to the Celtics aside, they are crusing into the postseason and are anxious to being play as they strive to bring the title to Cleveland. History is on their side as only 11 other teams have gone into postseason play with a 60 win record (the Cavs are the 12th). Of those, 9 have brought home the championship. Clevland is hoping to become the 10th.
2. Magic-
Graciously stole this bit from Mark Stein on ESPN:
-that says it all.
3. Lakers-
They still have the top spot in the West and will most lilely go into post season play as the #1, however they have not yet clinched it. On paper, they still look great, but several recent losses including to the Spurs at home has some Laker supporters getting in a panic. Others feel they will be just fine come playoff time. They will be getting Bynum back and that could be the boost they need.
4. Suns-
They had a NBA best 10 game win streak come to an end against the Bucks. During that time they played 8 teams that had a sub .500 record. Their final stretch into the post season will not be as "soft". During these games we will really see how the Suns react to having Lopez out with a herniated disk. He is responding well to treatment but will he back before the regular season ends? Doubtful
5. Jazz-
Finishing up the season strong. The quality of teams in the West will make for an exciting and interesting Round 1 in the playoffs that is certain-who will come out alive is not so certain!
6. Spurs-
This kills me to write this, but they are starting to look like the Spurs of old. They have had great wins recently over such top teams as the Magic, Cavs, and Lakers. Can't count out the win against the Celtics either. Manu is playing some of his best games in recent memory-will it be enough come playoff time?
7. Hawks-
A lot of people were looking forward to see who would face the Bucks in the playoffs, the Hawks or the Celtics. With the Bucks' Bogut injured and out for the season does anyone care anymore?
Good news for Hawks fans, the team is playing well-can they make a playoff run though?
8. Thunder-
This team is fairly young and inexperienced yet they are not playing like that. They have a shot to win their division and are scaring a few teams in the West.
9. Mavs-
They had a 13 game win streak going at one point. How long ago that seems now. They are in a 5-6 slump and their normally tough D is not looking quite so tough. Bad time for a slup guys.
10. Blazers-
Ever since the Blazers traded for Camby, they have gone 15-6. This is the team NO ONE wants to face in the first round of the playoffs.
As we are winding down the season, things are getting closer in the West. There are 4 teams tied for 2nd place in the West (Suns, Jazz, Mavs, and Nuggets). With these teams squaring off against each other it will make for some interesting jockeying for seeding.
On to the rankings for this week:
1. Cavs-
Loss to the Celtics aside, they are crusing into the postseason and are anxious to being play as they strive to bring the title to Cleveland. History is on their side as only 11 other teams have gone into postseason play with a 60 win record (the Cavs are the 12th). Of those, 9 have brought home the championship. Clevland is hoping to become the 10th.
2. Magic-
Graciously stole this bit from Mark Stein on ESPN:
The Magic are on a quiet 15-3 roll and rank as the only team in the league to beat the other 29 teams. Even more unique: Stan Van Gundy actually sounded satisfied (pleased, even) when someone gave him that stat.
-that says it all.
3. Lakers-
They still have the top spot in the West and will most lilely go into post season play as the #1, however they have not yet clinched it. On paper, they still look great, but several recent losses including to the Spurs at home has some Laker supporters getting in a panic. Others feel they will be just fine come playoff time. They will be getting Bynum back and that could be the boost they need.
4. Suns-
They had a NBA best 10 game win streak come to an end against the Bucks. During that time they played 8 teams that had a sub .500 record. Their final stretch into the post season will not be as "soft". During these games we will really see how the Suns react to having Lopez out with a herniated disk. He is responding well to treatment but will he back before the regular season ends? Doubtful
5. Jazz-
Finishing up the season strong. The quality of teams in the West will make for an exciting and interesting Round 1 in the playoffs that is certain-who will come out alive is not so certain!
6. Spurs-
This kills me to write this, but they are starting to look like the Spurs of old. They have had great wins recently over such top teams as the Magic, Cavs, and Lakers. Can't count out the win against the Celtics either. Manu is playing some of his best games in recent memory-will it be enough come playoff time?
7. Hawks-
A lot of people were looking forward to see who would face the Bucks in the playoffs, the Hawks or the Celtics. With the Bucks' Bogut injured and out for the season does anyone care anymore?
Good news for Hawks fans, the team is playing well-can they make a playoff run though?
8. Thunder-
This team is fairly young and inexperienced yet they are not playing like that. They have a shot to win their division and are scaring a few teams in the West.
9. Mavs-
They had a 13 game win streak going at one point. How long ago that seems now. They are in a 5-6 slump and their normally tough D is not looking quite so tough. Bad time for a slup guys.
10. Blazers-
Ever since the Blazers traded for Camby, they have gone 15-6. This is the team NO ONE wants to face in the first round of the playoffs.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
My NBA Power Rankings
I am active member of several forums.
Currently on sportsjabber.net I do a weekly Power Ranking for the NBA along with my co-moderator CowboysTD.
Here is my NBA Power Ranking as of 03/31/10:
1. Cavs-
Yes I know they had the same record this time last year, however this year's team seems to be playing better and has more momentum heading into the post season than the team did last year. King James for MVP? I think he's got it-now can he get a championship too?
2. Magic-
Ok so Vinsanity (I love that nickname) goes down with an injury and JJ Redick comes in and what? racks up 23 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds? As a Duke fan I gotta say I loved it! You never know who will step up on the offensive side with this team and the defense is ranked first overall if I am not mistaken. They are proving to be a championship contender.
3. Lakers-
Ok Reg, I'm throwing you a bone here! LOL
I don't seem them losing that #1 seed in the West however, they looked quite beatable in OKC. Can they be beat in a 7 game series? Time will only tell.
4. Suns-
They have the longest current win streak in the NBA at 8. Robin Lopez is out with a bulging disk and I will admit that worried me. However the team has stepped up and continues to play defense, something unheard of in the desert. The way they are playing makes a lot of the West scared to meet them in the playoffs.
5. Jazz-
They are playing pretty darn good ball up there in Utah. And they are doing it with plenty of injuries. Another team that is a force to be reckoned with in the West.
6. Mavs-
Dirk finally put up some superstar numbers and they are going to be needed come playoff time.
7. Portland-
Ok officially I think this is the team no one wants to meet come playoff time. Too bad front office drama is spilling out and could cause a distraction for the team.
8. Denver-
They had a 1-4 road trip but luckily for them, they play five of thier last seven at home where they are 30-6 this season. Nothing though will matter if they have to head into the postseason without Coach Karl.
9. Hawks-
They beat the Magic this past week and face the Cavs and Lakers this week. They need wins over those 2 to show they can "hang with the big boys".
10- Thunder
Yes they completely SQUASHED the Lakers the other night. However I don't think they want to face them come playoff time. However only 1/2 game seperates OKC, Portland and the Spurs in the 6th through 8 seedings in the West. A 2-2 homestand isn't going to cut it if they want to go in as a higher seed come playoff time, and those narrow losses to the Spurs and Blazers only hurt that much more.
Currently on sportsjabber.net I do a weekly Power Ranking for the NBA along with my co-moderator CowboysTD.
Here is my NBA Power Ranking as of 03/31/10:
1. Cavs-
Yes I know they had the same record this time last year, however this year's team seems to be playing better and has more momentum heading into the post season than the team did last year. King James for MVP? I think he's got it-now can he get a championship too?
2. Magic-
Ok so Vinsanity (I love that nickname) goes down with an injury and JJ Redick comes in and what? racks up 23 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds? As a Duke fan I gotta say I loved it! You never know who will step up on the offensive side with this team and the defense is ranked first overall if I am not mistaken. They are proving to be a championship contender.
3. Lakers-
Ok Reg, I'm throwing you a bone here! LOL
I don't seem them losing that #1 seed in the West however, they looked quite beatable in OKC. Can they be beat in a 7 game series? Time will only tell.
4. Suns-
They have the longest current win streak in the NBA at 8. Robin Lopez is out with a bulging disk and I will admit that worried me. However the team has stepped up and continues to play defense, something unheard of in the desert. The way they are playing makes a lot of the West scared to meet them in the playoffs.
5. Jazz-
They are playing pretty darn good ball up there in Utah. And they are doing it with plenty of injuries. Another team that is a force to be reckoned with in the West.
6. Mavs-
Dirk finally put up some superstar numbers and they are going to be needed come playoff time.
7. Portland-
Ok officially I think this is the team no one wants to meet come playoff time. Too bad front office drama is spilling out and could cause a distraction for the team.
8. Denver-
They had a 1-4 road trip but luckily for them, they play five of thier last seven at home where they are 30-6 this season. Nothing though will matter if they have to head into the postseason without Coach Karl.
9. Hawks-
They beat the Magic this past week and face the Cavs and Lakers this week. They need wins over those 2 to show they can "hang with the big boys".
10- Thunder
Yes they completely SQUASHED the Lakers the other night. However I don't think they want to face them come playoff time. However only 1/2 game seperates OKC, Portland and the Spurs in the 6th through 8 seedings in the West. A 2-2 homestand isn't going to cut it if they want to go in as a higher seed come playoff time, and those narrow losses to the Spurs and Blazers only hurt that much more.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Welcome!
I've broken down and decided to start a new blog.
I am a huge sports nut and follow quite a few different websites and contribute to those as well.
I am sure they will all get mentioned at point or another here. Nothing like free advertising!
This blog will solely be for points of view on all thing sports.
I recently read where the female sports fan is only interested in the men playing the sport and not the actual sport itself.
I am here to disprove that myth.
I'm not yet certain exactly what form this blog will take. Hopefully it will have some insight, some knowledge behind it, and hopefully at least a little bit of humor as well.
So, for now...enjoy the View from the Pink seats!
I am a huge sports nut and follow quite a few different websites and contribute to those as well.
I am sure they will all get mentioned at point or another here. Nothing like free advertising!
This blog will solely be for points of view on all thing sports.
I recently read where the female sports fan is only interested in the men playing the sport and not the actual sport itself.
I am here to disprove that myth.
I'm not yet certain exactly what form this blog will take. Hopefully it will have some insight, some knowledge behind it, and hopefully at least a little bit of humor as well.
So, for now...enjoy the View from the Pink seats!
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