NBA

Real Talk…

...In this year’s short NBA season, there have been plenty of story lines and player plots that has captivated and unfolded in the hoop community.  Yet, aside from MVP candidates King James *sighs with distaste* ; MR automatic ....KD; and the NBA's leading scorer Kobe "Bean" Bryant, who else deserves constant coverage.  Many other players will get their fair share of props, criticism, and jokes cracked on them here on "Real Talk".  We ask all of our readers to help keep us updated with stories, photos, and opinions on basketball news all over the country.

4/20/12

The Playoff Pics....

It is, indeed, that time of the year again where almost every TV will have their stations set on the NBA Playoffs.  As one of the most exciting NBA seasons in recent memory is coming to an end, the most exciting stage in sports is just about set.  Sixteen teams are going home for the summer while the other 16 are getting ready to leave it all on the court.  More than ever, we shall see what players deserved their mega contracts at the beginning of the season as well as how every over dramatized locker room story can be overcome if the team is going have a chance of winning it all.  I only see these two scenarios playing out this post season so here are my final predictions.

The Obvious Pick....

*Miami Heat (Odds 9-5) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (3-1)*

Everyone and they momma believe that this will be the final matchup of the season.  It’s hard not to make this the obvious pick especially with the way that OKC has been balling out these pass couple of weeks.  If the Thunder can easily dispose there first and second round opponents it will be a long series for whoever meets them in the Conference Finals. For Miami, however, it’s all going to fall on what Heat team shows up.  Miami has all the star players and role players to finally get “Bron Bron” some jewelry to go with his “King James” title.  Nonetheless, I believe that Wade aka “Batman” will be the deciding factor. As tough as it is for me to swallow, if I were a betting man, I do believe the Heat will take OKC in 7, but don’t ever forget….

The Sleeper Pick....

*Los Angeles Lakers (Odds:14-1) vs. Chicago Bulls ( Odds:15-4)*

DON’T LET THE ODDS FOOL YOU!!!  In this very possible NBA Finals scenario that can actually play out and make the obvious pick seem, well…Oblivious.  If you put aside your favorite teams rival emotions against the Lakers; you have to admit Skip Bayless was correct about his statements referring to Andrew Bynum’s skill set and capability to be the best big man in the NBA. To me, it’s seems like…when Bynum plays like he wants to be the best center in NBA the Lakers can’t be *beep* with.  Let’s say the Lakers have the #1 C. in the league come Playoffs; not to mention a refreshed “Mr. 81” will be returning to the line-up locked in on that sixth ring. Clearly, the Lakers are a nightmare matchup for any opponent in the playoffs when the game slows down.  Offensively, if the Lakers stay on stride they have been on this closing stretch of the season; they experience to get to the finals. For the Bulls it might be a little bit more difficult especially with Boozer’s inconsistency.  Still I pick them because this Chicago Bulls team is…a TEAM. The Bulls are a deep team and proved that even with D.Rose sidelined they can catch wreck on any team in the Eastern Conference.  If they catch stride and D.Rose is in MVP from Game 7 in Chicago, I believe Tibbs will motivate this team over Miami.  Still at the end of the day #24 (L.A) and #23 (MIA) are two totally different monsters in clutch situations on big stages; and with that said, the Lakers will defeat Chicago in 6. 

4/15/12

PLAYOFF "CONTENDERS" AND "PRETENDERS" . . .

I read the Sports Illustrated article from April 16, 2012 named “Are You for Real” in which they gave a brief summary of the upcoming NBA playoff teams that are “Pretenders” and those teams that are “Contenders”.  Fair enough, they touched on the Clippers, Magic, and the Mavs as “Pretenders” and praised the Celtics, Grizzlies and Lakers as “Contenders”.  I thought I would add my two cents for this week’s REAL TALK…

"PRETENDERS" ....

“PHILADELPHIA 76ERS” - I can’t begin to tell you the pain I feel for Sixer fans……sike.  Being a Philadelphia native, I’m well aware of the outrageous predictions and expectations Philly fans put on their team’s shoulders.  Now if this Sixers team can hold off Milwaukee for the last week of the regular season, their last 3 games all being games all on the road at New Jersey, Milwaukee, and Detroit, I don’t see them getting pass a gritty defensive team in Chicago in the first round.  Without a premier scorer on the Sixer’s roster, they just don’t have enough fire power offensively to keep up with the Bulls.  Thinking back to the Monta Ellis trade rumors in the media which involved him being swapped for Andre Iguodala, this could have been a big boost for Philly.  This swap could have given the Sixers the premier scorer that they are going to need to have a legitimate playoff run.  Unfortunately, that’s not how it played out and the Sixers are stuck with A.I as a franchise, and not the 6ft version in his prime.  Sorry Philly, I’m sure this series will be over in 6, maybe even 5.

"CONTENDER" ....

“SAN ANTONIO SPURS” - I know you are probably thinking, of course, the San Antonio Spurs are contenders; they are the #1 seed.  Nonetheless though, they were the #1 seed last year and that didn’t stop the Grizzlies from sending them home early.  Best believe it will not happen this year….real talk.  The Spurs may not be the highlight reel team that the Thunder are, but they are playing some of the best basketball in the NBA right now.  Tim Duncan looks like he is fresh out of Wake Forrest again, as he has been playing with a surprising amount of explosion to the basket these past few weeks despite his age.  Furthermore, experience plays a crucial role in playoff basketball; a role which the Spurs’ roster has an edge in comparison to most other Western Conference foes. More than likely, the Spurs will be tested by the Utah Jazz, who currently holds the #8 seed, in the first round of the playoffs.  I don’t see no upset looming for the Spurs this year as San-Antonio will defeat the young Utah team in 5. 

4/30/12

GAME 1 RECAPS . . .

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

 

Chicago (1) vs. Philadelphia (8)  – This series started off exactly how I envisioned the first game to be.  The Philadelphia 76ers just simply do not have enough to over-come the Chicago Bulls’ tenacious defense.  The Bulls were opening up a can on the Sixers most of the game; as the Sixers struggled to find an offensive identity for the game, then the unthinkable happened.  Everyone in the United Center may have lost all faith in any beliefs; once D.Rose buckled his ACL trying to execute a hop-stop on a hard drive late in the game.  SEASON OVER for the Bulls, but it will be interesting to see if the Sixers can gain some confidence going into the rest of the series despite the horrible injury to the Bulls’ MVP.  Chicago leads 1-0.




Miami(2) vs. New-York (7)  – The Heat were not having any “upset” especially on their account to open up Miami’s 2012 Playoff campaign.  “Bron-Bron” went straight bananas on the New York Knick defense; if that is what you like to call what they were playing. LBJ shot 10-14 sending a clear statement in the opening game of the series scoring 32 points as the Heat routed the Knicks 100-67.  Plain and simple, Melo has to produce more than 11pts for the Knicks to have a chance against the highly motivated Heat.  Miami leads the series 1-0. 

Indiana (3) vs. Orlando (6)  – The Pacers were a disappointment for me this weekend.  I thought for sure that without Dwight Howard, Indiana would take advantage and jump on Orlando early and often.  Not in BIG BABY’s plan; his play kept Orlando hanging around as they eventually pulled the first game upset.  Danny Granger is going to have to take the step from good to great if Indiana is going make some noise in this year’s playoffs.  Missing two clutch free-throws made me doubt if he is ready to be put on that elite level.  Nonetheless, he has the rest of the series to prove me wrong.  Orlando leads 1-0.

Boston (4) vs.  Atlanta (5)  –  I thought before the series began that this was the worst possible draw for the aging Celtics.  Despite the teams resurgence after the All-Star break, Boston just didn’t look complete in there sets offensively without Ray Allen. Frustration also seemed to get the best of their All-Star PG Rondo.  He was ejected and will be suspended for the next game; which really doesn’t help the Celtics’ cause at all.  J Smooth and the Hawks, on the other hand though; don’t be surprised if they make a serious run in Playoffs especially with Teague playing at the level of basketball he has been.  Atlanta leads the series 1-0. 

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

SAN ANTONIO (1) vs. UTAH (8)  –  Simple and sweet, the San Antonio machine kept on rolling through as they faced the Jazz Sunday.  Tony Parker and company were in sync and looked as if last year’s nightmare against the Grizzlies never happened.  Despite Utah’s youth and skill, I don’t see them making it to past 4 games in this series.  The Spurs are just playing that good.  San Antonio leads the series 1-0.  

OKLAHOMA CITY (2) vs. DALLAS (7)  –  In what is certainly shaping up to be among the best series in the first round, Durant killed the Mavs’ plans on stealing game one in OKC.  OKC reserved the Thunder’s home court advantage on a last second Durant jumper that sent shockwaves through OKC.  Dallas came to win though and they showed in game one they can run with the Western Conference favorites.  The Mavs experience is going to make this teams exit a little bit more difficult than the Thunder expect.  Westbrook scored 28 points on 13/23 shooting to lead all scorers.  OKC leads 1-0.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS (3) vs. DENVER NUGGETS (6)  – The Lakeshow looked in sync and finally focused as they dismantled the undersized Nuggets.  Andrew Bynum’s triple double set a tone and pace for the Lakers that the Nuggets just couldn’t come up with an answer to. Bynum’s 10 blocks also tied an NBA record for a single playoff game.  The Nuggets’ Gallinari scored 19 as he showed much growth offensively as a player.  None the less, behind Bean’s 31 points the Lakers opened up the series 1-0 at Staple.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (4) vs, LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (5)  –  Somewhere along the line, Memphis must have forgotten that this is the playoffs and you have to play to the very last whistle.  Memphis dominated the Clips for the better part of 3 quarters in this matchup, but somehow the Clips pulled out a victory after being down 24. When the clips snagged Nik Young from the Wizards, I thought it was an under the radar excellent pick up. He proved that last night leading the Clips in scoring in the come from behind victory.   I still think Memphis’ got this series, but the Clips certainly shook things up last night. Los Angeles leads series 1-0.

5/8/12

SERIES RECAPS. . .

CHICAGO (1)  vs. PHILADELPHIA (8) - This series has been one long nightmare for Chicago.  Not only has the Bulls dropped three straight to the Sixers, but they also loss F. Joakim Noah on an already injury plagued roster.  Philadelphian has been well coached taking full advantage of the short-handed Bulls and they are one game away of pulling the upset over the number 1 seed.  Drue Holiday has been the most impressive player for Philly and not only because Derrick Rose is absent from the series.  Holiday’s sharp shooting and playmaking ability has the Sixers’ roll players playing more within their style of basketball. Chicago is going to have to find some answers somewhere on their roster.  Sixers lead the series 3-1

MIAMI (2)  vs. NEW YORK(7)  -  Behind Melo’s 41 point explosion in Game 4, the New York Knicks stayed alive; at least for 1 more game.  Miami has full control of the series heading back to South Beach for game 5; make no mistake on that fact.  New York should be satisfied to break the 13 game playoff losing streak.  Although in the process, they lose PG Baron Davis to a gruesome knee injury that is a threat to the 33 year olds’ career.  Miami in all honesty could have swept the Knicks, but seeing Melo single handedly will the Knicks to victory makes me believe that New York might be okay for years to come.  Nonetheless, Miami will look to end the Knicks’ season come game 5; Heat leads 3-1.

INDIANA (3) vs. ORLANDO (6) - The Pacers held on to a 2 point victory in game 4 taking both games in Orlando, obviously, without their superstar Howard in the equation. The Magic just do not have another legitimate option outside of Superman (HOWARD) that can carry them in this series to match with Indiana.  I look to see the Pacers closing out the series in game 5 with Hibbert’s size.  Indiana leads the series 3-1.

BOSTON (4) vs. ATLANTA (5) - Despite Rondo’s absence in Game 2, the Celts still managed to pull out a victory relying on the ageless Paul Pierce to carry the load for them.  He is still “the truth” when it comes to stepping up in BIG moments.  In the 3 Celtics victories, Pierce is averaging 27.0 ppg.  As far as the Hawks go, they got Josh Smith back and Horford in Game 4; although it didn’t do them any justice as Boston punished them taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.  Maybe it’s time for ATL to find a new core moving forward.

SAN ANTONIO (1) vs. UTAH (8) - PLAIN AND SIMPLE. . .UTAH DOESN’T STAND A CHANCE !!!!!!!!!  SPURS UP 3-0 looking for the brooms to be pulled out.

OKLAHOMA CITY (2) vs. DALLAS (7) - Durant hot…CHECK, Westbrook hot… CHECK, Harden hot ...CHECK. DALLAS SWEPT….CHECK.  The defending champs dropped both games in Dallas surprisingly; even though they fought hard.  OKC was just too much for the aging Mavs to handle.  James Harden truly had his way with the Mavs defense and Dallas just didn’t have the offensive weapons to keep up with the Thunder. OKC wins the series 4-0.

LOS ANGELES (3) vs. DENVER (6) - The Lakers won their first 2 games at home pretty convincingly behind Bynum and Kobe.  Game 3, on the other hand, showed Denver playing at their pace jumping out on the Lakers early building a lead that the Lakers couldn’t dig themselves out of.  Game 4 served as the most competitive of the series so far with the Lakers pulling out the win late with timely 3 pointers from Ramon Sessions and Steve Blake in the clutch.  Lakers lead series 3-1  Game 5 Tuesday in Los Angeles.

MEMPHIS (4) vs. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (5) - So far, this series have been the most evenly matched.  After an exhilarating Game 3 comeback win by LAC, the grind-it-out Memphis team find themselves in a hole going into game 4 tonight.  Out of all of the current series left, I believe this one will go all 7 games.  Rudy Gay is growing up in front of our eyes and his label as a good player or superstar will be defined in this series.  For now, LOB CITY is up 2-1 over the Grizzles.

5/15/12

CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS. . .

In the opening round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs, the League provided us with many moments that will be remembered for many years to come.  From the very opening tip, the excitement was there.  The Clippers come back from a 20 point deficit in game 1 to ultimately defeating Memphis in seven games; or even Chicago’s misfortunes which resulted in an 8^th seed Philadelphia 76ers first round upset.  These playoffs have been one to remember.  Now we are in the conference semi-finals where the teams who survived the first round are truly tested.

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

BOSTON CELTICS (4) vs. PHILADELPHIA 76ers (8) – In this traditional Eastern Conference rivalry, the experienced and seasoned Boston Celtics match up with the youthful Philadelphia 76ers.  This series was the first to tip off in the semis and currently rest at one game apiece with the series heading to the City of Brotherly Love, where the Boston Celtics will find no love.  Boston should win this series if they play focused and determined like they were in the first round.  At full strength, the Sixers will have a hard time scoring against the ageless Celtics.  Though do not count Philadelphia out completely as they proved in game 2 stealing home court advantage from the Celtics. The key for Philadelphia to have a chance in winning this series is scoring balance offensively and defensive intensity.  The Sixers are one of the best defensive teams when poised, but that is the challenge they have constantly failed time and time again.  My pick is Boston Celtics in 7 games.

MIAMI HEAT (2) vs. INDIANA PACERS (3) – Both of these teams’ first round matchups were clearly slight work for two of the best teams that the Eastern Conference offers.  Miami jumped out in the series coming from behind to win game 1 in Miami behind superstars Lebron James and Dwayne Wade.  Although in that win, Chris Bosh was injured with an abdominal strain and likely to sit out the remainder of the series.  His absence evens up the matchups for the Pacers who already proved that their front court can have its way with Miami’s.  The key to them pulling an upset in this round will rely on David West and Roy Hibbert’s ability to dominate the paint.  For Miami, the scoring load and balance that they lost with Bosh will solely fall on the MVP’s ability to make plays for the sub-par bench of Miami.  The second half of game 1 proved that Miami can still be a very competitive team with Bosh out of the line-up.  Nonetheless, for them to win the series I don’t see that happening.  I pick the Pacers upsetting Miami in 6.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

SAN ANTONIO SPURS (1) vs. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (5) –The Clips proved that they are a tough team out playing the gritty Memphis Grizzlies in Game 7 at FedEx.  For this series though, the Clips are going to have to be even more amazing to get pass the offensive machine that’s rolling on all cylinders in San Antonio.  The key matchup is, obviously, Tony Parker vs. Chris Paul.  Whoever wins this duel I think will control the series.  The Spurs are very experienced which can be the difference when it comes to this series.  Talent wise, Clippers do pose more of a threat then the Utah Jazz (the Spurs’ first round victims).  Game 1 tip-off tonight and predicting a winner is tough.  Simply because I believe CP3 can out duel Tony Parker and if he plays at the elite level he has been, the older Spurs might be in trouble.  My heart wants to see the Clips pull it out, but my gut tells me San Antonio will get it done and advance in 6 games.

                                                                                      

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (2) vs. LOS ANGELES LAKERS (3) – Oklahoma City looks like the best offensive team in the NBA.  When hitting, they are making their baskets.  The game 1 beating they put on the Lakers made it look like they haven’t missed a beat from their sweep of Dallas.  This series is going to boil down to what team imposes their will on the other.  The only chance the Lakers have in getting out of this series lies within the paint with Gasol and Bynum.  They must dominate in order to have a chance against the explosive Thunder.  For the Thunder, they want to get out and run similar to how the Lakers’ first round matchup Denver Nuggets did pushing Kobe and company to 7 games.  The Lakers’ defense has to stay in front of the OKC’s Big 3 in Durant, Harden, and Westbrook if they have a chance in winning.  I personally believe they can do it so, I choose LA to advance in 7 behind Kobe.