The coach leaving practice. The players conducting a "Player's Only Practice." Whatever that is. No matter!!! Same song different verse.
The Hornets were the better team this series. CP3 was the superstar, Byron Scott was the better coach, and the New Orleans back ups were the better compliments than the Mavs "deep and experienced" bench. In the end, the worst pill to swallow for Mavs fans will be that the Hornets will get handled in the second round by Timmy and the Spurs rather easily.
Where did it all go wrong? Tonight simply has to with the Mavs lapsing to give up big runs in the second and the fourth quarters. The Mavs showed fight, but they still showed too much confusion, panic, and apathy at points in the game.
Where does it go from here? Strapped by the salary cap and by aging and ineffective players, it almost seems that the Mavs have no other choice but to roll with what they have. I can't see how they will be able to dump Stackhouse, J-Toke, or the self-proclaimed "second best center in the league's"salary. Especially after the colossal meltdowns they have been apart in the last 3 seasons. Thank goodness that my former childhood idol's contract will free up nearly $20 mil after next season. (Sorry J-Kidd)
This group of players are now officially damaged goods. Avery (who as an man and a leader I admire) is no longer the coach for this team. Much like Bill Parcells with the Cowboys, his overbearing micromanagement is no longer effective for this group of players. He also had the added bonus of out thinking himself in critical situations. Stay Hard Avery.
Of course, there is always a way to rebuild a franchise. Maybe Owner Cuban should call Owner Jones and ask him the finer points of how to completely take advantage of a league by dealing your best player for draft picks. It seemed to work for Owner Jones in the '90s. Can it be the answer now?
Oh well. On we go to the dead time between now and college football. Look for Red Sox and Ranger opinions from me, plus a fun article that I should have done in a few days after I string a little research together. BTW, Aggie Baseball scores 3-2 over TCU today and what is up with Boston and the ATL tied at 2? Go Acie!!!
Good song to summarize the Mavs run: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtFaU5BXbGQ&feature=related
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Mavs-Hornets Game 4 Reaction
Quick thoughts on tonight's game:
After an inspired performance in game 3, the Mavs reverted to their mind numbing inconsistent play in game 4. Tonight we can chalk this one up to offensive futility and coaching ineptness.
The little general single handily killed all Maverick momentum by inserting JJ Barea along with other reserves a minute into the second quarter. Within 3 minutes the lead is gone and New Orleans was never again threatened.
The Mavs supporting cast could not have been more inept at playing basketball tonight. J-Toke and Stackhouse did all they can to take focus off of Avery's poor decisions by shooting fade away jumpers for most of the evening. Jason Kidd looked confused for the better part of the evening. While Dirk did not have a stellar game, he has to have some help.
Now at 3-1, the series should end Tuesday night in New Orleans. This will signal the beginning of the end for Avery and the opportunity for J-Toke to start his favorite off season activity.
Hey, at least I sold my tickets to game 3!!!
After an inspired performance in game 3, the Mavs reverted to their mind numbing inconsistent play in game 4. Tonight we can chalk this one up to offensive futility and coaching ineptness.
The little general single handily killed all Maverick momentum by inserting JJ Barea along with other reserves a minute into the second quarter. Within 3 minutes the lead is gone and New Orleans was never again threatened.
The Mavs supporting cast could not have been more inept at playing basketball tonight. J-Toke and Stackhouse did all they can to take focus off of Avery's poor decisions by shooting fade away jumpers for most of the evening. Jason Kidd looked confused for the better part of the evening. While Dirk did not have a stellar game, he has to have some help.
Now at 3-1, the series should end Tuesday night in New Orleans. This will signal the beginning of the end for Avery and the opportunity for J-Toke to start his favorite off season activity.
Hey, at least I sold my tickets to game 3!!!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Cowboys - The New Correctional Facility
I am a proclaimed Cowboy Hater, but I keep up with the Cryboys because it is the NFL and I live in Dallas. I was in Chicago part of this week and they do not cover Cryboys news, so we I landed back in the great sports town of Dallas (HAHA!) the first thing I hear is that “Pacman” is coming to Dallas. Insert strip club jokes here. I know the history of the Dallas Cryboys. They have a great legacy with the likes of Roger S, Tom L, Randy W, Danny W, and the great Dat Nguyen (yes I went to A&M). Lets rewind the clock to the early years of Skeletor’s ownership. (Flashback) The Cryboys had a chance to draft a stud WR, but the owner did not want to deal with is off-field problems. Who was this WR….. Randy Moss. (Flash forward) I guess that Skeletor is desperate to win a Superbowl, because off-field problems do not matter any more. The past three years the Cryboys have picked up Owen, Johnson, and now Packman. Now when Packman wants it to make it rain at strip club he can take Tank with all of his guns to shoot the place up while T.O. is in the bathroom OD’ing. I want to close with an idea from Dale Hanson. The Cryboys are looking for a WR, well there is a guy who is 6’4” and nobody can catch him….
Osama Bin Laden.
My $.02.
Out.
Osama Bin Laden.
My $.02.
Out.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Response and maybe some help for Dallas fan
The following are responses to the previous post on this most wonderful of blogs:
1) You are a Dallas sports fan right? you should be used to road playoff losses
2)I assume you are referencing little Avery, I love little people big world maybe he should be on that show
3)What happened to Cuban being the best franchise owner in Dallas sports history..blah blah blah
4)espn.com, check it out
5)Dirk is the leader right? It's his noose to hang from
6)Dirk is soft! David West proved that on national TV http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAreNz25wqE
7)Have the Mavs ever played defense?
8)ugh what?
9) Again, you are a Dallas sports fan right?
10) Worst excuse cliche ever
11) You repeated yourself, see #9
12) This is not stub hub
I am a self proclaimed NBA hater, to me the NBA season is just filler between baseball and football seasons. I just want to get the other point of view out there, Mavs suck.
Sincerly,
Everyone outside Loop 635 and 820
1) You are a Dallas sports fan right? you should be used to road playoff losses
2)I assume you are referencing little Avery, I love little people big world maybe he should be on that show
3)What happened to Cuban being the best franchise owner in Dallas sports history..blah blah blah
4)espn.com, check it out
5)Dirk is the leader right? It's his noose to hang from
6)Dirk is soft! David West proved that on national TV http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAreNz25wqE
7)Have the Mavs ever played defense?
8)ugh what?
9) Again, you are a Dallas sports fan right?
10) Worst excuse cliche ever
11) You repeated yourself, see #9
12) This is not stub hub
I am a self proclaimed NBA hater, to me the NBA season is just filler between baseball and football seasons. I just want to get the other point of view out there, Mavs suck.
Sincerly,
Everyone outside Loop 635 and 820
Mavs vs. Hornets: Game 2 Reaction—Things I Am Sick of….
I am sick of lopsided road playoff losses….
I am sick of the coach not being able to figure out how to get through to these players…
I am sick of Mark Cuban and his shark teeth pouting about everything…..
I am sick of it being so hard to find box scores online these days….
I am sick of people trying to hang this on all Dirk……
I am sick of JP in Houston calling Dirk soft……
I am sick of wide open shots….
I am sick of the Ric Flair “WHOOOOOS”……
I am sick of a team that continues to show no heart………..
I am sick of hearing this team say “Wait until we get back to Dallas”….. uh ok and?
I am sick of a team with NO HEART and NO STONES…..
Good seat still available for Friday’s game. Let me know if you are interested.
Today’s music http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3hm-PlN6rg
I am sick of the coach not being able to figure out how to get through to these players…
I am sick of Mark Cuban and his shark teeth pouting about everything…..
I am sick of it being so hard to find box scores online these days….
I am sick of people trying to hang this on all Dirk……
I am sick of JP in Houston calling Dirk soft……
I am sick of wide open shots….
I am sick of the Ric Flair “WHOOOOOS”……
I am sick of a team that continues to show no heart………..
I am sick of hearing this team say “Wait until we get back to Dallas”….. uh ok and?
I am sick of a team with NO HEART and NO STONES…..
Good seat still available for Friday’s game. Let me know if you are interested.
Today’s music http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3hm-PlN6rg
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Chick's Corner: Introduction
Name: Stacie
Gender: Female
Addicted to: College Football, College Basketball, Major League Baseball, and the NFL.
Favorite Teams: OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY COWBOYS, Houston (dis)Astros, the Texans (was an original Oilers fan) (I know, I have a lot of sadness in my life L)
Yes, I am a woman who just so happens to be obsessed with sports—and no, I am not a ‘spy’. I read one time one of those forwards that claims if you don’t send it to ten people in 10 minutes that your eyeballs will fall out and you will be forced to wear duct tape underwear (shout out to Eric!) —and it was a list of “Man Laws” and one of them described how if a woman claims to like sports that she can not be trusted because she is most likely a spy sent to infiltrate the man-world of sports, flatulence, beer, and fried food. I, however, could not be further from being ‘spy’. I have one younger sister, so my poor dad didn’t have a son, so we were taught at a very early age the following:
1. You will not be a cheerleader or a dancer—no matter what anyone tells you, these are not sports. (And I know your mom was a cheerleader but she wouldn’t have been able to handle athletics—don’t tell her I said that).
2. You will play sports and you will not cry while you are playing sports.
3. If you ever have to come out of a game, or if you are ever crying because you are hurt, you better either (a) have a broken neck or (b) be gushing blood at or near a major artery.
This is a slight exaggeration, but not too far from the truth. This is the main reason that growing up I played ever sort of sport one could imagine. (And the reason that when I tore my ACL and I was crying—I know, what a wimp!—that I was afraid my dad would be mad at me—) My sister and I were the only two girls on the street, so when they boys wanted to play tackle football, we joined right in and never cried, complained, or worried about “what we looked like”. (Wouldn’t the world be so much better if this occurred in the female species maybe even 0.5% of the time?!) Most of my elementary school and middle school days consisted of my mom begging me to wear a dress or a skirt, and I would still don a pair Umbro shorts and team-du-jour (::ahem:: Oklahoma State/Oilers/Astros) sports t-shirt. Dresses were much too impractical, and besides, how are you supposed to practice bounce passes and lay-ups in a dress? I digress.
Speed to 2007—I’m working as an engineer and I’m still obsessed with sports, and I meet a group of guys and gal (Laura) that predict the scores of the upcoming football games for the Big 12—well actually, it was those in participation’s alma maters which means predictions only for Texas A&M, Texas, and Texas Tech--And on one glorious September afternoon, I got the call: I was invited into the elite group that spends most of their Thursday writing their statistic-laden, witty, and completely biased predictions. So based on my contributions to those, Laura recommended me to the singlemaltsports blog and I’m really excited to be writing in my own little ‘corner’.
Enough about me…Onto bigger and better things…such as…
Astros Baseball:
›Why can’t the Astros ever let a pitcher just rest and not put them in immediately after major shoulder surgery so they just tear their arm/shoulder rendering them useless?
›Why do I consume at least seven (7) $8.00 beers every time I go? Am I made out of money or am I just a borderline alcoholic? Please don’t answer that.
Big 12 Football:
›Why are there 9 never-ending months between the national championship and opening weekend? I go through really painful withdrawals...
›Why is Mike Gundy still the coach at Oklahoma State? I hate him—for the record, just so you know—he is a complete idiot. His play calling sucks, he can’t motivate, and he thinks it’s o.k. to discontinue what was putting points on the board (aka Dantrell running the ball up the middle on everyone) and back off so the other team can gain confidence, and pull out the win. However, we have never lost a tailgate. And he’s a man and he’s 40. awesome. (But I love Zac Robinson even though he does have a slightly odd shaped head ;)
›Will Mike Sherman really bring the Aggies back to ‘greatness’? Not if he continues to play McGee—Jerrod Johnson is where it’s at—I’m going to miss Fran… ;)
›Why does A&M lose games if they always have 12 men out there? easy, easy!! Just a joke, boys and girls :)
›Mack.Brown.Please.Stop.Clapping.All.The.Damn.Time.So.Close.To.Your.Body. And besides, you have how many high school All-Americans and you still get your asses handed to you by OU?!
›OU Sucks.
›I do not want to put my crabs up, ok?!?! Please stop telling me to do so :)
›OU Sucks Bigtime.
Congrats to Bill Self, fellow OSU Alum on winning the National Championship!!
:) (I had to end on a girlie note because apparently this is the Chick’s Corner)
Holla back!
Gender: Female
Addicted to: College Football, College Basketball, Major League Baseball, and the NFL.
Favorite Teams: OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY COWBOYS, Houston (dis)Astros, the Texans (was an original Oilers fan) (I know, I have a lot of sadness in my life L)
Yes, I am a woman who just so happens to be obsessed with sports—and no, I am not a ‘spy’. I read one time one of those forwards that claims if you don’t send it to ten people in 10 minutes that your eyeballs will fall out and you will be forced to wear duct tape underwear (shout out to Eric!) —and it was a list of “Man Laws” and one of them described how if a woman claims to like sports that she can not be trusted because she is most likely a spy sent to infiltrate the man-world of sports, flatulence, beer, and fried food. I, however, could not be further from being ‘spy’. I have one younger sister, so my poor dad didn’t have a son, so we were taught at a very early age the following:
1. You will not be a cheerleader or a dancer—no matter what anyone tells you, these are not sports. (And I know your mom was a cheerleader but she wouldn’t have been able to handle athletics—don’t tell her I said that).
2. You will play sports and you will not cry while you are playing sports.
3. If you ever have to come out of a game, or if you are ever crying because you are hurt, you better either (a) have a broken neck or (b) be gushing blood at or near a major artery.
This is a slight exaggeration, but not too far from the truth. This is the main reason that growing up I played ever sort of sport one could imagine. (And the reason that when I tore my ACL and I was crying—I know, what a wimp!—that I was afraid my dad would be mad at me—) My sister and I were the only two girls on the street, so when they boys wanted to play tackle football, we joined right in and never cried, complained, or worried about “what we looked like”. (Wouldn’t the world be so much better if this occurred in the female species maybe even 0.5% of the time?!) Most of my elementary school and middle school days consisted of my mom begging me to wear a dress or a skirt, and I would still don a pair Umbro shorts and team-du-jour (::ahem:: Oklahoma State/Oilers/Astros) sports t-shirt. Dresses were much too impractical, and besides, how are you supposed to practice bounce passes and lay-ups in a dress? I digress.
Speed to 2007—I’m working as an engineer and I’m still obsessed with sports, and I meet a group of guys and gal (Laura) that predict the scores of the upcoming football games for the Big 12—well actually, it was those in participation’s alma maters which means predictions only for Texas A&M, Texas, and Texas Tech--And on one glorious September afternoon, I got the call: I was invited into the elite group that spends most of their Thursday writing their statistic-laden, witty, and completely biased predictions. So based on my contributions to those, Laura recommended me to the singlemaltsports blog and I’m really excited to be writing in my own little ‘corner’.
Enough about me…Onto bigger and better things…such as…
Astros Baseball:
›Why can’t the Astros ever let a pitcher just rest and not put them in immediately after major shoulder surgery so they just tear their arm/shoulder rendering them useless?
›Why do I consume at least seven (7) $8.00 beers every time I go? Am I made out of money or am I just a borderline alcoholic? Please don’t answer that.
Big 12 Football:
›Why are there 9 never-ending months between the national championship and opening weekend? I go through really painful withdrawals...
›Why is Mike Gundy still the coach at Oklahoma State? I hate him—for the record, just so you know—he is a complete idiot. His play calling sucks, he can’t motivate, and he thinks it’s o.k. to discontinue what was putting points on the board (aka Dantrell running the ball up the middle on everyone) and back off so the other team can gain confidence, and pull out the win. However, we have never lost a tailgate. And he’s a man and he’s 40. awesome. (But I love Zac Robinson even though he does have a slightly odd shaped head ;)
›Will Mike Sherman really bring the Aggies back to ‘greatness’? Not if he continues to play McGee—Jerrod Johnson is where it’s at—I’m going to miss Fran… ;)
›Why does A&M lose games if they always have 12 men out there? easy, easy!! Just a joke, boys and girls :)
›Mack.Brown.Please.Stop.Clapping.All.The.Damn.Time.So.Close.To.Your.Body. And besides, you have how many high school All-Americans and you still get your asses handed to you by OU?!
›OU Sucks.
›I do not want to put my crabs up, ok?!?! Please stop telling me to do so :)
›OU Sucks Bigtime.
Congrats to Bill Self, fellow OSU Alum on winning the National Championship!!
:) (I had to end on a girlie note because apparently this is the Chick’s Corner)
Holla back!
Angry White Guy and Some Site News
I am so pissed, the Rockets are going to get rolled by Utah again, I hate the Utah Jazz. The only thing that makes me feel ok with the Rockets loss is knowing full well that they can make their off season plans with that basketball team from Dallas. I love nothing more than the Stars (yes, the NHL still exists) over shadowing the Mavs and still no one cares. Dallas is the worst sports town in the history of the world. Pompeii was a better sports town, and might still be!
I am also pissed at the Astros, they play awesome one night and then get blown out the next. Does Uncle Drayton not know what this does to even the average Astros fan. Ugh...
Enough of my rant today, I sincerely apologize to our millions and millions of readers for taking the past two weeks off, but sometimes life does get in way. We have some big news, Single Malt Sports is adding a contributor. Stacie is going to be writing a "chick's corner" article for us. She has just completed her first one and it should be added to the site soon. We at Single Malt Sports have fully vetted Stacie, and we are excited to bring her on board.
I am also pissed at the Astros, they play awesome one night and then get blown out the next. Does Uncle Drayton not know what this does to even the average Astros fan. Ugh...
Enough of my rant today, I sincerely apologize to our millions and millions of readers for taking the past two weeks off, but sometimes life does get in way. We have some big news, Single Malt Sports is adding a contributor. Stacie is going to be writing a "chick's corner" article for us. She has just completed her first one and it should be added to the site soon. We at Single Malt Sports have fully vetted Stacie, and we are excited to bring her on board.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Quick NBA Playoff Predictions
West Round 1
Lakers vs. Nuggets--Lakers in 6. Entertaining series, but the Lakers are just better than Melo and AI.
Jazz vs. Rockets-- Jazz in 5. I used to despise T-Mac, but he has shown a lot of heart this year. Unfortunately, he just can't get past the Williams ,Boozer tandum.
Spurs vs. Suns-- Spurs in 7,. This will be the most entertaining series of round one. In the end, Phoenix just has no defense to speak of when it counts.
Hornets vs. Mavs-- Hornets in 6. Please see the previous post. Dallas gets work by another dominate guard.
East Round 1
Celtics vs. Hawks--Celts sweep. Sorry Acie.
Cavs vs. Wizards--Cavs in 7. For all the smack being talked, the Cavs King James. Washington does not. Great players win in the end.
Magic vs. Raptors--Magic in 6. Dwight Howard vs. Chris Bosh. Great series for the east. Toronto will lose a couple of close games that will eventually lead kill their momentum. Expect Toronto to look discouraged as the series goes along.
Pistons vs. Sixers--Pistons sweep. They should have just gotten a bye.
West Semis
Lakers vs. Jazz--Lakers in 6
Hornets vs. Spurs--Spurs in 5
East Semis
Celtics vs. Cavs-Celtics in 5
Pistons vs. Magic--Pistons in 5
West Finals
Lakers vs. Spurs--Lakers in 7
East Finals
Celtics vs. Pistons-Celtics in 7
Finals
Celtics vs. Lakers--Celtics in 7. Classic matchup. Kobe will win a title in the next 3 years, but the Lakers will not be able to overcome without Andrew Bynum or with a rusty Andrew Bynum. The Celtics relive the glory, but tap the breaks on being a dynasty.
Lakers vs. Nuggets--Lakers in 6. Entertaining series, but the Lakers are just better than Melo and AI.
Jazz vs. Rockets-- Jazz in 5. I used to despise T-Mac, but he has shown a lot of heart this year. Unfortunately, he just can't get past the Williams ,Boozer tandum.
Spurs vs. Suns-- Spurs in 7,. This will be the most entertaining series of round one. In the end, Phoenix just has no defense to speak of when it counts.
Hornets vs. Mavs-- Hornets in 6. Please see the previous post. Dallas gets work by another dominate guard.
East Round 1
Celtics vs. Hawks--Celts sweep. Sorry Acie.
Cavs vs. Wizards--Cavs in 7. For all the smack being talked, the Cavs King James. Washington does not. Great players win in the end.
Magic vs. Raptors--Magic in 6. Dwight Howard vs. Chris Bosh. Great series for the east. Toronto will lose a couple of close games that will eventually lead kill their momentum. Expect Toronto to look discouraged as the series goes along.
Pistons vs. Sixers--Pistons sweep. They should have just gotten a bye.
West Semis
Lakers vs. Jazz--Lakers in 6
Hornets vs. Spurs--Spurs in 5
East Semis
Celtics vs. Cavs-Celtics in 5
Pistons vs. Magic--Pistons in 5
West Finals
Lakers vs. Spurs--Lakers in 7
East Finals
Celtics vs. Pistons-Celtics in 7
Finals
Celtics vs. Lakers--Celtics in 7. Classic matchup. Kobe will win a title in the next 3 years, but the Lakers will not be able to overcome without Andrew Bynum or with a rusty Andrew Bynum. The Celtics relive the glory, but tap the breaks on being a dynasty.
Why the Mavs Can't Win
First, I would like to welcome you all back from the "life gets in the way of blogging sometimes" break.
The first day of the NBA playoffs is in the books. We saw some great action from Lebron's sick alley oop (http://youtube.com/watch?v=QZjqvqSiG-o), to Timmy's first three of the season to force double overtime (http://youtube.com/watch?v=5PDdb48g4_c). We also saw what has become an NBA playoff tradition, the Dallas Mavericks finding a way to lose in the most important time of the year.
This year's version of the Mavericks spent the better part of Saturday night letting another talented guard(Please also see D-Wade and Baron Davis) dominate them in every facet of the game and handing the team yet another playoff loss. Why does this continue to happen year end and year out? It is not talent, it is not even heart, it is mental.
The Mavericks have lost 7 straight road playoff games dating back to the collapse in Miami. Tonight, the Mavs jumped out to a 12 point lead, only to again fold in the second half and look especially bad doing it.
This team suffers from mentally from two things: 1) An epic hangover that Lindsey Lohan would be proud of and 2) The fatal mistake that teams have and or still fear them in some way. Both are evidenced by the Mavs performance in the third quarter. The Mavs come out complacent settling for jumpers and lacking intensity on defense. It is almost as if they said, "Ok we are up by 12, we have experience and New Orleans should go away now and understand that we are the Mavericks." Only Chris Paul decided that this would not be the case. When Dallas discovered this, the core of the team reverted back to panic mode and was again blown out in yet another playoff game.
For the record, this version of the Mavs are done. I expect this to go five, maybe 6 (I do have Game 3 tickets on sale if anyone is interested). As a friend of mine said earlier in the month, the window has closed. I now agree. This should not be laid at the feet of Dirk either. This collapse should be blamed on the complete cast of characters who have not had the mental fortitude to deal with the pressure that comes with being a legitimate NBA contender. It is also should be laid at the feet of the Little General, who has been on record saying he likes to take adversity head on. He may like it, but he has never been able to translate his lessons learned to his team.
This veteran group of players are just shell shocked and quarter of a step to slow. Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson should be ready, willing and able to revisit every player on this roster and make deals is necessary to get a bit younger and a bit tougher across the board. They also should be willing get change the head coach, who voice in the locker room is becoming less relevant by each passing day.
The first day of the NBA playoffs is in the books. We saw some great action from Lebron's sick alley oop (http://youtube.com/watch?v=QZjqvqSiG-o), to Timmy's first three of the season to force double overtime (http://youtube.com/watch?v=5PDdb48g4_c). We also saw what has become an NBA playoff tradition, the Dallas Mavericks finding a way to lose in the most important time of the year.
This year's version of the Mavericks spent the better part of Saturday night letting another talented guard(Please also see D-Wade and Baron Davis) dominate them in every facet of the game and handing the team yet another playoff loss. Why does this continue to happen year end and year out? It is not talent, it is not even heart, it is mental.
The Mavericks have lost 7 straight road playoff games dating back to the collapse in Miami. Tonight, the Mavs jumped out to a 12 point lead, only to again fold in the second half and look especially bad doing it.
This team suffers from mentally from two things: 1) An epic hangover that Lindsey Lohan would be proud of and 2) The fatal mistake that teams have and or still fear them in some way. Both are evidenced by the Mavs performance in the third quarter. The Mavs come out complacent settling for jumpers and lacking intensity on defense. It is almost as if they said, "Ok we are up by 12, we have experience and New Orleans should go away now and understand that we are the Mavericks." Only Chris Paul decided that this would not be the case. When Dallas discovered this, the core of the team reverted back to panic mode and was again blown out in yet another playoff game.
For the record, this version of the Mavs are done. I expect this to go five, maybe 6 (I do have Game 3 tickets on sale if anyone is interested). As a friend of mine said earlier in the month, the window has closed. I now agree. This should not be laid at the feet of Dirk either. This collapse should be blamed on the complete cast of characters who have not had the mental fortitude to deal with the pressure that comes with being a legitimate NBA contender. It is also should be laid at the feet of the Little General, who has been on record saying he likes to take adversity head on. He may like it, but he has never been able to translate his lessons learned to his team.
This veteran group of players are just shell shocked and quarter of a step to slow. Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson should be ready, willing and able to revisit every player on this roster and make deals is necessary to get a bit younger and a bit tougher across the board. They also should be willing get change the head coach, who voice in the locker room is becoming less relevant by each passing day.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Dallas as a Sports Town and Final Four Predictions
Over the last couple of days, I have had a lot of time on my hands. Most feel that this is a good thing. Down time, relax, watch some TV or some such. This is not usually a good thing for me personally, especially as I participate in what has quickly become the hottest blog on the Internet.
During this time, my mind has raced with sports topics to write about, but with all of the delicious headlines out there took a backseat to a 28 second blurb I heard on the radio as I returned from dinner this evening.
The blurb? The local Dallas sports radio station praising Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Kidd for his team changing play during the Mavs blow out victory over Golden State Wednesday. The same guys ripping him and the team after an embarrassing loss to the Golden State just 3 days before.
Believe me, I love the sports station that I speak of above. I even agree with them and steal a lot of my ideas from what I hear there. But it made me begin to think about Dallas (D/FW) as sports town.
After 8 years of living here, I have now determined that D/FW wins the title as the biggest front-running sports town in America. Why? I hear sports talk and the local papers tell me that a team is championship caliber after one win and destined for 20 years of ineptness after one loss. I live this yo-yo after every win and loss of my favorite hometown teams. Many would say that this is the beauty of sports, I would say that it is irrational emotion of humans (which I do practice on a daily basis)
Don't get me wrong, as the resident Mavs Maniac around here I no longer harbor any illusions that the Mavs are going to the Finals. I still believe they may not even make the playoffs. Of course this will all change when the Mavs beat the Lakers tonight. Then you might as well pencil the Mavs in back Finals again this year, unless they lose. Then you can blow up the team and pray they get Michael Beasley. Right now Mavs 80 Lake Show 71. 4:00 minutes left in the third.
Quick Final Four Predictions
Kansas 87 UNC 86-- Kansas is so good they can play any style of basketball, they will beat Carolina at their own game
Memphis 75 UCLA 68--Kevin Love discovers he may be K-Fed, Collision remains inconsistent and Memphis pulls away late.
Championship
Kansas 80 Memphis 70--Kansas is scary good on defense, Rose plays like a freshman for once and Bill Self gets a National Title before bolting for Okie State. (wink)
During this time, my mind has raced with sports topics to write about, but with all of the delicious headlines out there took a backseat to a 28 second blurb I heard on the radio as I returned from dinner this evening.
The blurb? The local Dallas sports radio station praising Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Kidd for his team changing play during the Mavs blow out victory over Golden State Wednesday. The same guys ripping him and the team after an embarrassing loss to the Golden State just 3 days before.
Believe me, I love the sports station that I speak of above. I even agree with them and steal a lot of my ideas from what I hear there. But it made me begin to think about Dallas (D/FW) as sports town.
After 8 years of living here, I have now determined that D/FW wins the title as the biggest front-running sports town in America. Why? I hear sports talk and the local papers tell me that a team is championship caliber after one win and destined for 20 years of ineptness after one loss. I live this yo-yo after every win and loss of my favorite hometown teams. Many would say that this is the beauty of sports, I would say that it is irrational emotion of humans (which I do practice on a daily basis)
Don't get me wrong, as the resident Mavs Maniac around here I no longer harbor any illusions that the Mavs are going to the Finals. I still believe they may not even make the playoffs. Of course this will all change when the Mavs beat the Lakers tonight. Then you might as well pencil the Mavs in back Finals again this year, unless they lose. Then you can blow up the team and pray they get Michael Beasley. Right now Mavs 80 Lake Show 71. 4:00 minutes left in the third.
Quick Final Four Predictions
Kansas 87 UNC 86-- Kansas is so good they can play any style of basketball, they will beat Carolina at their own game
Memphis 75 UCLA 68--Kevin Love discovers he may be K-Fed, Collision remains inconsistent and Memphis pulls away late.
Championship
Kansas 80 Memphis 70--Kansas is scary good on defense, Rose plays like a freshman for once and Bill Self gets a National Title before bolting for Okie State. (wink)
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Fearless MLB Predictions
Well boys and girls (the latter being wishful thinking), baseball season is upon us and to be honest, I am not very excited. I almost always find the beginning of certain sporting seasons to be a fun and exciting excluding the WNBA, why is that league still around? Anyway to get back on point, we are two games into the Astros' season and they have scored a whopping one run and have no wins. I have a feeling this is just a precursor to the rest of the season. With only one and half pitchers, it's going to be hard to win games. They will score some runs but not enough. So with that being said here are some fearless and bold predictions...
We will start with the National league and how they will finish:
NL Central
Chicago Cubs
Milwaukee Brewers
Cincinnati Reds
Houston Astros
Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals
NL East
New York Mets
Atlanta Braves (Wild Card)
Philadelphia Phillies
Florida Marlins
Washington Nationals
NL West
Arizona Diamondbacks
Colorado Rockies
Los Angeles Dodgers
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants
Moving on to the over-priced half of the MLB, the American league:
AL Central
Cleveland Indians
Detroit Tigers
Chicago White Sox
Kansas City Royals
Minnesota Twins
AL East
New York Yankees
Boston Red Sox
Toronto Blue Jays
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Baltimore Orioles
AL West
Los Angeles of Whatever Angels
Seattle Mariners
Texas Rangers
Oakland A's
World Series
New York Yankees over Chicago Cubs
NL MVP
David Wright
AL MVP
Alex Rodriguez
NL Cy Young
Johan Santana
AL Cy Young
Erik Bedard
So let us hear from you. Agree, disagree or don't care - we would love to hear from you guys.
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