Sunday, July 20, 2014
Friday, April 25, 2014
Mets use strong pitching to take series from Cardinals
The New York Mets won three of their four games
against the defending National League Champion Cardinals behind great starting
pitching.
The Mets (12-10) were able to hold the Cardinals to
a remarkable six runs in the four game series.
Jenrry Mejia started the first game, and he was
spectacular, shutting St. Louis out into the seventh inning, and only allowing
four hits. The Mets were able to get just enough hitting as they opened the
series off with a 2-0 win.
The Cardinals sent their ace Adam Wainwright to the mound
in the second game and came out with a 3-0 win to even the series. Dillon Gee
pitched well for the Mets, however the Mets weren’t able to give him any run
support.
Game three was by far the most exciting game of the
series. Things looked grim for the Mets after their first nine outs came by way
of strikeout. Michael Wacha who is just 22, was in a grove early, however he
unraveled in the fourth inning, walking in two runs.
The Mets held a 3-1 lead heading into the ninth
inning with Kyle Farnsworth coming in to save the game. With two men on base
Daniel Descalso doubled - the first runner scored easily - but there was a
fantastic play-at-the plate between Matt Carpenter and Met’s catcher Travis
d'Arnaud. Carpenter would have been the tying run, but d’Arnoud made an
unbelievable swipe tag on him to preserve the win for the Mets.
The New York Mets posted the play on their website:
In the series finale, the Mets went with Bartolo
Colon, who did not disappoint. The 40 year old pitched seven strong innings,
only allowing one run on four hits.
Former Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka came in for
the ninth inning and recorded his first save as a Met. Manager Terry Collins
was impressed enough with Matsuzaka that he is considering making him the
fulltime closer.
The Mets hope their starting pitching can hold up as
they begin a three game series against divisional rivals, the Marlins, tonight.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Best Three First Round Playoff Matchups
3) Brooklyn Nets vs Toronto Raptors
The two teams battled for the Atlantic Division title down the stretch of the season, with the Raptors ultimately edging out the Nets by four games. While that guarantees a banner in the rafters for Toronto, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are far more interested in a second round series verse Lebron James and the Heat.
The Nets were able to avoid disaster this season unlike their crosstown rivals, the Knicks. The Raptors on the other end were a pleasant surprise this year, winning with a group of relatively unknown players who went out and competed every night. Demar Derozan proved that he could be the team's go-to scorer, after the Raptors parted ways with Rudy Gay.
For the Nets, Pierce showed he still has some gas in the tank. His ability to score along with Joe Johnson's, and Andrei Kirilenko's defensive skills makes the Nets a dangerous team.
The most important matchup in the series will be between the two teams' point guards. Kyle Lowry had a breakout season in Toronto, averaging a career highs in both points (17.9) and assists (7.4). Deron Williams is having one of the worst statistical seasons of his career. However the three time all-star still sets the tone for Brooklyn, and his ability to both score and create shots for some of his older teammates will have a big impact on the series. Lowry shared his thoughts on how to guard Williams with YES.
2) Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder
These teams are no strangers, they have met in the second round of the playoffs in two of the past three seasons; with each team winning once. The Thunder will be looking for revenge as the Grizzles took out the reigning Western Conference champions in five games last season. The Thunder were without all-star point guard Russell Westbrook, who will certainly be making a major impact on this series.
The Thunder have to be considered one of the favorites to win the West; but this is an unfavorable matchup for the two seed. The Grizzles are said to play playoff basketball all season long, that being a slowed down game relying on execution in their half court offense.
If Marc Gasol - last year's Defensive Player of the Year - is able to discourage enough drives and alter enough shots by Westbrook and Durant, the Grizzles may have a shot at the upset. However we know that on certain nights it doesn't matter what kind of defense a team is playing, Durant will get his points.
The Grizzles went 37-15 after getting off to a slow start, and are a far better seven seed than we are accustomed to seeing, even in the West. But with the Thunder at full strength, it will be difficult for the Grizzles to have the same success they enjoyed against them last year.
1) Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles
This will undoubtedly be the most exciting series to watch in the first round. The matchup of Lob City taking on the Splash Brothers has fans around the league salivating. The Clippers are a trendy pick to reach the NBA Finals, however they will certainly be tested by the Warriors in the first round.
Blake Griffin has been mentioned in the MVP conversation, (not to win of course, but getting consideration for coming in third isn't bad) and Chris Paul is still the best point guard in the league. Combine that with the league leader in blocks and field goal percentage in DeAndre Jordan and potential Sixth Man of the Year in Jordan Crawford, and you've got a heck of a team. The team also seems to have bought in to playing defense under Doc Rivers, making the Clippers a legitimate title contender.
All that being said, the Warriors have a very nice roster themselves. The loss of defensive anchor, Andrew Bogut certainly hurts the Warriors chances of pulling off the upset, but doesn't end them. Golden State has one of the best home court advantages in the league, which should propel them to at least one or two home wins. If feeling confident, who knows, maybe they could win an game in LA.
I am not necessarily picking this as the best matchup because it's the most likely to go to seven game (it's not). I'm picking it because of the entertainment value. Whats better than watching Curry go bananas from three? Or Griffin and Jordan getting out in transition with Paul?
This is what happened the last time the two teams met in March.
The two teams battled for the Atlantic Division title down the stretch of the season, with the Raptors ultimately edging out the Nets by four games. While that guarantees a banner in the rafters for Toronto, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are far more interested in a second round series verse Lebron James and the Heat.
The Nets were able to avoid disaster this season unlike their crosstown rivals, the Knicks. The Raptors on the other end were a pleasant surprise this year, winning with a group of relatively unknown players who went out and competed every night. Demar Derozan proved that he could be the team's go-to scorer, after the Raptors parted ways with Rudy Gay.
For the Nets, Pierce showed he still has some gas in the tank. His ability to score along with Joe Johnson's, and Andrei Kirilenko's defensive skills makes the Nets a dangerous team.
The most important matchup in the series will be between the two teams' point guards. Kyle Lowry had a breakout season in Toronto, averaging a career highs in both points (17.9) and assists (7.4). Deron Williams is having one of the worst statistical seasons of his career. However the three time all-star still sets the tone for Brooklyn, and his ability to both score and create shots for some of his older teammates will have a big impact on the series. Lowry shared his thoughts on how to guard Williams with YES.
2) Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder
These teams are no strangers, they have met in the second round of the playoffs in two of the past three seasons; with each team winning once. The Thunder will be looking for revenge as the Grizzles took out the reigning Western Conference champions in five games last season. The Thunder were without all-star point guard Russell Westbrook, who will certainly be making a major impact on this series.
The Thunder have to be considered one of the favorites to win the West; but this is an unfavorable matchup for the two seed. The Grizzles are said to play playoff basketball all season long, that being a slowed down game relying on execution in their half court offense.
If Marc Gasol - last year's Defensive Player of the Year - is able to discourage enough drives and alter enough shots by Westbrook and Durant, the Grizzles may have a shot at the upset. However we know that on certain nights it doesn't matter what kind of defense a team is playing, Durant will get his points.
The Grizzles went 37-15 after getting off to a slow start, and are a far better seven seed than we are accustomed to seeing, even in the West. But with the Thunder at full strength, it will be difficult for the Grizzles to have the same success they enjoyed against them last year.
1) Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles
This will undoubtedly be the most exciting series to watch in the first round. The matchup of Lob City taking on the Splash Brothers has fans around the league salivating. The Clippers are a trendy pick to reach the NBA Finals, however they will certainly be tested by the Warriors in the first round.
Blake Griffin has been mentioned in the MVP conversation, (not to win of course, but getting consideration for coming in third isn't bad) and Chris Paul is still the best point guard in the league. Combine that with the league leader in blocks and field goal percentage in DeAndre Jordan and potential Sixth Man of the Year in Jordan Crawford, and you've got a heck of a team. The team also seems to have bought in to playing defense under Doc Rivers, making the Clippers a legitimate title contender.
All that being said, the Warriors have a very nice roster themselves. The loss of defensive anchor, Andrew Bogut certainly hurts the Warriors chances of pulling off the upset, but doesn't end them. Golden State has one of the best home court advantages in the league, which should propel them to at least one or two home wins. If feeling confident, who knows, maybe they could win an game in LA.
I am not necessarily picking this as the best matchup because it's the most likely to go to seven game (it's not). I'm picking it because of the entertainment value. Whats better than watching Curry go bananas from three? Or Griffin and Jordan getting out in transition with Paul?
This is what happened the last time the two teams met in March.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
NBA's Mt. Rushmore: Constructing the Mountain
The NBA's all-time Mt. Rushmore has been a topic of much debate over the past few weeks. Stories have been popping up almost daily of a former or current NBA great giving his opinion on who should be placed on the theoretical hunk of rock.
Before giving my version of NBA's Mt. Rushmore, lets look at what the criteria should be to make the cut. There are two main factors, a) Basketball skill and on court achievements, and b) Lasting impact on basketball as a whole. Obviously there can be a number of subcategories for each, but those are the two crucial elements for deciding.
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln all fit the description in their respective terms. Those being a) presidential achievements, and b) impact on the country. Each of the presidents had a great on-the-job achievement, which had a substantial impact on the country as a whole. Washington helped create a national government and was Commander and Chief in the Revolutionary War, Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, Roosevelt improved US foreign affairs, and Lincoln won the Civil War and put an end to slavery in America among other things for each. Every member of the original Mt. Rushmore had glory during their time, and their greatness is still widely appreciated years later.
These are the things we need to look for in regards to naming an NBA Mt. Rushmore. Lebron James sparked the Mt. Rushmore conversation when he announced his version of it during an interview at All-Star Weekend. James listed Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Oscar Robertson.
Lets use this as a starting point. Michael Jordan is on everyone's Mt. Rushmore, and is the only definite member from James' list. Jordan's on court achievements of six NBA Championships and five MVPs make him a lock. The impact he has had on basketball is also greater than any other player's in history. Do I really need to argue a case for Jordan? So we have our first member of four. (1) MICHAEL JORDAN.
The other three spots are all up for debate. To make things easier, I narrowed it down to eight players, who I feel are in the discussion for one of the three remaining spots. Again, factoring in on court greatness, and lasting impact on basketball.
The eight are: Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Julius Erving, Kobe Bryant, and Oscar Robertson. *Not considering Lebron James because he has a substantial part of his career ahead of him.
My Mt. Rushmore is to be a well balanced, and diplomatic one. A player from each decade would be ideal, but will not restrict myself to that as a rule. There also needs to be representation from both the Celtics and the Lakers, as they are the NBA's two truly great organizations. Think of it in terms of an NCAA tournament selection, the Celtics and Lakers get automatic bids. Jordan already has one of the two at-larges.
The player who I feel is the most deserving of the Laker's automatic bid is (2) WILT CHAMBERLAIN. I know Jabbar is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, and Magic was most likely the games greatest sportsman. But Wilt was just an absolute freak on the court. The man averaged 50 points and 27 rebounds a game in 1962. He also score 60 points in a game 32 times! No other player has scored 60 more than 5 times (Jordan and Bryant have both done it 5 times). Winning four MVPa and two Championships legitimizes his on court achievements requirement. Impact wise, Wilt is deserving too, he has his no. 13 jersey retired by three different teams (Lakers, Bucks, and 76ers). Wilt was a phenom coming out of Kansas as well, being highly talked about throughout his college career. Lets not forget Wilt's other NBA record, which would be reason enough to earn him a sport on Rushmore.
Now for who the Celtic who is the most deserving of having his face chiseled into a South Dakota cliff. (3) BILL RUSSELL with his 11 championships and 5 MVPs represents Boston. Eleven and five meet, if not exceed the qualifications to make the mountain. He was also a defensive monster,and anchor to potentially the greatest dynasty in American sports history, winning eight championsips with the Celts from 1959-1966. Impact wise, he is revered and respected by everyone who ever speaks about him publicly. Russell averaged 20+ rebounds in 10 of his 13 NBA seasons. Impact wise, he is still an influential part of the Celtic's franchise, mentoring Kevin Garnett at times, while Garnett played for Boston. He was also the first name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar pointed out as missing on Lebron James' list. Russell's impact is obvious, as he still has the respect of current and former NBA greats alike.
The fourth and final spot is a tossup amongst who I feel are the three most legendary remaining players of the eight I listed. Those being Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. There really is no wrong choice here, but I'll make the case for mine.
The fourth and final spot on my Mt. Rushmore of basketball is (4) LARRY BIRD. It is hard to make a case for any of these three against the other. Each were college superstars, each one multiple MVPs and championships, and each have had substantial impacts on the game of basketball. What hurts Jabbar for making my list, is that I already have two centers on it. And like I said, I want a well-balanced mountain. Bird gets the nod over Johnson, well mostly because I like Bird more and this is my Mt. Rushmore.
Bird was a three time MVP and three time NBA champion. While he is mostly remembered for his shooting, Bird was one of the greatest passing forwards of all-time. Also being a 6'9 lanky, and lacking ideal NBA athleticism (putting it nicely) he still averaged 10 rebounds a game for his career. Bird was an absolute wizard on the court, averaging 28.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in his best statistical year in 1985. He was also the best player on what some consider to be the best team of all-time, the 1985-86 Celtics. A team that won 67 games including going 40-1 at home. Bird and Magic's joint role of bringing the NBA to prominence in the 80's cements his impact. Bird also coached the Indiana Pacers to an Eastern Conference championship in 2000 to boot.
Oscar Robertson only has one ring and one MVP. Julius Ervin's overall career statistics fall short of the four I named. And Kobe Bryant is just a slight level beneath them as well. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar would be the fifth if there could be five.
So in case you only skimmed this, my Mt. Rushmore of Basketball is: Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and Larry Bird.
Before giving my version of NBA's Mt. Rushmore, lets look at what the criteria should be to make the cut. There are two main factors, a) Basketball skill and on court achievements, and b) Lasting impact on basketball as a whole. Obviously there can be a number of subcategories for each, but those are the two crucial elements for deciding.
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln all fit the description in their respective terms. Those being a) presidential achievements, and b) impact on the country. Each of the presidents had a great on-the-job achievement, which had a substantial impact on the country as a whole. Washington helped create a national government and was Commander and Chief in the Revolutionary War, Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, Roosevelt improved US foreign affairs, and Lincoln won the Civil War and put an end to slavery in America among other things for each. Every member of the original Mt. Rushmore had glory during their time, and their greatness is still widely appreciated years later.
These are the things we need to look for in regards to naming an NBA Mt. Rushmore. Lebron James sparked the Mt. Rushmore conversation when he announced his version of it during an interview at All-Star Weekend. James listed Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Oscar Robertson.
Lets use this as a starting point. Michael Jordan is on everyone's Mt. Rushmore, and is the only definite member from James' list. Jordan's on court achievements of six NBA Championships and five MVPs make him a lock. The impact he has had on basketball is also greater than any other player's in history. Do I really need to argue a case for Jordan? So we have our first member of four. (1) MICHAEL JORDAN.
The other three spots are all up for debate. To make things easier, I narrowed it down to eight players, who I feel are in the discussion for one of the three remaining spots. Again, factoring in on court greatness, and lasting impact on basketball.
The eight are: Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Julius Erving, Kobe Bryant, and Oscar Robertson. *Not considering Lebron James because he has a substantial part of his career ahead of him.
My Mt. Rushmore is to be a well balanced, and diplomatic one. A player from each decade would be ideal, but will not restrict myself to that as a rule. There also needs to be representation from both the Celtics and the Lakers, as they are the NBA's two truly great organizations. Think of it in terms of an NCAA tournament selection, the Celtics and Lakers get automatic bids. Jordan already has one of the two at-larges.
The player who I feel is the most deserving of the Laker's automatic bid is (2) WILT CHAMBERLAIN. I know Jabbar is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, and Magic was most likely the games greatest sportsman. But Wilt was just an absolute freak on the court. The man averaged 50 points and 27 rebounds a game in 1962. He also score 60 points in a game 32 times! No other player has scored 60 more than 5 times (Jordan and Bryant have both done it 5 times). Winning four MVPa and two Championships legitimizes his on court achievements requirement. Impact wise, Wilt is deserving too, he has his no. 13 jersey retired by three different teams (Lakers, Bucks, and 76ers). Wilt was a phenom coming out of Kansas as well, being highly talked about throughout his college career. Lets not forget Wilt's other NBA record, which would be reason enough to earn him a sport on Rushmore.
Now for who the Celtic who is the most deserving of having his face chiseled into a South Dakota cliff. (3) BILL RUSSELL with his 11 championships and 5 MVPs represents Boston. Eleven and five meet, if not exceed the qualifications to make the mountain. He was also a defensive monster,and anchor to potentially the greatest dynasty in American sports history, winning eight championsips with the Celts from 1959-1966. Impact wise, he is revered and respected by everyone who ever speaks about him publicly. Russell averaged 20+ rebounds in 10 of his 13 NBA seasons. Impact wise, he is still an influential part of the Celtic's franchise, mentoring Kevin Garnett at times, while Garnett played for Boston. He was also the first name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar pointed out as missing on Lebron James' list. Russell's impact is obvious, as he still has the respect of current and former NBA greats alike.
The fourth and final spot is a tossup amongst who I feel are the three most legendary remaining players of the eight I listed. Those being Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. There really is no wrong choice here, but I'll make the case for mine.
The fourth and final spot on my Mt. Rushmore of basketball is (4) LARRY BIRD. It is hard to make a case for any of these three against the other. Each were college superstars, each one multiple MVPs and championships, and each have had substantial impacts on the game of basketball. What hurts Jabbar for making my list, is that I already have two centers on it. And like I said, I want a well-balanced mountain. Bird gets the nod over Johnson, well mostly because I like Bird more and this is my Mt. Rushmore.
Bird was a three time MVP and three time NBA champion. While he is mostly remembered for his shooting, Bird was one of the greatest passing forwards of all-time. Also being a 6'9 lanky, and lacking ideal NBA athleticism (putting it nicely) he still averaged 10 rebounds a game for his career. Bird was an absolute wizard on the court, averaging 28.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in his best statistical year in 1985. He was also the best player on what some consider to be the best team of all-time, the 1985-86 Celtics. A team that won 67 games including going 40-1 at home. Bird and Magic's joint role of bringing the NBA to prominence in the 80's cements his impact. Bird also coached the Indiana Pacers to an Eastern Conference championship in 2000 to boot.
Oscar Robertson only has one ring and one MVP. Julius Ervin's overall career statistics fall short of the four I named. And Kobe Bryant is just a slight level beneath them as well. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar would be the fifth if there could be five.
So in case you only skimmed this, my Mt. Rushmore of Basketball is: Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and Larry Bird.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
What Happened to the Knicks?
It is almost hard to believe how much the New York Knicks have regressed from last season.
Last regular season, the Knicks finished second in the Eastern Conference, winning an impressive 54 games, including going 3-1 over the eventual NBA Champions, the Miami Heat.
After winning their first playoff series since 2000, Knick's fans had high expectations coming into the 2013-2014 season. Over the past couple of years in the Eastern Conference, only two teams had separated themselves from the pack, the Heat and the Pacers. With injuries to Derrick Rose the past two seasons, the Bulls have fallen from the ranks of top contenders in the East. With that, there was certainly an opportunity for the Knicks to establish themselves as one of the East's premier teams with another good year.
However as we know, that did not happen. The Knicks have struggled all season, only showing rare glimpses of being the team many thought they were capable of being. The Knicks are now 14 games below .500, and hopes for claiming the eighth seed in the playoffs grow slimmer with each passing game.
It may still be a bit premature to completely write off the Knicks, considering how bad the East is. Nonetheless, they have greatly underachieved and a look at some of the reasons why this season was a disappointment may help (or hurt) the grieving process for fans.
Firstly, the losses of key reserves from the 2012-2013 campaign have been overlooked. Jason Kidd, Steve Novak, and Chris Copeland, were all instrumental during stretches of last season. In a league where being able to stretch the floor and make threes is growing ever more important, the Knicks had shooters. The lack of bench production has mostly been blamed on Jr Smith's lack of professionalism, and Amare Stoudemire's lack of knees. No longer having a number of shot makers off the bench has held back the Knicks from reaching the success of a year ago.
There are certainly other problems that have lead to the Knicks shortcomings, beside losing a few useful roll players. Head Coach Mike Woodson has to take much of the blame. Even during the playoffs last season, the Knicks had befuddling defensive breakdowns. Unlike the good three point shooting, the defense breakdowns did carry over from last season. According to stats.nba.com, the Knicks have the 27th ranked defense in the NBA. This is unforgivable for a coach who is known for being defensive minded.
The problems on the defensive end can largely be attributed to Tyson Chandler being injured for much of the season. However, blow-bys, and late rotations still occur with Chandler. The problem is the lack of discipline, and players not being on the same page. That screams poor coaching.
It is also very difficult to win in today's game without good point guard play, which is something the Knicks certainly do not have.
Last season Raymond Felton was arguably the second most important player to the Knicks offense. Penetrating and kicking to shooters, setting up Chandler for lobs, and being another threat off the dribble, Pablo Prigioni excelled in his role as a defensive minded spark of energy off the bench. But with Felton hurt and returning out of shape, the Knicks have struggled to find a solid primary ball handler, often making Carmelo Anthony work even harder to get himself going offensively.
Carmelo Anthony is one player who has done his part this season.
Anthony has been an elite player for the better part of a decade, and he is proving that again this year. He is one of the games great talents in the prime of his career, who makes plays that few others can. When the going gets tough for teams, they often look to their best player, and Anthony has responded. Anthony is putting together another stellar season having games where has looked as good as any player in the league. For the unbiased basketball fan, watching the Knicks brings feelings of sympathy for the Brooklyn native.
As for the future, who knows? Smart teams usually build through the draft. The Knicks have been trying to figure out how to be relevant since Patrick Ewing retired (Ewing, mind you, who they got through the draft) And naturally, the Knicks do not have a pick in this years draft, which is loaded with talent.
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