Reflections on the Conference Finals, and Getting Ready For a Classic Matchup

Here are my thoughts as we prepare for a reprisal of the Celtics-Lakers rivalry:



---Love him or hate him, Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players of all-time. I am an ardent Laker hater with a strong dislike for the Black Mamba, but even I was amazed by his stunning, unstoppable performance in Game 6. Kobe was absolutely amazing. The Suns were playing stellar defense, but Kobe was draining impossible shots with ease. Somewhere, Michael Jordan was smiling.

---Another encouraging sign for the Lakers: The inspired play of Ron Artest. Artest's game-winner in Game 5 was downright fluky, but no luck was involved in his terrific performance in Game 6. If the Lakers are to beat the deeper Celtics, Artest and Derek Fisher are going to have to continue their strong play.

---As for Sasha Vujacic, I can't recall a more useless, arrogant player. Anybody who self-proclaims themselves The Machine when all they do is loiter aimlessly outside the three-point line is a total jackass. More reason to hate the Lakers.

---Meanwhile, the Vujacic-Goran Dragic feud continues to heat up. Never have I been more interested in the state of Slovenian basketball. When Dragic and Vujacic get together to play for the Slovenian national team this summer, it will have all the makings of a classic, guilty-pleasure reality television series.

---Sad scene in the Suns locker room after the Game 6 defeat: An emotional Steve Nash being embraced by Coach Alvin Gentry. Nash is one of the most selfless, exciting players the league has ever seen, a surefire Hall-of-Famer who plays the game with dignified class and grace. Nash had a superb series. Here's hoping he wins that championship he so richly deserves before his illustrious career comes to an end.

---Phoenix has no time to celebrate after finishing off a truly outstanding season, because they must immediately focus all of their attention into re-signing free agent Amar'e Stoudamire. Stoudamire may have had some lapses in focus this past series, but he is still an elite player in the prime of his career. The Suns have the potential to be a title contender again next year, but only if they can bring back Amar'e.

---Out East, the Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic, and will now be vying for their eighteenth NBA championship. The Celtics owe their success this postseason to the brilliant play of Rajon Rondo. Two years ago, when the Celtics met the Lakers in the Finals, Rondo was a weak link for Boston. Now, he is the best player on the team. I fully expect Rondo to thrive in the biggest stage of them all. He will have another spectacular series in the Finals against L.A. Book it.

---Also, I must acknowledge the splendid play of Nate Robinson. Robinson provided a much-needed spark off the bench in Boston's clinching Game 6 win against Orlando. I have always loved Lil' Nate. One of my favorite moments as a sports fan came in November 2006, when I was in attendance at Madison Square Garden for a Knicks-Rockets game. That was the infamous game in which Robinson dunked on Yao Ming. The Garden went crazy, and rightfully so. Very few players can match the excitement level of Robinson. Keep up the good work, Nate!

---Uhhh, is Rashard Lewis still alive?

---I said it before, and I'll say it again: Vince Carter doesn't have a clutch gene in his body.

---Ok, here we go. Celtics. Lakers. Cue the flashbacks of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabaar and Robert Parish. This is gonna be great. Go Celtics! Beat L.A.!

---Two years ago in the Finals, the Celtics overwhelmed the Lakers with their toughness and physicality. I expect a similar occurrence this time around. The Lakers have more raw talent than Boston, but they only have four players who can be classified as tough: Kobe, Artest, Pau Gasol, and Derek Fisher. The Celtics, meanwhile, have at least eight: Rondo, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kendrick Perkins, Glen Davis, Nate Robinson, and Rasheed Wallace.

---David Stern has to be beaming with joy at the current state of his league. Sure, the playoffs haven't been rife with classic moments, but the two conference finals were very exciting, and now two storied franchises and bitter rivals are set to meet in what could very well be an all-time great series. Gotta love the awesomeness of the National Basketball Association.

---So obviously, my hope is that the Celtics sweep. Realistically, here is my final prediction: Boston in 6. Should be fun. Can't wait for Thursday night.

Random Observations: NBA Edition

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---Now we have a series. The Suns defeated the Lakers last night in Game 3 behind an epic performance from Amare Stoudamire, and can even the series with a win in Game 4.

---Stoudamire was flabbergastingly great last night. After getting pounded by fans and media alike for his lifeless efforts in Games 1 and 2, Amare was an unstoppable force in Game 3. The Lakers simply had no answer.

---Another player on Phoenix who deserves enormous credit is Robin Lopez. Lopez has instilled a much-needed tough edge to this previously soft franchise. Lopez is having a coming-out party on the national stage, and he is no longer living in brother Brook's shadow.

---And then of course, there is the great Steve Nash. After underwhelming performances in the first two games, Nash was back to his usual brilliance last night, persevering through yet another injury, this time a broken nose, courtesy of Derek Fisher's elbow. Nash is one of the toughest players the league has ever seen. How can you not love this guy? He is amazing.

---Two other players on the Suns who really impress are Jason Richardson and Jared Dudley. Dudley plays with remarkable swagger; he is a terrific player, which is somewhat surprising considering his seemingly unathletic physical appearance. And as for the always exciting Jason Richardson---he is one of my favorite players. Watching J-Rich thrive in a Suns uniform makes me long for the days when he was a Golden State Warrior. Ahh, those were the days.

---However, Channing Frye continues to suck. Maybe he and Sasha Vujacic should hang out.

---As for the Lakers, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol continue to play at an extraordinarily high level. The same cannot be said of Andrew Bynum. Phil Jackson should be deeply concerned with the glaring ineffectiveness of Bynum. There is no denying Bynum's raw talent, but he too often looks like a deer caught in headlights out there on the floor. Until he gains some confidence, he will never see stardom in the NBA.

---Memo to Derek Fisher: Cut the dirty crap. I have tremendous respect for your remarkable ability to drain clutch shot after clutch shot, but I've had enough of your thuggish tendencies on the court. Last year in the Western Conference semifinals you deliberately turned Shane Battier's head into a bloody mess, and last night you gave Steve Nash a broken nose in the final seconds of the game, when the outcome was already decided. You seem like a great guy off the court; It's time to show that same type of class on the court as well.

---I can't wait for Game 4. Go Suns!!! Beat L.A.!!!

---On to the Eastern Conference Finals now, where the Boston Celtics have sliced and diced the helpless Orlando Magic, and are one win away from a sweep.

---This series has been a testament to the incredible toughness of Doc Rivers' Celtics. Rajon Rondo continues to establish himself as an elite point guard, and Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett have re-established themselves as an elite trio after a somewhat rocky regular season. At this point, I consider the Celtics to be the favorites to win it all, and how unbelievable is that. Just a month ago, I declared this team dead and gone. That's why I love sports. You never know what is gonna come your way next.

---Now it is obviously unfair to pin the blame of Orlando's struggles solely on the shoulders of Dwight Howard, but the big man has really disappointed me in this series. Howard clearly has the most pure talent of any big man in the league, but he lacks aggressiveness and maturity. Howard plays with a jovial carelessness out there on the court, too nice and happy for his own good. He needs to adopt a far more aggressive mindset, especially on the offensive end, if he wishes to be a true leader and champion.

---Vince Carter convinced me in the regular season and in the early rounds of the playoffs that he had matured, but I guess he hasn't matured after all. V.C. still lacks that clutch gene.

---Random observation: Charles Barkley is awesome. He's one of my favorite people in the world. Gotta love the Chuckster. Anybody not watching "Inside the NBA" is truly missing out.

---If I'm the Wizards, I'm selecting Evan Turner with the number one pick. No disrespect to the supremely talented John Wall, but I think Turner has more upside and NBA potential.

---I'll end on a couple of coaching notes. First of all, congratulations to Doug Collins on being hired as the next head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. Collins is a tremendous basketball mind, and he has long been one of the very best analysts in the business. He will thrive in his new gig. With an exciting young core of Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams, the Sixers have a bright future ahead of them.

---Meanwhile, over in Cleveland, Mike Brown has been fired. In many ways, this firing is unfair, but I feel that it's a necessary move. After two straight postseason flops, both the Cavs and Mike Brown need a fresh start. If I'm Cleveland G.M. Danny Ferry, I have my eyes set on either Jeff Van Gundy or Avery Johnson.

Random Observations: Conference Finals Edition

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---And just like that, the aura of invincibility for the Magic has vanished. The Boston Celtics walked into Amway Arena and stomped all over Orlando in Game 1. Don't let that meaningless late rally fool you, a rally that made the final score of 92-88 suggest a close game. There was nothing competitive about Game 1. The Celtics were the stronger, hungrier, more focused team.

---The fact that Boston controlled Game 1 despite mediocre showings from star players Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett is especially impressive. Paul Pierce played extremely well---a terrific sign for the C's---and Rasheed Wallace continues to play superb basketball in the playoffs after a dismal regular season.

---This series is far from over---a Game 2 win puts the Magic right back in the thick of things---but Stan Van Gundy's team has some major work to do if they want to make a return trip to the Finals. Most importantly, Dwight Howard needs to play with far more intensity. There is no denying Howard's incredible athleticism and skill, but there are moments when Howard's jovial personality prevents him from taking over a basketball game. Howard is the best center in basketball, but sometimes he is just too nice and happy for his own good.

---If I'm Stan Van Gundy, I would consider playing Howard and Marcin Gortat at the same time. Gortat is the best backup in the league, and you are wasting his talent if you keep him sitting on the bench. A Howard-Gortat tandem could prevent scoring drives to the lane by Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce. I know it's unconventional, but hey, it could work.

---On to the Western Conference Finals, where I am downright giddy with excitement. I can't wait for this series. The Suns-Lakers matchup could be one of the ages. Gooooooooooooo Suns! Beat L.A.!

---For the Suns to win, they are going to have to find a way to slow down Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Go ahead and let Kobe do his thing, that's fine. But if Gasol and Bynum turn in big games, Phoenix could be in trouble.

---As for Kobe Bryant, I'd say the best plan of attack is to have Grant Hill guard him man-to-man. Hill is a wily veteran who knows how to defend, and he is capable of limiting Bryant's productivity.

---Ladies and gentleman, savor every moment Steve Nash is on the floor. Nash, who is currently wearing a ghastly black eye, courtesy of San Antonio, is one of the most exhilarating, toughest players the league has ever seen. He is a true treasure.

---You should also savor every moment Sasha Vujacic is on the floor for the Lakers, because he may well be the worst player in NBA history. I will never understand how a terrible shooter who does nothing but loiter at the three-point line gets major minutes on a championship contender. Vujacic must be Phil Jackson's son-in-law. There is no other logical explanation. I mean, the guy just sucks.

---So sit back, relax, and enjoy the glory of the NBA Conference Finals. Let the games begin!

The Man We Once Called King

We called him King. He was the best player in the game on the best team in the league. He wasn't merely the face of the franchise; he was the face of the league and the face of an entire city. The only thing missing from his accomplished resume was a championship ring, but that was almost certain to change. The Cleveland Cavaliers were the prohibitive favorites to win it all, and LeBron James was destined to lead them to the promise land.

Or so we thought. For the second consecutive season, the Cavs exited early from the playoffs after having the best record in the regular season. Last season, the woeful inadequacies of the Cavs' supporting cast was the main reason for their downfall. This year, however, the vast majority of the blame falls on the shoulders of LeBron James. Sure, it's not as if LeBron has an all-star collection of players surrounding him. But the Cavs didn't lose to the Celtics because of their supporting cast---in fact, Mo Williams and Anderson Varajao played very well in Game 6. They lost because the person whom we all assumed was the game's premier player played with a stunning lack of energy and initiative. The disappointment doesn't spring from the fact that LeBron had a couple of off-nights in Games 5 and 6. Rather, the disappointment springs from the fact that he just didn't seem to give a damn. In Games 5 and 6, LeBron was a careless admirer, seemingly more interested in his free-agent offseason than in beating the Celtics.

Here's hoping that LeBron James stays in Cleveland this offseason. Because if he bolts for New York or Chicago or New Jersey, he will have turned his back on the city of Cleveland, and the fans that have been so loyal to him over the years. LeBron James can't let his last impression in a Cavs uniform be that of a tired, punchless wanderer. LeBron James owes the city of Cleveland far more than that.

Rondo, Nash, Braden, and random observations on the wonderful world of sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---Larry Bird, Bill Russell, and John Havlicek better make room at the dinner table, because they have company. Rajon Rondo turned in one of the greatest playoff performances in Celtics playoff history---in NBA history as a matter of fact---that propelled Boston to a crucial Game 4 win over the Cavs. Rondo was simply exhilarating to watch, and his stats were absolutely astonishing. 18 rebounds for a point guard? That conjures memories of Magic Johnson.

---Rondo's magical performance---no pun intended---was far and away the signature performance by a player during these playoffs. The highlight of Rondo's game? That stupendous behind-the-back assist to Tony Allen (who also had a terrific game) that made even the great LeBron James look helpless on defense.

---I still like the Cavs to win the series, but there is definitely cause for concern in Cleveland. Despite a blowout loss in Game 3, the Celtics are playing with supreme confidence. If the Cavs are to win this series, LeBron needs to replicate the brilliance that he displayed in Game 3. That goes without saying. But King James cannot do it by himself. Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison, Anderson Varejao, and J.J. Hickson all need to be productive if the Cavs are to advance.

---The winner of the Cavs-Celtics series will have their hands full with the Orlando Magic. The Magic have unquestionably been the best team so far in these NBA playoffs, and after devouring the Bobcats and Hawks in eight consecutive games, Stan Van Gundy's team has to be considered the favorite to win it all.

---I was one of many who criticized the Magic for letting go of Hedo Turkoglu last offseason. I was also one of many who doubted the acquisition of Vince Carter. But to this point at least, Orlando has proven me wrong. Turkoglu resided in complete obscurity this year in Toronto, while Carter has seemed to overcome his past selfishness to become a superb team player. All is well right now in Orlando.

---Out West, the story of the second round was the Phoenix Suns' stunning sweep of the rival San Antonio Spurs. The overwhelming speed and athleticism of the Suns exposed the age and fatigue of the Spurs. There were several surprising heroes for Phoenix, namely Goran Dragic and Jason Richardson. Dragic delivered an all-time great fourth quarter in Game 3, while J-Rich continues to show why he is one of the game's most underrated players. When all is said and done, however, the MVP of this series was the great Steve Nash.


---Nash continues to blow my mind. The guy just keeps getting better with age. His amazing one-eyed performance in Game 4 was one for the ages, and proof of Nash's incredible toughness. Nash is better with one eye than ninety-five percent of players are with two.

---Unfortunately, this spells the end of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty. Tim Duncan's weary play in the Phoenix series served as a telling symbol of this team as a whole. After four championships, it is time for San Antonio to start rebuilding around a core of good young players, namely DeJuan Blair and George Hill, both of which have the potential to carry a franchise.

---It will be a Suns-Lakers Western Conference Finals. My full preview of that series will run later this week, but until then, let me just say the following: GO SUNS!!! BEAT L.A.!!!

---On to baseball now, where Dallas Braden threw a perfect game for the Oakland A's against Tampa Bay on Sunday. The fact that Braden, who lost his mother when he was young, threw his perfecto on Mother's Day with his grandmother in attendance made this an irresistible, deeply moving story. Congratulations Dallas Braden!

---Meanwhile in Red Sox Nation, all is not well. Don't let that win against the Yankees on Sunday night fool you. This team is in major trouble. The first thing that Terry Francona, Theo Epstein, and the rest of the Boston braintrust need to do is release David Ortiz. This will be incredibly heartbreaking and difficult, as Big Papi will long be remembered as a sports hero in Beantown. But despite a decent game at the plate last night, Ortiz seems to have lost his magic. Big Papi has already secured a spot in Cooperstown, but the Red Sox cannot let his poor play continue much longer.

---Baseball lost a true legend last week with the passing of longtime Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell. Harwell was one of the game's all-time great voices, and he is revered by the rest of his broadcasting brethren. Jon Miller, the great voice of the San Francisco Giants and voice of ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball, often tells a quote that reflects Harwell's wonderful spirit and self-deprecating sense of humor. Referring to his failed songwriting career, Harwell once said, "I had more no-hitters than Nolan Ryan." It is these moments of pure wit and joy that we will miss the most.

---In the world of horse racing, Calvin Borel continues to be a godlike presence. The jockey won his third Kentucky Derby in four years a couple of weeks ago at Churchill Downs atop Super Saver. This comes just one year after Borel was a Belmont Stakes victory away from claiming the triple crown. You can't help but root for Borel, an energetic and charming guy who is the perfect embodiment of Southern hospitality. Keep up the good work, Calvin.

---Memo to Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao: Get together and fight! You have the opportunity to save the sport of boxing. Please give the fans what they want to see.

---I will end with a comment on the sad fall from grace of Lawrence Taylor. I can't think of another start athlete besides O.J. Simpson who has had a more stunning fall than L.T. I will never understand what motivates such gifted, blessed people from throwing it all away with one mindblowingly cruel and colossally stupid decision. So sad.