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.

Magic in Milwaukee

There is something remarkable brewing in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Bucks, the six-seed in the East in these NBA playoffs, are one win away from closing out the Hawks and advancing to the second round to face the Magic. Fresh off the heels of an exhilarating comeback win on the road in Game 5 against Atlanta, the Bucks are a virtual lock to win Game 6 in front of a raucous home crowd, especially considering the astonishing road futility of the Hawks. If they do win on Friday night, it will be an awesome achievement, and a testament to this team's unyielding heart and tenacity.

Watching last night's game, the discrepancy in effort between the two teams was staggering. On one side, you had a Hawks team plagued with chemistry and confidence issues, a team that looks thoroughly dejected after something doesn't go their way. One the other side, you had Ersan Ilyasova diving for loose ball after loose ball, you had rookie phenom Brandon Jennings playing with the fearlessness of a wily veteran, you had Carlos Delfino draining an incredibly clutch three as if he's Robert-Freakin-Horry. When the Hawks held a double-digit lead late in the fourth quarter, the easy thing to do would have been to quit and look ahead to Game 6. But the Bucks kept plugging away, and they were rewarded with one of the grittiest, most impressive wins in recent playoff memory.

The Bucks may not last very long in these playoffs----they will again be the heavy underdog if they advance to play Orlando----but basketball fans should savor every moment Milwaukee steps onto the hardwood. Because what Scott Skiles has done with this team is nothing short of amazing.

NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Series-by-Series Breakdown

The 2010 NBA Playoffs commence tomorrow afternoon, and this year's slate of postseason action promises to be mindblowingly scintillating, especially out West, where the pack is loaded with true contenders. With no further ado, here is my series-by-series breakdown:



WEST



1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. 8 Oklahoma City Thunder



The defending champs have played sluggish, complacent basketball for much of the last month. In order to persevere through the challenging Western conference and make a return to the NBA Finals, the Lakers are going to have to play with the type of inspired energy and fearless swagger that defined their 2009 playoff run. L.A. better start playing solid basketball A.S.A.P., because the eighth-seeded Thunder will give them everything they can handle. One could argue that the Thunder are the most fun team to watch in the NBA. Led by the amazing Kevin Durant, with assistance from superb young players Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green, and James Harden, Oklahoma City is intimidated by no team. Of course, I'm picking the Lakers to win the series, especially if guys like Lamar Odom and Ron Artest can be productive and support big guns Kobe, Gasol, and Bynum. But nothing would make me happier than to see the Thunder pull off the shocking upset. Those of you calling for a Lakers sweep are sorely misguided; this series will be far more competitive than people think.



PREDICTION: Lakers in 6



2 Dallas Mavericks vs. 7 San Antonio Spurs



A couple of months ago, I would have said the Mavs in an easy walk. There would have been no way that the seemingly decaying Spurs, led by the seemingly past-their prime players Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli, and Tony Parker, would be able to stop Dirk Nowitzki, Caron Butler, Jason Kidd, and the Mavs. Ah, but that was two months ago. The Spurs have had a late-season resurgence, thanks in large part to the dominating play of Manu Ginobli. I think San Antonio will push Dallas to the brink in what will be a wildly entertaining series. Watch out, Dallas.

PREDICTION: Spurs in 7

3 Phoenix Suns vs. 6 Portland Trail Blazers

I don't know if there is a more unlucky franchise in all of sports than the Portland Trail Blazers. A couple of years ago, the city of Portland was ecstatic in celebration when they picked Greg Oden, the dominant center from Ohio State, as the top pick in the NBA Draft. Oden was surely going to bring a championship to the Rose City. No doubt about it. Three years later, Oden is an incessantly injury-plagued flop. This season, even without Oden, the Blazers were poised to make a deep run into the playoffs. Last week, however, it was revealed that Brandon Roy would miss the entire playoffs due to a knee injury. You can't help but feel bad for the Blazers. They will still be competitive in this series----they have major talent even without Roy, and Nate McMillan is a superb coach----but it is hard to imagine them beating the Suns four times in the span of two weeks. Phoenix is rolling right now. Steve Nash is an ageless magician out there on the floor, conjuring memories of Pete Maravich. And for the first time in a long time, Amare Stoudamire is playing with boundless energy, unburdened by any distracting trade rumors.

PREDICTION: Suns in 6

4 Denver Nuggets vs. 5 Utah Jazz

And I save the best for last. Oh my, what an unbelievable series this will be, so good in fact, that I think the winner of this series will go on to reach the NBA Finals. Ladies and gentleman, I would be surprised if this series does not go the full seven. Both teams are evenly matched. One hand, you have Chauncey Billups, Carmelo Anthony, J.R. Smith, and the Nuggets. On the other, you have Deron Williams, Andrei Kirilenko, Carlos Boozer, and the Jazz. The only advantage that I can pinpoint is the coaching. No disrespect to Adrian Dantley, who is a more-than-capable replacement for the recovering George Karl (Best wishes to Karl and his family, by the way), but Jerry Sloan is one of the all-time greats. Other than that, this series is a total toss-up. I'll go with Denver, simply because they have home court, something that is worth noting to due to Utah's proclivity to struggle away from Salt Lake City.

PREDICTION: Nuggets in 7

And before we leave, here is my quick take on the East side of things:

Cavs over Bulls in 4......Easy call.

Magic over Bobcats in 6......I'm excited for this series; Charlotte better than people realize.

Hawks over Bucks in 5......Bright lights too overwhelming for young Bucks.

Heat over Celtics in 6......Halftime is now called Nap Time for the Celtics.

Lefty, Ginobli, Lincecum. 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:

---Congratulations to your 2010 Masters Champion, Phil Mickelson. Lefty earned his third Green Jacket with a stunning array of clutch, fearless shots down the stretch at Augusta.

---I have never been a huge fan of Mickelson, but one cannot help but feel happy for the guy after his triumph on Sunday. Ever since his wife was diagnosed with cancer, Lefty has handled himself with distinguished grace and class. This win was for her.

---Mickelson's third Masters victory and fourth major championship overall puts him in very esteemed historical position. Welcome to the Top 15 of all-time, Lefty.

---As for Tiger, well, his comeback was both fascinating and predictable. It was undeniably compelling to watch Tiger's return to golf, but did anybody actually expect him not to contend at Augusta? The guy remains one of the greatest athletes of all-time. No sex scandal can change that.

---However, one thing is really starting to bother me about Mr. Woods, and that is his aloof, distant nature. It's about time Tiger starts showing some genuine charm and good humor to his millions of loyal fans across the world. I'm getting tired of the cold, charmless Tiger, the guy who throws clubs after every errant shot. It's time for Tiger to undergo a personality transformation. The game of golf, and the world of sports, would be better for it.

---One last golf note: Don't sleep on young Anthony Kim. This guy has a huge future ahead of him. He will undoubtedly be donning a few green jackets in the future.

---On to the NBA now, where the Lakers are falling faster than Jesse James' popularity.

---Sure, the Lakers have already clinched the top seed, but in the stacked and loaded West, they cannot be happy with the way they are playing as the playoffs approach. That sound you hear, it's the sound of the entire metropolis of Los Angeles holding its' collective breath.

---The Western Conference portion of the playoffs is bound to be one for the ages. I can't recall the last time so many teams had a legitimate shot at reaching the Finals. In addition to the Lakers, you've got Dirk and the Mavs, Carmelo and the Nuggets, D-Will and the Jazz, Nash and the Suns, Roy and the Blazers, Ginobli and the Spurs, and Durant and the Thunder. Buckle up, folks. We are in for one hell of a ride.

---The team that has impressed me the most in recent weeks has been the surging San Antonio Spurs. Weeks ago I declared Gregg Popovich's team old and dead, but Manu Ginobli has led the team back into contention. Even if the Spurs land the 8-seed, they will push the Lakers to six or seven games.

---Out East, a Cavs appearance in the Finals is no longer a certainty. LeBron maintains his brilliance, and Cleveland still has the best team, but the Magic are knocking on their door. I smell a preview of last year's Eastern Conference Finals. We are going to have a super showdown out East.

---Baseball is back, and I am giddy with excitement regarding the superb start of my San Francisco Giants. Tim Lincecum has been brilliant in his first two starts, new acquisitions Mark DeRosa and Aubrey Huff have made strong first impressions, and Edgar Renteria has been on fire to start the season. Goooooooooooooooo Giants!!!!!!!!!!! (Now back to regularly scheduled, unbiased programming).

---One team that has every reason to worry is the Los Angeles Angels. The Halos have been the class of the AL West for almost the last decade, but this year poses serious danger for Mike Scoiscia's team. Despite the welcome addition of Hideki Matsui, the Angels appear to be the worst team in the division right now. One can safely assume that the Angels will be able to eventually surpass the A's with relative ease, but I'm not sure they will be able to keep up with the Mariners and Rangers in the AL West race.

---I'll end on an NFL note: The Philadelphia Eagles are absolute morons for trading Donovan McNabb to the division rival Washington Redskins. Need I say more?