Western Conference Final Preview

The Spurs and the Thunder are polar opposites in many ways.  One team lead by old veterans, the other lead by the young and athletic Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.  One team has a head coach in Greg Popovich with tons of experiance and respect, the other team has Scott Brooks a coach trying to prove himself.  One team thrives on ball  movement, while the other gets energy from highlight plays.

In my opinion this NBA Playoffs has not been that exciting.  I can honestly say this is the first series that I am very excited for.  Before the Playoffs started I picked them to win the title.  This Spurs team has it all. So my pick for this series is obviously the Spurs, in 6.

  What to Watch - Kawhi Leonard - If you don't know who Kawhi Leonard is, you will at the end of the series.  This rookie has been impressive in his first year, specifically on the defensive end.  He will have the unlucky assignment of trying to stop Kevin Durant.  Now nobody stops Kevin Durant, but I think the six foot seven forward can slow him down.  The 20 year old is very long, and he is not afraid of the challenge.  

Key Matchup - Point Guard - This is a huge part of this series, Tony Parker vs Russell Westbrook.  Whoever outplays the other will give their team a great chance to win.  It will be very important to keep Tony Parker out of the paint. Parker is so good at finishing at the rim and his mid range jump shot has become deadly.  On the other end Russell Westbrook needs to keep his turnovers down.  If he turns the ball over often they will have no shot against the Spurs in this series.

That being said, I just trust the veterans on this Spurs team.  I trust Tony Parker to play better than Russell Westbrook.  That's why I got the Spurs in 6.

Mike "Doc" Emrick

 Now that the battle of the Hudson river has come to a close, I wanted to talk about something other than the athletes that determined the outcome of the series.  Mike "Doc" Emrick was the play by play announcer for the entire Eastern Conference Finals.  This is nothing new for Doc as he has done many big games before.  Watch the video I have posted above first with your volume off.  Then with it on.  Take a listen to the Hall of Famer describe the frantic action.  Yes, I said Hall of Famer. Doc is in the the hockey Hall of Fame having played zero games in the NHL, that's how special he is.  The first hockey play by play announcer to do so.  I find it to be amazing what a difference it makes with the sound off and then on.  All of that is because of Emrick.

As the goal is scored Doc says "They score! Henrique! It's over!".  Something so simple yet if you gave me 100 attempts to say something different, or make it more exciting I would fail.  I think anyone would.  Mike Emrick is my favorite play by play guy in any sport, I am looking forward to his calls in this years Stanley Cup Finals as well, go Devils!

Flopping

Mention the word "flopping" to the tough 90's NBA players and guys like Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, and Shaquille O'Neal might not know what you're talking about.  In today's NBA, you can't go a game without a ton of "flops".  To quickly explain, a flop is an over reaction to minor contact to fool a referee and draw a foul.  This is becoming a huge issue in today's game.  The biggest problem is that it is led by today's best players.

        LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Paul Pierce, Manu Ginobli, Carmelo Anthony, I could go on and on. These are the guys who are playing the game the wrong way.  They take advantage of their status in the NBA knowing they will get a foul call if they go crashing to the floor.  There is no longer a good pace to the game.  You can no longer go two possessions in a row without a whistle being blown.

        Comissioner David Stern finally said in an interview during the Heat Pacers game yesterday that they might have to look into not only fining but also suspending for flops next season.  This is a suggestion that I have talked about all season long.  I for one can't stand the way some of the NBA's best players play the game. They need to watch some film on the NBA in the 1990's.  Learn what the word toughness means, learn about manning up, and playing the right way.

It is truly embarrassing to the game of basketball when guys like the three time MVP LeBron James quickly grabs at his neck acting like he got a hard elbow from Pacer forward David West, and then you watch the replay and he wasn't even touched.  This happened in yesterdays game, and it happens all the time.  Not only that but the complaining and whining of players has to stop as well.  Players will commit an obvious foul and then go crazy as if he did nothing wrong.  Knock it off we have cameras guys! I for one am almost at the point where I can't watch it anymore.  I really hope David Stern takes a long look at the way the game is being officiated.

Eastern Conference Finals : NHL

In two hours the puck will drop to start the Eastern Conference Finals.  Devils vs. Rangers.  Bragging rights will be up for grabs for people in the New York, New Jersey area.  Ranger fans have not been shy about reminding Devil fans (me) about how they finished in first place in the East.  Of course, seeds mean nothing in the NHL.  The Ottawa Senators were one game away from making the 5, 6, 7, and 8 seeds advance in the first round.

Looking at this series there is a lot to look forward to.  First of course is the goaltending matchup.  You have 40 year old Martin Brodeur for the Devils.  This guy has done it all, won every award, broke a ton of records, and hoisted a few Cups as well.  Some say he is no where near what he used to be and that he is too old to get it done.  Knowing what kind of guy Brodeur is this will motivate him.  He will also notice people paying more attention to the opposing goalie, this deservingly so, and that will get him going as well.  I am looking for a huge series from Marty.

At the other end is Henrik Lundqvist.  Lundqvist is finally coming up big in the playoffs.  Ranger fans have waited a couple years for him to step up the way he is.  Lundqvist is having an amazing Playoff run giving up less than two goals a game.  Lundqvist is dieing to get that monkey off his back and lift a Stanley Cup of his own.  This would be a big time statement if he out played Martin Brodeur in this series.

Looking at these two teams there are a lot of similarities.  Both tough teams, both have good coaching, both don't have a ton of offensive threats, but both teams have got it done so far.  The stars for each team must come big, but I think it will be the play of the third and fourth lines that might make a difference.  The Rangers shut down Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, while the Devils shut down Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell.  Both teams have the ability to control the other teams top line so whatever team gets the most production from maybe lines two and three might take this series.  I am so excited for this series it should be a great one! That being said... LET'S DROP THE PUCK!

My Prediction - Devils in 7. Marty will show Lundqvist what game 7's are really all about.

Knicks Season in Review

The New York Knicks began the season talking Championship.  They finished the season coming far from that goal.  The Knicks were bounced out of the first round in 5 games by the Miami Heat.  This season was about as up and down as one can get.  Starting with the slow start from Carmelo, to the Jeremy Lin era, to the emergence of sharp shooter Steve Novak, to the signing of the streaky J.R Smith.  There was never consistent play from the Knicks, instead it was full of winning and losing streaks.  High hopes, and scary lows.  I am going to give every player a season grade (based on expectations), and look ahead to what looks to be a very important offseason for the New York Knicks.

Carmelo Anthony – (B) His grade isn’t too high because he struggled early.  The Knicks slow start was the reason why they had to face the Heat in the first round.  His grade isn’t too low because he carried the Knicks late, and was the Eastern Conference Player of the Month in the last and most crucial month in April. Carmelo needs to come back to camp in much better shape if he wants to seriously go after a Championship.

Amare Stoudemire – (D+) He receives a max contract, but doesn’t give max effort.  He can be a great offensive player when healthy, but his lack of effort on the defensive side of the ball is hard to watch.  I’m beginning to think it may not only be effort, but also that he simply doesn’t have the instincts to be a good defensive player.  He also injured himself in the playoffs for the second straight year.  Last year it was Amare trying to pull off a highlight dunk in warm-ups, and this year punching through glass containing a fire extinguisher.

Tyson Chandler – (A-) Yes this is a high grade for a guy who doesn’t have much of an offensive game.  However this guys attitude, effort, and leadership is amazing.  Oh and don’t forget he won Defensive Player of the Year, something no Knick has ever done.  I’m sure he will work on his offense and try to add a mid range jumper to his game next year.

Jeremy Lin – (A+) Yes an A+, don’t forget I am doing these grades based off expectations!  This guy was one day away from being released from the Knicks before coming off the bench against the Nets and putting on a show.  Lin is truly an amazing story; I wish he would have been available in the playoffs.  I expect the same production and then some next year from Lin.

Steve Novak – (A) What a find this guy was for the Knicks.  Novak led the NBA in 3 point percentage making 47 percent from downtown.  This guy had the Garden gasping for air every time he took a shot.  I hope to see the discount double check back in a Knicks uniform next year although that is un likely after his breakout year.

J.R Smith – (C-) Joined the team late after finishing his season in China.  I found myself saying he will get hot eventually, and that time never came.  He seemed to hit the three’s during times when it didn’t matter. Then in big games he would shoot often, and miss often. Disappointing to say the least.

Landry Fields- (C-) Coming off of an unexpected strong rookie season, Fields did not improve his game much this year.  His points, rebounds, and shooting percentage all went down, while his turnovers per game went up.  His line drive shot needs a lot of help.  Alan Houston began working with him at the end of the year, he needs his help this summer as well.

Iman Shumpert- (B+) Iman had a very solid rookie campaign.  His hounding defense is so valuable to this team that lacks perimeter defenders.  He was 2^nd among rookies in steals per game behind Ricky Rubio.  He has some work to do as far as decision making, and shooting, but his shooting improved as the season went on.

Josh Harrellson- (B+) Just like Landry Fields, the 2^nd round pick out of Kentucky did not have much expectations coming out of college.  He impressed me with his defense and toughness.  On the offensive end he has a nice touch around the basket, and can also knock down open jumpers.

Toney Douglas- (F) Started the year as the starting point guard and that didn’t last long.  A shooting guard in a point guards body, Douglas doesn’t have the ability to run an offense.  His confidence is very low, and he became Mike Bibby’s water boy by seasons end (which says a lot).

Other Knicks include:

Jared Jeffries- (B-) , Baron Davis (C+) , Mike Bibby (C-) , Bill Walker (D+) , Jerome Jordan (no grade)

If I Was GM of the Knicks I Would…

-Look to trade Amare.  His time in New York might have to come to an end after the scene he made slicing his hand open in anger.  He is not an attractive guy across the league which makes it tough.  If a deal came up along the lines of Luis Scola and Goran Dragic for Amare Stoudemire, Landry Fields and some cash I would do it in a heartbeat.

-Sign Jeremy Lin.  This is an easy one. He is a restricted free agent and should be back with the Knicks next year.

-Let J.R walk.  He is more into putting on a show then putting in the dirty work to win games.  Not enough good coming from him in my opinion.

-Give Landry a chance.  This means re sign the restricted free agent.  Many Knick fans are frustrated with Landry but you can’t forget it was only his second year.  His instincts, defense, and ability to rebound can be valuable to this team.

-Somehow, somehow keep Steve Novak.  Don’t know how it would work, don’t have the exact numbers, but I hear Novak most likely will not be back with the Knicks.  Don’t let that happen.

-Give Steve Nash a call.  Although he will most likely stay in Phoenix, a call won’t hurt.  Cap space is a problem when entertaining this idea.  Not if the Knicks trade Amare (hint..hint).

Carmelo To the Rescue

Not too long ago, Carmelo Anthony was the number one worry for most Knicks fans.  He was on his way back from an injury, and the Knicks were playing great while he was out.  I blogged two months ago  about how pathetic Knicks fans were that said he was going to "ruin the team".  I can proudly say I have been a supporter of Carmelo Anthony since day one.  Even as fans questioned if he was a "superstar", and analysts began to say he is too selfish.

The Knicks found themselves almost out of the playoff picture.  Amare Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin were both out for an extended time, so who do you look to? Carmelo Anthony.

It seems crazy to say but the last eleven games have had a must win feel to it. The end of the season is right around the corner now, but looking back the Knicks needed these games badly.  In these huge games Carmelo has scored at least 30 points in seven of the eleven games.  He is also averaging over 30 points per game in the same span. Listed below are some of the biggest games of the season for the Knicks.  With a playoff bid up for grabs, and the Knicks relying heavily on Carmelo, lets see how he did.

April 8th Bulls @ Knicks - 43 Points, 7 Rebounds, 3 Assists. He hit the game tying three with 11.2 seconds left in regulation. Then hit a game winning three with 8.2 seconds left in Overtime (pictured above,Melo said it was one of the biggest shots of his career). This was a huge statement win for the Knicks. Knicks win 100-99.

April 11th Knicks @ Bucks - 32 Points, 10 Rebounds, 2 Assists. Against the team who was right behind them trying to take their spot in the playoffs Melo came up with a huge double double. Knicks win 111-107.

April 15th Heat @ Knicks - 42 Points, 9 Rebounds, 5 Assists. This might be the first round matchup for the Knicks and they played ok, but it wasn't enough.  Hopefully hanging tight with Miami will give them confidence. Knicks lose 93-85.

April 17th Celtics @ Knicks - 35 Points, 12 Rebounds, 10 Assists, 2 Steals. Yes a triple double, in a game the Knicks had to win to keep hopes of winning a division alive. Knicks win 118-110.

April 18th Knicks @ Nets - 33 Points, 7 Rebounds, 4 Assists. Melo couldn't be stopped early scoring 18 points in the first 6 minutes of the game.  If he wasn't double teamed every possession after that scoring burst he could have scored 50. Knicks win 104-95.

These were some of the biggest games for the Knicks here at the end of the season.  Carmelo Anthony is the biggest reason why the Knicks have won eleven of the past fourteen games.  He is stepping his defensive game up big time, and is also showing great leadership.

With the Knicks getting a low seed in this years playoffs they seem to be peaking at the right time.  Melo is completely healthy something that wasn't the case earlier in the season.

I just find it so funny that guys are now going back to the comments said before, saying how dangerous Melo is.  Charles Barkley was quoted after the Celtics game saying he is the best scorer in the league.  I also think it's funny how the same fans that said Melo would ruin the team, are the same people that will be rooting for him now in the playoffs to hit clutch shot after clutch shot.  And if I had to put my money on it, I'll bet it's going in.

Yankees Season Preview

Coming off of a disappointing 2011 first round playoff exit, the Yankees look to rebound in 2012 to claim it's 28th World Series Championship.  It was somewhat of a quiet offseason for the usually very active Bronx Bombers.  The biggest move being the aquisition of the hard throwing right handed Michael Pineda.  The Yankees did have to send young stud Jesus Montero to Seattle in return.  The Yankees also finally parted ways with A.J Burnett, which means they will need to find someone else to throw pies in players faces during post game interviews.  The best signing this offseason was snagging veteran Hiroki Kuroda from Los Angeles to stabalize the rotation.  The question for me is when will the age of the Yankees finally catch up to them.  I'm now going to go over the strengths, weaknesses, x factors, and predictions for the New York Yankees in 2012.

Strengths - Pitching Depth - The Yankees come into the season with a very solid pitching staff.  For the starters, Freddy Garcia has won the 5th spot in the rotation due to Michael Pindea being put on the DL.  If Andy Pettitte and Michael Pineda can both be guys that need to be in the rotation, the Yankees will have seven starters for five spots.  The Yankees pitching depth is also solid in the bullpen.  Even though Joba Chamberlain recently suffered a very severe ankle dislocation, I think the pen will be solid.  Mariano Rivera, David Robertson, and Rafael Soriano is as stable of a 9th, 8th, and 7th inning crew as you will find.  Boone Logan also adds a lefty specialist option for the team.

Weakness - Age of position players - Last year the Yankees were one of the best run producing lineups in baseball.  They did this by relying heavily on the long ball.  Robinson Cano was the only player in the lineup to bat .300 or higher.  With that being said, I don't think this will change with every guy being a year older.  Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, and Nick Swisher are all guys that are going to need to be DH'd throughout the year sporadically.  The Yankees trading away their top prospect Jesus Montero doesn't help the age either.  The 22 year old looks like he is going to have a hell of a career with his great opposite field power. Unless Alex Rodriguez's knee surgery works wonders like it did for Kobe Bryant, (who had the same surgery) this lineup won't be as scary as it looks on paper.

Pitching X Factor - Ivan Nova -  Nova recorded 16 wins in only 27 starts last year for the Yankees.  His 3.70 ERA was also solid in his first year being a consistent guy in the rotation.  Nova will be a huge factor in whether the Yankees rotation will be very strong, or just about average.  I see Nova making even more strides this season, adding to the depth of the rotation.

Offensive X Factor - Brett Gardner - The speedy Gardner can be a huge headache for teams when he is on base.  The problem is he has to get on base to be that headache.  For a guy who gets so many hits from his speed alone, a .259 batting average is not good enough.  Gardner should be more around .300 and 100 runs year in and year out.  With the Yankees lacking speed to begin with, Gardner's progression as an every day outfielder is huge to the Yankees.  Look for Gardner to raise his average from last year, while stealing at least 50 bases.  That is the spark Yankees manager Joe Girardi wants to see out of Gardner.

Predicion - My prediction for the 2012 New York Yankees is an American League East Championship.  I see it being a tight race for the division, but the Yankees have been there before, and they have enough talent to take this division.  I don't see a World Series for this team however.  The Yankees will lose to Albert Pujols and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the ALCS.  The Yankees do have to stay healthy of course.  Pineda being a prime example of health issues, Girardi did not sound to up beat when talking about Pineda's struggles in an article on ESPN New York.  He was quoted saying this,


"There was always that curiosity, you know, why isn't it going up higher, and as you're looking for answers we're looking, too, trying to figure out why isn't the velocity where it was last year Is it the innings, is he just not ready to turn it loose, you know, what is it? None of us are ever really going to know but right now, he's shut down and we'll get him back as soon as we can.'"

Who knows what the Yankees will get out of Pineda this year, but if he continues to have shoulder issues the Yankees front office will be heavily criticized for trading away the best hitting prospect in the organization for him.

One last bold prediction is that Robinson Cano will be the American League MVP.  Cano was in the running for MVP last season, but he slumped ever so slightly at the end of the year.  Justin Verlander won last year as a starting pitcher, something that is rarely done.  Cano has improved his stats every year as a pro, I see him having a monster season.  He is capable of having a .340, 30 HR, 120 RBI kind of year.  If he does that at the second base position, he will be taking home the hardware.