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.
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