The Sky Is Falling ... OR ... We're Going To The Super Bowl!

As a long-time Cowboys fan, I have wrestled with The Annual Dilemma - are we going to the Super Bowl or will we have Football Armageddon (again)...

In any event, we have ourselves a fine argument coming up. A 4th Round Pick stepping in for an injured Un-drafted Free Agent (let's not forget that). I was thinking 8-8 realistically and maybe 10-6 if some things swing the Cowboys way. Now, its 6-10 realistically and 8-8 if some things swing the Cowboys way.

So, what do I base this optimism on? (It should be pointed out that 6-10 would actually be an IMPROVEMENT from last year...) The newly installed Rookie Starter Drafted in the 4th Round .... actually doesn't look half-bad. At least, tons better than Weed-Man or Or-Ton.

Anyway, riffing on a "Hey Cowboys Fans, step back from the Window Ledge" piece from 538.com, I wanted to confirm how successful Rookie NFL QBs have been.

Rookie Opening Day Starters: 38 (since 1970)
Rookie QBs That Won 8+ Games: 12

1. Joe Ferguson for the Buffalo Bills 1973 (9-5)
2. John Elway for the Denver Broncos 1983 (9-7)
3. Kyle Boller for the Baltimore Ravens in 2003 (10-6)
4. Kyle Orton for the Chicago Bears in 2005 (11-5) ... yep, THAT Kyle Orton
5. Matt Ryan for the Atlanta Falcons in 2008 (11-5)
6. Joe Flacco for the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 (11-5)
7. Mark Sanchez for the New Jersey/York Jets in 2009 (9-7)
8. Andy Dalton for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011 (9-7)
9. Andrew Luck for the Indianapolis Colts in 2012 (11-5)
10. Robert Griffin for the Washington R!@#$%^& in 2012 (10-6)
11. Russell Wilson for the Seattle Seahawks in 2012 (11-5)
12. Geno Smith for the New Jersey/York Jets in 2013 (8-8)

Rookie QBs That Made the Playoffs: 10

1. John Elway 1983 (lost AFC Wild Card) 
2. Kyle Boller 2003 (lost AFC Wild Card)
3. Kyle Orton 2005 (lost Divisional Playoff) ... The Or-Ton!!
4. Matt Ryan 2008 (lost NFC Wild Card)
5. Joe Flacco 2008 (lost AFC Conference Championship)  ... he actually won 2 games!
6. Mark Sanchez 2009 (lost AFC Conference Championship) ... he actually won 2 games!
7. Andy Dalton 2011 (lost AFC Wild Card)
8. Andrew Luck 2012 (lost AFC Wild Card)
9. Robert Griffin 2012 (lost NFC Wild Card)
10. Russell Wilson 2012 (lost NFC Divisional Playoff)  ... he actually won a game!

Rookie QBs That Made the Super Bowl: 0
Rookie QBs That Won the Super Bowl: 0

....well, maybe not. Can it be that the Cowboys can win a few (but not too many), convince Romo to take the money and sit in 2017, keep Witten from exploding and get some defensive help for next year? I sure hope so...cause this year aint The Year.

Best Case Scenario? 11-5 and 1+ playoff win (but with this defense??)
Worst Case Scenario? ....well, we've seen that already haven't we? (but, at least we beat the turd-skins!)

The main lesson here? Teams that start rookie QBs are not very good! Ladies and Gentlemen - your 2016-17 Dallas Cowboys Football Club!

Some interesting tidbits....

• the pace is increasing - from 1970 - 2009 just 25 teams started a rookie, from 2010 - 2015 a total of 13 teams started a rookie. Add 1 more for 2016.
• combined play-off record: 5 wins, 10 losses (55 years - 5 wins!)
• the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts are the "winners" with 5 entries on the list
• The Tampa Bay Bucs come in a close second with 3 entries and the only "back-to-back"!

The Best Ever Teams

Sustained Excellence in Professional Sports - what does this mean? How about Best Winning Percentage, Most Playoff Appearances, and Most League Titles? Without further ago, The Best Ever

Basketball (NBA/ABA) - 1947 to present: Lakers (1949)

• won/loss

1. Lakers (.620) over 63 years
2. Celtics (.595) over 65 years
3. Spurs (.584) over 44 years

• playoffs

1. Lakers (58)
2. Celtics (49)
3. Sizers (46) over 62 years

• titles

1. Celtics (17)
2. Lakers (16)
3. Bulls (6) over 45 years

source: http://www.basketball-reference.com/

Football (NFL/AFL) - 1920 to present: Cowboys (1960)

• won/loss

1. Bears (.578) over 91 years
2. Cowboys (.576) over 51 years
3. Dolphins (.572) over 45 years

• playoffs

1. Cowboys (30)
2. Giants (30) over 86 years
3. Browns (28) over 65 years

• titles (Super Bowl + League Champion)

1. Packers (13)
2. Bears (9)
3. Browns (8)

• Super Bowl Titles

1. Steelers (6) over 78 years
2. Cowboys (5)
3. 49ers (5) over 65 years

source: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/

Baseball (AL/NL) - 1876 to present: Yankees (1901)

• won/loss

1. Yankees (.568) over 110 years
2. Giants (.538) over 128 years
3. Dodgers (.524) over 127 years

• playoffs

1. Yankees (40)
2. Dodgers (22)
3. Cardinals (22) over 130 years

• titles

1. Yankees (27)
2. Cardinals (11)
3. Athletics (9) over 110 years

source: http://www.baseball-reference.com/

What's this Base Ball thingy?

Heard there was a sporting event in St Louis that might have been interesting...

The Silly NBA Finals Game Scheduling

There is a ton of commentary (mostly against) about the 2-3-2 schedule format of the NBA Finals. However, there isn't much statistical data to back up the negative opinions. For instance, see here for a summary of how the team with the home court advantage has faired in all the 2-3-2 series vs the preceding 25 years of 2-2-1-1-1 format. No significant advantages either way.

Another bugaboo I've heard is that no team has "swept" the middle 3 games. Again, hogwash. There have been 26 Finals since the NBA moved (back) to the 2-3-2 (including the 2010 NBA Finals). Here are some stats for the "host" team - the home team for the middle 3 games.

The host team has "won" the middle series (winning 2 of the 3 games*) 11 times - 42%
The host team has "lost" the middle series (winning 1 of the 3 games**) 6 times - 23%
The host team has "swept" the middle series (winning all 3 games***) 3 times - 12%
The host team has been "swept" in the middle series (losing all 3 games****) 6 times - 23%
The host team has won the NBA Finals just 5 times - 19%

* this includes the 2010 NBA Finals
** in 1993 the Phoenix Suns had home court advantage and beat the Chicago Bulls in 2 of the 3 games in Chicago. However, Chicago won all 3 games in Phoenix to win the title
*** in 1995 the Orlando Magic had home court advantage and lost in 4 games to the Houston Rockets
**** in 1989 the Detroit Pistons finished a 4 game sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers in LA; in 2002 the LA Lakers finished a 4 game sweep of the New Jersey Nets in East Rutherford; in 2007 the San Antonio Spurs finished a 4 game sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland.

So, of the 26 series, 9 times a team has "swept" the middle games (a 3 game sweep 5 times and a 2 game sweep 4 times). We think the bigger factor is home court advantage. No matter what happens in the middle three games, the team with home court for 4 of the 7 games has won the title 20 of 25 times (soon to be 21 of 26), an amazing 80% clip. The first sweep of the middle 3 games (in the modern era) was the 1990 series when Detroit split at home and then swept Portland to take the title.

If we had the choice, we'd take 4 games at home in the NBA FInals every day of the week and twice on Saturday!

Historical note: the current 2-3-2 format is not original. In 1949, the Minneapolis Lakers won 1 of 3 games hosted by the Washington Capitols and took the title in 6 games. In 1953, the Minneapolis Lakers swept the New York Knicks on the road and won the title in 5 games. In 1954, The Minneapolis Lakers took 2 of 3 road games against the Syracuse Nationals and won in 7 games. And, in 1955, the Syracuse Nationals lost all 3 road games against the Fort Wayne Pistons but took the title in 7 games by winning all 4 home games. So, add 1 to each result above. And, keep in mind that the first "sweep" of the middle 3 games occurred in 1953!

Best Rivalries in Pro Sports

Inspired by a post at espn.com.

Criteria - persistence over time, deep hatred between teams/fan bases, national profile, championship implications

NFL:
Dallas Cowboys - Washington Redskins (nuff said)
Green Bay Packers - Chicago Bears
Oakland Raiders - Kansas City Chiefs

MLB:
Los Angeles Dodgers - San Franciso Giants (nuff said too)
New York Yankees - Boston Red Sox
St Louis Cardinals - Chicago Cubs

NBA:
Los Angeles Lakers - Boston Celtics (nuff said again)

NHL:
Montreal Canadiens - Toronto Maple Leafs
Boston Bruins - New York Rangers

NCAAF (yes, its a pro sport):
USC Trojans - UCLA Bruins (yup, this one too)
USC Trojans - Notre Dame Fighting Irish (yup)
Michigan Wolverines - Ohio State Buckeyes
Alabama Crimson Tide - Auburn Tigers
Oklahoma Sooners - Nebraska Cornhuskers
Army - Navy
Harvard - Yale

NCAAB (so is this one):
Lousiville - Kentucky
Duke - North Carolina

NBA Finals - Game 5

ITS OVER! Lakers have secured 15th NBA Championship. And, how sweet this one is. I'm sure hoops fans would have loved another nail-biter. But, after that simply amazing second quarter run (16 to Oh!), it was all over. The only remaining drama was 1) would Kobe get a triple-double and 2) would anyone hurt themselves in the post-game celebration. Great great win by the greatest franchise in the NBA.

Lots of chatter about "best ever" with respect to KB24. This is kind of unfair to Kobe. Obviously, he has been compared to (and models himself after) MJ, but Kobe is still playing. Kenny Smith ranked him 10th ALL-TIME. And, he's still playing! He is the only guy around who can improve his standing. Nuts.

Here's a nice factoid for comparison on the NBA Finals stage:

Kobe Bryant averaged 32.4 points and 7.4 assists per game against Orlando during the Finals. The only player to match or surpass Bryant's averages in each of those categories in an NBA Finals series was Jerry West, who averaged 37.9 points and 7.4 assists per game for the Lakers in their 1969 Finals loss to the Celtics.

That, to me, is a measure of his greatness. The widely acknowledged best SG B.M. (Before Michael) and Kobe is right there. By the way, Jordan never got that close to the Logo. Just saying.

Some more on the impossible. Instead of saying "single best ever", I'll identify the best ever (no limit) at each position, ranked how I see them...

PG - Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson
SG - Michael Jordan (for now), Kobe Bryant, Jerry West
SF - Larry Bird (for now), Pending 1*, Julius Erving
PF - Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Reserved 1*, Reserved 2*
C - Wilt Chamberlin, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal

Pending 1 - this spot is waiting on Lebron James to get a title. No one gets on my list without winning a title.

Reserved 1 - this spot is reserved for Elgin Baylor. Simply the best player ever to not win a title - a true shame.

Reserved 2 - this spot is reserved for Karl Malone. The second best player ever to not win a title - ironic that both played for Lakers. :-|

That's the Top 16 players of all-time. I'd take that squad anytime. :-) Let's just run a few 8 vs 8 player team challenges - Wilt and Bill picking squads.

Some tweets from the sweet series clinching Game 5:

# @sportsguy33 We need the Revenge Series first - 2010 and Celts are going down! In 2011 we can have the Rubber Match , when Lakes get 17th
about 13 hours ago from TweetDeck in reply to sportsguy33

# The L.A. Lakers win their 15th NBA championship, beating the Orlando Magic 99-86. (via @cnnbrk) Wooo Hooo
about 14 hours ago from Twitterrific in reply to cnnbrk

# 10 minutes and I can already get the official "on the court" hat shirt DVD and towel...for 79.95.
about 14 hours ago from Twitterrific

# We Are The Champions!!
about 14 hours ago from Twitterrific

# "Dad. Can we watch the trophy presentation?" "You bet, son." 3:00 left in the game
about 14 hours ago from Twitterrific

# LOTS of Forum Blue and Gold in the stands. "Lucky." - Napolean Dynamite
about 15 hours ago from Twitterrific

# KB24 refused treatment on his hand at halftime-Finals MVP is wrapped up
about 15 hours ago from Twitterrific

# Screening (antonym): Dwight Howard
about 15 hours ago from TweetDeck

# Screening: ...His opponent can see him and, therefore, is expected to detour around the screen.
about 15 hours ago from TweetDeck

# Screening: ...he may be as close as he desires providing he does not make contact...
about 15 hours ago from TweetDeck

# Screening: When a player screens in front of or at the side of a stationary opponent...
about 15 hours ago from TweetDeck

# Traveling: a. A player shall not run with the ball without dribbling it. b. Hedo Turkoglu
about 15 hours ago from TweetDeck

Series fade out, with "We Are The Champions" in the background...

NBA Finals - Game 3

Where to start? Let's see. We have an underdog at home playing for its first ever win in the Finals - not a SERIES win but a GAME win. Quickest whistle in the league (Crawford) - check. Worst whistle in the league (Wunderlich) - check. Unconscionably bad free throw shooting by the road team - check. Absolutely torrid 1st half shooting by the home team (75%) - check. And STILL the Lakes were in it to the end.

Orlando fans take whatever you want from this game. But, I'm disagreeing with Mark Jackson (said in my JVG voice). The Lakers lost this game. If I'm Orlando and my win is hanging on Kobe missing 4 freebies and making two horrific turns at the end, I'm in serious trouble.

I said before that Orlando stretches it to 6. But, after that shooting pace and only be up 5 at half and 4 at the end? Wow. They should have won by 20. The Lakers can rest easy knowing they let a VERY winnable game slip through their fingers.

NBA Finals - Preview

Not sure if its the 2 cups of coffee, but I'm buzzing right now. Oh, wait. Its the NBA FINALS BABY! Its going to be a great Series and I'll be blogging one Lakers fan's viewpoint throughout.

For now, my thoughts (like you care THAT much) on the matchups...

PG - DFish vs Skip to my Lou - Advantage: even. Fish is slowing down but has the wiles and gumption to get even on this matchup. Skip has the wheels but I'm not sure how he handles the pressure and with Jameer Nelson in the wings, it can't be good. Backup note: Farmer/Brown kill anything that Johnson brings. I'm really hoping Shannon Brown can take it to the next level - he has a GREAT toolset for the triple post.

SG - Mamba vs Some Rookie - Advantage: no contest. Just to make it a little less lopsided, let's combine Courtney Lee and Mickael Pietrus and call him Mickney Leetrus. There is no reasonable scenario where Mickney hangs with Kobe. The stats are not THAT off (except pts) - 17.8|5.6|2.4|1.56 vs 26.8|5.2|4.9|1.46. But, Kobe commands dbl/tpl teams the entire time and Leetrus will be ignored a LOT. If you get wide open corner 3s the ENTIRE game, you better be able to notch 15+ a game. Guarding LBJ is tough. But if you think about it, LBJ's actually a bit predictable. Either he runs headlong to the rim or dishes to a teammate at first sign of trouble. Mamba don't run that way. He doesn't let you off the hook after the first move. Poor Mickney Leetrus is in for a LONG series.

SF - Ariza vs MJofT - Advantage: (slim) to Orlando. Hedo has the ball a TON but takes a LOT of late shots. Ariza has covered a couple bigger heavier guys. This will seem like a vacation for him. And if Ariza continues his torrid shooting, this matchup easily swings the other way.

PF - Pau vs Shard - Advantage: (big) to Los Angeles. Lewis will get lots of open looks from deep. But, he will get absolutely killed on defense. I can easily see Lewis averaging 18-20 ppg and Gasol getting 26-28 ppg and tons of assists on the drop pass to Bynum after Howard comes to help.

C - Bynum vs Superman - Advantage: (not as big as it seems) to Orlando. Bynum has the length and size to play Superman one-on-one. This will (hopefully) limit the touches/shots Howard gets. If Bynum commits himself to D and R (help us out here @kaj33), then this Series is over quick. If he doesn't, then Dwight goes nuts and Lakers have to roll a dbl to him - not good. We'll see how well the new D handles a serious post threat.

X - LO vs Nelson (I guess) - Advantage: Lakers. The Lake Show gets BIGGER and LONGER when they sub. I could easily see Odom subbing for Ariza first to get 3 bigs against the Magic top group. But, either way, Lamar should be able to abuse Lewis even more than Pau will. I had to use Pietrus to get the SG position in the ballpark. What else does Orlando bring? The Nelson question will be big and distracting - will he/wont he play... - this can't be good for a young team on the big stage for the first time.

Coaches - Zen vs Panic - Advantage: no contest. Granted SVG is a good Xs/Os guy. But, at this point of the season, it's about execution and energy. That's why Zen has 10 rings (and counting). Any good college or HS coach could have figured out the Cavs over a best of 7. This is Bright Lights time and I expect SVG is not so good this figuring out a (real) offense.

Intangibles - M(otivation) HUGE advantage for Lakers; E(xperience) HUGE advantage for Lakers; (lack of) R(espect) advantage for Magic; H(ome) C(ourt) advantage for Lakers.

Orlando...
Championships: 0
Last Championship: Never won title
Last Season: Lost in Eastern Conference semifinals

Los Angeles...
Championships: 14 (5 as Minneapolis Lakers)
Last Championship: 2002
Last Season: Lost in NBA Finals

I'm still expecting a long series. But, ultimately Lakers prevail. Unlike any other sport, the NBA requires getting close and failing before a team can win it all. This Lakers team had that hurdle last year. The motivation to atone for last year will trump the "we have nothing to lose" freeness the Magic will bring. Lakers close it at home in 6 games.

Ciao

Game 6 - Western Conference Finals

We're headed to The Finals!

This was a shockingly easy close-out game. The Lakes solved the Denver riddle and exposed them (again) as very weak defenders. And, when they couldn't make enough baskets to hang with the Lakers, the Nugs rolled over pretty easy.

Now, time to clear room on the bandwagon. Have already started to hear it. Good times.

Of course, with Superman coming to town, the Finals are shaping up to be a GREAT series. A Kobe/Lebron series would have inevitably focused on the two superstars going solo against each other. However, we should remind that the Lakers a VERY good team and so is Orlando. Watching the Magic swing the ball and end up with a easy flush for Dwight Howard TIME AFTER TIME against the Cavs should provide any motivation, if needed.

I've been hearing Lakers in 5 max. I'm going to say it goes seven and Lakers prevail at home, proving, yet again, how important home court is in the NBA.

Game 1 - Western Conference Finals

Really REALLY liked that game. It would have been better to not get in an early hole. But, the Lakes took the Nugs early energy and responded well. I think the Nuggets are in trouble. That was their best chance to steal a game and they crumpled.

Fish hitting shots, Ariza stealing passes, and Kobe driving hard. All good! I think I'm going to stick with my Lakers in 7 prediction. Even PJ was on his game. The early Kobe on Billups and late Kobe on Melo is a coup (hopefully KB24 can keep this pace). Then the "intentional" foul with <6s, no Denver TOs, and up by 3 strategy - JVG about popped a gasket praising that decision. Furious George is in WAY over his head.

Expecting an easy Game 2 win and then some INTeresting games in CO. Can't wait.

Getting a kick out of Laker Tweetville. @kaj33 tweets, @jeaniebuss tweets, then they get retweeted by @miketrudell. Fun to watch.

Game 7 - Western Semi-finals

Now, the (Lakerdom) world is back to normal (again). Just a great day of basketball. Lakes had an EASY time against a weak Houston squad and the Celtics got punk'd at home. Can't get any better.

Its funny watching the media rip the Lakers. I'm still looking for a columnist that brings something other than venom to the scene. At least there is the "from wire reports" angle to give us something straight.

Now, onto the Western Conference Finals. We're expecting a VERY entertaining series. Denver is a great up-tempo squad. I see this going 7 games. Though, truth be told, it could very easily be over in 4. But, much different matchups in this series favoring the Lakers overall.

A quick tale of the tape:

PG - Billups v. Fish - advantage (slight) for Denver. Lakers have better depth though (who is the Denver backup PG again?) and Fish will be able to stay with Billups.

SG - Jones v. KB24 - no contest. I had to go to ESPN to remind myself who starts at 2 for the Nugs. I say Jones gets tossed from at least two of the games.

SF - Melo v. Ariza - advantage (on offense) for Denver and (huge) advantage on defense for the Lakers. This matchup is closer than it might appear. Melo plays ZERO defense and can be "coaxed" into sticky ball, much like Ron-Ron. But, Melo is much stronger on O than Artest. So, while this is close to a toss-up, we'll give it to Denver. If Ariza can stay consistent with the outside shot (50% against Houston and 61% against Utah), then Lakes should be able to mitigate the Melo Effect.

PF - KMart v. Gasol - no contest. I love KMart's game - aggressive and attacking. But, he got KILLED by Dirk. Pau should easily exploit KMart's (lack of) size and (over) aggressive nature, which will allow Lakers biggest matchup to swing their way.

C - Nene v. Bynum - advantage to Lakers. Nene has been playing great ball. But, Bynum has the length and quickness to counter Nene's offense. When the Lakers have the ball, Nene will be spending a LOT of time helping KMart with Gasol. That will give Bynum MANY free looks. If he brings the same (home) energy to this series, twill be a short series.

Coach - Karl v. Jackson - um, next! Get Furious George some more candy.

Intangiles - Nuggets v. Lakers - advantage (duh) Lakers...

Denver Nuggets -
Championships: 0
Last Championship: Never won title
Last Season: Lost in Western Conference first round

Los Angeles Lakers -
Championships: 14 (5 as Minneapolis Lakers)
Last Championship: 2002
Last Season: Lost in NBA Finals

Can't wait. And, how soon til the Lakers can tender Ron-Ron the mid-level vet contract?

Game 6 - Western Semi-finals

Wow. Just wow. When you come out flat and then see what a horrific officiating crew can do, no wonder you end up in a big hole. But 21-3? Wow. I must say though that they fought back and made a game of it, even with nothing from Fish, Odom, and Bynum. I like that they showed some fight.

Now, about the refs. Seriously, there is no legitimate reason for Mark Wunderlich to referring any NBA game, let alone a playoff game. Gross incompetence! You gotta think that the fix is in. After the Donaghy fiasco, how can anyone allow this blatant corruption go on. At least we can do away with those Lebron/Kobe conspiracy theories.

Well, on to Game 7. I'm a little disappointed they didn't finish them off in 6. But, no one said the Rockets would be an easy out. LO has to get right fast or KMart is going to kill him. If one argues that the small quick guards give the Lakes trouble, then Denver will be a good match-up for them. We'll see.

Game 5 - Western Semi-finals

Now, THAT is what I'm talking about. Sweet precision resulting in a resounding victory. The Lakes took the Rockets early emotion, channeled it in the last half of the 1st quarter, then pounded them for the remainder of the game.

So many positives come from this game. Renewal for Bynum, rest for Odom, restored attacking from Kobe. The Rockets have a tall task in front of them for Thursday. If the Lakers bring ANY of this confidence to Texas, its all over. We're hoping that Dallas shows up tonight and can extend that series (really, it should be 2-2 right now).

Ok. Can't make it through a post without wondering why Apple is still playing. Why not split those minutes tween Kobe (with SB at the two) and Lamar? I can't even imagine the explosiveness of a Kobe, Trevor, Lamar, Pau, Andrew lineup. Sub-in Shannon Brown to check the quicker guards. This would allow Trevor, Kobe and Lamar to take turns beating up on Melo and then Lebron. Easy pickings but getting WAY too far ahead of things.

For now, let's look for a strong start - the team to lead at end of 1st has won each game. That's a good goal for now.

Ciao.

Game 4 - Western Semi-finals

What a pathetic effort. Hope this is an anomaly. Clearly, the Lakes felt like a split was enough. And, from our vantage, this loss wasn't unexpected - too much emotion for the Rockets. And, as feared, a lackluster start by the Lakers dug a (too) deep hole. Ah well.

The energy in the 4th was encouraging. The injury to Odom is not. Let's hope he comes back quick because Bynum is bringing nothing to this series.

Blah - that's it. Can't/Won't say anymore. Tuesday can't come soon enough.

Game 3 - Western Semi-finals

Ah! The world is back to normal. This game is, I think, a true reflection of these two teams. The emotion/rust has worn off and now they're playing about the way they should.

We'll see some interesting arguments about whether the Lakes are better with Farmar starting or not. I normally tend to agree with Mark Jackson. However, he is NOT the best point in this series. He did have a solid game. Nice to see and hope it carries over not matter how they play him in the remaining games.

I must admit that I've completely lost what little I had for Apple Turnover (aka Luke Walton). I continue to be amazed when he contributes to the team. He is very expensive for a back-up and can't make it as a starter. What do you do with him?

Felt bad for Artest. No way was that F2. Seems like over-reaction by referees based on Game 2. Too bad. Can't wait for the conspiracy guys to dredge that one.

I am LOVING the Vujacic/Wafer sub-plot. Two guys barely involved in his team's success just squaring off the entire time they're on the floor. Great stuff. I'm suspecting that if Sasha hadn't whacked him on the head Von would have gotten the offensive call. He basically did the same as D Fish but had the ball. If Sasha had just crumpled to the floor in the fetal position, he could have drawn the same F2 that Scola did.

Man, I hope Kupchak (Kup Check!!) figures out a way to get Ron-Ron into the Forum Blue and Gold next year!

Game 2 - Western Semi-finals

WOW! Lots of "physicality" in this one. We knew the Lakes would come out firing. While I don't condone violence, I'm glad that they responded to the Rockets rough tactics. It will be interesting to see if any additional penalties are handed out.

By the way Ron, you had your FOREARM jammed into Kobe's neck. Don't forget that when you're crying about a "wayward" elbow. If you're going to get physical, you can't whine when it comes back to you. Gotta think if Kobe gets pinched, then Ron-Ron rushing at THE marquee player in the NBA with venom in his eyes should draw something too.

By the way Luis, how much do you weigh? You have to be a LOT lighter than you look to go down that hard from a little tap from tiny Derek Fisher. If Fish is held out for next game, I don't see that as a big loss. At this point, his main contribution is "veteran experience". Jordan and Shannon seemed to have figured out how to play Brooks/Lowry.

Lost in the hoopla is 2 repeats from the 1st round - Lamar Odom is MUCH better for the Lakes as a starter right now. And, Yao is disappearing after a great Game 1. Rockets wont sweep at home this time though.

In the Big Picture, this is a good series. Rocks don't have enough to take Lakes in 7 games (remember it will be over in 6 anyway) but do have enough to challenge the Lakes "manhood". Denver series should be a vacation after this and Lakes will be ready for Cavs - who wont be tested til Orlando/Boston come to town (and maybe not even then).

Ciao.

Game 1 - Western Semi-finals

Disappointing...but luckily I couldn't see it. Seriously, does Sager look at the stuff the costumer brings him and say "Nope. That one isn't loud enough!" I'm really glad we didn't see the shoes. I might have had permanent eye damage.

And that, folks, is the best of what happened in Game 1.

True, the Lakers had a shot (and the lead in the 4th). I'm not too worried about the series. No way will the Rockets burn that good in the rest of this series. And, the Lakers have a LOT more left than the Blazers did. Lots of nice props for Rick Adelman (who I normally like a lot) but he can't hold a candle to PJ. There will be some nice drama and good ratings for the series. But, I said Lakes in 6 and I'm holding to it.

Why can't I find a clip of Pacman's blowout of Hatton on youtube yet???

Ciao.

The Plan

JB #166 from PDX (23:59) to LGA (08:12)
B#72 from LGA (08:48) to Junction Rd (09:00)
T#7 from Junction Blvd (09:10) to Grand Central (09:30)
-Kick it or step out to the Blarney Stone
T#4 from Grand Central (11:30) to 161st (11:50)
-Monument Park, et al
***First Pitch: 1:05 PM***
T#4 from 161 (16:30) to Grand Central (16:50)
T#7 from Grand Central (17:00) to Junction Blvd (17:20)
B#72 from Junction Blvd (17:38) to LGA (17:53)
JB #165 from LGA (19:35) to PDX (22:54)

Round 6 - splat

Awful...abysmal...atrocious...and that's just the officiating. The announcers, the crowd, the fakers in green...absolutely horrible - there was NO WAY the Lakers were getting that game.

But, still, the Lakers played the most horrible game I've seen in forever. Basketball is a simple game - drive the ball, force the action, find the open man and REBOUND. The Lakers did none of this. Kobe will get the blame for this AGAIN. But, seriously, with Vujacic and Radmanovich jacking early 3s and playing ZERO defense, even Jordan wouldn't have won.

Kupchak still has some work to do - a big nasty to clear the board - wherever the next Charles Oakley is, he's got to trade Odom.

Bah....I hate the celtics.

Round 5 - another exhale

Lakers squeek through - they are not in championship form. :-( An omen for the bloodbath to follow.