By ANTONIO GONZALEZ (AP)
ORLANDO, Fla. — The hair is a little grayer. The ankles and knees no longer so sturdy. Even with a roster full of aging superstars, the Boston Celtics are still standing tall.
Too old to chase a title? Not these days.
Ray Allen scored 25 points, Paul Pierce had 22 and the Celtics used smothering defense to beat the Orlando Magic 92-88 on Sunday in the Eastern Conference finals opener.
Hampered by injuries, the Celtics literally limped their way through parts of the regular season. All that seems a distant memory now.
"I honestly say we lost ourselves," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "I think we've found ourselves again."
Rasheed Wallace added 13 points as the Celtics built a 20-point lead, then held on late to snap Orlando's 14-game winning streak. They held the Magic to 41 percent shooting — 22 percent from 3-point range — in displaying that rough and tough defense that was once their staple.
"There were stretches in the season, we know each other so well now, where we were becoming less patient with each other," Allen said. "We were getting on each other a little too much. We can take it, but we respected each other.
"When we started the playoffs, we said teams are going to hit us, they're going to attack us. But when somebody scores on us, which they will, we go get the ball out and come back."
Vince Carter had 23 points and Jameer Nelson finished with 20 for Orlando, which cut the lead to two in the final seconds but simply ran out of time, looking rusty after a six-day layoff. Dwight Howard was limited to 13 points and 12 rebounds, nowhere near the dominant force the Magic need to win a title.
Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Tuesday night in Orlando.
"I don't think it was rusty. Just anxious," Howard said. "We dug ourselves a hole, and it was tough to get back from." Continue reading here
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NBA Conference Finals is here - watch it live
Sunday, May 16, 2010
NBA Conference Finals is here - watch it live
Four NBA teams are left. Who will advance to the NBA Finals? It will start today 3:30PM ET, Boston Celtics against Orlando Magic.
Celtics vs Magic
Magic has the home court advantage all through out the playoffs(even in NBA finals) because they have the second best record in the NBA regular season. But Celtics proved that they don't need home court advantage to win a series. The Celtics dumped the Cavaliers 4-2 while the Magic gave no mercy in sweeping the Atlanta Hawks of their own series.
For Orlando to win this series, their shooters should play well to free up the interior defence of the Celtics. Dwight Howard will really have a hard time because Kevin Garnet is healthy. Lets watch out for this two.
For Boston, I think they have the advantage because of experience and the good news for them is their Big Three are all healthy. But I still believe that Rajon Rondo is still the catalyst of this team. He should play well like what he did in the Cavaliers series.
Prediction: Celtics 4-2
Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns
Lakers reached the Conference finals for the third straight year. They swept the Utah Jazz and the Suns swept the Spurs also. Suns pick-n-roll offense will be in trouble because the Lakers has the formula to stop it(look what they did in Jazz series). But Steve Nash will be the main catalyst of the Suns, he should distribute the ball well and be aggressive in defense.
For the Lakers, they should tighten their defense and cover all the shooters well. Lakers have all the advantage especially their twin towers. This series is fun to watch and the Lakers are very eager to revenge their playoffs losses to the Suns. Kobe Bryant will still be the go to guy of the Lakers.
Prediction: Lakers 4-1
Watch the NBA Conference Final Games at NBA TODAY
Celtics vs Magic
Magic has the home court advantage all through out the playoffs(even in NBA finals) because they have the second best record in the NBA regular season. But Celtics proved that they don't need home court advantage to win a series. The Celtics dumped the Cavaliers 4-2 while the Magic gave no mercy in sweeping the Atlanta Hawks of their own series.
For Orlando to win this series, their shooters should play well to free up the interior defence of the Celtics. Dwight Howard will really have a hard time because Kevin Garnet is healthy. Lets watch out for this two.
For Boston, I think they have the advantage because of experience and the good news for them is their Big Three are all healthy. But I still believe that Rajon Rondo is still the catalyst of this team. He should play well like what he did in the Cavaliers series.
Prediction: Celtics 4-2
Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns
Lakers reached the Conference finals for the third straight year. They swept the Utah Jazz and the Suns swept the Spurs also. Suns pick-n-roll offense will be in trouble because the Lakers has the formula to stop it(look what they did in Jazz series). But Steve Nash will be the main catalyst of the Suns, he should distribute the ball well and be aggressive in defense.
For the Lakers, they should tighten their defense and cover all the shooters well. Lakers have all the advantage especially their twin towers. This series is fun to watch and the Lakers are very eager to revenge their playoffs losses to the Suns. Kobe Bryant will still be the go to guy of the Lakers.
Prediction: Lakers 4-1
Watch the NBA Conference Final Games at NBA TODAY
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Former Knick Charles Oakley says it's Chicago or Miami for LeBron James, not New York
by Frank Isola
source nydailynews.com
Don't kid yourself. Number 23 is as good as gone.
And it has nothing to do with LeBron James announcing months ago that he was changing his uniform number from 23 to 6.
"Chicago or Miami," says Charles Oakley, the former Knicks power forward. "Not New York. He's leaving."
Oakley has become a friend/mentor to the NBA's two-time MVP over the last few years. They have an Ohio connection - Oakley owns a home in the Cleveland suburbs - as well as a world-famous connection. Oakley is best friends with James' idol, Michael Jordan. (LeBron is changing his number to honor Jordan.)
And if James signs a free agent contract with the Bulls or Heat in July, the Knicks may regret the day they never followed through with their plan to offer Oakley a job as a big-man coach. Oakley's relationship with his former club ranges from cordial to estranged, and having him so close to the most prized free agent in nearly 20 years could be a detriment to the Knicks instead of an advantage.
"He wants to go someplace where he can win," Oakley said following Cleveland's Game 5 loss on Tuesday. "He's been in the league, what, seven or eight years? It's time for him to get over the hump."
James has said repeatedly that winning is all that matters to him and that he will choose the team that gives him the best chance to win multiple championships. That may or may not be in Cleveland.
Late Thursday in Boston, James removed his best-selling Cavaliers jersey for the last time in the tunnel leading to the visiting team's locker room. In an instant, James was free at last.
It was a symbolic gesture from a player whose carefully constructed image took as much of a beating this week as his team. Now, instead of competing for an NBA championship, James becomes the trophy, and signing him is the game the Cavs, Knicks, Nets, Heat, Bulls - and yes, even the Clippers - are playing.
Not since Shaquille O'Neal left Orlando to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers has there been a more sought-after free agent. Despite his disappointing performance against Boston in the last three games of the Eastern Conference semis, James is still a superstar talent whose best years are ahead of him. Everyone has an opinion on which uniform he will wear next and just about everyone agrees that that decision could alter the history of the NBA for the next 10 years.
"He's the face of basketball," says Boston forward Kevin Garnett. "It's gonna be the talk of the summer. Everyone is gonna be tuned in."
Every theory about James' next move has been debated, and all of them sound plausible. The most repeated scenario has James signing a three-year contract extension in order to bring Cleveland its first pro sports title since 1964.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/2010/05/15/2010-05-15_oakley_feels_its_23_skidoo.html#ixzz0nzsti38R
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Thursday, May 13, 2010
Boston Celtics eliminates Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Kevin Garnet carries the Celtics to the Eastern Conference finals against the Orlando Magic. He scored 22 pts in 11-19 fgs and added 10 rebounds in leading the Celtics against the Cavs, 94-85. Lebron James scored 27 pts but he had 9 turnovers.
It is the second straight year that Lebron James season ends in a lossing cause. The question now is will Lebron stays in Cleveland? Maybe yes or maybe no. But I think Cavs should replace their coach, Mike Brown is a great coach during NBA regular season but he is awful during the playoff. Lebron James deserved to stay in Cavaliers but he need a great coach that inspires the team during NBA playoffs.
For Boston, their championship form is back and Orlando Magic will be in trouble. It will be a great Eastern Conference Finals series that will start on Sunday afternoon.
Game Recap
P.S.
Watch Eastern Conference Finals and Western Conference Finals here.
It is the second straight year that Lebron James season ends in a lossing cause. The question now is will Lebron stays in Cleveland? Maybe yes or maybe no. But I think Cavs should replace their coach, Mike Brown is a great coach during NBA regular season but he is awful during the playoff. Lebron James deserved to stay in Cavaliers but he need a great coach that inspires the team during NBA playoffs.
For Boston, their championship form is back and Orlando Magic will be in trouble. It will be a great Eastern Conference Finals series that will start on Sunday afternoon.
Game Recap
P.S.
Watch Eastern Conference Finals and Western Conference Finals here.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
LeBron James plays poorly in a big game? So did Jordan
By DAN LE BATARD
dlebatard@MiamiHerald.com
A very important player in a very important basketball game once went 3 for 18. He took eight three-pointers and missed every one. His team lost by 35 points. History does not remember him as a choker or afraid or not quite ready for the throne, even though he had this game on the largest stage -- in the NBA Finals. No, history remembers him as Michael Jordan.
Why did LeBron James miss 11 of his 14 shots in a Game 5 disaster against Boston Tuesday night?
I don't know.
That's a terrible answer, of course. It has no depth or wisdom. Humans, in general, are curious and want explanations. And sports fans and media members, specifically, really stink at accepting ``I don't know.'' The all-you-can-eat ESPN beast must be fed theories and analysis round-the-clock, and ``I don't know'' is hardly ever on the menu. It is easier to condemn James by saying that this kind of game would have never happened to an assassin like Jordan while ignoring that this kind of game did happen to an assassin like Jordan.
But there has to be a reason James stunk, right?
Well, no, there doesn't.
Fooled By Randomness, one of the smartest books ever written, explains how sometimes humans see patterns where there is just random noise. And rarely do you see it done more often and with more zealotry than in sports, where everything from an athlete's greatness to his strength to his character gets measured by the whims of good or bad bounces, good or bad days.
Combine this kind of James performance with the absence of a good explanation, and what gets unleashed like a thousand rodeo bulls are all the intangibles. You know, things that can't be seen or measured. If it can't be proven, it is hard to disprove, too, so James today lacks ``heart'' or ``will'' or ``clutch'' or ``killer instinct'' or ``leadership'' or whatever unseen else you'd like to place next to this result without a proper rebuttal from the scoreboard. You can also opine that James was terrible because the Celtics prayed to an evil leprechaun.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/12/1626618/lebron-james-plays-poorly-in-a.html#ixzz0nmA6RJfH
dlebatard@MiamiHerald.com
A very important player in a very important basketball game once went 3 for 18. He took eight three-pointers and missed every one. His team lost by 35 points. History does not remember him as a choker or afraid or not quite ready for the throne, even though he had this game on the largest stage -- in the NBA Finals. No, history remembers him as Michael Jordan.
Why did LeBron James miss 11 of his 14 shots in a Game 5 disaster against Boston Tuesday night?
I don't know.
That's a terrible answer, of course. It has no depth or wisdom. Humans, in general, are curious and want explanations. And sports fans and media members, specifically, really stink at accepting ``I don't know.'' The all-you-can-eat ESPN beast must be fed theories and analysis round-the-clock, and ``I don't know'' is hardly ever on the menu. It is easier to condemn James by saying that this kind of game would have never happened to an assassin like Jordan while ignoring that this kind of game did happen to an assassin like Jordan.
But there has to be a reason James stunk, right?
Well, no, there doesn't.
Fooled By Randomness, one of the smartest books ever written, explains how sometimes humans see patterns where there is just random noise. And rarely do you see it done more often and with more zealotry than in sports, where everything from an athlete's greatness to his strength to his character gets measured by the whims of good or bad bounces, good or bad days.
Combine this kind of James performance with the absence of a good explanation, and what gets unleashed like a thousand rodeo bulls are all the intangibles. You know, things that can't be seen or measured. If it can't be proven, it is hard to disprove, too, so James today lacks ``heart'' or ``will'' or ``clutch'' or ``killer instinct'' or ``leadership'' or whatever unseen else you'd like to place next to this result without a proper rebuttal from the scoreboard. You can also opine that James was terrible because the Celtics prayed to an evil leprechaun.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/12/1626618/lebron-james-plays-poorly-in-a.html#ixzz0nmA6RJfH
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Phoenix Suns sweep San Antonio Spurs
Amare Stoudamire and Steve Nash leads the Phoenix Suns during a decisive fourth quarter run and sweep the San Antonio Spurs, 107-101. Phoenix Suns will advance to the Western Conference Finals. Stoudamire and Nash has 49 combined points while Nash hits a perfect field goal in the 3PT line, 3-3 FG.
Phoenix Suns will face the winner of the series between the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers lead the series, 3-0.
Phoenix Suns will face the winner of the series between the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers lead the series, 3-0.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
NBA Playoff semifinals match-up
NBA Quarter finals is almost complete. Only the Hawks-Bucks series extends to a game 7 on Sunday. That means Orlando Magic has all the time to rest and scout their possible opponents. But I think either Hawks or Bucks, they will still advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Cavaliers vs Celtics
Prediction: Cavaliers 4-3
Celtics is still Celtics. They match up well with the Cavaliers but I still pick Lebron James and the Cavaliers. With the addition of Shaq and Jamison, Cavaliers will have all the firepower to dominate the Celtics. For the Celtics, in order them to win this series, Rajon Rando should play well. He, I think is the X-factor. Every time Rando distribute the ball well, the Celtics rolls easily to a victory. But Lebron James will cruise to the NBA Finals, he has two MVP tucked in his belt, only left is that elusive ring. James is motivated to get it.
San Antonio Spurs vs Phoenix Suns
Prediction: Spurs 4-2
Spurs proves that they can still win a series by beating the second seeded Dallas Mavericks. Despite their aging star, they outrun and out hustle the Mavericks. This time they will be tested with the Phoenix Suns. Amare Stoudamire is a beast inside and will cause a lot of head aches to the Spurs. But I think Spurs will win this series because of their fundamental defense.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz
Prediction: Lakers 4-2
Utah Jazz has done a great job in eliminating the Denver Nuggets. Despite their injuries to key players, they still manage to win a series. But this time around, I think luck is not on their side. Lakers has all the luxury of every position especially their twin towers Gasol and Bynum plus Kobe Bryant. For the Jazz, CJ Miles should play well if they want to advance. Lakers in 6 games.
Cavaliers vs Celtics
Prediction: Cavaliers 4-3
Celtics is still Celtics. They match up well with the Cavaliers but I still pick Lebron James and the Cavaliers. With the addition of Shaq and Jamison, Cavaliers will have all the firepower to dominate the Celtics. For the Celtics, in order them to win this series, Rajon Rando should play well. He, I think is the X-factor. Every time Rando distribute the ball well, the Celtics rolls easily to a victory. But Lebron James will cruise to the NBA Finals, he has two MVP tucked in his belt, only left is that elusive ring. James is motivated to get it.
San Antonio Spurs vs Phoenix Suns
Prediction: Spurs 4-2
Spurs proves that they can still win a series by beating the second seeded Dallas Mavericks. Despite their aging star, they outrun and out hustle the Mavericks. This time they will be tested with the Phoenix Suns. Amare Stoudamire is a beast inside and will cause a lot of head aches to the Spurs. But I think Spurs will win this series because of their fundamental defense.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz
Prediction: Lakers 4-2
Utah Jazz has done a great job in eliminating the Denver Nuggets. Despite their injuries to key players, they still manage to win a series. But this time around, I think luck is not on their side. Lakers has all the luxury of every position especially their twin towers Gasol and Bynum plus Kobe Bryant. For the Jazz, CJ Miles should play well if they want to advance. Lakers in 6 games.
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