As the first round of the NBA playoffs are over, players and fans are not looking forward to there conference semi-finals.
The best proved that it doesn't matter whether you are a high seed or a low seed in the playoffs; it matters on who wants it more and the way you play. Eight teams have advanced to the second round leaving eight behind.
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were able to find a way to beat the Nuggets and their top two scoring duo, Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony.
The dangerous Mavericks couldn't find glory against the young and talented Hornets.
In probably the most exciting matchup, the Spurs held off the rays of the Suns in just five games which is a disappointment.
After having the second longest streak ever in the NBA, the Rockets seemed to miss Yao Ming against the Jazz who took the series in 6.
Over to the Eastern Conference, the Celtics should have swept the Hawks but many were surprised on how well they played and actually sent the series to 7 games despite being the eighth seed; in the final game, they got blown out and the Celtics advanced.
The Pistons almost got a scare against the 76ers but came out with the series in 6 games.
Third seeded Magic sent the Raptors home early in five games.
After DeShawn Stephenson talking smack about LeBron James, he couldn't back it up. James set things straight sending the Cavs past the Wizards in 6 games.
Seeing the top 4 teams in each conference advance, the 2nd round should have some very exciting games:
Hornets vs. Spurs
Lakers vs. Jazz
Pistons vs. Magic
Celtic vs. Cavaliers
*bold represents top seed
My Opinion: I was very surprised that the Nuggets got swept by the Lakers; they definately had the offensive power to advance but their defense didn't seem to come together. I guess we know what they will be looking for in the off season. In the upcoming games, i believe that the Hornets will be the surprise team to win; despite being young and inexperience, they are very athletic and should get passed the Spurs. My picks for these games are the Hornets, Lakers, Magic, and Cavaliers.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
All English Champions League Final
An all English Champions League Final is to be held this year in Moscow, Russia.
With three Premier League teams making it to the semi-finals (Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool), many were putting there bets on two EPL teams battling it out for the best in Europe. Is this a good thing or bad thing? Experts are saying that it will be very competitive but yet it would be a very defensive game.
Man. United were able to defeat the Spanish giants Barcelona with a 1-0 win on aggregate; everyone was hoping to see a use of foot magic by both Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo but due to injury for Ronaldinho, Ronaldo was the only one impressing fans. Only one goal was produce in two games which was very unexpected; in both of their domestic leagues, goals were not a problem as both teams were able to find the net in almost every game. With a mistake by defender Milito of Barcelona, Paul Scholes was able to Man. U. the lead with a thunderous half-volley from about 25 meters out which was enough to send the "Red Devils" to the Finals.
In the other semi-finals, Liverpool and Chelsea were playing against each other for the 3rd time in 4 years! Chelsea was only able to have their luck once as Liverpool advanced each of the other times. But this year was different as the "Blues" made it passed one of their rivals. Riise gave Chelsea the 1-1 draw in the first match with a very disappointing own goal in the closing minutes! The 2nd Leg was very exciting as again they finished 1-1 with goals from Drogba of Chelsea and one from Torres of Liverpool. Ending a 2nd Leg in extra time could not have gotten better as Drogba and Essien made it 3-1 with only 15 minutes left. Liverpool would not back down as they received a goal from late sub, Babel to make it 3-2 as the final whistle sounded.
May 21, Manchester United vs. Chelsea for the Champions League Final in Moscow!
My Opinion: I don't have anything against EPL teams but having an all English CL Finals will seem kind of boring to me. I know how both of these teams play but I don't think we will see their original playing style in Moscow. The "Red Devils" and "Blues" know how to attack and score but from previous matches played against each other, this will be more of a defensive game rather then attack. This will take some of the excitement out of the game but both teams will show a great deal of competitiveness. I believe that Manchester United will win 2-1.
With three Premier League teams making it to the semi-finals (Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool), many were putting there bets on two EPL teams battling it out for the best in Europe. Is this a good thing or bad thing? Experts are saying that it will be very competitive but yet it would be a very defensive game.
Man. United were able to defeat the Spanish giants Barcelona with a 1-0 win on aggregate; everyone was hoping to see a use of foot magic by both Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo but due to injury for Ronaldinho, Ronaldo was the only one impressing fans. Only one goal was produce in two games which was very unexpected; in both of their domestic leagues, goals were not a problem as both teams were able to find the net in almost every game. With a mistake by defender Milito of Barcelona, Paul Scholes was able to Man. U. the lead with a thunderous half-volley from about 25 meters out which was enough to send the "Red Devils" to the Finals.
In the other semi-finals, Liverpool and Chelsea were playing against each other for the 3rd time in 4 years! Chelsea was only able to have their luck once as Liverpool advanced each of the other times. But this year was different as the "Blues" made it passed one of their rivals. Riise gave Chelsea the 1-1 draw in the first match with a very disappointing own goal in the closing minutes! The 2nd Leg was very exciting as again they finished 1-1 with goals from Drogba of Chelsea and one from Torres of Liverpool. Ending a 2nd Leg in extra time could not have gotten better as Drogba and Essien made it 3-1 with only 15 minutes left. Liverpool would not back down as they received a goal from late sub, Babel to make it 3-2 as the final whistle sounded.
May 21, Manchester United vs. Chelsea for the Champions League Final in Moscow!
My Opinion: I don't have anything against EPL teams but having an all English CL Finals will seem kind of boring to me. I know how both of these teams play but I don't think we will see their original playing style in Moscow. The "Red Devils" and "Blues" know how to attack and score but from previous matches played against each other, this will be more of a defensive game rather then attack. This will take some of the excitement out of the game but both teams will show a great deal of competitiveness. I believe that Manchester United will win 2-1.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Kobe Jumps Over Moving Car
What athletes will do to promote their shoes.
My opinion: I do believe that Kobe Bryant is able to jump over a car but this has got to be fake. I don't think the Lakers organization would let Kobe risk his chances just to promote his shoes. The car is probably just off center with Kobe but with the angel you see, it looks like he is really jumping over the car. Like I said, he COULD do it but does not do it in this video!!
My opinion: I do believe that Kobe Bryant is able to jump over a car but this has got to be fake. I don't think the Lakers organization would let Kobe risk his chances just to promote his shoes. The car is probably just off center with Kobe but with the angel you see, it looks like he is really jumping over the car. Like I said, he COULD do it but does not do it in this video!!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
And the Playoffs Begin...
As the NBA season comes to an end, the 2008 Playoffs are set and will begin this
upcoming weekend.
upcoming weekend.Throughout the season, teams have been having up and down seasons and towards the end, teams with the biggest heart and confidence have made it to the final 16.
The Easter Conference may not have as many good match ups as the West but it should be good to watch key players like LeBron James, Kevin Garnet, Dwight Howard, etc.
Match ups for the East include:
1. Celtics-8. Hawks
2. Pistons-7. 76ers
3. Magic-6. Raptors
4. Cavaliers-5. Wizards
The Western Conference has had spots change throughout the entire season. Teams have been going up, down, in and out of the standings, that's how tight the West was. All of the lower seeds have a chance making an upset in the first round which should make the games very exciting.
The Easter Conference may not have as many good match ups as the West but it should be good to watch key players like LeBron James, Kevin Garnet, Dwight Howard, etc.
Match ups for the East include:
1. Celtics-8. Hawks
2. Pistons-7. 76ers
3. Magic-6. Raptors
4. Cavaliers-5. Wizards
The Western Conference has had spots change throughout the entire season. Teams have been going up, down, in and out of the standings, that's how tight the West was. All of the lower seeds have a chance making an upset in the first round which should make the games very exciting.First round match ups for the West are:
1. Lakers-8. Nuggets
2. Hornets-7. Mavericks
3. Spurs-6. Suns
4. Jazz-5. Rockets
My Opinion: Even though I am a fan of the East (because of being a Bulls fan), I think that a team from the West is going to win. Despite the Celtics having the best record in the NBA, they don't have enough experience to become a Championship team. In the West, I believe we are going to see another 1. vs 8. upset with the Nuggets beating the Lakers; they are probably the best offensive team in the NBA and are capable of defending the ball well. My prediction of the Finals is Spurs vs. Pistons/Cavaliers.
1. Lakers-8. Nuggets
2. Hornets-7. Mavericks
3. Spurs-6. Suns
4. Jazz-5. Rockets
My Opinion: Even though I am a fan of the East (because of being a Bulls fan), I think that a team from the West is going to win. Despite the Celtics having the best record in the NBA, they don't have enough experience to become a Championship team. In the West, I believe we are going to see another 1. vs 8. upset with the Nuggets beating the Lakers; they are probably the best offensive team in the NBA and are capable of defending the ball well. My prediction of the Finals is Spurs vs. Pistons/Cavaliers.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Kansas Takes It!!!!
No one would have thought it but it's true, the Kansas Jayhawks are the 2007-2008 NCAA Basketball Champions.
The Jayhawks were able to fight back in San Antonio against the tough Memphis Tigers for a 75-68 overtime thriller. The game seemed to be in the hands of the Tigers as they led for a good amount of the game and had their defense on "lock" forcing 17 Jayhawk turnovers. Darrell Arthur had a game high 20 points but wasn't the player of the game.
Up until 10 seconds left in regulation, the first year point guard Derrick Rose was pouring in points and doing everything to help his team win; he finished with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists. The only thing that kept him from getting player of the game were missed free throws by Memphis and a memorable 3 point shot by Mario Chalmers.
With less than a minute left, Derrick Rose missed 3 free throws and gave the Tigers a chance to tie the game; knowing how it's March Madness, Chalmers got the ball with 9 seconds left and made a fade away three to tie the game and send the game into overtime.
Kansas was able to continue its run and momentum into Overtime as they scored 12 points compared to Memphis' 5. With 20 seconds left the crowd and the Jayhawk team knew they were going to be the champions.
My Opinion: I would have never guessed that the Kansas Jayhawks would have won it all. Everyone believed that either North Carolina or UCLA was going to win it because of their returning players but surprising neither didn't reach the championship game.
The Jayhawks were able to fight back in San Antonio against the tough Memphis Tigers for a 75-68 overtime thriller. The game seemed to be in the hands of the Tigers as they led for a good amount of the game and had their defense on "lock" forcing 17 Jayhawk turnovers. Darrell Arthur had a game high 20 points but wasn't the player of the game.
Up until 10 seconds left in regulation, the first year point guard Derrick Rose was pouring in points and doing everything to help his team win; he finished with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists. The only thing that kept him from getting player of the game were missed free throws by Memphis and a memorable 3 point shot by Mario Chalmers.
With less than a minute left, Derrick Rose missed 3 free throws and gave the Tigers a chance to tie the game; knowing how it's March Madness, Chalmers got the ball with 9 seconds left and made a fade away three to tie the game and send the game into overtime.
Kansas was able to continue its run and momentum into Overtime as they scored 12 points compared to Memphis' 5. With 20 seconds left the crowd and the Jayhawk team knew they were going to be the champions.
My Opinion: I would have never guessed that the Kansas Jayhawks would have won it all. Everyone believed that either North Carolina or UCLA was going to win it because of their returning players but surprising neither didn't reach the championship game.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Fantasy Baseball
Not only has the Major League Baseball season start but also Fantasy Baseball leagues.
Many people join fantasy teams all the time. This year I am part of a Fantasy Baseball league on Yahoo. This league also includes two classmates, Frank and Adam; Frank is the "commissioner" of the league. I will describe my team below:
Can't STOP Us
Catcher: Kenji Johjima- one of the top catchers in the league
1st Base: Derek Lee- great power hitter, capable of 30 HRs, 110 RBIs
2nd Base: Chase Utley- top 2nd basemen; 176 hits, 22 HRs, 103 RBIs
Shortstop: Yunel Escobar- exceptional hitter with an AVG. above .300
3rd Base: Ryan Braun- able to hit 30 HRs with a .300 AVG.
Outfield: Magglio Ordonez- had a great season in 2007, had the top AVG. in league (.363)
Hunter Pence- will help the team with his .317 AVG.
Bill Hall- can have a break out season at any time
Utility: Jeff Kent- age can be a concern but still able to get 20 HRs with a good AVG.
Mark Reynolds- good amount of triples last season (4)
Carlos Gomez- should come up with a good season after a disappointing one
Bench: Juston Upton- also had a disappointing '07 season but predictions show a good '08 year.
Matt Kemp- one of the top AVG.'s in the league
Starting Pitchers: Erik Bedard- 13 WINS and 221 K's in '07
Felix Hernandez- 15 WINS with a 3.00 ERA prediction
Chien-Ming Wang- should get at least 18 WINS with the Yanks
Bronzon Arroyo- capable of a good amount of K's
Clay Buchholz- able to keep his ERA low
Francisco Liriano- rookie and shows high hopes
Relief Pitchers: Joe Nathan- about 40 saves and an ERA of 1.88 in '07
Francisco Cordero- about 45 saves and an ERA of about 3.00 in '07
Kevin Gregg- 30 saves is what predictions say
Overall my team is definitely good; I have a lot of power hitters and people who can drive in the runs. I should be able to finish with the best pitching because my pitchers are capable of getting minimum 15 wins, 170 strikeouts, and an ERA. of 3.00 or lower as my relievers should get at least 30 saves. One thing that my batters lack is speed. It's going to be hard to receive points for steals and triples.
Check out Frank's team, Out of the Cellar, or Adam's team, Willie Sux, and you be the judge on who has the better team!
Many people join fantasy teams all the time. This year I am part of a Fantasy Baseball league on Yahoo. This league also includes two classmates, Frank and Adam; Frank is the "commissioner" of the league. I will describe my team below:
Can't STOP Us
Catcher: Kenji Johjima- one of the top catchers in the league
1st Base: Derek Lee- great power hitter, capable of 30 HRs, 110 RBIs
2nd Base: Chase Utley- top 2nd basemen; 176 hits, 22 HRs, 103 RBIs
Shortstop: Yunel Escobar- exceptional hitter with an AVG. above .300
3rd Base: Ryan Braun- able to hit 30 HRs with a .300 AVG.
Outfield: Magglio Ordonez- had a great season in 2007, had the top AVG. in league (.363)
Hunter Pence- will help the team with his .317 AVG.
Bill Hall- can have a break out season at any time
Utility: Jeff Kent- age can be a concern but still able to get 20 HRs with a good AVG.
Mark Reynolds- good amount of triples last season (4)
Carlos Gomez- should come up with a good season after a disappointing one
Bench: Juston Upton- also had a disappointing '07 season but predictions show a good '08 year.
Matt Kemp- one of the top AVG.'s in the league
Starting Pitchers: Erik Bedard- 13 WINS and 221 K's in '07
Felix Hernandez- 15 WINS with a 3.00 ERA prediction
Chien-Ming Wang- should get at least 18 WINS with the Yanks
Bronzon Arroyo- capable of a good amount of K's
Clay Buchholz- able to keep his ERA low
Francisco Liriano- rookie and shows high hopes
Relief Pitchers: Joe Nathan- about 40 saves and an ERA of 1.88 in '07
Francisco Cordero- about 45 saves and an ERA of about 3.00 in '07
Kevin Gregg- 30 saves is what predictions say
Overall my team is definitely good; I have a lot of power hitters and people who can drive in the runs. I should be able to finish with the best pitching because my pitchers are capable of getting minimum 15 wins, 170 strikeouts, and an ERA. of 3.00 or lower as my relievers should get at least 30 saves. One thing that my batters lack is speed. It's going to be hard to receive points for steals and triples.
Check out Frank's team, Out of the Cellar, or Adam's team, Willie Sux, and you be the judge on who has the better team!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Yanks Start Off Strong
New York Yankees win their final season opener at Yankee Stadium.
With the Toronto Blue Jays in town, the Yankees were ready to play their last season opener in their stadium. Not only was it the final season opener, but it was the Yanks manager, Joe Giradi's, first game as the club manager.
Having the original first game postponed due to rain, Chien-Mein Wang was able to shut down the Blue Jays through the 7 innings that he pitched. Wang received a lot of support from his team as they were able to get 8 hits and 3 runs which was just enough to win 3-2. Alex Rodriguez had a double and RBI and Melky Cabrera was given the honor of being the last New York Yankee to hit a home run in a season opener game.
Once Mariano Rivera recorded the save, he handed the ball to Giradi as a souvenir; "He just congratulated me and he said that's No. 1 and let's get a lot more," Girardi said. "It's a neat moment for me." With Giradi having to fill some big shoes (Joe Torre) he is under some pressure as being manager and as being the final manager in Yankee Stadium. So far he's off to a great start!
My Opinion: With the Yanks playing their final season at Yankee Stadium, I think they will be coming out to win the World Series. What's a better way to end a then to bring the trophy back to the right home? The fans will be giving a great amount of support through every game so I think that the Yanks will be able to win it all!
With the Toronto Blue Jays in town, the Yankees were ready to play their last season opener in their stadium. Not only was it the final season opener, but it was the Yanks manager, Joe Giradi's, first game as the club manager.
Having the original first game postponed due to rain, Chien-Mein Wang was able to shut down the Blue Jays through the 7 innings that he pitched. Wang received a lot of support from his team as they were able to get 8 hits and 3 runs which was just enough to win 3-2. Alex Rodriguez had a double and RBI and Melky Cabrera was given the honor of being the last New York Yankee to hit a home run in a season opener game.Once Mariano Rivera recorded the save, he handed the ball to Giradi as a souvenir; "He just congratulated me and he said that's No. 1 and let's get a lot more," Girardi said. "It's a neat moment for me." With Giradi having to fill some big shoes (Joe Torre) he is under some pressure as being manager and as being the final manager in Yankee Stadium. So far he's off to a great start!
My Opinion: With the Yanks playing their final season at Yankee Stadium, I think they will be coming out to win the World Series. What's a better way to end a then to bring the trophy back to the right home? The fans will be giving a great amount of support through every game so I think that the Yanks will be able to win it all!
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