Yanks Continue to Stay in Race for Wild-card!

The Yankees have lived up to all expectations for the 2013 season and passed some.  The just say they weren't the highest expectations but with the injury riddled squad N.Y. has been playing with, they've been hard enough to reach.

As we find ourselves in September the Yankees only realistic hope is a wild-card slot and they'll have to work hard for that. The remaining schedule isn't exactly easy, with only 9 of the remaining 22 games at home.  The New York time has predicted that the Yanks have a 16.6% chance of winning the Wildcard so it'll be a long shot for sure.

If you're a Yankees fan just cross your fingers and hope for the best.

Jets Starts Season on a Good Note

The Expectations for rookie QB Geno Smith and the Jets weren't high coming into the first season but after today's clutch victory over the Buccaneers, it seems the season might not go as badly as expected.  In the seasons opener at Metlife stadium against former Jet Darrelle Revis and the Buc's, the Jets were put to the test and came out just on top.

The game started out awfully for Tampa Bay.  Several penalties resulted in horrible field position and an early jets safety.  But they rallied and scored a touchdown with a minute left in the quarter.

The second quarter was fairly evenly scored both teams with a TD and the jets with a field goal.  At the half the Buccaneers led 14-12. The Third quarter ended without a change on the scoreboard and Jets fans began to anticipate another lost season opener.

But the Jets still had some fight in them.  The offense, led by rookie Geno Smith (getting the start because of Mark Sanchez's shoulder injury), drove deep into Tampa bay territory and a Nick Folk field goal put them into the lead again and the maintained for most of the quarter up to the last minute.

With 34 seconds on the clock Tampa nailed a field goal to put them up again by two.  But with three seconds left Nick Folk again split the uprights this kick a desperate 48 yard bomb to win the game.

Nets Add Needed strength

The Nets have recently acquired Celtics stars Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett! This move my the Nets new Coach Jason Kidd will improve the toughness chemistry of the team as well as the skill.  The nets struggled defensively last season and both these players are known for their defensive toughness.

The Celtics are in the rebuilding stage.  After winning multiple championship throughout the first decade of the 21st century the Celtics found themselves with a weak team in 2013.  It seemed the players were either too old or too young and after star point guard Rajon Rondo found himself with a torn ACL it seemed things were going nowhere fast!  But the Celtics didn't just trade two of their star players the traded their future hall of fame coach Doc Rivers.

I like many other people found these moves extreme but if the Celtics want to find themselves at the top of the NBA again, they may be necessary!

OUCH!

Last friday night in the Lakers win over the Warriors Kobe Bryant Tore his left achilles.  His leg had been hurting the entire quarter and with three minute's left his tendon gave way as he was driving to the basket.

The next day after the MRI had confirmed the injury he went under the knife.  Surgery was successful but the Lakers star will not be back for 6-9 months!  But questions were raised that Kobe might not return and this will be the end of his career.  Hall of famers Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'neal ended their careers like this as well.  In my opinion he will come back for at least another season because he won't want to end his historic career like this.

Nets vs Bulls

Last night showdown in Brooklyn was a thriller!  Both teams will make the playoffs but are fighting for a higher seed and domination in the east.  The Bulls are pumped from ending the Heat’s win streak and the Nets are hot too.

The game started off with Brooklyn running up the score and playing defense too.  The first quarter ended with a 26-13 lead and the game running at a comfortable pace.  But the Bulls showed they had some fight in them outscoring the Nets in the second, and by the half it was 47-36 with the Nets still on top.

The second half was played by 7 players.  For the Nets Joe Johnson, Deron Williams, and Brook Lopez, and Nate Robinson, Carlos Boozer, Luol Deng, and Jimmy Butler.  Every one of these clutch guys had over 15 points except for Johnson who had 12 but knocked down some late threes.   In the end the Bulls ended out on top after Brook Lopez missed a buzzer shot.  

Yesterday in Louisville's victory against duke guard Kevin Ware gruesomely broke his leg trying to contest a shot.  He landed on his right leg and it buckled underneath him.  Right after the injury he told the coach not to worry about him and just win the game, that's exactly what they did.  He is a perfect example about how love of the game can get you through many hardships.

If you love great dunks check out this list of Lebrons' top 10 from last season.  If you look closely you can see the Heat's great fast break chemistry.

Yankees

Baseball season kicks off today and the Yankees season starts tomorrow.  It seems only fitting the New York's season will start against the rival Red Sox.  Last season both teams struggled and will be looking to start the new season off on a good note.

The Red Sox finished last year with an awful 93 losses and won't be 100% to start the new season.  David Ortiz is struggling with a heel injury and new shortstop Stephen Drew is out with a spring training concussion.  Boston with be pitching their lefty ace Jon Lester who also struggled last year.

New York is also injury-riddled with stars Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson on the day-to-day injury list and Alex Rodriguez out for 4-6 months.  It may be good that Rodriguez is out because he struggled a ton last year but the yankees are locked in to a contract with the aging star until he's 42.  And even though Rodriguez will be out for most of the year he will still earn 29 million dollars more than the Houston Astros payroll!  The Yanks will also be pitching their left-handed ace so get ready for a thriller, at least pitching wise.

Orange All The Way

Exactly a decade after Syracuse's last final four appearance the Orange repeat this feat of college basketball excellence.  That team was led by Carmelo Anthony the current Knicks star but this team is different.  The 2013 S.U. squad has no star no leader just a group of very talented kids who share the load.  If one person is struggling another will step up and that's how they made it this far.

Tonight they played Marquette in a game dominated by defense.  The Orange jumped out to an early lead and continued slowly running up the score for most of the first half until the shots stopped falling and they started magically creating turnovers.  But here's where the 2-3 zone that killed Indiana stepped in.  The Golden Eagles couldn't get an uncontested shot and at the half it was 24-18 with Syracuse on top.

Marquette found the achilles heel of the 2-3 zone in the beginning of the second, a little space around the free throw line and knocked down a couple of jumpers from there.  But that was as good as it got.  The Orange once again stepped on the gas with a three from James Southerland and another from Carter-Williams and didn't stop there.  Three players scored in double digits and everyone played tireless D in the 55-39 victory.

March Madness

ROUND ONE

This year was one of the most unpredictable in the history of college hoops.  No team fully dominated and the season was riddled with upsets.  So as we are headed into the Sweet Sixteen I will give you a recap of the tournament.

In the first round 64 teams were included and upsets weren't rare.  In fact the Sports Illustrated bracket predicted that 11 of the teams who were knocked out would make it to the next round of 32 teams.  Here were some of the noteworthy upsets:

Oregon the 12 seed knocked off Oklahoma state, in a win due largely to the efforts of Damyean Dotson and Arsalan Kazemi.  Damyean picked up a game high 17 points while the latter put up a double double with 11 points and amazingly 17 rebounds.

The next was maybe the most surprising, Ole Miss took out the Wisconson Badgers in a game that I would have liked to say was close until the end.  The Badgers shot a measly 7/30 from behind the arc and although Ole Miss had a great game from Marshall Henderson Wisconson gave the game up without a fight.

The next major upset was one that was less expected but still significant.  La Salle was dominant from the start against Kansas and lead by 18 at the half.  But the Wildcats still had some fight in them and a late game rally left La Salle struggling for dominance.  But the coaches message was clear and Ramon Galloway played clutch and ended with 19 points in the Explorers win.

In our last unexpected victory of the first round #14 Harvard took down #3 New Mexico showing those kids aren't just smart.

ROUND TWO

Now we advance to the round of 32 teams.  There were only a couple unexpected upsets but the great play didn't diminish.

The Oregon Ducks continued their hot streak and blew out  the favored Saint Louis Billikens 74-57.  The Ducks held Saint Louis to just 19 points in the first half and ended the half on a 24-4 run.  In the second half they scored twice as many points but it wasn't enough.  Damyean Dotson was once again the main man for Oregon and ended up with 23 points.

The Wichita State Shockers are properly named as they knocked out 1 seed Gonzaga sunday night.  The Bulldogs were the first 1 seed to get knocked out this march and it took some good play to do it.  Three-pointer after three-pointer fell to come back from a comfortable Bulldog lead and it was enough. Wichita State finished the game on a 19-7 run and finished the game on top, 76-70.

As we head into the Sweet Sixteen: FGCU, La Salle, and Oregon are all seeded in double digits so if your team's playing them you might not have the hardest time.  But who knows it's March and anything can happen.

The Jeff Green Show Got Cancelled!

Two of of the top teams in the eastern conference, the Heat and the Celtics tipped off in the TD Garden in Boston.  Miami boasts a 22 game winning streak tied for second all time and the Celtics haven’t lost in 17 at home.  But the Heat also haven’t won in the last 10 matchups in Boston.  You get the picture, big game!

The Celtics are injury stricken losing two of their starting players: Rajon Rondo with an ACL tear and Kevin Garnett with a thigh injury.  And Pierce can’t score the points by himself  so somebody had to step up.  That somebody was Jeff Green.  43 points, 7 rebounds, and four blocks tells the story pretty accurately but he also played with intensity that almost won the game.

But the big three wouldn’t have any of that.  And I’m not talking about James, Wade, and Bosh.  James, Wade, and Chalmers.  Mario Chalmers is one of the most underrated players in the league he can often score 20 points without being noticed.  And thats just what he did yesterday shooting .800 from behind the arc and playing his best in the fourth quarter.  But Lebron and Wade are who really buried Boston combining for 53 points and 48 minutes of tireless defense.  And it came down to the king, who hit a stepback jumper to win it with 10 on the clock.  Who can beat Miami?

Mariano Rivera

The closer is one of the most important positions in baseball.  It can be looked down upon by fans because it may seem like an easy job where coaches put pitchers who are struggling.  But leave aside the perfection that is needed, the stress can drive you crazy!  You are expected to knock down three batters with ease when the game is on your shoulders.

If you’ve ever been to a Yankees game you know what it’s like.  The emotions and joy clouding the air as Enter Sandman is played and number 42 walks onto the field.  Not the most physically intimidating man but he cutter will give you nightmares. Mariano Rivera easily the greatest closer of the last decade and a half retires after the 2013 season.  The 43 year old will easily make it to the hall of fame and the 42 on his jersey will probably join the retired numbers in center field.  He boasts 1119 career strikeouts  and only 65 home runs allowed!

But is Mo the best closer of all time?  Goose Gossage says that relief pitchers like himself, Rollie Fingers, and Bruce Sutter who often pitched several innings have been forgotten after the relatively new development of the one inning closer.  He later said that he did not want to at all take credit from Rivera but wants to acknowledge the roles in the history of baseball from these older relief pitchers.  

NFC West

The 49er’s and Seahawks are one of the most growing rivalries in sports.  Last year was the breakout season for their two young quarterback as well.  Colin Kaepernick for the niners and Russell Wilson for Seattle.  Kaepernick was drafted the year before but was a backup until Alex Smith suffered a concussion and stepped down from the throne.  You can bet Colin took advantage of that.  And Seattle drafted Russell Wilson who was an extremely underrated player who shone under the spotlight.

But today each team added a new weapon to their arsenal.  The first to make a deal was the Seahawks who traded a draft pick to the Vikings for star receiver Percy Harvin.  Harvin did miss the last seven games of the season due to an ankle injury but still stacked up decent stats.  After Harvin passed a physical last week the Seahawks decided to sign him.

And now San Francisco.  Later in the day the 49er’s traded for Wide Receiver Anquan Boldin.  The defending Super Bowl champs the Baltimore Ravens agreed to send their star receiver over for just a fifth round pick.  The probable reason is that Baltimore wants some salary cap space and Anquan was paid 6 million a year.  When asked what his thoughts were on why the Ravens traded him, Colin Kaepernick replied that he doesn’t focus on that kind kind of thing and is just pleased to have another option especially since Boldin is so good at working the middle of the field.

DeAndre Jordan throws it down Jordan-like over Brandon Knight!  C'mon be nice to the little guy.

NY woes

Last nights comeback victory was a great performance but also has Knicks fans on their toes wondering about the consequences of star forward Carmelo Anthony’s injury.  He had felt it hurting earlier in the game and asked coach Mike Woodson to take him out but as it was a close game and Melo was the difference maker so Mike left him in.  It turned out Anthony wasn’t the difference maker because he averaged almost a fifth of his usual baskets putting up 6 and barely contributed defensively as well.  He was taken out and the half.

The Knicks trailed by as much as 52-30 in the second but when they took Melo out there was more time for the other players to thrive and thrive they did.  The guards mainly the bench staff held the game down knocking down seven threes in the third alone.  But the big men didn’t let down either.  Struggling Amare scored 22 and pulled in 8 while Tyson secured every loose ball that came his way.  And despite Kyrie Erving’s 22 points New York hung in for the W.

But earlier today worried fans were relieved as Melo was just diagnosed with a sore knee and may not even miss Wednesday’s game.  Coach Woodson also admitted that he was being stubborn and it was a bad decision to leave the All-Star in.  Tomorrow they play Detroit in a pretty easy game but on Thursday they play dangerous OKC and they need Anthony at his prime.

Top Five NBA Teams

This has been a great year in the NBA despite the lockout.  About 5 teams are fighting to be the #1 contender and although several are more dominant all these teams are in the mix.  This is my top five.  

1. Although I hate to say it, it has to go to Miami.  The Heat are currently riding a 12 game winning streak and are the team to beat.  Earlier in the season they seemed to be playing a little lazily but as the playoffs draw nearer and nearer they can’t seem to lose.  Maybe it’s great team chemistry and maybe it’s Lebron liking the idea of a second ring and playing his heart out.  In the last five games he’s averaging about 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists.  Yes he’s double digits in assists but he has been passing well all season topping the assist chart for non guards.

2. My 2nd place pick is the Thunder.  Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are making heads turn both averaging over 23 ppg, and dishing out their share as well as staying strong on the boards.  The scoring is no problem they are averaging 10 more points than their opponents 107-97 but the D is.  It has been inconsistent all season long and they will need to step up if they want to take the lead.

3. Number three has to go to the Spurs.  They boast the best record (45-14) and the only reason they’re not number two is their age.  I fear injury and they’ve been playing so hard, many of their games ending in over-time, so I think they will not have a fully healthy roster going into the playoffs.

4. Paul George and the Pacers have to be number four.  Even without one of their star players Danny Granger the Pacers are a top contender.  The definite highlight of their play is on the defensive side but their offense has been getting better as the season draws to a close.  And Granger has recently started playing after his four month drought due to a knee injury.  Lookout Spurs Indiana’s hot on your trail.

5. This was a tough pick but one person decided it.  The L.A. Clippers have to be five because of Chris Paul.  He is their team and the sole reason they are winning.  Although Blake Griffin draws plenty of attention it’s Paul who sets him up and makes most of his baskets possible.  But the Grizzlies are hot and could take this spot if L.A. isn’t clutch in the postseason!

Olympic Disgrace

Every year the ice fishing world championship takes place.  But this year after the winners took the podium in celebration they were called away for a drug test.  Ice fishing is mostly about strategy and older and more experienced contestants often win, so it's unclear a physical advantage would make a difference.  The championship takes several days on the ice.  Each fisher is bundled up with everything essential including lots of beer to pass the time.  Most of he time is spent sitting around so the drug test was a complete shock.


But fishing isn't it.  Competitors in Mini Golf, Darts, and Chess have also been tested.  Several people tested possible but again how could it have given them and advantage.  Darts and Mini Golf are mostly about precision and accuracy so strength doesn't matter.  And in chess the only thing you use is your brain.  And i'm pretty sure HGH doesn't make you smarter.

But Ice Fishing, barely considered a sport is in the conversation for the next Olympics!  And guess who it might replace, Wrestling.  The classic test of strength, Wrestling was one of the pioneer Olympic sports and has been around for thousands of years.  But a recent vote has decided to discontinue the Olympic sport by the 2020 games.  If a sport where most of the time you sit on your butt drinking beer can replace one of the pioneer sports.  Just think of what could happen next.  Juggling or Pool could replace a sport like swimming.  Several former champs have already returned their medal in protest to this terrible decision.  So please everyone can help in the fight to bring back the true Olympic sport.

mamba's never out

It's looking pretty grim in L.A., a 28-29 record makes it pretty clear but you have to look deeper to find the true problems.  The most obvious thing is that they're getting older and must find a defensive rhythm fast if Kobe is to get a sixth ring.  The addition of star center Dwight Howard didn't help but through fuel on the fire as he didn't mesh Kobe at first and then with his lack of scoring fell asleep on defense.  And with the recent death of owner Jerry Buss everything is in chaos.

But not the Black Mamba.  Kobe has proved himself leading great teams to the championship but can he even lead the struggling Lakers to the playoffs?  Well he turned up the gas last night in Dallas finishing with 38 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists.  Yes assists he's passing too.  And many of those crucial points and boards came in the fourth but Steve Nash should be recognized for his season high 20 points as well.  These two players together almost singlehandedly won the game.

But the Mavericks didn't take it easy.  Dirk put up 30 points shooting 4 for 4 from behind the arc but that wasn't all.  Vince Carter and Elton Brand came off the bench and combined for 29 points keeping it close.  The final score was Lakers: 103 Dallas: 99.  The next game is against Denver who is second in the Northwest and this will be hard because they have already lost to the Nuggets three times.  This game would put them at 500. and could set the tone for the rest of the season because they will need to start winning the hard games.  But never count them out!

All-Star Weekend

Well, All-Star weekend has come to a close, so I'll take you through a quick recap of the events.

The Slam Dunk contest was it's usual high excitement low skill affair.  None of the major NBA stars participated Saturday or for the years before.  Many executives want to get rid of the event since many participants don't deserve to make it, but I'll take you through the highlights.  Kenneth Faried went off the backboard and through the legs for all 10's but did not advance.  James Flight White ran through a line of flight attendants to dunk from the free throw line but choked the first two times and dunked from a foot past the line on the third.  But it all came down to Jeremy Evans and Terrence Ross.  Evans started off by reverse dunking over former jazz center Mark Eden.  He also dunked over a painting of himself then signed it but it wasn't enough.  Terrence Ross the champion started with a 360 windmill from behind the backboard and sealed the deal with a through the legs dunk over a kid.

The participants for the skills challenge were Jeff Teague, Brandon Knight, and Jrue Holliday for the East (all new participants) and Jeremy Lin, Damian Lillard, and Tony Parker for the west. But the contest started off on a bad note as Teague missed shot after shot and wasn't much better with the passing.  But Brandon knight finished in almost half his time to give the East a good chance.  But Jrue Holiday finished with an even better score of 29 seconds putting the pressure on for the west.  Lin started off the West with a okay 35 But Lillard backed him up with a first place 28 allowing Tony Parker to relax.  But Tony choked and ended up with a 48 putting the East in the lead.  Now time for the championship round Lillard facing off against Holliday.  Jrue finished with a 35 second time worse than his first and Lillard took advantage of that finishing with a 29 to take the trophy.

The celebrity game was it's usual low scoring joking affair and defending Mvp Kevin Hart showed his skill putting up 8 points 6 assists and (kind of) beating Usain Bolt in a race.  He picked up his second Mvp and led the West to a 58-38 win.  The game is fun television and a good way to kick off the weekend.

In the three-point contest the East squad consisted of Paul George, Steve Novak, and Kyrie Erving and the West consisted of Stephan Curry, Ryan Anderson and Matt Bonner.  The West bested the East 54-45 in the first round and Erving took it away for the East in a 23-20 win over Bonner in the final round.

And finally the big event, the NBA All-Star game.  The game was dominated by point guards: Kyrie Erving and Chris Paul putting up outstanding numbers and keeping the D guessing.  But the big men were having fun too Blake Griffin threw down at least 5 ally-oop's and the Dunking was more impressive than the dunk contest.  Even Kobe passed last night ending up with 6 assists.  And even struggling center Dwight Howard shot a three. And immediately after KD stole the casual inbound and threw it down.  And Kobe kept tight on Lebron stuffing him twice including at the last possession.  But CP3 ended up with 20 points and 15 assists beating Durant's 30 points for Mvp honors and led the west to a 143-138 victory.  

Miami problems?

One conference, the best and worst teams, the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Bobcats.  How could the defending champion Miami ever be contested by a team like Charlotte, turns out they are.  The Heat are rolling on a 4-game winning streak and with a lineup as star-heavy as theirs how can you lose.  Well the Laker's found out it isn't so hard struggling to be a playoff caliber team.  Could Miami be having the same problem?

The Heat aren't showing any sign of slowing down but have been losing to teams that they are highly favored to win against such as the Warriors and Sixers.  Even if they haven't lost the games have been to close for comfort.  They have played the Bobcats twice this season and in both games they won but it was close until the end.  Even in the last game it took Lebron 31 points to finally bury the Cats.  The Heat have proved themselves against rival's and top conference contenders but the key to success isn't just stopping there but dominating every team you play and not stepping off the gas for a second.  If the Heat are to be a top contender again that will be the key.

And if Lebron is really the best player in the league he needs to be a leader as well as a scorer and show the younger players some of the experience that has helped him stay on top in the NBA.  Wade is getting older and is not playing as aggressively so I think Chalmers needs to start driving a little more.  But mostly the Heat just need to play their game.  Stay relaxed and play every night like its the finals and they'll go big in the postseason.