Canadian Sun Set, or Miami On Ice?

by Rob King

Dr. James Naismith would be proud to see the remarkable run of his fellow country man and regular season MVP Steve Nash. Over the past four games Canadian son, Steve Nash surpassed Oscar Robertson and Michael Jordan, becoming the first player in NBA history with four consecutive playoff games of at least 25 points and 10 assists. The nasty Nash show recorded this feat in the final two contests of the Dallas series and the first two games of the Conference finals against San Antonio.

Nash’s run will conclude quickly unless Phoenix can rise from the ashes and get back into their Western Conference series with the Spurs that resumes tonight. After dropping the first two games on their home floor, the Suns are confronted with the challenge of having to win tonight to prevent the Spurs from putting a stranglehold on the series.

Before the series the Suns knew they would struggle stopping Spurs All-NBA center Tim Duncan and international ballers, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. The Suns who graduated from the “best defense being a good offense” school have no answer for Tim Duncan. Even injured, Duncan has had monster games in this series against the Suns. Phoenix has also struggled containing legitimate scoring threats Parker and Ginobli. Duncan, Parker and Ginobili have combined for 157 points in the first two games.

Phoenix will struggle containing the Spurs big three but the Suns can still win provided they eliminate offensive contributions from San Antonio subs Robert Horry and Brent Barry. Barry hit big shots off the bench down the stretch in game one and Horry provided leadership and three point daggers from the pine in game two.

The Spurs have received valuable contributions from role players Bruce Bowen and Nazr Mohammed. Bowen has shut down Suns forward Shawn “Matrix” Marion. The Matrix has averaged 7 points in the series primarily because of Bowen’s defensive pressure. Isiah Thomas better hit a homerun with the first round pick he received along with Malik Rose for Nazr Mohammed because his strong pivot play in this series makes the trade look lopsided.

The Spurs have struggled in this series on the defensive end. Suns center Amare Stoudemire has averaged almost 40 points a game in the first two contests. Along with Nash, he has given the San Antonio fits on defense. However the Spurs have done a brilliant job shutting down the Matrix and limiting Quentin Richardson and Jim Jackson’s scoring contribution.

Suns shooting guard Joe Johnson’s return from an eye injury sustained during the second round means Jim Jackson can return to his sixth man role. With Sun’s coach Mike D’Antoni’s short bench it is critical that the Suns receive offensive firepower and toughness from Jackson as well as reserve center Stephen Hunter. The Suns will receive a boost from the return of swingman Joe Johnson, who will play with protective face gear. However it’s going to take more than a masked man to keep the Suns from setting in this series.

San Antonio’s fourth quarter execution has been nearly flawless in the first two games. The Spurs have combined to shoot 72% from the field in the final periods of the first two games. Phoenix must play defense down the stretch if they expect to play basketball in June.

For the first two rounds of the playoffs Miami’s Superman, Flash and the Hulk escaped Nets and banished Wizards without struggle. The Hulk and Flash even finished the Wizards off without Superman’s assistance. Following one confrontation with the “Bad Boys” of Detroit, it was obvious that Miami needed a super effort to defeat this foe.

After losing game one and home court advantage in their showdown for Eastern Conference supremacy against the Pistons, Dwayne Wade aka "Flash" made sure Miami avoided further peril by pouring in 40 points in the Heat’s 92-86 victory in game two.

Wade’s super effort Wednesday night saved the series for the Heat. With games three and four in Motown Sunday and Tuesday, the Pistons would have been poised to put Miami on ice.

Flash was ably assisted by Alonzo Mourning aka "The Hulk" played big off the bench in game two. Mourning provided passion early in the game and a defensive presence with 2 key blocks late in the contest.

Three-time playoff MVP, Shaquille O’Neal aka "Superman" poured in 17 points grabbed 10 boards, but could muster little of his typical playoff dominance due to his thigh injury. Despite D-Wade’s dazzling performance, it was the Pistons pathetic offensive execution down the stretch that prevented them from stealing game two. The three-point shots that fell for Detroit during their third quarter comeback from a double digit deficit didn’t drop for them in the final minutes of the fourth frame. Detroit went cold from the floor missing 6 of their final 7 shots including several ill-advised attempts.

Miami needs Shaq to dominate if they hope to escape the Palace with a win or two because it’s doubtful Wade will run amuck in the Pistons’ place like he did game two in South Beach. D-Wade shot 15-28 from field and made all 10 of his free throws in game two against Detroit’s vaunted defense. In games three and four expect Pistons’ defensive stopper Tayshaun Prince to contain Wade’s penetration and limit his visits to the foul line.

The Pistons balanced offense and suffocating defense should be operating on all cylinders in front of the home faithful as Detroit looks to put Miami in the rear view mirror of their drive to the NBA finals. The heat is on Shaquille O’Neal and his “super friends” to prevent the Pistons from playing the NBA’s version of the NFL's “Patriot Games”.

2 Err On The Side of Crushing

by Guichard Cadet

Last night was like déja-vu all over again, or Reality Redux. Or, Groundhog Day. The New York Mets have committed 2 game-losing errors in 3 of the last 4 games. The culprits are the new usual suspects: David Wright and Jose Reyes. No doubt Kaz Matsui would have joined the festival had he played last night.

The Mets young infielders rank either 2nd or 3rd in National League total number of errors committed for their respective positions. Even if we take into account the fielding range Reyes and Wright have shown, these mistakes will serve as the team’s undoing.

It is easy to play ‘Chicken Little’ and exclaim the season over, because these past losses are a stark reminder of last year’s lost season when the infielders committed errors at inopportune moments. When starting pitchers rarely went past five innings, often spotting opponents early runs. When relievers failed to provide reassurance that the other team will not get another insurance run.

The stark difference between these recent losses and last year’s: one really felt the Mets would win these games with late inning heroics. Though manager Willie Randolph sees the errors as growing pains, some of the plays are signs the young infielders are not throwing caution to the wind, and have instead adopted a reckless streak in their approach to the game.

On Sunday, Wright mishandled a ball with the back of his glove. Two batters later, Reyes botched the catch on what seemed to be a routine double-play. As he pirouetted before securing the ball, he lost his balance. The NY Yankees would take the lead and the Mets would go on to lose the game and the Subway Series 2 games to 1.

Last night against the Atlanta Braves, both players made similar fielding errors, negating their hitting contributions. Wright saved a double when he fielded a sharply hit ball, then he tried to make the impossible play of throwing the batter out at first, negating a night in which he hit a homerun, had 3 hits and 3 RBI’s. Reyes let a simple groundball go under his glove and between his legs. He counter his error by hitting a triple and scoring a run. The team never gave up but a late game rally fizzled into another loss.

To say the losses fall squarely on their shoulders would be simplistic. The Mets’ season has been hit hard with injuries, erratic pitching, and inconsistent hitting in which they rely too heavily on the long ball, thereby leaving them unable to use their speed on the bases. The team continues a difficult stretch that has seen them lose series 2 to 1 to the Cubs, Cardinals and Yankees; beat the Brewers 2 to 1; and sweeping 3 games from the Reds.

Mathematically, the Mets have to maintain a pace of winning at least two-thirds of their non-divisional games to have a realistic chance at a wildcard playoff spot. By winning about 54 (out of 81) games out of the NL East, they only have to win half of their divisional games to finish with 90 or more games.

With no team sprinting away with the national league, the race for the wild card spot could be a dead heat until season’s end. After 45 games (23-22 record), the Mets have accomplished the .500 divisional percentage, yet they find themselves 4 games out of first place.

The current series against Atlanta and the upcoming one against the Florida Marlins will determine whether the Mets can even dream of competing for the division. After the Marlins series, the Mets next 18 games are against the western teams of both leagues.

Though the calendar will read June, this stretch is as close to season-making as you can get this early in the year.

Playoffs wrap-up: Three The Hard Way

by Rob King

Three is the magic number in the NBA conference semifinals. In D.C. without the services of three-time Finals MVP Shaquille O’Neal, the Miami Heat led by number 3, Dwyane Wade sent the Wizards' big three of Gilbert Arenas, Larry Hughes and Antawn Jamison fishing, following two spectacular performances in games three, and four.

It’s now obvious where the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion obtained their brain, heart and courage. All items came courtesy of the Washington Wizards who played the Miami Heat without all three. Now they’re off to the Land of Oz after melting under intense playoff Heat.

Now the Miami Heat rest as the three remaining conference semifinal series play out. Miami needs Shaq to regain his typical three-second lane dominance as they prepare for a probable showdown with the men from Motown, led by their own number 3, NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Ben Wallace.

Three hotly-contested conference semifinal series will culminate this week with three teams continuing seasons and three teams concluding them with three more series on the horizon before a champion is crowned.

The defending champion Pistons keep browning out but will eventually outpace Indiana. The Detroit Pistons are clearly the better squad but a combination of overconfidence and failing to respond to Coach Larry Brown’s commands are allowing Coach Carlisle’s charges to remain competitive. I don’t see the Pacers surviving past game six but another Pistons' brownout could set up a decisive game seven.

The San Antonio Spurs departed Seattle winless after dropping two games to the Supersonics. Supported by poor San Antonio foul shooting, the Sonics held off the Spurs for a one point victory in game three. In game 4 the Sonics made sure San Antonio foul shooting woes wouldn’t matter as they lowered the boom on the Spurs, knotting the series at two games apiece.

The Spurs should subdue the Sonics by game 6 but led by point guard Luke Ridnour the force may be with Seattle, especially if he continues his sizzling shooting in San Antonio. Remember they do have Jesus on their side.

While we’re on the subject of sizzling shooting, NBA MVP Phoenix Suns’ guard Steve Nash put on some exhibition Sunday in Dallas. Nash scored a 2005 NBA playoff high 48 points on 20-28 from the field. Unfortunately his Suns fell to the Mavericks 119-109 as the series shifts back to Phoenix tied at two games. Dallas offset the Nasty Nash’s show by containing Phoenix’s three point shooting and limiting Suns’ center Amare Stoudemire to a mere mortal 15 points after three consecutive 30-plus scoring performances.

Minus starting shooting guard Joe Johnson – sidelined for the remainder of the series following eye surgery – expect the Mavericks to eclipse the Suns in six although an additional off day between contests mitigates the Mavericks’ superior sub supply.

Three competitive series reduced to best of three showdowns for the final three spots in the conference finals. The conference semifinals will produce three the hard way.

Sunday wrap-up: Deuces Are Wild

by Guichard Cadet

Since the third weekend of the NBA playoffs leaves us with three series at 2-2, it is fitting we supply you with 2 wrap-ups.


Heat, Flash whiz by Washington
Monday morning finds the Wizards in mourning after they failed to take advantage of Alonzo substituting for an injured Shaquille O’Neal. No matter how you slice it, getting swept in the playoffs means you are much further along than originally whispered.

After an impressive, dramatic series in which they won four consecutive games against the Chicago Bulls, Washington finished the year with a listless performance, only waking from their slumber in the final 3 minutes of Game 4. By the time the Wizards awoke, Dwyane “Flash” Wade had scorched them for a total of 73 points in the last two games.


Carlisle, you are scaring me
I hate to eat my words because I serve them raw. When you won Coach of the Year over Byron Scott in 2002, I cried foul. Before any sympathy set in for seeing you fired after helping to build the Pistons, Larry Bird brought you to Indiana, in what still stands as a very questionable, unfair firing of Isiah Thomas.

November’s malice at The Palace showed why karma is a mistress who swears she’s on the pill. Since then, you have gone through months of turmoil, uncertainty and injuries. Patching lineups like a poor man with only two pairs of pants.

The one constant I see from the team you inherited: they get under people’s skins. By blowing out the Celtics in the 7th game at the Fleet Center, you have positioned the Pacers to be the wrench in the Motor City’s bid to repeat as NBA champions.

A win yesterday and you could have been on the brink of ending Detroit’s season.

I breathe a sigh of relief.

Though you have been through the fire, I don’t think the Pacers have enough to handle the Heat. For that reason alone, I truly cannot root for you.


Dallas, with a small ‘D’
Dirk Nowitzki has been coming up small during these playoffs. First, Houston; and now Phoenix has elected to let a smaller, quicker player guard him. Sometimes the stats say 20 & 10, double-double, but he’s not had a big impact.

When it comes to what plagues the NBA, many point to the lack of fundamentals exhibited by the league’s new entrants. If either of these teams wins the Western Conference or the championship, this series is the precursor to a pint-sized defensive style of play that will afflict the NBA for decades.

Last night Steve Nash went for 48 points, as his team scored 109, with FG percentage of 51.2 percent. Dallas deemed these results as a good defensive game because they won and scored 119. The defense they point to: holding the Suns to only 8 of 21 the 3-point line, and Amare Stoudamire to only 15 points. For that they should be commended.


Sleeping on Seattle
After this series’ first two games, the word ‘sweep’ hastily bounced off tongues. Many had forgotten Ray Allen had a wicked stutter step, as well as a jab, step-back move. They did not know by Game 4 the contest would become a heavyweight slugfest, in which only Duncan had the mettle to challenge Jerome James, Reggie Evans, Danny Fortson and Nick Collison.

The line in the sand had been drawn: Do not come down the middle unless you want to get hit. Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker hit the ground as often as boxers with no chin. Early in the 4th quarter, coach Gregg Popovich sat Duncan down then minutes later did the same with the rest of his starters.

Game 5 will answer which team is the real sleeping giant.

NBA Playoffs First Round Wrap

by Rob King

The fair-weather fan hoping to see crossover stars Lebron and Kobe, and major market franchises like the Lakers and Knicks in the 2005 playoffs, won’t get interested in watching until the Miami Heat and defending NBA champion Detroit Pistons meet as expected in the Eastern Conference Finals. Of course some voyeuristic viewers are looking forward to the second round match-up between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons in hopes of seeing a repeat of the malice at The Palace.

For authentic hoop heads the 2005 playoffs have been entertaining. Personally I have been rolling with the Wildcats as former University of Arizona point guards wrapped up their first round playoff series - Jason Terry of the Dallas Mavericks, and Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards.

Up in Boston, the Celtics hoped to emulate their New England neighbors in the NFL and end the title hopes of another team from Indiana. They tried beating the Pacers in game seven and putting Miller time on ice forever. But, the Indiana Pacers showed they could handle “The Truth” and beat Boston for a Game 7 road win.

The playoffs have been exciting with new stars emerging and some old ones making sure we don’t forget them. There have been disappointments as well. Let’s start on the West side.

After closing the regular season strong the Denver Nuggets appeared poised to make noise in the postseason. When George Karl’s crew beat the Spurs in game one, expectations were raised even higher. The noise ended after game two as San Antonio put an end to their former ABA adversary’s postseason plan. Denver disappointed many of the experts who picked them to push the San Antonio Spurs to limit in their first round playoff encounter by bowing out in five games.

I can excuse the Sacramento Kings letting Ray Allen go off ‘cause “he got game”. But Jerome James!! The Sac-town boys went down in five games and made the Seattle SuperSonics center look like Shaquille O’Neal. Expect James’ Shaq imitation to end abruptly against Tim Duncan in the Sonics second round match up against the San Antonio Spurs. Ray Allen will continue playing like Jesus Shuttlesworth but anticipate the Spurs prevailing in five games and advancing to the Western Conference Finals.

Next we travel to Memphis where the Grizzlies first round performance against the Phoenix Suns was bleak. The Suns were hardly challenged during their first round series sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis put up a better fight with the media than on the court against the Suns. Phoenix put on an impressive offensive display to maul the Grizzlies four-love, but look for the Suns to set in a thrilling second round series against the Dallas Mavericks.

On the East coast, everyone expected the Detroit Pistons to make quick work of the Philadelphia 76’ers. The series lasted only five games but the Pistons had no answer for Allen Iverson who averaged 31 points and 10 assists per game and played almost every minute of the final three contests.

In New Jersey, yours truly, the King drank the Kidd and Carter Kool-Aid after picking the Nets to take the Miami Heat to six games in their first round meeting. Based on the Nets 15-4 record to finish the regular season I believed they would be more competitive against the Heat who appeared vulnerable after closing the season 7and 7. After watching the Heat wrap the Nets up and send them fishing in four games I could point out that the series may have turned out different if Nets point maestro Jason Kidd makes a wide open three pointer to win game three but I won’t.

What I will point out is that the way Dwyane Wade is playing, Detroit and even Denver have to regret passing him up in the 2003 NBA draft. Think off how different the Denver-San Antonio series turns out with Wade in the Nugget backcourt to match up with the Spurs tandem of Ginobli and Parker. Imagine the Pistons with D-Wade instead of Darko Milicic. A “Bad Boy” title repeat would be assured.

Back to life, back to reality. Watching Wade and Wizards point guard Gilbert Arenas match up should be compelling. Seeing Shaq destroy Wiz centers won’t be as the Heat beat the Wiz in five games.

Phil’s Texas Ten Spot

by Rob King

Jeff Van Gundy has just written a check his behind his behind can’t cash. The person who benefits the most might be JVG’s coaching nemesis, Phil Jackson. Does anyone really think Phil Jackson relishes rebuilding franchises on either coast when the opportunity to a coach a ready-made title contender could become available in Houston?

Before Phil Jackson eats crow with Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, he should keep an eye on how the situation plays out in Houston with his buddy Houston Rockets head coach and conspiracy theorist Jeff Van Gundy.

Van Gundy’s Rockets are on the verge of elimination tonight against the Dallas Mavericks, and he faces possible banishment from the league when he meets with the NBA commissioner David Stern following the completion of Houston’s playoff run.

As Van Gundy discusses the NBA’s response to his allegations that referees unfairly target Yao Ming in the court of public opinion, his Rockets have crashed and burned on the court where the games are played, losing three straight to the Mavericks after jumping out to a two-zip lead in their first round playoff series.

Failure to advance deep in the playoffs coupled with a looming showdown against an angry Commissioner Stern could lead to Van Gundy falling on his sword, resigning as the Rockets head coach. A Van Gundy resignation would not be unprecedented since he resigned as New York Knicks head coach during the middle of the 2001-2002season.

Even without Van Gundy’s resignation it is quite possible the Rockets may look to upgrade. An examination of recent NBA history shows that upgrades work. The Detroit Pistons jettisoned head coach Rick Carlisle following a season in which he took them to the 2003 Eastern Conference Finals when Larry Brown became available. Pistons president Joe Dumars believed the team had progressed as far it could under Carlisle’s leadership. During Carlisle’s tenure the Pistons won two division titles and advanced to the conference finals. The move was risky but rewarded when Brown led the Pistons to the 2004 NBA title.

The Rockets are the third best NBA team in Texas with Van Gundy at the helm. The risk to hire Phil Jackson is minimal compared to the rewards.

A playoff series loss to the Mavericks would further cement the Rockets M and M boys’ reputation for melting in the playoffs. McGrady has never advanced past the first round of the playoffs in his career, while Ming seems to be folding in the postseason under pressure like a bad poker hand. Add Phil Jackson to the mix and the Rockets will not only easily move past the first round but become instant threats to dethrone the winners of this year’s championship. Phil’s reputation alone assures this outcome.

When Jackson peruses the current NBA landscape, coaching Houston is the only position that provides a real opportunity to get his record breaking 10th NBA title. The Rockets’ star players Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming along with role players like David Wesley and Scott Padgett are well suited to execute “Chief Triangle’s” offense.

Of course Van Gundy may manage to work out his issues with the commissioner and avoid a lengthy suspension. The Rockets would then have to relieve Van Gundy of his coaching duties and eat a hefty sum of his remaining contract which may prevent them from bringing Phil Jackson at 10 million per. However Phil might be willing to come in at a reduced rate to replace his old rival JVG and break the title tie with the legendary Red Auerbach of the Boston Celtics.

If Van Gundy were dismissed by the Rockets he would be a hot commodity. He could consider the Cleveland Cavaliers vacant slot that he should have taken two years ago.

When the playoff dust settles in Texas, Phil may end up in L.A. but his ten spot is in Houston.

Sunday wrap-up: Series Business

by Guichard Cadet

With one week of NBA playoffs done, it is rather easy to discern the trouble spots for a team’s losing ways.

1 & 8 match-ups – Swept Away in a Sea of Emotions

For the Nets, though they had the inner strength to push Miami to double overtime in Game 3, they simply did not have enough firepower and inside presence to combat Miami’s bench. Yes, the bench play of Alonzo Mourning and Keyon Dooling was the difference in the series.

In the other series, the Phoenix Suns ran roughshod over the Memphis Grizzlies. This was my upset special, and it looked as if it could become true in Game 2. It was not to be. How did I know coach Mike Fratello would pick the playoffs to confirm his Napoleonic complex by sticking to a rotation and pre-determined playing time, even when players (Jayson Williams) were hot; or not utilizing Bonzi Wells, and even banishing him (to the bench / from team) before the start of Game 4?


2 & 7 match-ups – The Nature of Sportsmanship

As much as I love the fact players show respect each other, I found all the hugging after yesterday’s Detroit and Philly game a bit disturbing. Was Philly conceding the overtime loss, which dropped them to 3-1, too high an obstacle to overcome? Knowing AI, I doubt it…he’s always provided an answer, and had the team just one Willie Green foul shot away from a win.

A Nugget of pride and frustration in the late stages Game 3 of the Denver vs. San Antonio series led to Carmelo Anthony being ejected, after he and Greg Buckner assaulted Manu Ginobli as he drove for a layup. Tensions were high throughout the game, and I expect tonight’s play to be as physical, much like Denver’s series against the Minnesota Timberwolves in last year’s playoffs.


3 & 6 match-ups – The Truth: it’s Miller time ‘cause He Got Game

In both conferences, there was a common theme of the three lower echelon teams wanting to finish as the 6th seed in order to face Seattle or Boston. Even if you’re not religious, Sunday night, you had to give praise to Ray Allen doing his best ‘Jesus Shuttlesworth’ impersonation, as he torched the Sacramento Kings for 45. Allen could have easily gone for 55, had not the team decided to involve Jerome James and Rashard Lewis.

The most up & down series to date features two teams with short fuses. Game 2 and 3 was about Reggie Miller’s range, while in Game 4 Paul Pierce showed why he was dubbed ‘The Truth'…of the matter, Antoine Walker - getting suspended for Game 4 - gave credence to Danny Ainge’s concern, and why this team’s core (Pierce and Walker) need to be traded, unless they reach the Conference Finals.

4 & 5 – Home and Away

Both these series were toss-ups, in that picks were made based on preferences – what style of play do you most enjoy. In Dallas vs. Houston: speed and fun vs. structure and a wild card. So far it’s been tough to say which is which. In Game 1, Houston came out gunning and had Dallas on their heels throughout the contest. The past 3 games, Dallas regained its identity and could easily be up 3-1, if not for Yao Ming balling for 33 in Game 2. Though Tracy McGrady has developed and maintained a killer instinct, the series depends on Yao’s productivity, whether he can be as consistent as let’s say, Rick Smits, the player his game most resembles…though he still needs Smits’ tenacity.

If the Washington Wizards beat the Chicago Bulls tonight, the series will be knotted at 2-2 with both teams having defended their home court. Scoring-wise, guard play and points will be a wash; the winner will be decided by what each team gets from the 4 and 5 position.