Reefer Madness here, checking in with a quick look at game four of the NBA Finals which goes tonight in Orlando. The Magic are looking to even up the series that many people thought (including myself) they didn’t stand a chance in, but so far they have proven to be the better team, aside from game one, despite trailing in the series. The first game the Magic looked overwhelmed by the whole finals atmosphere and got spanked by the Lakers’ experience, they are only one Courtney Lee alley-oop layup away from winning game two and leading the series. They are a team that lives by the jumper and dies by the jumper, and after setting NBA finals shooting records in game three they only won by four points. I do not think they will be able to repeat anywhere near the same type of shooting performance, but if they realize it early and start feeding the ball down low to the beast that is Dwight Howard he could put them on his Superman-esce shoulders and get it done. The Lakers have done well in limiting Howard’s offensive contributions, but you can only hold him down for so long, with a lower shooting percentage comes more offensive rebound opportunities for D12 and he will have his best game of the finals for sure, but will it be enough? I know if GOAT were here (and we all wish he were) he would be all over his boy Dwight tonight, but he’s not, so I hate to break it to you all but it’s not going to happen for you tonight. Kobe won’t allow it.
Game three was a bust for Kobe and he knows it. He shot only 50% from the free throw line, and talked about letting his team down after the game. Kobe has come a long way since his last championships with Shaq, he has matured both on and off the court into a more complete player and person. He is still grumpy as hell though when he doesn’t win. I expect him to have a dominant performance tonight to makeup for leaving more than the margin of victory at the charity stripe last game. That doesn’t necissarily mean dropping 40+ points anymore, but it might. Kobe has shown more trust in his teammates all season long than ever before in his career and has become a leader on the court. He will look to get everyone involved early and then look to take over down the stretch, and when the Magic throw everything but the kitchen sink at him he won’t be afraid to look for guys like Fisher or Ariza to make a big shot.
Key for me tonight is the Lakers’ energy off the bench, if Lamar Odom comes ready to play and gets his fair share of rebounds to keep Howard away from the offensive glass then I think the Lakers will take the win. If the Magic are able to get Howard involved early and often on the offensive end that is their best chance at winning. I don’t see them shooting 62.5% from the floor again so I don’t see them winning this game. I am picking the Lakers tonight 102-98.
OK, I have NO evidence to back that up but Jackson must REALLY like Rondo. For those that don’t know, Jackson is the NBA’s fun police. Anything goes wrong, Jackson slaps your ass with the proper suspension, for example, Dwight Howard’s “people’s elbow” on Sammy Dalembert which Jackson thought warranted a 1 game suspension. (So did I, for the record).
As I mentioned/showed before, Rondo Bruce Lee’d Brad Miller on a pivotal play in OT on Tuesday and wasn’t penalized by Stu Jackson like D12 was for his mishap. Then last night during the best basketball game I have watched EVER, Rondo and Kirk “the Hobbit” Hinrich got in a wee skirmish in the first quarter. During a rebounding scenario, Hinrich and Rondo were out near the 3 point line when they got “tangled” up, so Rondo deciding he didn’t like the manwich he was making with Kirk decided to toss him into the scorers table. Rajon was assessed a flagrant foul and it was said the league was going to look at the play again. Last night, Stu Jackson reviewed the tape and proclaimed there would not be any additional penalties assessed to either Hinrich or Rondo.
I know the foul on Miller was tic-tac and this foul wasn’t necessarily ALL Rajon’s fault. But I can only imagine the penalty a guy like Artest or even ‘Sheed would receive if they pulled this move off, especially, two days after they went after a dudes head! I am posting the video below so you guys can let me know what you think. Does Stu have a man crush on Rajon or is he just the victim of wrong place wrong time all the time???
P.S I like how Hinrich responds after he bounces off the scorers table. I didn’t expect him to be so GANGSTA, he gets some street cred from me for that move and subsequently I lose TONS of street cred for admitting that in a public forum.
Written on April 29th, 2009 by goatdieselone shout
Last night during two pretty intense bball games a couple of fouls transpired that caught attention. First off I will talk about Dwight Howard’s elbow to Sammy Dalembert dome in the Orlando vs. Philly game. During the first quarter of the game D12 and Dalembert were battling under the basket for position on a Rashard Lewis 3 pointer. When Lewis sank/sunk the 3, Dalembert went to walk under the basket to pass the ball in. Instead, Howard grabbed his arm and brought him in for a nice elbow to the back of the head. After reviewing the play the NBA has suspended Howard for game 6 .
In final seconds of OT in the Celtics/Bulls game, Brad Miller had a WIDE open lay up to tie the game and essentially bring the game into double OT. On his way to the basket, Miller was met by 3 Celtics, Rondo, Pierce and Perkins. Both Perkins and Rondo fouled Miller but Perkins was legitimately going for the ball, while Rondo was WAY behind Miller and went for his head.. All Rondo could really do to prevent the lay up at that point was slap Miller in the face and that is exactly what he did.
Now this where I have a problem with the Howard suspension. Should D12 have been suspended? Most definitely! Everyone knows Dwight is one of the biggest dudes on Earth and a cheap shot to the head by him or anyone else should not be tolerated. With that being said, why wasn’t Rondo assessed a game suspension as well? As far as I know, the NBA states that any blow to the head its considered a flagrant and then the league reviews the play and decides if any further action should be taken. I have heard that the league reviewed both plays but I would really like to know the difference? Is it because Rondo is a smaller person or because it looked “less lethal”? I watched both things happen and it really looked like Miller was worse for the wear compared to Dalembert?
So what do you think? Below is a video of both incidents, so let me know if you think either, neither or both deserved the punishment they got. Try and watch this ASAP as the NBA loves to take their videos down randomly.
Written on February 25th, 2009 by goatdieselone shout
They do say: “This is LeBron James’ league” and making sure he keeps it that way, LBJ gets fed up with D12 and Devin Harris getting all the limelight and hits a crazy ass shot of his own. I don’t know what it is but ever since the All Star break, there seems to be an insane play everynight!
Remember if you EVER see a play that is crazy that I missed let me know.
Written on February 14th, 2009 by goatdieselone shout
Hey guys…I know its pretty embarassing when you’re man in the blog world is having a comp problem but that’s life right? Anyway, I am just going to throw out some things about this Saturday night and hope it works out. Just so you all know, I lost EVERY call I made for winners of the events (suckers, no one even bet me!)
Shooting Stars – Detroit Pistons – They took the title after Phoenix had a HUGE lead but could not hit the half court shot. They literally had 35 seconds to pot one from half and could not capitalize!!!
NBA Skills Challenge – Derrick Rose- Rose beat out Devin Harris (my call) by 3 seconds in the final but he finsihed with a huge reverse two hander that had the judges wondering why he wasn’t in the Dunk Contest?
3 Point Shootout – Daequan Cook- Who? Exactly! This rookie came out of nowhere to replace Jason Kapono the two time champion as the 3 point king in the NBA. All the judges said it would be the biggest upset in history if he won but he did. Beating Rashard Lewis in a 1 minute OT to take the crown. For the record, Kapono finished 1 POINT out of the final round
Slam Dunk – Nate Robinson – Lil’ Nate (5′2 from what I hear) beat out Superman (Dwight Howard) in the finals to claim his second dunk off championship. Although, he owes a HUGE debt of gratitude to his competitor for allowing himself to be a prop in the final round that no doubt sent Nate over the edge to be the winner. Dwight was killing the crowd with his unreal athleticism but I think the dunk from the free throw line at the end, killed all his momentum. A big piece of news from this contest came when LeBron James announced he WOULD COMPETE in 2010 in Dallasin the dunk contest.
All in all it was another great night of entertainment but again I lost all my bets. Oh well better luck next year (when the game SHOULD have been in Toronto, until Dallas decided to put up a billion dollar stadium, DAMN!)
Written on February 14th, 2009 by goatdieselno shouts
By FAR the best All Star Weekend of any major sport. NBA’s All Star Saturday Night is probably my favourite night of the sports year and has been since I was a little kid. It basically wraps all the best parts of the game into one night of awesomeness, I even like the Shooting Stars competition (Yeah I said IT!). Along with the main staples, 3 point Shoot out (Go JK), Skills competition and OF COURSE the Slam dunk, this year they have added H-O-R-S-E to the slate of Saturday Night magic. I have heard a lot of people say this could be crap but I also know a lot of people are excited about this and I am one of the latter. Ever since the Jordan and Bird commercials back in the late 80’s or early 90s, I have dreamt of watching NBA All Stars playing horse. Sure they won’t be throwing the ball off the score clock from the 300 level of and arena but I expect to see some crazy things this to go down.
Last night was the annual Rookie vs. Sophomore game (which I usually miss) but this year I HAPPENED to actually be in a bar (what a fluke) and much to the chagrin of my girlfriend, ended up catching the whole game and was very surprised about how good it was. Sure there was NO defence and Kevin Durant took 25 shots but it was actually competitive. The rooks were leading pretty much the whole game and then the Durant show started! He was on fire, finishing the game 17 for 25 from the field for 46 points, the all time record for most points and the MVP. I think this game tends to be more sloughed off because its only the rookie and sophomores and for the most part is filled with guys that aren’t that well known yet but I think it tends to be more competitive for that reason and because NO sophomore wants to be beaten by a rookie, especially if you’re on their team. Just for a piece of history, the rookies have only won twice in 10 years of this format.
All the action starts tonight (on TV anyway) at 8pm ET. I will break down who I think will win the events and why don’t you let me know who you think is going to win and then we can have a friendly bet of bragging rights (maybe a beer too if we ever meet) for the winner. OK here it goes: Shooting Stars challenge – LA Lakers - I’m taking them because they seem to have the best shooters through the whole team. Skills Challenge -Devin Harris - I chose Harris because he is flat out the fastest guy here and he can shoot. 3 Point Shootout – Jason Kapono – Do I even have to say why? Raptors, 3 time champ, Raptors. Now for the BIG SHOW – Slam Dunk Contest – Dwight Howard – First off, let ME let YOU know, this guy is my favourite player and has been since I saw one of his high school games. He is not only the most dominant big man since Shaq but he is a real cool guy and loves playing the game. He also practiced for over a YEAR on the dunks he did last year and I have to imagine he wants to re-live that glory again and will do so tonight.
If I am around tonight (might have to make up for last night with the girlfriend) I will be live blogging all of tonight’s events so come around 8pm and see whats up. Well have a good night and a good weekend!
Written on February 3rd, 2009 by goatdiesel2 shouts
Every year, every team goes through injuries, big and small. This year, it seems like most of them are big, as in big players getting hurt on big teams. 3 more have just gone down in the last week, Jameer Nelson, Andrew Bynum and Chris Paul, with the most serious being Jameer Nelson last night. As of right now the reports are saying either 8-10 weeks or the season and however you slice it, the Magic appeared to be pigeonholed at the PG spot. Their only real serviceable back up is Anthony Johnson (Beetlejuice) and no offence to his pretty face but he ain’t gonna cut it. What can the Magic do? First, they have to decide if they want to shut down Nelson for the year and opt for surgery right away or they can try and rehab him until the playoffs start and see where he is at that point. No matter what the Magic decide to do with Nelson, I think they need to make a trade and with the deadline up in a few weeks, I think that is going to be the option they choose. The first person who comes to mind is Jamaal Tinsley. The Pacers are DYING to get rid of him and after he knocks the rust off (and about 15lbs) no one would be better than him to feed the BEAST AKA Dwight Howard, the rock down low. The only other guy I could see going to the Magic would be Earl Watson. Not happy with his roll in Oklahoma, Watson has been begging for a trade since about November and the Thunder could always use some veteran leadership, a draft pick or at least some money? Well realistically they could use ANYTHING, so this deal may go down too.
Jameer’s injury not only plays a factor with the Magic but it also plays a part with All Star Weekend. Jameer is a reserve on the All Star team and also a participant in the PG Skills Challenge. In my earlier post about the All Star reserves, I sort of, kind of, called out Jameer stating that their may be some other suitable PG’s in the league that deserved his spot. The first guy who comes to mind is Rajon Rondo. Rondo is the PG on the best team in the East and has also had some monster games this year, including 2 HUGE triple doubles. Another guy that could fill in for Nelson on the East squad is Mo Williams and no one would be happier the LeBron James. Williams seems to be the PG the Cavs have been looking for, now second in the East with him at the helm, things couldn’t be going much better for the Cavs and LeBron will tell you its all because of Mighty Mo. Either guy could take over for Nelson in the skills challenge as well but I would like to see either, the other guy who doesn’t get chosen or Jose Calderon. With Calderon’s injury earlier in the year, he kind of negates himself from the running in the All Star game debate but the world needs to know about the Spaniard’s swagger. He is quick, one of the most accurate passers in the NBA and he’s fun to watch. Regardless of what happens during All Star weekend, one thing is for sure, the Orlando Magic need help and they need it NOW. Dwight Howard is a beast but he can’t do it all by himself and as much as I like a good laugh, I don’t think J.J Redick and Beetlejuice are the answer.
Good luck Jameer, I hope you heal up soon. To the NBA, CHOOSE CALDERON FOR THE SKILLS CHALLENGE! Think of it as a global marketing tool!
Written on December 6th, 2008 by goatdieselone shout
1/4 Man, 1/4 Beast, 1/2 Superhuman
Let’s be honest, it’s JUST too easy for this guy! Blessed with a body from greek mythology, the smile of 5 year old kid about to steal some cookies and the althletic ability of well, a superhuman. It’s hard to believe there is anything Dwight won’t be able to achieve while in the NBA. Except maybe a 6th Man of the Year or Most Improved Player award.
Less than a month from his first career triple double (a nasty one at that: 30pts, 18rebs and 10 blocks). D12 hasn’t slowed down and the scary part is, he seems to be getting better. I haven’t seen lines in box scores like this since another overgrown manchild donned a blue and white jersey with Magic across the front. The difference between the two great centres in my mind, Shaq used his dominant size and undying hunger to eat rims and beast his way to massive box scores. While Howard uses a more fast paced, high flying, did you just fuc… see that approach to his game.
I think the difference in the end will be, while Shaq’s body eventually broke down carrying his massive size around and his pound, pound, pound attitude on the court. For Dwight, I think it will be how long can he continue to turn off a pick, jump through the roof and throw any ball lobbed in his general direction through the rim on his way down. I do believe his penchant for rebound will always be there, his timing on blocks is a inate ability, so as long as his superhuman ability to leap only decreases to human or above average human, he should continue to dominate. Don’t get me wrong, Shaq is a beast, in my opinion one of the 5 best centres ever and he’s having a great season this year. But for me, I think D12 represents the new breed of Shaq if you will.
Like the NBA Shaq first played in compared to the NBA they both play in now. D12 is leaner, faster and more high flying than Shaq was. When Dwight ends career will we still be able to compare the two? Will he be in the top 50 players of all time? Who knows, I would be crazy to make that claim but he does have the tools and time on his side (He’s 23 in his 5th year). Can he even come close to touching Shaq’s legacy of 4 championships? Again, who knows? If he was put in a position with players like Kobe and Dwyane Wade it is almost a given. The only thing I do know is the man is a freak of nature, a hell a lot of fun to watch, a great person and someone to keep your eye on.
