NBA World Champions

So it is... I was wrong... Twice... Last night, the world witnessed Kobe Bryant win his fourth championship. And this time, without Shaquille O'Neal. Also, for the first time, Kobe took home a Finals MVP trophy. Pau Gasol would bring the trophy back to Spain, Derek Fisher, a member of the 2000-2002 Lakers dynasty team, won his fourth ring as well, and finally, L.A. Lakers Head Coach Phil Jackson passed Red Auerbach as the most successful coach in basketball history by winning his 10th title. Kobe Bryant led the team with 30 points, 4 blocks, 6 rebounds, and 5 dimes, Trevor Ariza had 11 points in the Second Quarter alone, Pau Gasol picked up 14 points and 15 boards, and Lamar Odom had 3 crucial three-pointers. The Black Mamba proved us wrong by winning a title without Shaq. But one question still remains unanswered: can he do it again?

Most Valuable Puppets

This is great! Good job, Nike:

Kobe Bryant vs. Lebron James: The Heated Debate

Ok, so I've been hearing all about this big rivalry between the Black Mamba and King James, the Chosen One. So who is really better? Well, I can tell you that Lebron James and Kobe Bryant are the top two players in the league - their versatility, scoring, power, and passion for the game of B-Ball is astounding. Lebron James is a more well-rounded player, with 28.4 points per game, 7.6 boards a game, and 7.2 dimes per matchup during the 2008-2009 regular season. This season, Kobe Bryant racked up 26.8 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, and 4.9 assists per game. Lebron James also racked up more steals, blocks, and had a higher FG% than number 24.

It seems as if Lebron James has surpassed Kobe Bryant, but not so fast: the Playoffs and the Finals are where reputations are made, and so far, Kobe Bryant has 3 rings, and he's about to win another one, this time without Shaq. LBJ has only made it to the Finals once, where he and his Cleveland Cavaliers were swept by Tony Parker and the San Antonio Spurs. And, this year, when everyone was almost certain the Akron-born superstar was going to win the NBA World Championship title, he lost to the underdog Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic.

So is James still better than Kobe? You decide.

Ambivalence is My Middle Name

I change my mind. Simple as that. Lakers in six.

The NBA Finals

With the Conference Finals out the window, two teams have emerged as the best in their respective conferences: the Orlando Magic, the suprise murderers of the Cleveland Cavaliers (and a silent, dissapointed Lebron), and the L.A. Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant, who is hungry for a fourth title after being defeated last year by the Big Three and the Boston Celtics. "We're determined to try to come up with a better result," Bryant said. "The last few times we've been there, it's been the short end of the stick. Hopefully this time around will be better." But KB24 isn't the only one hungry for a diamond-embezzled ring reading "NBA World Champions 2008-2009." Dwight Howard said on Wednesday that "We want to come out and play. This is the chance of a lifetime to be playing for the championship and this is the furthest that a lot of us have ever gotten in our career. Our motivation is greatness. We want to be a great team. We want to be considered as a great basketball team. This is a great opportunity for us." Tonight is Game 1 (9 p.m. ET on ABC). Who do I think will win the series? Well, I think the Lakers will steal a game or two at Orlando, but the Magic will come out to win in seven.

Keys to the Game:

• John Schuhmann, NBA.com: "So far in this postseason, every team that has won the regular season series has also won the playoff series (11 out of 11 -- three series were between teams that split in the regular season). The Magic beat the Lakers both times they played this season, but both of those meetings were a long time ago, before Jameer Nelson got hurt and before the Lakers acquired Shannon Brown."


• John Schuhmann, NBA.com: If the Magic can shoot as well as they did against the Cavs, they can win this series, but that will be tough because the Lakers don't plan on double-teaming Dwight Howard. They won't be able to stop him with single coverage, but Howard also can't beat them by himself. The Sixers and Celtics both gave the Magic some trouble by single-covering Howard and staying at home on Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis, but neither Philly nor Boston had enough offensively to beat the Magic four times.


• John Schuhmann, NBA.com: With a 6-foot-10 point forward in Hedo Turkoglu, a 6-foot-10 power forward that's quick and deadly from deep in Rashard Lewis, and Superman II at center, it isn't easy for any team to guard the Magic's frontline. But with two 7-footers up front, Kobe Bryant in the backcourt and a versatile big man like Lamar Odom coming off the bench, the Lakers aren't exactly easy to match up with either.

Mike Fratello shares his thoughts on the NBA Finals below:

King James Crowned with MVP Title

In the biggest surprise of the year (cough, cough), Lebron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers was named Most Valuable Player of the NBA this afternoon. He chose the announcement to be made at the gym of St. Vincent-St. Mary high school in Akron, Ohio, where he first started his ball skills. James is the first Cav to ever win the honor and the second youngest as well, behind Wes Unseld in 1969. Throughout this season, he averaged a whopping 28.4 points per game, 7.2 rebounds a game, and 7.6 assists. And, at the ceremony, KIA representatives will present him with a perfect gift - a new car.

Conference Semifinals - Who's Going to Go Home Crying

With a memorable First Round complete, I am ecstatic about some of the upcoming matchups. Between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers, I am looking forward to a physical series, with KB24 and his posse emerging as the winners in a close series. Between Dallas and Denver, I am expecting Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony to move on, defeating Dirk Nowtizki and the Mavs easily. The Boston-Orlando matchup will be one to watch, with Dwight Howard hungry to make stand in the Playoffs and the KG-less Celtics determined to win. Finally, I expect Lebron James, Mo Williams, and their Cleveland Cavs to soundly defeat the injured Atlanta Hawks, despite the talent of Joe Johnson and Josh Smith (and by the way, the Miami-Atlanta series was probably the most boring seven-game series in a long time). But my Atlanta Hawks will definitely put up a fight, with their high-percentage outside shooting and athleticism from young players. Watch the analysis of the series I am hoping to be an upset below:

Air Jordan!

These days, everyone is on YouTube, frolicking about the millions of videos on the web. As I was doing such, I came across an excellent video of Michael Jordan's best dunks. After watching that video, you can truly know why he's called Air Jordan. He looked like he was flying in those dunks, making complete posters out of his opponents. Watch the spectacular Michael Jordan below...

The Best Series Ever?

Everyone's talking about the First Round action between the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls. With a record number of overtime games, does it really qualify as the best series ever? Well, with KG gone and a new, versatile Bulls team led by Derrick Rose surprising everyone by taking the World Champions to Game 7, why doesn't it? Did anyone see the sick dunk by Joakim Noah? That is one special dunk (watch it again below). Also, how about that 51-point Game 6 for Ray Allen? This has to be the most entertaining and blood-pumping series I've watched in a long time - anyone else agree?

The NBA Playoffs - Where Amazing Happens

With the NBA playoffs finally starting, intense rivalries are heating up and the action is getting underway at last. Between the Lakers and the Jazz, Los Angeles is leading the series 2-1. The Denver Nuggets are on the verge of sweeping the New Orleans Hornets, currently leading 2-0. The Dallas Mavericks currently lead the Ginobli-less San Antonio Spurs 2-1, and, concluding the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets and Yao Ming are tied 1-1 with Brandon Roy and the Portland Trail Blazers. As for the tighter Eastern Conference, King James and his Cleveland Cavaliers are continuing their near-perfect home record with a 2-0 lead over the Detroit Pistons, who are continuing to decline in their Eastern Conference legacy. The Garnett-less Boston Celtics are winning 2-1 versus the Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose and his Chicago Bulls, and the Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard's Orlando Magic are tied 1-1 with the Philadelphia 76ers. Finally, the Atlanta Hawks are tied 1-1 with the Miami Heat. In the Eastern Conference, there is no doubt that the Cleveland Cavaliers will come out, and, as for the Western Conference, Kobe's Lakers are bound to face them in the NBA Finals. Now, the battle of these two superpowers, possibly the series for the MVP, is THE one to expect - this battle will be a epic duel between to of the greatest players in the history of the NBA - watch for it...

Thunder Booming in Oklahoma

With the Sonics, finally flying to the midwest, a new team has been born. A sneaking, booming team called the Thunder, headlined by sophomore Kevin Durant, Chris Wilcox, and Joe Smith among others, the months-long stressful dash came across the finish line as the kickoff game for the 2008-2009 NBA Regular Season neared closer and closer. With the first game against a new Milwaukee team, hopefully new team, new arena, and new fans can pump up a successful season.

A Tad Late, But...

THE USA WON GOLD! THE USA WON GOLD! THE USA WON GOLD! 118-107 was the dagger numbers running through million's of eyes that night. Teamwork, and a killer last-minute three point shot from downtown had the USA Redeem Team leaving with gold hanging from their necks. All I can say, is that Spain gave a hell of a fight, and the USA granted all dreams for the land of purple mountain majesties.

Stars and Stripes Forever

China, Angola, Greece, and Spain. The countries that have lost the war game of basketball against the United States. And yet to come, Germany, and 2 other teams will hand the Land of the Free gold medals, which actually have pieces of jade built into them (white jade with the gold medal, light green jade with the silver, and a black jade with the bronze). 12 proud Americans will become a Dream Team remake. So far, they have the lead in Group B and Lithuania has the top spot in Group A. Passing, three-point shooting, and exciting dunks lead the way to the 4-0 record, but free throw shooting and defense still needs work. So far, the US has been winning by an average of 28 points and is on top notch to beat everyone else, redeeming themselves for the embarrassing 3 loss bronze win in the home of the Olympics, Greece. The ankle injury on DWade looks as if it never happened, with the Miami Heat guard averaging 17.8 points per game. But the group effort is precisely why 2004 was a failure and 2008 was an achievement. But the women have shattered 5 teams' dreams of beating the stars and stripes team as well, as they move on to have a perfect record.
But a Great Wall length away, back in the states, Sacramento have rocketed Artest away to Houston. Michael Finley also decided to stay with the oldest team around. Season beginning just two and a half months away!

WNBA and Olympic Update

The 79-61 loss would be a happy one. For Lieberman, a 50-year old Hall of Famer who recently just got signed by the Detroit Shock for a 7-day contract, a grand total of 0 points, o rebounds, and 2 assists was her contribution, other than an exciting historical comeback for the fans. Anyways, the USA basketball team is continuing to practice in Las Vegas and tonight, at 8:00 PM ET, they will have a practice game against Canada to prepare them for the Olympic Games which will be launched off 8.08.08.8.08.08. Yeah, that's right, they're starting it at the 8th year of the century, the 8th month, the 8th day, the 8th hour (don't know if it's in the morning or evening), the 8th minute, and the 8th second. 8 - the lucky Chinese number. Reminds you of Versailles, doesn't it, seniors? Also, catch the July 31 show of Road to Redemption, a series of espisodes featuring the USA Basketball team hungry for revenge and to strike gold in Beijing. It starts at 7:30 ET and ends at 8. Oh yeah, and I can't believe I forgot you to tell you the USA team: it's going to be Carmelo Anthony, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Lebron James, Jason Kidd, Chris Paul, Tayshaun Prince, Michael Redd, Dwyane Wade, and Deron Williams, and their respective positions: foward, foward, foward, guard, foward-center, foward, guard, guard, foward, guard, guard, guard.

W2W4

Olympics nearly two weeks away. USA basketball team hungry to strike gold, or it's bust. Even though they're not even considered the best team in the world. But they are. And they're going to prove it. But don't gain too much confidence. Because there're still amazing teams. I'd say coming out of Group A Coach K should worry about Argentina and Manu Ginobli. In addition, Croatia brings some nail-bighting as well. From Group B, I'd say Germany (Dirk Nowitzki), Greece, who brought some worries a few years ago when they defeated the US, and Spain (led by KB24's teammate, Pau Gasol of the LA Lakers). Watch out USA, 'cause they'll pop out at you from nowhere...

"No Lettuce or Tomato on my Hamburger?' and Other Matters

It's the support that does it. Rajon Rondo wouldn't be having a ring on his finger right now if wasn't for himself or Kendrick Perkins, or the entire bench supporting the Big Three on bad or good nights. And that is why Boston won the title and had the best record this year, in addition to their killer defense led by the Defensive Player of the Year, KG. Kobe even mentioned to Coach K, head coach of Duke basketball and this year's USA Basketball team going to the Olympics, that defense was one of main reasons LA lost the Finals, and that was what the men's basketball team would need to focus on. I guess you could say that's why Denver and Golden State, the two top scoring teams for this season, failed to get past the first round of the Playoffs (Denver being swept) or even getting into the Playoffs (Golden State, in this case). Defense wins you the game...

Curse in Auburn Hills?

Maybe it's the rivalry between the two head coaches of the LA Sparks and the Detroit Shock. Or maybe it's a replay of the Pistons-Pacers Brawl. Either way, the last seconds of the game between two of the best teams in the WNBA was definitely not pretty. Pushing, shoving, and even a move by an Assistant Coach, who pushed down star Lisa Leslie. The results and punishments of the fight will be decided Thursday, but can you explain why this seems so much like the audience-involved fight between the Pacers and the Pistons back a few years ago? And even wieder, I saw the Best Damn Sports Show Period episode headlining whether or not the Pistons fans would accept Ron Artest under their wing and allow him to play for their team. What???

High School Players Directly to the NBA?

Maybe David Stern thinks it's ok, but the new talented 2008 class of seniors certainly don't. Brandon Jennings, noted as one of the top players in this year's high school graduating class, is definitely one of them. He is noted to be playing in Europe's basketball league instead of going to his promised college team. According to the commissioner, the college requirement gives high school players responsibility and experience in playing. But that's certainly not true according to others who think high school players have a right to go directly into the league and not mess with a pointless year in the NCAA. But it's all up to Stern...

More Post-Season Action

The LA Clips added inside defense and shot-blocking as they signed in Marcus Camby from the Denver Nuggets and introduced him to the press Monday. But the additional excitement rose from Sin City and the home of the Jazz as the NBA summer leagues continue to display a stage for young talent and international players such as the recently Olympic-qualified Iranian National Basketball Team. Jerryd Bayless took home tpp rookie honors after scoring 29.8 points per game, leading the charts for points. Also, his 36 points for the Portland Trail Blazers over the Phoenix Suns as well as his game-winning basket helped determine his breakthrough accomplishment, giving his team a 3-2 record. More on summer movement: the 2nd seeded team in the Western Conference last year, the New Orleans Hornets, led by runner up MVP Chris Paul, are looking to add veteran James Posey who recently added some extra bling to his hands with the Boston Celtics in June after winning the championship proceeding their record run.

ESPYS

So great to see Candace Parker be named the greatest female athlete in 2008 at the Kodak Theatre in LA for the ESPYS. Truly amazing what she has done to transform women's basketball and college basketball forever. She deserves it completely and it was worth seeing Danica Patrick's pissed face as she "politely" clapped for future Rookie of the Year, MVP, and Championship winner... Oh, by the way, watch her and Lisa Leslie face the Detroit Shock tonight on ESPN2 7 P.M. ET.

Road to Redemption

2008 Beijing Olympics: Qualified teams finalized...
Argentina, Australia, Croatia, Iran, Lithuania, Russia - Group A
Angola, China, Germany, Greece, Spain, USA - Group B
USA Senior Men's Basketball Team Schedule:
10:15 P.M. August 10 - China
8:00 P.M. August 12 - Angola
8:00 P.M. August 14 - Greece
10:15 P.M. August 16 - Spain
8:00 P.M. August 18 - Germany
August 20 - Quarterfinals
August 22 - Semifinals
August 24 - Finals

Basketball and More

Hello. This blog is about basketball, and other pointless things that arouse my interest...

Well, right now is the summer, and the NBA Draft as well as the Finals are over. So, the only thing exciting right now going on are the trade rumors and the summer league. However, also going on right now, actually this moment is the first day of the Olympic Qualification tournament between 12 national teams competing for 3 spots in this year's Beijing Olympics, starting August 8. Well, some NBA players such as Dirk Nowitzki (Germany) as well as Carlos Arroyo (Puerto Rico) are participating in this tournament. Well, the Orlando Summer League is over and now the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas is going on. So far, young talent has shined. You can watch the games live via webcast on www.nba.com. Ron Artest of the Sacramento Kings has claimed that he will stay with his current franchise but then quickly stated in contradiction that he wants to be with a team that will be more enthusiastic in wanting him, possibly the LA Lakers. As we all know, Richard Jefferson is now with the Milwaukee Bucks, Yi Jianlian with the New Jersey Nets, Jermaine O'Neal with the Toronto Raptors, TJ Ford with the Pacers, Corey Maggette with the Golden State Warriors, Elton Brand with the Philidelphia 76ers, and Baron Davis with the LA Clippers.