Saturday, April 30, 2011
Temper Temper
I love the Miami Heat, and I think Dwyane Wade is a phenominal superstar, but he very well may be their biggest liability in the series aginst the Boston Celtics. Don't get me wrong, Wade has played at a high level all season long, bt it has been Wade, not his superstar teammate Lebron James who has vanished during their four games against the Celtics. Wade has averaged less then 13 points per game against Boston this season and his tournovers sloppiness is one of the biggest reasons Miami could not win against Boston in their first three attempts.
And now for something more challenging.
So the Heat advanced into the second round of the playoffs like everyone thought would. Now comes the hard part, shrugging off the win over the less-then-stellar 76ers and focusing all of their attention to the Boston Celtics.
The Boston Celtics. The originators of the big three and the team that has loomed their champion calibre team's shadow over the Miami heat all season long are now ready to give Miami's big three everything they can handle. The chase to the title will have to wait, Miami has a lot of skeletons left to deal with if they want to advance any further.
Miami has a pair of champions on their team, but one has not played all season, so the Heat's sole ring bearing active player is Dwyane Wade. The Celtics have proven that their team is at that championship level that Miami is still hoping to achieve. Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett aren't even the big three any more. Rajon Rondo has emerged and made that dynamic trio welcome in a fourth member. Together they have won a championship and almost won a second ring last year.
This year's Heat are looking for that type of success in 2011.
For the second year it seemed as though the Celtics were limping into the playoffs, but after a quick sweep of the Knicks the Celtics seem to be in top form once again. No team should or can sleep on Boston. They are proven as a team, and if Miami wants to be considered a champion, they have to beat the current Eastern Conference Champions just to advance to the next round!
As any good sports reporter would do, I want to analyze both teams. Focus on their strengths and weaknesses as individuals and as teammates. I want to break down every position and try to see which team truly has an advantage over the other.
Let's start with the Point Guards. This time I will focus on the potential starters and reserve the backups all under the bench category.
Point Guard: Rajon Rondo versus Mario Chalmers
When Rajon Rondo is on his game, their is little any PG can really do against him. He isn't the most prolific scorer and because of that defending PGs often give him space and allow him to try to sink long shots. The real Rondo is a pass first type of PG at heart and his crisp passing skills will be the biggest hurdle the Heat will have to overcome in order to beat Boston in this series.
On the other hand, Mario Chalmers is Miami's best defensive PG by a leaps and bounds. It also seems logical to think Chalmers has earned himself a spot back at the starting PG position after a solid game 5 performance where he scored a season high 20 points off the bench. Rio is a much better scorer then Rondo, but needs to work on his assist making skills in order to really strive in this Heat team. With players like Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh it would be in Miami's favor if the ball was in his hands and he could find those players open shots. He has yet to reach that plateau yet, so Miami will have to deal with Rio's great defensive play and hope he can make Rondo look human.
Still, Rondo is the better PG at this time. Advantage: Celtics
Shooting Guard: Ray Allen versus Dwyane Wade
He got game, and it shows more so in the playoffs. Ray Allen has been a headache for D. Wade to guard all season. Not only is Allen one of the best pure shooters in the game, but he is always moving which makes Wade use up all of his energy just defending him. Allen has the Celtics hottest hands from downtown. He is shooting over 65% from behind the 3 point line in the playoffs which can and will hurt any team should that carry over into the next series. In the regular season, Allen has had Wade's number and has limited Flash's performances to that of pedestrian numbers. If that continues it does not bode well for the Heat.
Dwyane Wade should be regarded as one of the best players at his position, but he has yet to have a signature game against Boston all year long. his point per game is under 13 against the Celtics this year which is extremely below his season average of 25 PPG. Wade needs to find his grove against the Celtics and Allen and find it quick. Miami can not afford to continue to start slow and wade needs to be the one to spark that fire under his team. He has proven he is capable of shining at pivotal and important moments in playoff games and the Heat will need Mr. Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. to be at the top of his game if Miami wants to send Boston packing.
Though the regular season has not shown it I still say that Wade steps up in the playoffs for Miami. Advantage: Heat
Small Forward: Paul Pierce versus Lebron James
This battle has happened before, but James was wearing Cavalier colors then. Now Paul Pierce looks to stay on top of his game against one of the hardest players to defend in the game of basketball. Has he done it? in the regular season Pierce has averaged 17 PPG while James has been averaging almost 29 PPG. The simple stats of it all says that in the regular season James has eaten up Paul Pierce, but we are not in the regular season anymore. Pierce who is a much better long ball shooter is capable of defending James well. The truth is a player that always needs to be guarded, he can strike from almost anywhere on the court.
Enter Miami's mercenary. Lebron James came to Miami for one thing: to win a championship. They may well be on their way this year, but James is going to have to wash away the years of defeat that Boston has piled up in his closet in order to do so. Boston has eliminated James in 2008 and in 2010 and the agony of defeat lingers on. No one more then James needs this victory to prove himself as a great player and to vindicate his decision to take his talents to south beach. The once and future king can accomplish this by performing at a level that Paul Pierce is unable to compete against. He can do it, and needs to in order for Miami to make short work of Boston.
There is no other SF in the game I consider better then James, so the choice is simple. Advantage: Heat
Power Forward: Kevin Garnett versus Chris Bosh
Both of these players are the anchors of their respected teams. Kevin Garnett's career speaks for itself. The guy is an outstanding player and still plays at the top of his game even at 34 years old. He is a presence in the paint and the best defender on the Celtics. Look for him to provide double teams relatively quickly. he size and speed is a problem for almost any PF in the game and has held Bosh's game to below his season average.
Bosh needs to take advantage of his speed over Garnett often and early. Garnett recently mentioned that when Bosh plays well, the Heat dominate. True this may be, but it could also be a ploy to get KG pumped in order to play at an even higher level against Bosh. Bosh has such a silky shot, that he may be tempted to pull up and take long range jump shots, but he needs to be aggressive and catch the Celtics in the air so he can go get much needed free throws. This position battle could very well be the deciding factor in the series.
While one player excels in offense the other is slid on defense. It's hard to pick between the two. Advantage: Tie
Center: Jermain Oneal versus Joel Anthony
Jermain Oneal is playing like his knees aren't giving him trouble, and that could spell trouble for Miami if he stays that way. With Shaq still uncertain, the other Oneal has stepped his game up and has looked like the the player Miami was hoping for just a couple of seasons ago. Now wearing the Celtic green, both Oneals are the enemy. Look for Miami to test Jermain the most in the paint and try to get him in early foul trouble.
Meanwhile Joel Anthony has been playing at such a high level it seems crazy to think Miami will keep him on the bench for too long. Big Z might start the game, but you better believe that Anthony is the Center of choice for the Heat. Anthony provides a much needed boost of energy and athleticism in the Center position. He is a ball hawk on the boards and is ever present in his defensive mindset. Joel even provided some very clutch free throws at the end of the Philly series that sent the 76ers to an early vacation. He is not prettiest offensive specimen, but his energy on the defensive side of the ball is very much needed.
I don't expect Jermain Oneal to continue this level of performance for too much longer. I also think it was due to a poor new York team that allowed Oneal such easy buckets. Anthony should erase those stat lines well enough. Advantage: Tie
Bench Players or Role Players:
Here is Miami's biggest and most glaring weakness: the lack of depth on the team. Boston does not have that problem. Here is a list of the player you can expect to play significant minutes on both teams from their bench.
Miami: James Jones, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Mike Bibby
Boston: Glen Davis, Jeff Green, Delonte West, Shaq (if healthy)
You may see Carlos Arroyo or Nenad Kristic come off Boston's bench as well. Needless to say the reserves on Boston are much more active. James Jones is the current three point champion and has had a hot hand in the playoffs. He needs to come off the bench and provide some much needed bench points for Miami. Still Boston has more pieces on the bench that allows their star players much needed rest. Advantage: Boston
So what did we have? Two positions in favor of Miami, two in favor of Boston (including the bench as a position), and two ties which means this is going to be a very exciting playoff series. I can't wait. GO HEAT!
The Boston Celtics. The originators of the big three and the team that has loomed their champion calibre team's shadow over the Miami heat all season long are now ready to give Miami's big three everything they can handle. The chase to the title will have to wait, Miami has a lot of skeletons left to deal with if they want to advance any further.
Miami has a pair of champions on their team, but one has not played all season, so the Heat's sole ring bearing active player is Dwyane Wade. The Celtics have proven that their team is at that championship level that Miami is still hoping to achieve. Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett aren't even the big three any more. Rajon Rondo has emerged and made that dynamic trio welcome in a fourth member. Together they have won a championship and almost won a second ring last year.
This year's Heat are looking for that type of success in 2011.
For the second year it seemed as though the Celtics were limping into the playoffs, but after a quick sweep of the Knicks the Celtics seem to be in top form once again. No team should or can sleep on Boston. They are proven as a team, and if Miami wants to be considered a champion, they have to beat the current Eastern Conference Champions just to advance to the next round!
As any good sports reporter would do, I want to analyze both teams. Focus on their strengths and weaknesses as individuals and as teammates. I want to break down every position and try to see which team truly has an advantage over the other.
Let's start with the Point Guards. This time I will focus on the potential starters and reserve the backups all under the bench category.
Point Guard: Rajon Rondo versus Mario Chalmers
When Rajon Rondo is on his game, their is little any PG can really do against him. He isn't the most prolific scorer and because of that defending PGs often give him space and allow him to try to sink long shots. The real Rondo is a pass first type of PG at heart and his crisp passing skills will be the biggest hurdle the Heat will have to overcome in order to beat Boston in this series.
On the other hand, Mario Chalmers is Miami's best defensive PG by a leaps and bounds. It also seems logical to think Chalmers has earned himself a spot back at the starting PG position after a solid game 5 performance where he scored a season high 20 points off the bench. Rio is a much better scorer then Rondo, but needs to work on his assist making skills in order to really strive in this Heat team. With players like Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh it would be in Miami's favor if the ball was in his hands and he could find those players open shots. He has yet to reach that plateau yet, so Miami will have to deal with Rio's great defensive play and hope he can make Rondo look human.
Still, Rondo is the better PG at this time. Advantage: Celtics
Shooting Guard: Ray Allen versus Dwyane Wade
He got game, and it shows more so in the playoffs. Ray Allen has been a headache for D. Wade to guard all season. Not only is Allen one of the best pure shooters in the game, but he is always moving which makes Wade use up all of his energy just defending him. Allen has the Celtics hottest hands from downtown. He is shooting over 65% from behind the 3 point line in the playoffs which can and will hurt any team should that carry over into the next series. In the regular season, Allen has had Wade's number and has limited Flash's performances to that of pedestrian numbers. If that continues it does not bode well for the Heat.
Dwyane Wade should be regarded as one of the best players at his position, but he has yet to have a signature game against Boston all year long. his point per game is under 13 against the Celtics this year which is extremely below his season average of 25 PPG. Wade needs to find his grove against the Celtics and Allen and find it quick. Miami can not afford to continue to start slow and wade needs to be the one to spark that fire under his team. He has proven he is capable of shining at pivotal and important moments in playoff games and the Heat will need Mr. Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. to be at the top of his game if Miami wants to send Boston packing.
Though the regular season has not shown it I still say that Wade steps up in the playoffs for Miami. Advantage: Heat
Small Forward: Paul Pierce versus Lebron James
This battle has happened before, but James was wearing Cavalier colors then. Now Paul Pierce looks to stay on top of his game against one of the hardest players to defend in the game of basketball. Has he done it? in the regular season Pierce has averaged 17 PPG while James has been averaging almost 29 PPG. The simple stats of it all says that in the regular season James has eaten up Paul Pierce, but we are not in the regular season anymore. Pierce who is a much better long ball shooter is capable of defending James well. The truth is a player that always needs to be guarded, he can strike from almost anywhere on the court.
Enter Miami's mercenary. Lebron James came to Miami for one thing: to win a championship. They may well be on their way this year, but James is going to have to wash away the years of defeat that Boston has piled up in his closet in order to do so. Boston has eliminated James in 2008 and in 2010 and the agony of defeat lingers on. No one more then James needs this victory to prove himself as a great player and to vindicate his decision to take his talents to south beach. The once and future king can accomplish this by performing at a level that Paul Pierce is unable to compete against. He can do it, and needs to in order for Miami to make short work of Boston.
There is no other SF in the game I consider better then James, so the choice is simple. Advantage: Heat
Power Forward: Kevin Garnett versus Chris Bosh
Both of these players are the anchors of their respected teams. Kevin Garnett's career speaks for itself. The guy is an outstanding player and still plays at the top of his game even at 34 years old. He is a presence in the paint and the best defender on the Celtics. Look for him to provide double teams relatively quickly. he size and speed is a problem for almost any PF in the game and has held Bosh's game to below his season average.
Bosh needs to take advantage of his speed over Garnett often and early. Garnett recently mentioned that when Bosh plays well, the Heat dominate. True this may be, but it could also be a ploy to get KG pumped in order to play at an even higher level against Bosh. Bosh has such a silky shot, that he may be tempted to pull up and take long range jump shots, but he needs to be aggressive and catch the Celtics in the air so he can go get much needed free throws. This position battle could very well be the deciding factor in the series.
While one player excels in offense the other is slid on defense. It's hard to pick between the two. Advantage: Tie
Center: Jermain Oneal versus Joel Anthony
Jermain Oneal is playing like his knees aren't giving him trouble, and that could spell trouble for Miami if he stays that way. With Shaq still uncertain, the other Oneal has stepped his game up and has looked like the the player Miami was hoping for just a couple of seasons ago. Now wearing the Celtic green, both Oneals are the enemy. Look for Miami to test Jermain the most in the paint and try to get him in early foul trouble.
Meanwhile Joel Anthony has been playing at such a high level it seems crazy to think Miami will keep him on the bench for too long. Big Z might start the game, but you better believe that Anthony is the Center of choice for the Heat. Anthony provides a much needed boost of energy and athleticism in the Center position. He is a ball hawk on the boards and is ever present in his defensive mindset. Joel even provided some very clutch free throws at the end of the Philly series that sent the 76ers to an early vacation. He is not prettiest offensive specimen, but his energy on the defensive side of the ball is very much needed.
I don't expect Jermain Oneal to continue this level of performance for too much longer. I also think it was due to a poor new York team that allowed Oneal such easy buckets. Anthony should erase those stat lines well enough. Advantage: Tie
Bench Players or Role Players:
Here is Miami's biggest and most glaring weakness: the lack of depth on the team. Boston does not have that problem. Here is a list of the player you can expect to play significant minutes on both teams from their bench.
Miami: James Jones, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Mike Bibby
Boston: Glen Davis, Jeff Green, Delonte West, Shaq (if healthy)
You may see Carlos Arroyo or Nenad Kristic come off Boston's bench as well. Needless to say the reserves on Boston are much more active. James Jones is the current three point champion and has had a hot hand in the playoffs. He needs to come off the bench and provide some much needed bench points for Miami. Still Boston has more pieces on the bench that allows their star players much needed rest. Advantage: Boston
So what did we have? Two positions in favor of Miami, two in favor of Boston (including the bench as a position), and two ties which means this is going to be a very exciting playoff series. I can't wait. GO HEAT!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Softball
I sucked this year, but whatever. I am not totting my own horn. I just want to compare this year to next year's stats.
10 for 25 Batting .400 with 5 runs, 6 RBIs, 3 walks and 3 strike outs in 10 games played.
I need to improve!
10 for 25 Batting .400 with 5 runs, 6 RBIs, 3 walks and 3 strike outs in 10 games played.
I need to improve!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
NBA 2011 Playoff Predictions - West
1. San Antonio Spurs
8. Memphis Grizzlies
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
5. Denver Nuggets
2. Los Angeles Lakers
7. New Orleans Hornets
3. Dallas Mavericks
6. Portland Trailblazers
~
The West is a lot tougher then the East, still. I say Spurs, Lakers and Thunder win, but the Mavs get ousted by the the Blazers.
1. Spurs
4. Thunder
2. Lakers
6. Trailblazers
~
This is where the upstarts shine. I say both lower seeds win their respected series which makes it.
4. Thunder
6. Trailblazers
This should prove to be a great game. Portland has a better bench and tons of swing men at their disposal, but they do not have Durantula and Westbrook. The Thunder's offense is too much for Portland to overcome.
Thunder vs Heat in the finals.
Heat win it all. Lebron is finally vindicated. Wade earns ring number two. Bosh gives birth to a baby velociraptor. Coach Spo earns a spot on dancing with the stars.
8. Memphis Grizzlies
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
5. Denver Nuggets
2. Los Angeles Lakers
7. New Orleans Hornets
3. Dallas Mavericks
6. Portland Trailblazers
~
The West is a lot tougher then the East, still. I say Spurs, Lakers and Thunder win, but the Mavs get ousted by the the Blazers.
1. Spurs
4. Thunder
2. Lakers
6. Trailblazers
~
This is where the upstarts shine. I say both lower seeds win their respected series which makes it.
4. Thunder
6. Trailblazers
This should prove to be a great game. Portland has a better bench and tons of swing men at their disposal, but they do not have Durantula and Westbrook. The Thunder's offense is too much for Portland to overcome.
Thunder vs Heat in the finals.
Heat win it all. Lebron is finally vindicated. Wade earns ring number two. Bosh gives birth to a baby velociraptor. Coach Spo earns a spot on dancing with the stars.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Heat versus Sixers
I take a more in-depth look at the Miami-Philly playoff match up.
Miami has won all three of its meetings against Philly this year, but that does not mean this will be an easy series for Miami. The Heat have held the Sixers under 100 points in all three of Miami's win over then this year.
Dwyane Wade led the charge in the first game. He has 30 of Miami's 97 points as the Heat beat Philadelphia by ten points and gave the Big Three their first win as teammates.
The Heat were struggling coming into their second meeting against the Sixers, but managed a win. The Heat won the second game of the series 99-90 and wade once again led the Heat's scoring with 23 points.
The last regular season match up once again had D. Wade lead the Heat in scoring. He had 39 points, but Lebron James also topped the 30 point mark as well. He had 32 for Miami. The Heat won this game by the score of 111-99. Wade led the Heat in points, assists, blocks, steals, and rebounds.
~
Now lets go position by position and see how each team matches up.
Point Guard
Miami - Mario Chalmers, Mike Bibby, Eddie House
Philly - Jrue Holliday, Lou Williams,Antonio Daniels
Consider House to be on the bench unless one of the other Pgs gets hurt. With that said, Lou Williams was having a good season up to this point, but he caught the injury bug as of late. Williams and Holliday have a slight advantage over Miami's PGs.
Advantage - 76ers
Shooting Guard
Miami - Dwyane Wade, Mike Miller,
Philly - Andre Iguodala, Evan Turner, Jodie Meeks
Regardless of how much of a disappointing season this has been for Mike Miller, D. Wade more then makes up for his problems on both ends of the court. Philly sports a decent trio of SGs led by Iguodala, but Andre might have to defend Lebron James for much of the series.
Advantage - Heat
Small Forward
Miami - Lebron James, James Jones
Philly - Thaddeus Young, Jason Kapono,Craig Brackins
With Lebron James continuing his great season it is hard for any team contain him. Sometimes Jones will give James a breather, other times both are on the court together where Lebron can penetrate and find Jones open behind the arc for his money shot.
Advantage - Heat
Power Forward
Miami - Chris Bosh, Juwan Howard,Udonis Haslem
Philly - Elton Brand, Andres Nocioni,Darius Songaila
The Bosh vs Brand battle will be the tipping point of the series. Both have stepped up their games since the All -Star break and bot are still trying to find a rhythm in their respected offenses. If Haslem can recover and come back for the playoffs it will be a huge boost for the Heat.
Advantage - Heat
Center
Miami - Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Joel Anthony, Eric Dampier, Jamaal Magloire, Dexter Pittman
Philly - Spencer Hawes, Tony Battie, Mareese Speights
Philadelphia is the one team in the east who can't really take advantage of Miami's lack of depth in the five spot. Still Miami has yet to find its true starting center all season long. It looks like big Z will go into the playoffs as the man, but it has been refreshing to see Joel Anthony start to step up as a decent bench performer.
Advantage - Tie
Yes, the heat seem to have the advantage in every category that counts. The Heat rank in the top ten in scoring, rebounds, and points allowed this season. They rank higher then Philly in each of those categories as well. Philly does hold the edge in the assist category however.
In the end this all should amount to a series sweep for Miami. (Hopefully)
Miami has won all three of its meetings against Philly this year, but that does not mean this will be an easy series for Miami. The Heat have held the Sixers under 100 points in all three of Miami's win over then this year.
Dwyane Wade led the charge in the first game. He has 30 of Miami's 97 points as the Heat beat Philadelphia by ten points and gave the Big Three their first win as teammates.
The Heat were struggling coming into their second meeting against the Sixers, but managed a win. The Heat won the second game of the series 99-90 and wade once again led the Heat's scoring with 23 points.
The last regular season match up once again had D. Wade lead the Heat in scoring. He had 39 points, but Lebron James also topped the 30 point mark as well. He had 32 for Miami. The Heat won this game by the score of 111-99. Wade led the Heat in points, assists, blocks, steals, and rebounds.
~
Now lets go position by position and see how each team matches up.
Point Guard
Miami - Mario Chalmers, Mike Bibby, Eddie House
Philly - Jrue Holliday, Lou Williams,
Consider House to be on the bench unless one of the other Pgs gets hurt. With that said, Lou Williams was having a good season up to this point, but he caught the injury bug as of late. Williams and Holliday have a slight advantage over Miami's PGs.
Advantage - 76ers
Shooting Guard
Miami - Dwyane Wade, Mike Miller,
Philly - Andre Iguodala, Evan Turner, Jodie Meeks
Regardless of how much of a disappointing season this has been for Mike Miller, D. Wade more then makes up for his problems on both ends of the court. Philly sports a decent trio of SGs led by Iguodala, but Andre might have to defend Lebron James for much of the series.
Advantage - Heat
Small Forward
Miami - Lebron James, James Jones
Philly - Thaddeus Young, Jason Kapono,
With Lebron James continuing his great season it is hard for any team contain him. Sometimes Jones will give James a breather, other times both are on the court together where Lebron can penetrate and find Jones open behind the arc for his money shot.
Advantage - Heat
Power Forward
Miami - Chris Bosh, Juwan Howard,
Philly - Elton Brand, Andres Nocioni,
The Bosh vs Brand battle will be the tipping point of the series. Both have stepped up their games since the All -Star break and bot are still trying to find a rhythm in their respected offenses. If Haslem can recover and come back for the playoffs it will be a huge boost for the Heat.
Advantage - Heat
Center
Miami - Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Joel Anthony, Eric Dampier, Jamaal Magloire, Dexter Pittman
Philly - Spencer Hawes, Tony Battie, Mareese Speights
Philadelphia is the one team in the east who can't really take advantage of Miami's lack of depth in the five spot. Still Miami has yet to find its true starting center all season long. It looks like big Z will go into the playoffs as the man, but it has been refreshing to see Joel Anthony start to step up as a decent bench performer.
Advantage - Tie
Yes, the heat seem to have the advantage in every category that counts. The Heat rank in the top ten in scoring, rebounds, and points allowed this season. They rank higher then Philly in each of those categories as well. Philly does hold the edge in the assist category however.
In the end this all should amount to a series sweep for Miami. (Hopefully)
NBA 2011 Playoff Predictions - East
1. Chicago Bulls
8. Indiana Pacers
4. Orlando Magic
5. Atlanta Hawks
2. Miami Heat
7. Philadelphia 76ers
3. Boston Celtics
6. New York Knicks
~
My thoughts? I think the Bulls, Magic, Heat and Celtics all win. Which would make the second round look like this.
1. Bulls
4. Magic
2. Heat
3. Celtics
~
I might be a Florida homer but I personally think the Magic and the Heat both win these match ups. The Magic have played the Bulls tough all season long and just barely lost their last meeting because of a Jameer Nelson three point attempt not quite making it out of his hands in time to beat the shot clock buzzer. The Magic were also without MVP candidate Dwight Howard for that game due to a one game suspension based on Howard's constant technical foul trouble he has battled all season long. I say the Magic win in six games.
And as for the Heat versus the Celtics, I think the Heat have finally figured out how to deal with the Celtics. Boston suffered its worst loss of the season against the Heat the last time these teams played. The Celtics have lost something on and off the court after they traded away their starting center, Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their defense has not looked the same and the players all seem to have lost a good friend and it shows on the court that they are still bothered by this move. I believe the Celtics run as the top team in the east is over and it is now time for the Heat to take over that title.
Which leads into...
2. Miami Heat
4. Orlando Magic
~
Heat win. Too much offense and not enough defense for Orlando to contain. The Magic can give the Heat issues if their three point shooting is on, but I doubt it will be enough to beat Miami in a best of seven series. Miami wins in six games. Miami goes to the finals.
Will this be the year when Lebron wins it all?
You damn right it is!
8. Indiana Pacers
4. Orlando Magic
5. Atlanta Hawks
2. Miami Heat
7. Philadelphia 76ers
3. Boston Celtics
6. New York Knicks
~
My thoughts? I think the Bulls, Magic, Heat and Celtics all win. Which would make the second round look like this.
1. Bulls
4. Magic
2. Heat
3. Celtics
~
I might be a Florida homer but I personally think the Magic and the Heat both win these match ups. The Magic have played the Bulls tough all season long and just barely lost their last meeting because of a Jameer Nelson three point attempt not quite making it out of his hands in time to beat the shot clock buzzer. The Magic were also without MVP candidate Dwight Howard for that game due to a one game suspension based on Howard's constant technical foul trouble he has battled all season long. I say the Magic win in six games.
And as for the Heat versus the Celtics, I think the Heat have finally figured out how to deal with the Celtics. Boston suffered its worst loss of the season against the Heat the last time these teams played. The Celtics have lost something on and off the court after they traded away their starting center, Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their defense has not looked the same and the players all seem to have lost a good friend and it shows on the court that they are still bothered by this move. I believe the Celtics run as the top team in the east is over and it is now time for the Heat to take over that title.
Which leads into...
2. Miami Heat
4. Orlando Magic
~
Heat win. Too much offense and not enough defense for Orlando to contain. The Magic can give the Heat issues if their three point shooting is on, but I doubt it will be enough to beat Miami in a best of seven series. Miami wins in six games. Miami goes to the finals.
Will this be the year when Lebron wins it all?
You damn right it is!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Miami's Problem
Let me start off by my history with Miami and all of its sports franchises. First of all I am not from Miami. I was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. Tampa is but a four hour drive away from Miami, so it really is not that far from where I live regardless. I have been a fan of Miami teams since I was a little kid. I was heavily influenced by my father to like Miami teams. You could say i was forced into liking these teams. I remember that my room (and later my brother's room) had Dolphin memorabilia hung on every corner in every available spot. My dad bled all those colors and it ultimately was passed unto myself.
I did have family in Miami, so I would often visit the city quite frequently when I was younger. Actually I was forced to stay in Miami for the Summer every year while I was away from school. My mom passed me over to my aunt and uncle and I would basically live with them for three months out of the year. If you guessed that my uncle was another die hard Miami fan, you guessed correctly. So, even away from the clutches of my father, I was constantly around people who adored everything sports related involving Miami.
I make it seem like it is a bad thing, and it could very well be. I am obsessed with sports, and I blame my guardians for that. Let me retract that last sentence. I enjoy sports, but I almost enjoy it to a fault. I like it too much. I want my life to revolve around sports. I want a career where I can watch sports for a living and write about it or be someone who works and fixes stats for specific sports.
The Miami Dolphins, Hurricanes, and Heat along with the Florida Marlins all represent all that is bad with Miami sports. It has nothing to do with the teams, although they all have their faults. The biggest issue these teams face on a daily basis is... their fans.
Simply put, the fans in that city suck. I watch every game for all these teams. (except the Marlins. I watched them when I was younger, but switched to the Rays when they were formed ... (even though the Rays do not even play in Tampa, but lets not get sidetracked.) ) The fans don't support their teams. Every game I have watched for these teams has had numerous empty seats. How does that happen? Where is the fan support?
I could see reasons that the economy is affecting attendance, but other cities do not seem to have this problem. That fact, combined with most of these teams being on the wrong side of the winning percentages can also be a reason for the low attendance ratings.
But... there is a team that has no reason to ever NOT have a sold out arena. The Miami Heat showcase two of the most electrifying, exciting, and athletic basketball players to grace us. Say what you want about Chris Bosh, even though I regard him as another great player, but Lebron James and Dwayne Wade are the best of the best. There is no debate or measure to say otherwise. James is lacking in the trophy department, but his skills are one of a kind. Wade has already brought a ring to the city, so his skill and determination is unquestioned.
For the sports fans around at this specific time in history, those two players are two of the greats. They should draw a crowd alone, let alone paired up. So why haven't they? Most radio networks and ticket sales show that the Heat are selling out every home game of the season, but if you actually watch the games you can spot empty seats all over the American Airlines Arena. It sickens me. Where is the support for this team?
Other examples.
The Miami Hurricanes are one of college football's greatest recent teams. Since the 1980s they have brought five championships to the city, the last one being in 2000-01. Since then they have seen their talent level drop and have come back to reality in some harsh ways. Still, where are the fans? The games can't sell out for a college team with so much history? Last year was not a good year for the Canes, but it was also not a good year for the Florida Gators and you better believe that the UF fans packed the swamp for every home game. For shame people of Miami, for shame.
The Dolphins share the same sad fate as the other local teams. The only football team to EVER finish a complete NFL season undefeated and house one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game (Joey Harrington) and where are all the fans? Dolphin home games usually have more visiting team fans in the bleachers then people sporting the orange and teal. It's downright wrong.
The Florida Marlins also do not have the greatest fan base, despite winning two recent World Series title. Though that is more on the owners themselves due to selling the entire team after winning both titles. You can't build a crowd around past accomplishment if all those that were responsible are now part of the rivals squads.
Currently I live too far away and the gaudy price tag of 150+ for a nosebleed seat to go watch the Heat play keep me away from being someone in the crowd. But that is not what makes a fan, so I digress. Miami has a long list of storied franchises, but it is not known for its deep fan base. Miami fans are flaky. They like a team if they are winning, and will not support the team if they are losing. Many cities might share the same type of support, but this particular fan is disgusts me.
If Cleveland can sell out its arena with just Lebron James, why can't the Heat fans show the same type of support for him D. Wade and Chris Bosh as well. That seems like a better product to sell, and yet the results are less then impressive. I'm not talking about the team or its record, mind you. I talk solely on what my eyes have seen so far this season and what I have been seeing for every Miami based sports franchise.
I see it in Tampa too. Buccaneer and Rays fans are just as bad. The Bucs and Rays both had great seasons in 2010, but neither could produce a large crowd to show up for the games. The Bucs did not have one game air locally due to none of the home games being sold out and the ridiculous blackout rule the NFL enforces. No one got to see a great season of football by a young team that everyone counted out before they even stepped on the field to play one snap. The media hyped them as failures and the fans listened like sheep in a flock.
Maybe it's just a Florida thing.
Either way, the one thing I know for sure is that Miami fans suck.
I did have family in Miami, so I would often visit the city quite frequently when I was younger. Actually I was forced to stay in Miami for the Summer every year while I was away from school. My mom passed me over to my aunt and uncle and I would basically live with them for three months out of the year. If you guessed that my uncle was another die hard Miami fan, you guessed correctly. So, even away from the clutches of my father, I was constantly around people who adored everything sports related involving Miami.
I make it seem like it is a bad thing, and it could very well be. I am obsessed with sports, and I blame my guardians for that. Let me retract that last sentence. I enjoy sports, but I almost enjoy it to a fault. I like it too much. I want my life to revolve around sports. I want a career where I can watch sports for a living and write about it or be someone who works and fixes stats for specific sports.
The Miami Dolphins, Hurricanes, and Heat along with the Florida Marlins all represent all that is bad with Miami sports. It has nothing to do with the teams, although they all have their faults. The biggest issue these teams face on a daily basis is... their fans.
Simply put, the fans in that city suck. I watch every game for all these teams. (except the Marlins. I watched them when I was younger, but switched to the Rays when they were formed ... (even though the Rays do not even play in Tampa, but lets not get sidetracked.) ) The fans don't support their teams. Every game I have watched for these teams has had numerous empty seats. How does that happen? Where is the fan support?
I could see reasons that the economy is affecting attendance, but other cities do not seem to have this problem. That fact, combined with most of these teams being on the wrong side of the winning percentages can also be a reason for the low attendance ratings.
But... there is a team that has no reason to ever NOT have a sold out arena. The Miami Heat showcase two of the most electrifying, exciting, and athletic basketball players to grace us. Say what you want about Chris Bosh, even though I regard him as another great player, but Lebron James and Dwayne Wade are the best of the best. There is no debate or measure to say otherwise. James is lacking in the trophy department, but his skills are one of a kind. Wade has already brought a ring to the city, so his skill and determination is unquestioned.
For the sports fans around at this specific time in history, those two players are two of the greats. They should draw a crowd alone, let alone paired up. So why haven't they? Most radio networks and ticket sales show that the Heat are selling out every home game of the season, but if you actually watch the games you can spot empty seats all over the American Airlines Arena. It sickens me. Where is the support for this team?
Other examples.
The Miami Hurricanes are one of college football's greatest recent teams. Since the 1980s they have brought five championships to the city, the last one being in 2000-01. Since then they have seen their talent level drop and have come back to reality in some harsh ways. Still, where are the fans? The games can't sell out for a college team with so much history? Last year was not a good year for the Canes, but it was also not a good year for the Florida Gators and you better believe that the UF fans packed the swamp for every home game. For shame people of Miami, for shame.
The Dolphins share the same sad fate as the other local teams. The only football team to EVER finish a complete NFL season undefeated and house one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game (Joey Harrington) and where are all the fans? Dolphin home games usually have more visiting team fans in the bleachers then people sporting the orange and teal. It's downright wrong.
The Florida Marlins also do not have the greatest fan base, despite winning two recent World Series title. Though that is more on the owners themselves due to selling the entire team after winning both titles. You can't build a crowd around past accomplishment if all those that were responsible are now part of the rivals squads.
Currently I live too far away and the gaudy price tag of 150+ for a nosebleed seat to go watch the Heat play keep me away from being someone in the crowd. But that is not what makes a fan, so I digress. Miami has a long list of storied franchises, but it is not known for its deep fan base. Miami fans are flaky. They like a team if they are winning, and will not support the team if they are losing. Many cities might share the same type of support, but this particular fan is disgusts me.
If Cleveland can sell out its arena with just Lebron James, why can't the Heat fans show the same type of support for him D. Wade and Chris Bosh as well. That seems like a better product to sell, and yet the results are less then impressive. I'm not talking about the team or its record, mind you. I talk solely on what my eyes have seen so far this season and what I have been seeing for every Miami based sports franchise.
I see it in Tampa too. Buccaneer and Rays fans are just as bad. The Bucs and Rays both had great seasons in 2010, but neither could produce a large crowd to show up for the games. The Bucs did not have one game air locally due to none of the home games being sold out and the ridiculous blackout rule the NFL enforces. No one got to see a great season of football by a young team that everyone counted out before they even stepped on the field to play one snap. The media hyped them as failures and the fans listened like sheep in a flock.
Maybe it's just a Florida thing.
Either way, the one thing I know for sure is that Miami fans suck.
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