In a production that had been played out seemingly countless times before, the St. Louis Rams were staring defeat in the face when the fates of fortune intervened and once again handed them a chance at a miracle victory.They're fickle, those fates.Holding a six-point lead, the Seahawks needed only to bleed the final 2:48 from the clock and kick an easy field goal for an insurmountable lead. Then, with his only concern being to protect the football, Maurice Morris was stripped by Leonard Little. Jimmy Kennedy recovered and gave the Rams their latest shot at an Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
improbable victory (Disclaimer: The writer and RealFootball365.com cannot be held responsible for the strong sense of déjà vu instilled by the previous paragraph).Leonard Little, as he has done many times this season, gave his team a shot at a miraculous comeback, and the Rams' offense would make good on its opportunity. With 1:54 remaining on the clock, Marc Bulger made the mistake of hitting a single-covered Torry Holt deep over the middle for a 67-yard bomb and the touchdown that would put the Rams up with a little more than a minute-and-a-half left in the game.That's right, I said mistake.You see, the Rams failed to heed the lessons of history. Let's set the way back machine to Feb. 3, 2002, and a little game known as Super Bowl XXXVI. The heavily-favored Rams were being handed their heads by the upstart New England Patriots. The Patriots were up 17-3 in the fourth quarter, when the Rams woke up and mounted a furious comeback to tie the score with (stop me if this sounds familiar) a minute-and-a-half left in the game. The whole world was privy to what happened next: the Patriots easily drove down the field against a suspect Rams defense, stopped the clock in field goal range with a handful of seconds left and launched the kick heard 'round the world.Are we beginning to see a pattern here? OnReebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
Sunday, Seattle drove into field goal range against little resistance and won a game that should have been the latest in a series of miracle comebacks for the Rams. The Rams' offense shouldn't need to worry about scoring "too early" at the end of close games due to the porous defense's penchant toward giving up at the end.Now, the Rams can blame the loss on any number of factors, such as the two highly suspect pass interference penalties that launched the Seattle comeback or Steven Jackson's Saturday Night Fever-like performance in the backfield. He netted a mere 56 yards at a 2.8 average per carry. However, there is a much more insidious culprit that can be fingered.Blame, thy name is defense.The Rams dominated the first half, mounting impressive drives that led to three touchdowns. The defense allowed only a single score, forcing Seattle to punt on the remainder of their drives. At halftime, conventional wisdom suggested continued dominance by the Rams in the second half. If the 2006 Rams have proven anything, it's that their games are anything but conventional.The Rams' defense crumbled in the second half, allowing Seattle's slumbering offense to spring to life to the tune of two touchdowns and four field goal attempts (three were made, including the final blow). While the special teams regressed with an ill-timed fourth quarter Kevin Curtis fumble that led to a Seattle touchdown, the Rams' offense played well enough to win and cannot be blamed for a defeat that puts the team at a serious disadvantage to Seattle in the battle for the NFC West crown.In order to remain in contention with the Seahawks, the Rams must shore up their defense and cannot rely on Leonard Little, nor the hand of fate to intervene after the 'D' turns victory into defeat. Granted, despite the loss, the Rams showed Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
up for this game and head into their bye week with a decent record of 4-2. In playing the defending NFC champs to a standstill, they have earned the respect of the league. That respect is little consolation to the Rams.Get more perspective on the St. Louis Rams (1)
2011年1月13日星期四
14 Jan 11 Seattle Seahawks "Sadly say goodbye to Mack Strong"
The Seattle Seahawks' 21-0 loss in Pittsburgh was certainly a low point in franchise history - just the 10th time they had been embarrassed like that. But that sad result was eclipsed just a day later by a much more sobering circumstance: the forced retirement of longtime fullback Mack Strong because of a neck injury. Strong suffered a herniated disk in his neck that was pressuring his spinal cord, leading to numbness in his arms and legs after a collision against a Steeler on Sunday.That injury did what six players could not do -- knock Strong out of the lineup."TheReebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
decision has been made for me," he told reporters Monday. "I think you're always kind of in flux about when should I hang 'em up? When should I call it quits? It's a no-brainer."For most of this decade, Strong was the silent heartbeat of the Seahawks - a hard worker at a mostly ignored position who got little notice until he was finally voted to the Pro Bowl the past two seasons.Strong, 36, played 201 games for the Seahawks, second in team history to Joe Nash (218). Excluding kickers, only five active players have been in the league longer than Strong.Certainly no one saw this career coming. Strong was undrafted out of Georgia in 1993 and spent his first year on the practice squad. He didn't turn into the team's starting fullback until 1997. But then he helped pave the way for 1,000-yard rushers in eight straight seasons, including Shaun Alexander's league-leading 1,880 yards in 2005. Strong should have been voted to the Pro Bowl as early as 2001 and certainly in both 2003 and 2004 - when Alexander tallied 3,131 yards and scored 30 touchdowns. But the Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
fullback finally got his due in 2005 and 2006.He had to hold off a number of challengers for his position to do it. Heck, the team has been trying to push him into retirement since 1996, when it drafted Reggie Brown to replace him. Then it was Heath Evans (2001), Chris Davis (2003), Tony Jackson (2005) and David Kirtman (2006). Now Strong will be replaced, appropriately, by a fellow undrafted free agent: Leonard Weaver.Strong is sure his protege will succeed, telling reporters, "I have the utmost confidence in Leonard Weaver. I think he's going to make people forget about Mack Strong around here. He's going to have that type of impact. He has that type of ability and that type of talent."It is a typical comment from the guy who has long been one of the Seahawks' leaders. A team captain, Strong also was a five-time recipient of the Steve Largent Award - given to the player who best exemplifies the spirit, dedication and integrity of the Seahawks. Since the award was created in 1989, no one else had won it more than once.During the 2005 season, Mike Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
Holmgren lauded the fullback for all of his wonderful traits: "Mack Strong is about my favorite player of all time. The Mack Strongs of the world make it worth my while to coach and teach. He is unselfish. He has played 13 years, longer than anybody we have. He does all the dirty work. He is the lead blocker most every play for our halfback. He is a great man in the community. He is a great father and a wonderful family guy. ... I can't say enough about him."And for all of those reasons, it is a sad week as the Seahawks say goodbye to one of their all-time great players.
decision has been made for me," he told reporters Monday. "I think you're always kind of in flux about when should I hang 'em up? When should I call it quits? It's a no-brainer."For most of this decade, Strong was the silent heartbeat of the Seahawks - a hard worker at a mostly ignored position who got little notice until he was finally voted to the Pro Bowl the past two seasons.Strong, 36, played 201 games for the Seahawks, second in team history to Joe Nash (218). Excluding kickers, only five active players have been in the league longer than Strong.Certainly no one saw this career coming. Strong was undrafted out of Georgia in 1993 and spent his first year on the practice squad. He didn't turn into the team's starting fullback until 1997. But then he helped pave the way for 1,000-yard rushers in eight straight seasons, including Shaun Alexander's league-leading 1,880 yards in 2005. Strong should have been voted to the Pro Bowl as early as 2001 and certainly in both 2003 and 2004 - when Alexander tallied 3,131 yards and scored 30 touchdowns. But the Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
fullback finally got his due in 2005 and 2006.He had to hold off a number of challengers for his position to do it. Heck, the team has been trying to push him into retirement since 1996, when it drafted Reggie Brown to replace him. Then it was Heath Evans (2001), Chris Davis (2003), Tony Jackson (2005) and David Kirtman (2006). Now Strong will be replaced, appropriately, by a fellow undrafted free agent: Leonard Weaver.Strong is sure his protege will succeed, telling reporters, "I have the utmost confidence in Leonard Weaver. I think he's going to make people forget about Mack Strong around here. He's going to have that type of impact. He has that type of ability and that type of talent."It is a typical comment from the guy who has long been one of the Seahawks' leaders. A team captain, Strong also was a five-time recipient of the Steve Largent Award - given to the player who best exemplifies the spirit, dedication and integrity of the Seahawks. Since the award was created in 1989, no one else had won it more than once.During the 2005 season, Mike Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
Holmgren lauded the fullback for all of his wonderful traits: "Mack Strong is about my favorite player of all time. The Mack Strongs of the world make it worth my while to coach and teach. He is unselfish. He has played 13 years, longer than anybody we have. He does all the dirty work. He is the lead blocker most every play for our halfback. He is a great man in the community. He is a great father and a wonderful family guy. ... I can't say enough about him."And for all of those reasons, it is a sad week as the Seahawks say goodbye to one of their all-time great players.
2011年1月12日星期三
13 Jan 11 Mark Cuban, Are You Serious?
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesIt's official. Mark Cuban really does think that the sports world revolves around him and his Dallas Mavericks.Are you kidding me, Mark?The mighty NFL, with it's outrageous TV contract, should have changed their schedule to accommodate a regular season game between your precious Mavs and the Utah Jazz? On what network was that televised? And more importantly, was the few thousand you lost in ass-less seats really worth yet another pompous media uproar?Donald Trump said it best.In so many words, he proclaimed that New Orleans Saints jersey
the guy was "new money" and that no team he ever owns would win a championship. And that he was not a winner, nor will any team be that he gets his wallet on.He's just another Daniel Snyder. Or worse yet, an idiot fan who hit the lottery, and was allowed to buy a professional sports franchise.I have a ton of respect for how Mr. Universe cameabout his fortune.Congrats, Mark. You were a genius in the era of "how to make a gazillion on tech stocks". This does not make you an expert on professional sports, let alone, running an NBA team.If he had an ounce of basketball smarts, he would have positioned himself, with his deep pockets, to be cap-ready to go after LeBron and also Wade/Bosh, etc.He would try to put some winners on that court, instead of contstantly putting ball hogs like Jerry Stackhouse and Jason Terry around guys that actually care about winning, like Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard.Wake up, Cuban.Like in any other major sport, you cant outscore everyone every night, especially come playoff time. Ever hear the term, "role player"?And, coming from a Philly fan, did anyone else in Dallas give a crap about an early January Mavs-Jazz or did you want to watch your Cowboys in a rare playoff appearance,beat the hell out ofa division rival?Get real, Mark. It's all about the New York Giants jersey
'Boys come playoff time. Same can be said in any major city when it comes to football.Do yourself, and all of the long suffering Mavericks fans a favor. Continue to spend money, but hire a General Manager who knows something about the game of basketball to decide how to spend it.
the guy was "new money" and that no team he ever owns would win a championship. And that he was not a winner, nor will any team be that he gets his wallet on.He's just another Daniel Snyder. Or worse yet, an idiot fan who hit the lottery, and was allowed to buy a professional sports franchise.I have a ton of respect for how Mr. Universe cameabout his fortune.Congrats, Mark. You were a genius in the era of "how to make a gazillion on tech stocks". This does not make you an expert on professional sports, let alone, running an NBA team.If he had an ounce of basketball smarts, he would have positioned himself, with his deep pockets, to be cap-ready to go after LeBron and also Wade/Bosh, etc.He would try to put some winners on that court, instead of contstantly putting ball hogs like Jerry Stackhouse and Jason Terry around guys that actually care about winning, like Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard.Wake up, Cuban.Like in any other major sport, you cant outscore everyone every night, especially come playoff time. Ever hear the term, "role player"?And, coming from a Philly fan, did anyone else in Dallas give a crap about an early January Mavs-Jazz or did you want to watch your Cowboys in a rare playoff appearance,beat the hell out ofa division rival?Get real, Mark. It's all about the New York Giants jersey
'Boys come playoff time. Same can be said in any major city when it comes to football.Do yourself, and all of the long suffering Mavericks fans a favor. Continue to spend money, but hire a General Manager who knows something about the game of basketball to decide how to spend it.
12 Jan 11 Haiti: ESPN Commentator Spits On Relief Effort
Paul Shirley made waves Wednesday with his cold and cruel remarks regarding the tragic events that have taken placein Haiti.Shirley said,"I haven donated to the Haitian relief effort for the same reason that I don give money to homeless men on the street. Based on past experiences, I don think the guy with Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
the sign that reads 'Need Your Help' is going to do anything constructive with the dollar I might give him. If I use history as my guide, I don think the people of Haiti will do much with my money either.Needless to say, Shirley was fired by ESPN Wednesday, and the network had this to say about his remarks, "Shirley's views do not at all reflect our company's views on the Haiti relief efforts. He will no longer contribute to ESPN."The remarks actually came in the form of a letter. Asarcastic letter of thanks to the people of Haiti. A real winner this Shirley is. In the letter Shirley says, "Kudos on developing the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Your commitment to human rights, infrastructure, and birth control should be applauded."Shirley is an Iowa Stategraduate, andspent time in 2004-05 as a reserve forwardfor the Suns. Shirley also played in seven games with the Chicago Bulls back in 2003-04, averaging 3.0 ppg and 2.3 rpg in that span.Before joining the Bulls, Shirley was a member of the ABA's Kansas City Knights. Healso had a cup of coffee with the Atlanta Hawks back in 2002-03 and has played overseas in Greece.Shirley's mock letter also asked the Haitian people if they could refrain from the creation of flimsy-shanty and shack-towns.Perhaps Shirley's most Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
startling statement came when he felt the need to ask the Haitian people if they could perhaps use a condom every once in awhile.Shirley's commentating career, like his NBA career, was brief and a total flop. One can only hope we never have to hear this guy chime in about any topic ever again.
the sign that reads 'Need Your Help' is going to do anything constructive with the dollar I might give him. If I use history as my guide, I don think the people of Haiti will do much with my money either.Needless to say, Shirley was fired by ESPN Wednesday, and the network had this to say about his remarks, "Shirley's views do not at all reflect our company's views on the Haiti relief efforts. He will no longer contribute to ESPN."The remarks actually came in the form of a letter. Asarcastic letter of thanks to the people of Haiti. A real winner this Shirley is. In the letter Shirley says, "Kudos on developing the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Your commitment to human rights, infrastructure, and birth control should be applauded."Shirley is an Iowa Stategraduate, andspent time in 2004-05 as a reserve forwardfor the Suns. Shirley also played in seven games with the Chicago Bulls back in 2003-04, averaging 3.0 ppg and 2.3 rpg in that span.Before joining the Bulls, Shirley was a member of the ABA's Kansas City Knights. Healso had a cup of coffee with the Atlanta Hawks back in 2002-03 and has played overseas in Greece.Shirley's mock letter also asked the Haitian people if they could refrain from the creation of flimsy-shanty and shack-towns.Perhaps Shirley's most Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
startling statement came when he felt the need to ask the Haitian people if they could perhaps use a condom every once in awhile.Shirley's commentating career, like his NBA career, was brief and a total flop. One can only hope we never have to hear this guy chime in about any topic ever again.
2011年1月10日星期一
10 Jan 11 NBA Trade News: Tracy McGrady Swapped, Houston Rockets Get a New Look
Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty ImagesSoon after Tracy McGrady's huge debacle with the Rockets Organization, they started having trouble winning games. Well, not winning games, more like finishing out games. Then people started saying how taking out McGrady was a bad idea and they should just let him play. Charles Barkley even went as far to say that the Rockets Organization was disrespecting McGrady.I do not really like the trade deadline because of the many random trade rumors, and other reasons in which you can find here . But many of them have involved McGrady Kansas City Chiefs jersey
due to the fact that he was not playing and the Houston Rockets were not able to finish out games.In the End, McGrady was traded in a three-way deal that allowed the Rockets to get hold of Kevin Martin, Jordan Hill, and the dreadful Jared Jeffries. The sad part of this was that the Houston Rockets lost fan favorite Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey. Oh, and we get to get rid of McGrady.This trade has its pros and cons, but Morey decided to play it safe and to try to continue to fight for a playoff spot this year rather than see them slowly get out of the playoff picture in hopes for Miami Dolphins jersey
a second tier name (AKA not Lebron, Kobe, DWade). I personally do not like Kevin Martin that much. His defense is probably worse than McGrady defense, he also has a history of bad injuries, and his jump shot is sort of funny looking. But nonetheless, he can get to the line and has shown he has a knack for putting the ball into the hoop. Though he does not do much other than score, it could be what the Houston Rockets need to push for that 8th seed in the playoffs this April.To be honest, I have not really watched Hill that much so what I write about him is based on what Ive seen in a few videos. I think he has talent, but he was buried by DAntoni and barely played (totaling for 24 games). I believe he could be somewhat useful in Adelman system as long as he is willing to listen. Though I could be entirely wrong, and he could suck like Brian Cook (they do have the same number after all). For the Knicks, they got what the player the wanted. For the Kings, they get the tough Carl Landry who has been a fan favorite in Houston, and will continue to become one in Sacramento. Minnesota Vikings
So in conclusion, the Rockets played it safe and got their wing scorer (Martin) and a hopeful prospect to replace Carl Landry (Hill). If both work out the way Morey hopes, we could see the Houston Rockets in the playoffs. Oh, and some people are going to have to change their numbers (Martin, 23) (Hill, 43) or (Cook, 43)
due to the fact that he was not playing and the Houston Rockets were not able to finish out games.In the End, McGrady was traded in a three-way deal that allowed the Rockets to get hold of Kevin Martin, Jordan Hill, and the dreadful Jared Jeffries. The sad part of this was that the Houston Rockets lost fan favorite Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey. Oh, and we get to get rid of McGrady.This trade has its pros and cons, but Morey decided to play it safe and to try to continue to fight for a playoff spot this year rather than see them slowly get out of the playoff picture in hopes for Miami Dolphins jersey
a second tier name (AKA not Lebron, Kobe, DWade). I personally do not like Kevin Martin that much. His defense is probably worse than McGrady defense, he also has a history of bad injuries, and his jump shot is sort of funny looking. But nonetheless, he can get to the line and has shown he has a knack for putting the ball into the hoop. Though he does not do much other than score, it could be what the Houston Rockets need to push for that 8th seed in the playoffs this April.To be honest, I have not really watched Hill that much so what I write about him is based on what Ive seen in a few videos. I think he has talent, but he was buried by DAntoni and barely played (totaling for 24 games). I believe he could be somewhat useful in Adelman system as long as he is willing to listen. Though I could be entirely wrong, and he could suck like Brian Cook (they do have the same number after all). For the Knicks, they got what the player the wanted. For the Kings, they get the tough Carl Landry who has been a fan favorite in Houston, and will continue to become one in Sacramento. Minnesota Vikings
So in conclusion, the Rockets played it safe and got their wing scorer (Martin) and a hopeful prospect to replace Carl Landry (Hill). If both work out the way Morey hopes, we could see the Houston Rockets in the playoffs. Oh, and some people are going to have to change their numbers (Martin, 23) (Hill, 43) or (Cook, 43)
2011年1月9日星期日
9 Jan 11 The Los Angeles Clippers Do Their Best Harlem Globetrotter Impersonation
Jeff Gross/Getty ImagesI really want to see the Harlem Globetrotters live. I grew up watching the 'Trotters on Saturday morning TV. Sometimes, they would be special guest stars on Fat Albert! Good times. Even as a kid, I knew the games were fixed. The 'Trotters were all about entertainment, and that was okay by me. I Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
watched in awe as Curly would lay on his side and dribble the ball while the Washington Generals flailed away haplessly. Maybe it's because I was groomed at such a young age to accept phony basketball as entertainment that I can watch the Clippers play today. I'm happy the team is playing well, glad to see some passion on the court, and the three wins in a row are nice, but let's not kid ourselves: this is phony basketball. By trading away Marcus Camby, Al Thornton, and Sebastian Telfair the Clippers went all-in. They showed their hand and confidently winked at the others around the table. What's in the pot isn't clear, but we all know what, or who, they have their eye on. We won't know for a few months, however, if they played their cards right. So, between now and then we are left to watch the Clippers play the part of Harlem Globetrotters. Let's call them the West Coast Wannabees. The Wannabees are a team tossed together for the balance of the year. Everyone on this team understands that. They play not for any real long-term purpose but for the love of the game. There are worse places to play the game you love than in Los Angeles. It's no wonder the team has played with passion recently, wouldn't you if you were being paid very well to play a game of pickup ball? Phony basketball. In the role of the Washington Generals have been the Kings, Bobcats, and Pistons. It was against the Pistons that I noticed things not seen in Clipper games for some time. There were bench players pounding the floor to encourage their teammates. I saw smiles, Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
enthusiastic high-fives, and general passion from a team that has been about as passionate as Tiger holding a news conference. Of course, it's easier to play with passion when you have nothing to play for but the passion. The mark of a great team, not to mention a great player, is when they can excel in a pressure situation. Playing with passion when everything is on the line separates the ordinary from the extraordinary. Clearly, there is nothing on the line for the Clippers. "...We want to go into each game trying to win, but I also want them to have fun. We have banter in practice and stuff I think is refreshing. I think basketball should be fun." Lame-duck, I mean Interim, Coach Kim Hughes said recently.That's what's left for the Clippers this year. In a year that started with playoff aspirations, excitement around Blake Griffin, and what looked to be a solid core of players, the season is winding down as an entertainment piece. Of course, the team could have continued down the road they were on and played passionless boring basketball (see game result 2/10/10 against the Warriors). Given the option, of course I would rather see them play with a little energy. It's a welcome change, but it's temporary. This is still a lame-duck team led by a lame-duck coach and very possibly a lame-duck G.M. I can hear you screaming Clipper fan, no the owner is no lame-duck, he remains firmly entrenched. I feel bad for pointing out that the emperor has no clothes. I should be happy that Steve Blake is an assist machine, that Drew Gooden is pulling off an Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
impressive Marcus Camby impersonation, and that Bo Outlaw is most likely an improvement over Al Thornton, but the Clippers are parading around Figueroa Avenue with their ding-a-ling showing, and someone has to point it out. Maybe they can sign Meadowlark Lemon to a 10-day contract.
watched in awe as Curly would lay on his side and dribble the ball while the Washington Generals flailed away haplessly. Maybe it's because I was groomed at such a young age to accept phony basketball as entertainment that I can watch the Clippers play today. I'm happy the team is playing well, glad to see some passion on the court, and the three wins in a row are nice, but let's not kid ourselves: this is phony basketball. By trading away Marcus Camby, Al Thornton, and Sebastian Telfair the Clippers went all-in. They showed their hand and confidently winked at the others around the table. What's in the pot isn't clear, but we all know what, or who, they have their eye on. We won't know for a few months, however, if they played their cards right. So, between now and then we are left to watch the Clippers play the part of Harlem Globetrotters. Let's call them the West Coast Wannabees. The Wannabees are a team tossed together for the balance of the year. Everyone on this team understands that. They play not for any real long-term purpose but for the love of the game. There are worse places to play the game you love than in Los Angeles. It's no wonder the team has played with passion recently, wouldn't you if you were being paid very well to play a game of pickup ball? Phony basketball. In the role of the Washington Generals have been the Kings, Bobcats, and Pistons. It was against the Pistons that I noticed things not seen in Clipper games for some time. There were bench players pounding the floor to encourage their teammates. I saw smiles, Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
enthusiastic high-fives, and general passion from a team that has been about as passionate as Tiger holding a news conference. Of course, it's easier to play with passion when you have nothing to play for but the passion. The mark of a great team, not to mention a great player, is when they can excel in a pressure situation. Playing with passion when everything is on the line separates the ordinary from the extraordinary. Clearly, there is nothing on the line for the Clippers. "...We want to go into each game trying to win, but I also want them to have fun. We have banter in practice and stuff I think is refreshing. I think basketball should be fun." Lame-duck, I mean Interim, Coach Kim Hughes said recently.That's what's left for the Clippers this year. In a year that started with playoff aspirations, excitement around Blake Griffin, and what looked to be a solid core of players, the season is winding down as an entertainment piece. Of course, the team could have continued down the road they were on and played passionless boring basketball (see game result 2/10/10 against the Warriors). Given the option, of course I would rather see them play with a little energy. It's a welcome change, but it's temporary. This is still a lame-duck team led by a lame-duck coach and very possibly a lame-duck G.M. I can hear you screaming Clipper fan, no the owner is no lame-duck, he remains firmly entrenched. I feel bad for pointing out that the emperor has no clothes. I should be happy that Steve Blake is an assist machine, that Drew Gooden is pulling off an Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
impressive Marcus Camby impersonation, and that Bo Outlaw is most likely an improvement over Al Thornton, but the Clippers are parading around Figueroa Avenue with their ding-a-ling showing, and someone has to point it out. Maybe they can sign Meadowlark Lemon to a 10-day contract.
2011年1月8日星期六
8 Jan 11 Despite Struggles the Lakers Are Still Looking Down on Dallas and Denver
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesIt's funny how perception can sometimes differ from reality, and after recently glancing at the NBA's Western Conference Standings, the struggles by the front-running Los Angeles Lakers may have been wildly misconstrued.Debate has beenlively concerning the Lakers since they endured a rough stretch, in which they lost three consecutive games for the first time in almost two years.The Lakers' slide corresponded with a surge by the Dallas Mavericks and the Denver Nuggets and it changed the perception of Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
the conference race.Whispers began to emerge that perhaps the dominance of Los Angeles was nearing its end, and maybe a confident Nuggets' team or a re-tooled Mavericks' team could end the Lakers' two year reign atop the conference.A 13 game winning streak by Dallas and a six game winning streak by Denver added fuel to the rumors of the Lakers' demise, but the last week has shown us the predictions of ruin were over-blown.After a combined 19 game win streak, the Nuggets and Mavericks were able to carve only a single game off of the Lakers' conference lead, and in Dallas' case a 32 point loss to the New York Knicks raises some interesting questions of their own.For one, what type of true championship contender loses a home game at this point of the season, by such a large margin, to a team which has absolutely nothing left to play for?I understand futility breeds desperation and teams under those circumstances can be dangerous, so a loss is understandable, if not acceptable.But to lose by 32 points at home? That is not the mark of a true contender and despite recent roster upgrades Dallas may still exist in the shadow of their playoff failures of 2006-2007.Choking in the Finals of 2006, and the Maverickssubsequent defeat the next year in the first round of the playoffs as the number one seed has Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
left a discernible mark on the franchise.Epic failures like those tend to leave residual damage which is capable of following teams for years, and the manner in which Dallas conceded to New York brought back memories of those disasters.Denver on the other hand, is the one team which can cause the Lakers problems because of their team speed and athleticism, plus they have a proven champion in point guard Chauncey Billups.The Nuggets have been consistent for much of the year, and have gained valuable confidence in their two wins over the Lakers this season. They sincerely feel they are capable of defeating Los Angeles in the postseason.The Lakers, however know they can beat the Nuggets and have done just that the past two years in the playoffs, and despite some issues, nothing much has changed in that area.Additionally, Los Angeles is beginning to show some life, and the Lakers are putting together a little run of their own in preparation for the postseason.Since a loss to Orlando, the Lakers have won four gamesin a row, and a moment of tension between Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum may have provided the team with necessary motivation.Gasol and Bynum have asserted themselves in the post, and Bryant has shown the ability to compromise, seemingly recognizing the efforts Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
of his beleaguered big men.Both Bynum and Gasol caught heat for their statements to the media, but they have shown they can be dominate in the paint with more touches, as they have controlled the paint in recent games.More importantly, Bryant has began to find his shooting touch after his finger injury, and the Lakers are discovering the rhythm which carried them through to last season's championship.The road ahead for Los Angeles is perilous, and afuture five game road trip will test their fortitude, but the Lakers seem to be finding their stride at just the right time.The prospects are fair forthe Lakers even though they have had to endure adversity to reach this point, but that is the sign of a true championship contender, and the first place team in the Western Conference.
the conference race.Whispers began to emerge that perhaps the dominance of Los Angeles was nearing its end, and maybe a confident Nuggets' team or a re-tooled Mavericks' team could end the Lakers' two year reign atop the conference.A 13 game winning streak by Dallas and a six game winning streak by Denver added fuel to the rumors of the Lakers' demise, but the last week has shown us the predictions of ruin were over-blown.After a combined 19 game win streak, the Nuggets and Mavericks were able to carve only a single game off of the Lakers' conference lead, and in Dallas' case a 32 point loss to the New York Knicks raises some interesting questions of their own.For one, what type of true championship contender loses a home game at this point of the season, by such a large margin, to a team which has absolutely nothing left to play for?I understand futility breeds desperation and teams under those circumstances can be dangerous, so a loss is understandable, if not acceptable.But to lose by 32 points at home? That is not the mark of a true contender and despite recent roster upgrades Dallas may still exist in the shadow of their playoff failures of 2006-2007.Choking in the Finals of 2006, and the Maverickssubsequent defeat the next year in the first round of the playoffs as the number one seed has Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
left a discernible mark on the franchise.Epic failures like those tend to leave residual damage which is capable of following teams for years, and the manner in which Dallas conceded to New York brought back memories of those disasters.Denver on the other hand, is the one team which can cause the Lakers problems because of their team speed and athleticism, plus they have a proven champion in point guard Chauncey Billups.The Nuggets have been consistent for much of the year, and have gained valuable confidence in their two wins over the Lakers this season. They sincerely feel they are capable of defeating Los Angeles in the postseason.The Lakers, however know they can beat the Nuggets and have done just that the past two years in the playoffs, and despite some issues, nothing much has changed in that area.Additionally, Los Angeles is beginning to show some life, and the Lakers are putting together a little run of their own in preparation for the postseason.Since a loss to Orlando, the Lakers have won four gamesin a row, and a moment of tension between Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum may have provided the team with necessary motivation.Gasol and Bynum have asserted themselves in the post, and Bryant has shown the ability to compromise, seemingly recognizing the efforts Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
of his beleaguered big men.Both Bynum and Gasol caught heat for their statements to the media, but they have shown they can be dominate in the paint with more touches, as they have controlled the paint in recent games.More importantly, Bryant has began to find his shooting touch after his finger injury, and the Lakers are discovering the rhythm which carried them through to last season's championship.The road ahead for Los Angeles is perilous, and afuture five game road trip will test their fortitude, but the Lakers seem to be finding their stride at just the right time.The prospects are fair forthe Lakers even though they have had to endure adversity to reach this point, but that is the sign of a true championship contender, and the first place team in the Western Conference.
订阅：
博文 (Atom)