After getting badly outplayed by journeyman Rafer Alston in last season’s Eastern Conference finals against the Orlando Magic, Mo Williams vowed to have a better showing in this year’s playoffs. Well, it’s already the conference semifinals and the Cavaliers’ so-called All-Star has been MIA so far. It’s the same old story for the underperforming point … [Read more…]
Like most European sensations, Juan Carlos Navarro wanted to try his luck in the NBA. He played one season with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2007-08, teaming with fellow Spaniard Pau Gasol. The Grizzlies acquired Navarro’s draft rights from the Washington Wizards – which selected the Spanish guard with the 40th overall pick in 2002 – … [Read more…]
Like two prize fighters who just went toe-to-toe for four brutal rounds, Manu Ginobili and Steve Nash shook hands at midcourt and congratulated each other. Ginobili and his broken nose then left the court and headed for the offseason because his San Antonio Spurs were knocked out of the 2010 playoffs by the Phoenix Suns, … [Read more…]
When Rashard Lewis was asked where he stands in terms of scoring option on the Orlando Magic, he said he’s currently No. 4 trying to work his way up to No. 3. Though it was a tongue-in-cheek response, Lewis was being honest when he said he was the fourth option on a Magic team loaded … [Read more…]
All championship teams have great role players – guys who play their position, make all the hustle plays and knock down shots when called upon. Magic Johnson’s Laker teams had Michael Cooper. Larry Bird’s Celtic teams had Danny Ainge. Robert Horry, who was instrumental in helping Hakeem Olajuwon’s Rockets, Shaq and Kobe’s Lakers and Tim … [Read more…]
Those who watched the Phoenix Suns take apart the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth quarter of Game 3 of their best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal series were all wondering the same thing: Who is Goran Dragic? Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is probably losing sleep right about now thinking about Goran Dragic, who had scored just … [Read more…]
Utah Jazz forward Carlos Boozer pretty much had his way against the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2010 playoffs. He averaged 22 points and 13 rebounds in the series and beat up on Denver big men Nene, Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen. Now, Boozer is on the other side of the beatings. … [Read more…]
LeBron James’ problematic right elbow has received so much attention these last few days it has decided to create its own Twitter account, Twitter.com/LeBronsElbow, which now has more than 6,500 followers. What is LeBronsElbow posting on Twitter? Here is its latest tweet: “LeBron is watching all of his Tivo’ed Veronica Mars shows right now so … [Read more…]
The Phoenix Suns made two very powerful statements in Game 2 of their best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal series against the San Antonio Spurs. First, the Suns wore their “Los Suns” jerseys on Cinco de Mayo to show their support for the Hispanic community of Arizona, a strong political message from a NBA franchise that is … [Read more…]
Despite being manhandled by the bigger and more talented L.A. Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals, the Utah Jazz remain undeterred. But, is Utah’s absolute best good enough to win? That’s the question head coach Jerry Sloan and his never-say-die Jazz face when the series switches to Salt Lake City for the next two games. … [Read more…]