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Archive for the ‘Tune Up?’ Category

Questionable Moves?

So the Boston Celtics are the first team to move on to the Second Round and I admit, I had no idea it would happen this quickly.

The combination of underestimating the Celtics (again) and the false hope that Carmelo Anthony or Amare Stoudamire may actually put forth a decent effort, ended the most highly anticipated first round match-up much too early.

Consequently, the New York Knicks were swept by the Celtics.

The worst part of all this, is that the Knicks were virtually blown out in their home losses, and seeming lacked effort, despite coming close to winning both games on the road in Boston.

And here come the questions. . .

Did the Knicks make the right move in acquiring Anthony?
I still think they made the right move, a talent like Anthony’s is hard to come by, but if they can just find a way to keep this guy motivated and focused.

Will Coach Mike D’Antoni’s system ever work?
No, No and a million times, NO! Basketball is about defense just as much as it is about offensive. Neither is better, neither is more important, both must be applied, practiced and perfected. D’Antoni needs to change his approach or find something else to do, because his system is ineffective against the best teams.

What changes do they have to make?
The Knicks must add veteran leadership that players of Melo and Stoudamire’s caliber will respect and follow. Not necessarily a star, just one whose play and achievements demand your effort and dedication. (Jason Kidd, Steve Nash… etc)

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Are the LA Lakers Just Bored?

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Kobe Bryant (right) whistling away on the bench

Ever since the All-Star break, the Los Angeles Lakers had been one of the best teams in the league.. right up there with the OKC Thunder and the Chicago Bulls. They began the second half of the season with a 17-1 record and looked poised to beat out the San Antonio Spurs for the best record in the league.

And there I sat thinking:
. . . here comes another Laker Championship. . .

but in the blink of an eye, LA has collapsed.

After failing to box out on the final possession of a missed free throw vs the Nuggets and a heart breaking mishandle by Kobe Bryant vs the Jazz.. the Lakers have now lost 5 in a row (first time since acquiring Pau Gasol).

So are the Lakers just bored? or is this season’s inconsistent play pointing towards a failed Championship three-peat?

I really think its a bit of both. LA doesn’t look like a finals-lock as they had in their previous 3 years. Derek Fisher is even older and struggles to stop the penetration opposing guards and Ron Artest is a mood-swing on offense, because you just never know what your going to get. While the Mavericks have gotten bigger and the Thunder are bigger and quicker (Lethal).

But yes, the Lakers do look bored and just about ready to start competing for the title. They say ‘good habits are developed overtime’ and these are just not good habits. We saw the Lakers flick the switch after the all-star break and win 17 of 18..

Can they flick the switch twice in one season? Only time will tell..

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Heat Going Ice Cold in Crunch Time

Chemistry becoming an issue??

After being blown out by the San Antonio Spurs Friday night, the Miami Heat now find themselves 3-7 against  teams with a winning record since the start of 2011 and more significantly just 1-5 against the ‘contenders’ of the league… not a good look..

Prior to Friday night’s embarrassing loss against the league’s best Spurs, Miami’s main issue seemed to be their inability to close out close games.. which is ironic seeing that they have two of last year’s best closers, in LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. But this doesn’t seem to be the only problem..

Check this out..

Could the Heat finally be feeling the pressure of the multiple championships they promised the world back in July when LeBron said,

..not 2, not 3, not  4, not 5, not 6, not 7 [Championships].. And when I say that, I really believe it. I’m not here blowing up smoke on these fans, because I’m about business. We believe we can win multiple championships…

So did I LeBron, I don’t know about 7.. I was thinking more like 3 or 4.. So what is going on?? Why are the Heat falling apart all of a sudden??

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