Archive for the 'NBA' Category

NBA Conference Finals Preview

Published
by
Anthony Iafolla
on May 20, 2008
in NBA
. 4 Comments

We’re down to the Final Four in the NBA Playoffs.  As far as my picks, I have so far done well in the Eastern Conference, and not too well in the Western Conference (some of that due to my desire to see the Lakers go down).  Although I did say a couple weeks ago that I felt the Spurs would replace the Suns and go to the Finals.  I think we have two great match-ups here, so let’s break it all down. 

Pistons vs Celtics

This is the match-up that has been expected pretty much since the beginning of the season.  You can throw the regular season games out the window.  The playoffs are here.  This should be an awesome series to watch.  It won’t always be pretty, but it will be physical, intense, and most likely come down to execution in the fourth quarter.  These are probably the two best defensive teams in the NBA.  What I love about this series is that these two teams do not like each other and it is filled with some great individual match-ups.  The Pistons are seasoned and rested.  They have been here before.  Many of the Celtics have not.  The Celtics have gone through two grueling seven game series, but have not faced the type of test they will get from the Pistons.  How will they respond?  Let’s look at the match-ups: 

1)       Point Guard- If Chauncey Billups’ hamstring is healthy, then this is one sided.  Rajon Rondo has made strides in these playoffs and he hit some big shots against the Cavs, but he has not proven that he can do it consistently.  Chauncey?  Been there, done that.  With his size and strength advantage over Rondo, I look for the Pistons to use Billups in the post more often.  I am curious to see how Rondo reacts under the pressure of getting the Celtics back to the Finals.  I have a feeling he might look like a deer in headlights.

2)       Shooting Guard- I’ve always loved Rip.  Although the whole mask thing has dropped him a couple notches for me.  I remember seeing his Coatesville team go up against Kobe Bryant’s Lower Merion team back in high school.  Ray Allen has looked like he aged 40 years since the end of the regular season.  The Celtics need Allen to step up and they should make a conscious effort to run him off screens and get him in a rhythm early.  I think both these guys will have a good series.  With the great team defense played by both teams, no one will blow you away with their high field goal percentage.  I still give a slight advantage to the Pistons in this match-up.

3)       Small Forward- This is a great match-up.  For most of the Cavs series, I though Paul Pierce did a great job defending LeBron James.  His offense suffered because of it.  Until, of course, Game 7.  Pierce impressed the hell out of me, and it’s a good thing, too.  The player previously known as Ray Allen was not helping much, and KG certainly wasn’t going to carry the Celtics in a tight Game 7.  I look for Tayshaun Prince to play the role of Paul Pierce here.  Prince probably will not contribute much offensively, save a few threes, but his main focus will be on stopping Pierce.  We all know that Prince can defend anybody.  He has about a 94 foot wingspan.  Prince should do a great job on Pierce, putting more pressure on Garnett and Allen.  I still think Pierce will have a few games where he is just on.  So offensively, Pierce will certainly contribute more, but this is still a close one.  Slight edge to the Celtics.

4)       Power Forward- You are not going to find too many match-ups better than this one.  I could go on and on about it, but I wouldn’t do that to you.  Both are great defenders, and both are important offensively as well.  They probably will not spend the entire time guarding each other, but when they do it will be physical and fun.  Wallace has way more big game experience, but Garnett is hungry.  Maybe he will finally shake the reputation of not taking over big games when his team needs it.  I doubt it, but maybe.  Wallace will mix in his three point shooting, post moves, and great defense.  Same for Garnett, except his outside shooting will be a little closer to the basket.  Both guys are great competitors and I think both will play well.  I am sure I will get some crap for this but I see this one as a draw.  Garnett is great, but Wallace will be great at the exact moments his team needs him to be.  Will Garnett?

5)       Center- Both Kendrick Perkins and Antonio McDyess are responsible for doing the little things.  Defend, rebound, get easy put-backs, keeping plays alive.  McDyess does possess the ability to hit the open 14-18 footer.  I don’t see any clear edge in this match-up.  I’ll call this a draw.

6)       Bench- Detroit and Boston have excellent benches.  Typically, teams do not get this far in the playoffs with weak benches.  Bench play usually just comes down to who is going to step up from game to game and make an imprint.  There are plenty of guys capable on both sides.  Even Sam “The Alien” Cassell.  Guys like Posey, Powe, and House for the Celtics, and Hunter, Maxiell, and Stuckey, will go far in determining who comes out on top in this grudge match. If fouls become an issue, the benches will have an even greater impact.  It’s hard to really call a favorite here.  We’ll see how they react once the pressure is on.I have already written that I think the Pistons win in seven.  I actually think it could be six, but I will stick with seven.  Yes, seven.  The Pistons can win on the road.  There’s a novel idea!  I think it is important for the Pistons to win game 1 and put the pressure on Boston.  Either way, this is going to be closely contested, physical, and fun to watch. 

Spurs vs Lakers

Everybody at this point knows what I want to see happen.  Especially so that I do not have to pay out some bets that I made with friends of mine who are Lakers fans.  I previously picked the Suns to be here, and then, using a mulligan, said that the Spurs would be here.  I was hoping the Jazz would take the Lakers out, but that turned out to be wishful thinking.  Now, I worry that with Kobe Bryant able to smell the Finals, it’s too late to stop the Lakers.  Ahhh… But of course, they are playing the defending world champions.  A team that already has 4 rings to boast about.  Will the Spurs end my misery of watching the Lakers cruise to the NBA Finals?  Man, I hope so.  This promises to be another hard fought, tightly contested series. 

1)       Point Guard- The more I watch Derek Fisher, the more respect I gain for him.  He plays hard and physical defense.  He almost never misses an open jumper.  He hits clutch shots in almost every game.  His counterpart, Tony Parker, is one of the fastest and quickest players in the NBA.  Not an easy match-up for Fisher.  Parker will try to get in the lane and set up easy baskets for teammates as well as run the break when it is open.  I will give a slight edge to Parker in this battle.

2)       Shooting Guard- The interesting thing in this series is the defensive match-ups.  Ginobili will not be guarding Kobe.  Bruce Bowen and Kobe Bryant will renew their long lasting love fest.  I don’t think I even need to go into either Manu or Kobe’s credentials at this point.  They are both great. Kobe, of course, is all time great.  What is great about this series is that it is filled with players that will step up in the clutch.  I am not enough of a hater to give the edge to the Spurs here.  Edge to the Lakers.

3)       Small Forward- Bruce Bowen’s main job will be to try and slow down, frustrate, elbow, scratch, kick and do whatever else is necessary to Kobe Bryant.  He will find himself open for the corner three from time to time, and he needs to knock those down.  Lamar Odom almost always poses match-up problems with his ability to handle and shoot.  Again, I reiterate that match-ups will be key in this series.  Both team will be moving different defenders around, so it’s hard to talk about head to head, but I give the edge to Odom and the Lakers here.

4)       Power Forward- The Lakers have absolutely no one that can guard Tim Duncan, so I look for a huge series from him.  I’m sure Phil Jackson will throw double teams and different bodies at Duncan, but Gasol, or Turiaf, and whoever else do not stand a chance.  Radmanovic is mainly just an outside shooter and to be effective and even have an impact he must hit shots.  Huge edge to the Spurs.

5)       Center- Oberto is another dirty work guy.  Gasol is another case of a guy who will create match-up problems for the Spurs.  He can inside and out with great efficiency.  What bothers me about Gasol is that he’s so soft.  That being said he and the Lakers have a huge advantage here.

6)       Bench- Both teams have great benches, but I do think that the Lakers have a younger and fresher bench.  It seems that everyone that comes off the bench of both team has the ability to play well and hit shots.  The Spurs bench is experienced, and it remains to be seen how the Lakers bench will perform as the series rolls on.  I call this one even. There are so many great match-ups and players in this series that you just know its going to be great.  Two great coaches involved in a chess match.  The Spurs have the experience, but they might have tired legs.  The Lakers have Kobe Bryant.  This is a tough one to call, and it will come down to defense and execution.  I just feel that at the end of the day, the Spurs have enough in them to take down the Lakers in seven.  Again, the Spurs need to steal one of the first two, or else Kobe will smell blood and drop 50 in San Antonio to put the Spurs against the wall.  

I don’t care what anybody says about the Spurs being boring and all that crap.  Both these series are going to be entertaining and great for the NBA.  These are the four teams that should be here.  It will be a great couple weeks in the NBA, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out.  Let’s all kick back and enjoy the games.

Lakers vs. Jazz Game 2 Diary From the Cheap Seats

Published
by
Anthony Iafolla
on May 8, 2008
in NBA
. 1 Comment

Ok, so I have a few things that I am working on that I will be posting soon, but because of that, for this one I decided to steal a format from a writer that I admire, Bill Simmons.  I decided to write a real time blog on last night’s game between the Lakers and Jazz.  This is a first for me so you will have to cut me some slack.  It will probably end up being a bit of a confusing mess, but that’s what my mind is anyway.  Basically I just sat down and took notes as it was happening and what I was thinking from a fan’s perspective.  I must admit, however, that I am writing this as a resident of Los Angeles who cannot stand the Lakers.  I am not a Jazz fan either, but anything is better than seeing the Lakers win.  If you have been checking out this site, you should know that I picked the Lakers to lose to the Jazz, but admit that I will probably end up being wrong.  So, without further ado… 

Kobe is awarded the 2007-2008 MVP ( I still don’t agree), and he tells the crowd at the end of a brief speech “let’s get this party started”.  I am sure he is looking to show his MVP credentials tonight.  

1st Quarter

I think the Jazz really need to get off to a quick start to build some confidence.  They need to play this game from in front and not try and make a furious comeback like they did in Game 1.  Here’s the tip…Nice omen!…24 second violation on the first possession for the Jazz.  Pretty inexcusable, I think.  It seems that Kirilenko is aggressive here early.  It seems like he is aggressive once every five games.  Ronnie Brewer is starting the game guarding Kobe.  Good luck.  Both teams have started out this game trading baskets and hitting their shots.  The match-up with Okur guarding Odom is ugly.  Okur is in quicksand on the defensive end compared to Odom.  With 8 minutes left in the quarter Kirilenko makes a great defensive play on Kobe who was going in for a layup.  They cannot make it easy on Kobe.  Maybe Derek Fisher’s days spent guarding Deron Williams in practice last year are paying dividends because, just like in Game 1, Williams just cannot get going.

Lakers 15-13 at first timeout – 6:25 to go in the 1st

What the hell has happened to Carlos Boozer?  Has anyone seen him?  This seems to be a physical game, the way the Jazz like it, on both sides, yet it took 8 minutes and finally a whistle is blown against the Lakers.  I guess David Stern doesn’t want Kobe’s night ruined or the path of the Lakers to the finals impeded.  On cue, Sloan gets T’d up with 3:38 left and I don’t blame him.  To have a chance, the Jazz need to be physical.  Let ‘em play!  Sweet!…Lakers go on a 13-0 run here to take a 25-13 lead.  Not what the Jazz need.  Now I have to listen to Doug Collins wax poetic about Kobe.  I am sick of the Kobe love fest.  The dude would still be bitching if they hadn’t stolen Gasol.  Lakers fans should chant MVP for Chris Wallace, the Grizzlies GM.  Hey, what do ya know?  The Jazz go to the line for the first time in the quarter with 2:31 left.  The Jazz are occasionally switching to a 2-3 zone and the Lakers are killing it with ball movement.  Harpring gets called for  an offensive foul for doing the exact same thing in the post that Kobe does every time.  That being said, the Jazz all look scared to shoot the ball, especially Brewer.  He looks like he has a hot potato in his hand when he gets the ball.  The quarter ends badly for the Jazz.  The Lakers have 2 big runs.  So much for getting off to a good start for Utah.  The Lakers looked great shooting 66 % compared to 33 % for the Jazz.  Why does Utah suck on the road?Lakers 33-18 at end of the 1st quarter

Again in between quarters Jerry Sloan comments to David Aldridge that he feels like the refs are calling it way too close on the Jazz, saying, “We can’t touch ‘em”.  I agree. 

2nd Quarter

Another great sign: Boozer gets his 3rd foul on the first play and has to sit.  On a side note, I wish my name was Boozer.  The Lakers are just way more aggressive, including their bench.  Millsap is the only Jazz to go hard at the rack.  That should account for the free throw disparity, but I still don’t think its being called even.  Doug Collins just used the word “lucky” in describing the Gasol trade.  I finally agree with something!  Damn.  Matt Harpring has as much of a soft touch as I would after my hands were dipped into a bucket of cement and then dried.  The Jazz are actually playing better with Boozer and Williams out of the game which will not lead to a victory.  Ahh.  Okur is redefining the word slow as Gasol posterizes him.  He can’t guard anyone!

Lakers 45-34 at timeout- 5:46 left in the 2nd

The Jazz need to get some stops here to end the half.  Williams need to get in the lane and the Jazz must finish.  Its not happening though as the Lakers are owning every match up.  Gasol is crushing Okur and Fisher is dominating Williams.  Deron Williams just scored his first points of the game with 2:40 left.  Bad sign.  So the half is over and the Jazz went the opposite direction of what I said and did not close out strong.  Lakers shoot 61% for the half and the Jazz get 3 points between Williams and Boozer.  Freakin’ ugly!

Lakers 63-49- HALFTIME

Halftime may end up being the best part of the night for me.  That and the beef soft tacos I made and the Heineken I am drinking.  Charles Barkley says, “They don’t think they can beat the Lakers”.  I absolutely agree.  They have looked scared.  Barkley refers to himself as “the Chuckster”.  I love this guy.  I want to go drinking and gambling and then play a round of golf with him.  What the hell was that?  A bug in Barkley’s mug.  Was that real or fake?  TNT is way better than ESPN for these games. 

3rd Quarter

The Jazz need to get off to a quick start or this game is over.  Come on boys!  Make this interesting.  Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Carlos Boozer to the arena.  He gets an easy layup to start the half.  Maybe that will get him going.  Basketball is funny like that.  On his night, I am now looking for Kobe to take over.  On a side note, Boozer hits a jumper, but I decided he may have the ugliest in the league.  Deron Williams looks like a new man.  Where the hell has this aggressiveness been buddy?  It matters little though as the Jazz cannot guard the Lakers, and right on cue Kobe is taking over.  The Jazz are just trading buckets and can’t cut into the lead.

Lakers 80-66 at timeout- 5:21 left in the 3rd

Coming out of this timeout I think the Jazz need to get this thing to single digits by the end of the quarter to have a chance.  They need Mr. Mo Mentum to change his address.  Unfortunately, Kobe is showing the Jazz that he is the MVP.  Williams is getting into the lane on every possession, but it seems too little too late.  The Jazz look great offensively, but the problem remains their inability to even make it semi-difficult for the Lakers to score.  I think I would just aggressively double team Kobe and get it out of his hands as much as possible and pray the Lakers miss a few open shots.  What the hell else should they do?  Nothing has worked yet.  Wow!  What a drive and dunk by Williams, but it was followed by Fisher easily getting into the lane on the other end and Boozer picking up his 4th foul.  A microcosm of this game right there.

Lakers 86-76 at timeout- 2:15 left in the 3rd

Great defensive play there by Brewer leading to a dunk and the Jazz are down 8.  Get a stop!They get a stop but now both team are just turning it over back and forth.  Terrible possessions by the Jazz.  Harpring gets toasted by Kobe leading to a Fisher three.  Lakers are up 13, right back where the quarter started.  Huge shot by Williams from three to cut the lead to 10 to end the quarter!  Kobe had 15 in the quarter.  Here he comes.

Lakers 93-83 at end of the 3rd quarter 4th Quarter

The Jazz cannot trade baskets anymore.  The beginning of this quarter will be huge.  Lakers come out with their bench along side Pau Gasol.  I am saying BS on that!!!!  Williams was obviously hacked at the rim and no call which led to a Lakers break.  That call better go the other way in Utah.  Ok.  Harpring is destroying the Jazz.  He inexplicably doubles Jordan Farmar leaving Walton wide open for a three!  Jordan Farmar!  Then he airballs a three of his own.  Please put Boozer back in Jerry! 

Lakers 98-89 at timeout- 7:50 left in 4th

The Jazz have to score here out of the timeout.  I wonder if Phil Jackson will insert Kobe to close the deal.  Ummm…I am not a proven NBA coach like Jerry Sloan, but the I am in shock here!  Jazz come out of the timeout with Williams on the bench.  Phil has inserted Kobe like I thought, and the Jazz best player is on the bench just as they were building momentum with Williams as the catalyst.  It may be too late by the time he comes back in.  He’s 24 years old!  I think he can play the last 8 minutes of a huge playoff game for crying out loud!  Need a sip of Heineken.  Ok, I am better now.   Matt Harpring actually hits a big shot to make it 98-92!  Making him about 2 for 50 in the series.   Huge play there.  Jazz were down 6 on the break and Millsap misses a lay up to cut it to 4, followed by Kobe getting fouled on the other end.  Can’t miss easy ones on the road guys!  Williams Back in.  Thank God.  Can the Jazz stop letting Harpring touch the ball?  Seriously.

Lakers 99-92 at timeout- 5:58 left in the 4th

If the Jazz are going to actually steal this, the next 3 minutes are gigantic.  It has to start with defense.  I am figuring Kobe is going to take over.  Big jumper by “the Machine”.  Boozer sucks.  Gets blocked twice on the same possession.  Fisher hits a big three to make it 104-94 and I think that’s the beginning of the end.  Jazz made their run and the Lakers punched back.  They have hit every open shot tonight.  I give them credit.  After a great 3 point play by AK47 cuts it to 8, Kobe makes an amazing dish to Gasol.  That was ridiculous.  I’m not sure anyone else makes that play.

Lakers 109-99 at timeout- 2:24 left in the 4th

It’s not looking good for Utah.  Kobe will not allow the Lakers to lose this game.  The Jazz cannot hit a big shot.  I must say, I still do not agree with Sloan taking Williams out in the 4th.  It seems he has lost his rhythm since he returned.  Some meaningless threes here by the Jazz.  As the clock winds down I am thinking that the Jazz beter find a way to start faster by Friday or they will be going home for good.  They can’t defend Kobe Bryant, Boozer has been terrible, and the Lakers are doing whatever they want offensively.  Man I hate watching the Lakers win!  It makes me sick to my stomach.  Or is that the tacos?  Williams and Boozer need to be aggressive from the tip in Utah.

Lakers 120-110- FINAL

Just a little more bitching from me.  Just following Kobe’s lead.  Lakers shot 43 foul shots to the Jazz 16.  Come on!  Also, I just threw up in my mouth as Kenny and Chuck were talking about how scary the Lakers will be for the next 5 years.  I am moving to Alaska.  My night just ended well, though.  Charles Barkley was tricked into saying “I’m a dumbass”, as they put it on the teleprompter.  Let’s see if the Jazz can make some adjustments and play better in front of their home crowd.  If not the Lakers will be prepping for the Western Conference Finals.    

Peering into the Crystal Ball: The Future of the Eastern Conference and a Few Lessons Learned

Published
by
Chris Iafolla
on May 6, 2008
in NBA
. 4 Comments

The first round of the NBA playoffs has provided a plethora of lessons learned and plenty of intrigue.

The two series that most proclaimed experts felt would be the least competitive in the Eastern Conference turned out to provide the most hotly-contested series in the Eastern Conference thus far. Both the Sixers and Hawks were written off as mere bystanders on the path to a Celtics/Pistons clash. But those experts forgot to tell the Sixers and Hawks, because they put up a fight that just may have provided a glimpse into the future of the Eastern Conference.

Sure, the Pistons and Celtics will likely have their inevitable showdown to determine Eastern Conference supremacy. But both of those teams have a veteran core whose window is rapidly closing with each passing day. On the other hand, the Sixers and Hawks are following a similar model: a young athletic core paired with an established, veteran point guard to direct the troops. Sound familiar? It should. This is a model the Detriot Pistons have been using for years. In Chauncey Billups, the team has a solid veteran presence at point guard coupled with versatility at the remaining four starting positions. Lump all of that together with a tough-minded approach to defense and you just might have concocted a GM’s cocktail for championships. Goes down smooth huh? Both the Sixers and Hawks are a couple of pieces and years away from seriously contending for a championship. But the current playoffs may have provided a glimpse into the future of the Eastern Conference–a world where the Sixers and Hawks reign supreme.

And now, on to the lessons learned:

  • Predictions Schmedictions: Chief among those lessons was that predictions are not my forte. Already, my Western conference champion has fallen victim to a team that simply understands how to win playoff basketball–the San Antonio Spurs. I still have a chance at my other prediction, albeit a bit of a cop out, that the Spurs come out of the West. I felt that the winner of that series would prevail in the conference, so at least that one is still alive (not looking too promising either). While the Spurs have looked old thus far, I won’t count out Tim Duncan and the gang until they are beaten on their own court.
  • Don’t overemphasize the value of experience: In some circumstances (see San Antonio Spurs) playoff experience equates to playoff success. Because of this, we have a tendency to place too much value on the ability of a veteran team to win a playoff series based solely on the fact that it has fought more battles than its opponent. I was a victim of this trap when I thought the savvy and physicality of the Mavericks would wear down the Hornets and Chris Paul. In reality, Chris Paul was so much better than any player on the courtthat he single-handedly propelled that team to victory.
  • The Nuggets are who we thought they were:In the infamous words of Denny Green, The Nuggest “are who we thought they were.” I’m pretty sure I could drop 30 on that defense. So while the Lakers won convincingly, I’ll jump on the bandwagon when they beat a team that actually believes in the concept of defense.
  • Celtics Lack Go-to Guy: All season long the media trumpeted the success and harmony of the Big Three. And while the success in the season is all well and good, it all amounts to nothing if you can’t get it done in the playoffs. The problem with this Celtics team is it lacks a scorer that is willing to step up and get it done in the clutch. Garnett refuses to attack the basket and becomes a passive participant in the game come crunch time , Ray Allen has trouble creating his own shot and Paul Pierce does not have enough proven late-game ability to solidify his position as a go-to-guy. All season, these three have coexisted as equal parts of the greater whole–now that it is playoff time, one of them needs to step up and become the most important cog in the wheel.
  • Dwight Howard is a Monster: We knew that Howard likes to pose as Superman, but I’m not sure many of us believed he actually had the ability to leap tall defenders in a single bound. Once Howard refines his offensive game to include a bit of finesse as opposed to pure power, he will be near impossible to stop. Not since a certain 7 foot 300-pound big man donned an Orlando Magic jersey have we seen a big man with this much upside.

NBA PLAYOFFS: Round 2

Published
by
Anthony Iafolla
on May 6, 2008
in NBA
. 2 Comments

So the first round of the NBA Playoffs is in the books.  The second round has already gotten underway, but my picks were already on paper.  And so far not too bad!  The only pick I missed was the Spurs defeating the Suns.  I have already stated that obviously my pick of the Suns making it to the finals was way off.  I also felt all along the winner of that series would make it out of the West, so that means the Spurs against the Pistons.  Like I said, Pistons in seven.  Let’s do a brief breakdown of how I see this second round playing out. 

Pistons vs. Magic

I stated earlier that I saw the Pistons in 6 here.  So far, the Pistons have taken care of the home court.  Since I write this after the series has taken shape, I think maybe the Pistons close the Magic out in Game 5.  They had their wake up call against the Sixers and now they are in high gear,  with Billups being the catalyst.  When his game is on and his shots are falling they are tough to stop.  The Pistons are just too tough defensively and the mismatches they can create on the offensive end are glaring in this one.  The Magic will steal one, but it looks like that is it. 

Celtics vs. Cavaliers

So my pick when the playoffs began was the Celtics in six.  I have to stick with it, but I will say I have some reservations about the Celtics after watching them against the Hawks.  Losing all three in Atlanta is not the stuff of a champion.  Also, Boston’s defense has been praised all year, and rightly so, but a defensive weakness was exposed against Atlanta.  The Celtics showed an inability to stop penetration.  Lucky for them, the Cavs offense does not provide a lot of slashers.  But, they do have LeBron James as we know, and the Celtics have no one to match up with him.  I think the Celtics are going to have problems in this one and Garnett really needs to step up.  For a guy that plays with as much passion as he does, the dude sure does seem to crap himself at the end of games.  He does not look to score.  Can’t have that and win it all.  This is going to be a fun one. 

Hornets vs. Spurs

Obviously I had the Suns here and had them moving on, and as I write this the Hornets have now dismantled the Spurs in the first 2 games.  They have made Tim Duncan look like Jon Koncak (I know weird reference, but it somehow popped into my head so I went with it).  Chris Paul is just ridiculously good.  It’s scary how good he is.  He has become a favorite player of mine to watch.  I still feel the old-timers will right the ship in San Antonio, even up the series and win this thing in 7.  They cannot guard Paul, but they almost need to let him score.  The Hornets become tough to beat when all their shooters are wide open because the lane has collapsed to stop Paul.  I also think the Spurs will realize they have to get the ball to Duncan as much as possible.  He should touch the ball every possession.  I think they step up, tighten up  the defense and start to frustrate the young Hornets.  Another great series to watch. 

Lakers vs. Jazz

Ok, so I have already picked the Jazz in 7 so again I have to stick with it.  For the purpose of full disclosure I must say that I live in Los Angeles and HATE the Lakers.  I convinced myself that they will lose.  I do not want to think of the flip side.  I have made a few bets that may end up making my wallet a bit lighter, but screw it!  That’s my stubborn side.  I have to be honest though.  I think I will end up wrong.  The Jazz simply have no answer whatsoever for Kobe.  I am hoping that in Utah they can ride their fans to victories but we shall see.  Let’s just say I picked the Jazz but have a feeling that I was wrong and the Lakers are going to close this out early.  They have too many weapons.  The chance that the Jazz have is to control the boards and be as aggressive as possible on the offensive end.  Take it to the Lakers.  They have to hit their perimeter shots as well or they are done.  I can’t write anymore on this because I am about to punch myself in the face repeatedly.  Maybe Mehmet Okur will average 52 points a game.  I think I hit myself too hard.  Here’s hoping the Jazz can make me look good, but I am doubting it now. 

So that’s how I see it.  I will preview the conference finals when they happen.  And if any one has seen the editor and chief of this site (AKA…my brother), tell him I’m coming for him.  Lazy ass.

And The Winner Is…

Published
by
Anthony Iafolla
on April 23, 2008
in NBA
. 1 Comment

The NBA MVP will be announced soon, and most experts believe that the winner will be Kobe Bryant.  The top candidates this season are Bryant, Chris Paul, LeBron James, and Kevin Garnett.  The MVP is always a tough argument because there is so many criteria that one can look at in order to determine the winner.  Is it the most VALUABLE player?  Is it the best player on the best team?  I think it’s a little bit of both. Well, I am going to break down the top four candidates here, with a focus on the debate between the top two in my opinion: Bryant and Paul.  At the end, there will be a clear cut winner. 

LeBron James 

Statistically speaking, LeBron James had the best season of any player in the league.  He led the league in scoring at 30 a game, averaged 7.2 assists ( 8th in the league), and averaged 7.9 boards per game.  He was also 3rd in minutes, shot 48% from the field, and was 10th in steals at 1.84.  I believe you could vote LeBron James as the MVP every year based on the fact he is the most unstoppable player in the NBA.  Problem is, in order for him to win, he must carry his team to the top, and this season it did not happen.  Its not his fault his team is mostly crap, and without LeBron they are a lottery team, but this season there are too many other candidates more worthy, so LeBron finishes 4th on my ballot. 

Kevin Garnett 

When Garnett was traded to the Boston Celtics it instantly energized the team and its fans.  His presence and determination and focus catapulted them to a title contender.  Add Ray Allen to the mix and you had 3 future hall of famers playing together, all of whom are starving for their first title.  Garnett’s stats do not blow you away, but he is in the debate for taking a storied franchise from the lottery to the best record in the NBA.  His presence as well helped transform the Celtics into maybe the best defensive team in the NBA.  I do believe that the Celtics would still be a top 5 team in the east without him.  With Pierce and Allen, and Rondo at the point they could contend in the East, but Garnett takes them to the top.  In most years, I would have no problem with KG as the MVP.  But this has not been most years.  So, 3rd place it is. 

The top 2: Kobe vs. CP3 

So here we are.  As stated earlier, it looks like Kobe will probably win with Paul finishing a close second.  Kobe Bryant probably should already have an award on his mantle.  Last year, he was the sole reason that his team made the playoffs.  He is the best player in the NBA today.  He finished second in the league in scoring, 9th in steals, averaged 5.4 assists and 6.3 boards.  He led the Lakers to the best record in the brutally tough Western Conference. 

Chris Paul led the league in assists with 11.6 and steals with 2.7, as well as scoring 21.1 points a game.  He was 3rd in the league in assist to turnover ratio at 4.6.  With apologies to Steve Nash and Deron Williams, Chris Paul is absolutely the best point guard in the NBA.  He led the young Hornets to the 2nd seed in the aforementioned Western Conference.  Watch a Hornets game for 2 minutes and you realize that if he stays healthy, you are watching a man that will go down as one of the greatest point guards we have ever seen lace ‘em up.   

My ballot would have Bryant 2nd and Chris Paul as the 2008 NBA MVP.  Kobe is the best player in the league, and if there was a Player of the Year, it would be him.  Both men have taken their teams above expectations.  Bryant might only be the MVP because his bitching and whining in the off-season regarding his supporting cast seemed to motivate them,  especially Andrew Bynum.  Chris Paul’s teammates seem to love the guy.  It has never seemed to me that Kobe’s teammates like him, they are afraid of him.  I give him credit for being more of a team guy this year, but let’s be real, the dude wanted out up until the half way point in the season.  That is not an MVP to me.  Chris Paul makes every guy on his team infinitely better.  The Hornets rode Paul all the way this year.  Everyone figured at some point they would come down to earth.  It never happened.  I also would argue that Bryant’s supporting cast is better.  He had the best up and coming center in Bynum, Lamar Odom, who is now the 3rd option with Bynum hurt, and let’s not forget the Gasol hijacking (I mean trade).  When Lamar Odom is your 3rd option, and 4th when fully healthy, you have a pretty stacked team.  The Lakers bench is also the best in the league.  I’m not saying West, Chandler, and Peja are not a good supporting cast, but with no Chris Paul, they would be mediocre players, with the likely exception of West.  Also, remember that the Lakers were 28-16, which is certainly not bad before they made the trade for Gasol, and they went 29-9 after the trade.  This team does not finish at the top without the trade.  The great part is, we may get to see these two face off in the Western Conference Finals.  Now that would be fun! My vote is for Chris Paul for MVP.  Only problem is, my vote does not count.

Early Returns on NBA Playoffs Are Solid

Published
by
Chris Iafolla
on April 21, 2008
in NBA
. 3 Comments

It happens often: sporting events are hyped up so much that it is near impossible for them to live up to the high expectations. With every columnist and blogger on the planet (including the two here) flinging hyperbole on the potential of these playoffs, the stars seemed to be aligning for yet another monumental let down. But if the first set of games was any indication, these playoffs may not disappoint.

Let’s recap the interesting games…

Suns vs. Spurs: Steve Nash didn’t come away with a bloody nose this time around, but the Suns certainly took their fair share of body shots. With the Spurs seemingly on the ropes all day, the Suns failed to deliver the proverbial knockout punch. And like good teams always do, the Spurs just kept scratching and clawing.

This game was the poster child for impossibly high expectations, yet it somehow surpassed even those lofty expectations. The image of Tim Duncan draining his first three of the season to send the game into double OT will be seared in the memory of every Suns fan if they do not find a way to pull this series out and will only add to the growing legacy of Tim Duncan.

Sixers vs. Pistons: Both my brother and I picked the Pistons to beat our Sixers in five, but I don’t think either one of us thought the boys from Philly would march into Motown and steal Game one. Mo Cheeks has the Sixers playing as hard as any team in the league–giving them a chance to win every time they step on the court. Eventually, their inexperience will catch up with them, but mark my words, three years from now when the Sixers are making a run at a title, they will be talking about how THIS series showed them what it means to play at a championship level.

Mavs vs. Hornets: If is even possible, I think we all underestimated how good Chris Paul really is. I was among the many people that felt that Hornets lack of experience would burn them against the battle-tested Mavs. But Chris Paul had other plans. He single-handedly turned that game around and dispelled any ideas that he could not handle playoff-intensity basketball.

Cleveland vs. Washington: With all of the trash talking leading up to the game, you almost knew there would be some sort of altercation, and the Cavs and Wizards did not let us down. Just before halftime, Lebron and Haywood kicked up a bit of skirmish at halftime. Much like a manager getting purposely kicked out in baseball, Lebron gave his team a much needed spark by refusing to be pushed around. The intensity in this series should be fun to watch.

Too often in sports, we manufacture intensity and drama, ultimately cheapening the games themselves. But this time around, the hype seemed to have matched the outcome in the early going. Here’s hoping the rest of the playoffs are as fun as the first set of games.

Playoff Predictions from the Other Brother

Published
by
Chris Iafolla
on April 18, 2008
in NBA
. 0 Comments

So, my brother and I had what we thought would be a brilliant idea–he posts his playoff predictions and then I post mine.  We rarely agree on much, so we figured it would be a good way to document who had the right prediction heading into the playoffs.  But low and behold, after giving Anthony first crack and posting his predictions, it turns out that we think more alike than we knew.  In fact, our picks are so similar that we are forecasting the same Finals series–Suns versus Pistons.  AND….you guessed it, the same winner–the Pistons.

And to echo what Anthony wrote, the current version of the NBA playoffs is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory.  While I hate both teams, how cool is it that the Lakers and Celtics sit atop each of their respective conferences?  For me, it harkens back the glory days of the NBA.  Adding more drama to the mix, the West is a hodge podge of teams with a chance to win.  It is parity at its greatest.  With the exception of the Nuggets, I honestly would not be surprised to see any team come out of the West.

Without further adieu, I will give you my version of Playoff Predictions, which is not much different than my brother’s.

Atlanta vs. Boston: Not much to say here more than was already stated–Celts in a sweep.  Sorry Josh Smith, you will not be “shocking the world.”

Philadelphia vs. Detroit: Again, the key points have been covered.  The Sixers are an up and coming team, but they are a couple of years a way from being able to compete with the Pistons of the world.  Detroit in 5.

Toronto vs. Orlando: I think this series will be a lot closer and more exciting than my brother thinks it will be, but in the end, the Magic win in 7.

Cleveland vs. Washington: Anthony stole a bit of my thunder here, so see below for a full explanation–Cleveland in 6.

Lakers vs. Denver: The Nuggets are a frustrating team.  If they could play an ounce of defense, they have the offensive firepower to beat any team.  Problem is, the rely solely on their offense and have thrown the concept of defense out the window entirely.  I do think the Nuggets will make this interesting, winning 2 games.  Lakers in 6.

Phoenix vs. San Antonio: Like my brother said, it is a shame this series is so early in the playoff.  My hunch?  Whoever wins this series comes out of the West.  This series provides one of the most interesting story lines of the playoffs.  The Suns acquired Shaq for one reason during the season–to match up with Tim Duncan.  To add to the drama, the Spurs bounced the Suns from the playoffs last year in a series that resembled a hockey game more than basketball.  The difference this year is that the Suns will not be pushed around.  With Shaq, they have the physical presence to match up with the Spurs.  Suns in 6.

Dallas vs. New Orleans: Here is where my brother and I part ways.  The Mavs are playing with a purpose and level of effort they have not been able to match all season long.   While the Mavs have been here before, the Hornets have not.  I think over the course of a long playoff-intensity series, Jason Kidd will physically wear down Chris Paul.  Mavs in 6.

Rockets vs. Jazz: The Jazz simply do not get bounced early in the playoffs.  Jazz in 5.

That takes us through the first round, now let’s see if it lives through the hype.

NBA Playoff Predictions

Published
by
Anthony Iafolla
on April 18, 2008
in NBA
. 0 Comments

The NBA Playoffs are here!  This is the most excited I have been about the playoffs in awhile.  I’m always excited, but this year has been a great season for the NBA.  With young players like LeBron, Howard, Paul, and D. Williams carrying the torch, all seems to be going well for the NBA.  With the Lakers and Celtics back at center stage, the storylines are endless.  Will the Shaq trade boost Phoenix to the elusive Championship or will Steve Kerr look like a bonehead.  Will Kobe win without Shaq finally?  Can KG bring a parade to the starving city of Boston (really guys, you’ve had enough between the Pats and Sox, plus BC hockey!!!)?  Are the Spurs finally done?  Can the Hornets, even with their inexperience make some noise?…Ok.. You get the point.  Now I’m just being ridiculous and asking questions to see how many I can write before I get bored.  Not to mention, my Sixers are back in the playoffs and that has me juiced…even if it will not last long.  So, without further ado here are my picks for the 2008 Playoffs.  These are sure to be right, so head to Vegas ASAP. 

EASTERN CONFERENCE Even though everyone likes to dump on the East, there are still some good series that will play out.  Will it go according to form like most people think, or will there be a shocker in the mix?  Will I ever stop asking questions and just get to my picks?  Hmmm… 

Atlanta vs. BostonThis one really couldn’t be easier.  I mean, seriously.  The Hawks may as well start booking their vacations now.  The Celtics have 30 more wins!  30!!!  Garnett may actually eat Marvin Williams.  This is going to be an ugly one. Celtics in 4 

Philly vs. DetroitI would love to go with my boys in this one, but they just are not ready for the big time yet.  I think there will be a few tense moments for Detroit, and when the games are played in Philly, the Sixers speed and athleticism will bother the Pistons a bit, but not enough to steal more than one game. Pistons in 5 

Toronto vs. OrlandoChris Bosh will get his.  Probably 30 + a game, but I do not see the supporting cast of the Raptors being able to score enough to match Orlando’s big 3 of Howard, Lewis, and Hedo.  This could be where Howard has one of those series where he averages an insane 26 and 15…This in my opinion is a boring series.  Nothing too exciting here. Magic in 6 

Washington vs. ClevelandMan I love Charles Barkley!  I also agree with him.  The Cavs have been stuck in neutral for a month and the Wizards have been playing their best basketball of the season, as well as getting healthy.  Leave it to Agent 0…only one less the number of playoff series his teams have won.  Why would you piss off LeBron James?  Didn’t he see that is not a good idea based on games against the Raptors and Knicks this year.  And what the hell is Stevenson opening his mouth for?  Dude, you averaged 11 points a game. Shut up.  I would have picked the Wizards, but now with even just a little bit of help from West, Sczerbiak, Ilgauskas and company LeBron’s anger will carry the Cavs. Cavs in 7 Those are my first round picks. 

I will revisit this after the first round, but just to put it on record I see Boston defeating Cleveland in 6 and Detroit over Orlando in 6 in the second round to set up the matchup everyone has assumed would happen all year.  I will break it down further when it happens, but I have been picking Detroit all year.  Something tells me I am going to regret this, but I say Detroit in 7.  Maybe its just because I cannot stand to see another Beantown celebration. 

WESTERN CONFERENCE I think this time I will just get to the picks.  My question mark key is broken. 

Denver vs. Los AngelesWell I live in LaLa Land, and I have been talking up a Lakers first round demise for months, and then they go and draw Denver.  Damn!  Now I’m screwed.  There is no way the Lakers lose to Denver.  They are so dysfunctional and play a brand of basketball that has zero chance of getting them anywhere in the playoffs.  Probably because George Karl has gone crazy.  Allen Iverson will be fun to watch, Carmelo will be drunk, and J.R. Smith will shoot 17 threes a game.  The Lakers may average 142 point per game.  The Lakers will not lose to the new Portland Trailblazers. Lakers in 5 

Dallas vs. New OrleansThis is a tough one.  The Mavs looked like they were on the brink of missing the playoffs and then we would have had a cage match to the death between Mark Cuban and Avery Johnson (and by the way Avery would have won by making Cuban’s ears explode with his voice).  Then, Dirk cam back from his injury and willed them to the playoffs.  The Mavs can be scary when they are on, but I am not sure they will be.  Yes, these Hornets are young, but they are good.  Chris Paul will run circles around Kidd in this.  The Mavs were better before the trade.   Hornets in 7 

Phoenix vs. San AntonioThis is the best series of the first round and maybe the entire playoffs.  I am pissed this is in the first round.  I wanted to see this later in the playoffs.  Yes, the Spurs are old and banged up.  Shaq’s hip is always a question mark.  I just feel like the Suns are really gelling now.  They beat the Spurs both times since the trade, and actually played tough D in those games.  If this were to go to a 7th game, I do not think the Suns would win, which is why they will steal a game in San Antonio.  Probably game one.  I think Shaq and Stoudemire will be too much for the Spurs frontcourt to handle throughout the series. Suns in 6 

Utah vs. HoustonHouston had a nice run, but in the playoffs they will miss Yao Ming.  Houston can defend, but they will not be able to defend Deron Williams and the well oiled Jazz offense.  Another early exit for poor Tracy McGrady. Jazz in 6 This sets up my chance for an upset.  The Jazz take down the Lakers in 7 in the semis and Phoenix wins in 6 against New Orleans.  Setting up a Suns, Jazz final.  I see the Suns winning this one in 7. 

NBA FINALS Pistons in 7 Again I will be writing more as the Playoffs shake out.  I am sure that I will have a lot of words to eat, but either way, this should be an exciting couple months of games, and I am going to sit back and enjoy watching.

Sunday Smattering

Published
by
Chris Iafolla
on March 9, 2008
in College Sports, MLB, NBA and NFL
. 0 Comments

A smattering of sports nuggets from the week:

The top story of the past week has to be the retirement of Brett Favre. As I wrote here earlier in the week, Favre brought a passion to the game of football that will be sorely missed. That passion was again on display during his press conference. It is those times and that passion we will sorely miss.

The NBA’s Image Problem

Published
by
Chris Iafolla
on February 24, 2008
in NBA
. 0 Comments

A recent article in ESPN The Magazine discussed the image problem faced by the NBA.  It was a fascinating article that warrants closer consideration.

Overwhelmingly, the NBA consistently ranked last in various public polls such as: “What league would you prefer your daughter marry a player from?” and “What is your general impression of each league?”  Dead last in virtually every poll.

This is an astonishing revelation.  The NBA is clearly facing an image crisis-but should it be?  The league certainly has had its fair share of problems (think: Kobe Bryant and the brawl at Auburn Hills) but the sheer number of incidences pale in comparison to the issues faced by the other two major professional sports leagues.  Major League Baseball is riddled with a drug problem with the two greatest players of this generation allegedly leading the charge.  In the NFL, drugs also run rampant.  Players like Pacman Jones and Michael Vick and scandals such as Spygate have left the league reeling.  So why then do we hold onto this belief that the NBA is a bunch of thugs?

The easy answer is race.  But it is not that simple.  The NFL has nearly the same ratio of black players as the NBA, yet it does not suffer from the same image problem.  So while the NBA’s image problem does stink of a general sentiment of racism in this country, it is not the sole factor. 

Perhaps there is an issue of sociology at play here.  NFL players are our modern-day version of gladiators.  We tend to excuse their indiscretions and violent behavior because it is their nature-at least that’s what we tell ourselves.  In baseball, maybe we have become numb to the ongoing questions raised about the game.  The players have routinely turned their collective noses up at the sanctity of the game, yet we still flock to the ballparks in record numbers.

In the end, the NBA is unfairly suffering from an image crisis.  We’d be naïve to think that most of it is not predicated on race.  It is.  But it also has to do with the perceived “hip-hop culture” of the league.  Much of the public cannot identify with the players that favor rap music and baggy pants over country songs and suits.  And with no mask to hide behind like in the NFL, the public feels they know NBA players more intimately than their counterparts in other leagues. 

What does it all boil down to?  As a whole, we have formed an unfair image of NBA players in our minds.  We are entitled to our own opinion, but it should not be shaped by mere speculation.  The facts are all professional sports leagues should be held to a certain standard.  Why then do we continue to ignore that the NBA has largely met that standard while the other two leagues have missed the mark?