Kill Your Idols

(This post will be littered with pictures throughout much the way my room would have looked from 1989-1995)

( The first and still the best, Michael Jordan)


If you looked up idol in Webster’s Dictionary, you’ll find the definition on page 600. At one time or another if you have followed sports I am sure you have had an idol or at least a person, who you strongly admired. For me circa 1990, it was Michael Jordan and Raghib “The Rocket” Ismail. However, after the card collecting fades, along with the imitations in the driveway or playing fields the only attachment that you are left with is the name on the front of the jersey, not the back of it. Which is to say that as we grow older we usually care less about the players that come and go and more about whether our team won or lost. Even those rooting interests tend to become blurred sometimes when you grow older especially when you enter fantasy sports or gambling into the mix. I mean I don’t like the Lakers, but if they cover for me you can bet I’ll be cheering on even Sasha Vujacic for those 48 minutes. I find all of those points valid and in almost every instance I would say they describe my current state as a sports fan, which leads me to my current conundrum which is: why do I find myself rooting for Steve Nash so much? After racking my brain the only real answer I could come up with is that Steve Nash would have been without a doubt one of my idols if this were 1990.





The first time I saw Steve Nash play basketball he may as well have just came over to my house and punched me in the stomach and put my 1993 NCAA tournament bracket in a paper shredder. Because in March of ‘93 Nash was leading Santa Clara to an upset of the #2 seeded Arizona Wildcats in the NCAA tournament, which at the time was devastating to me because I had picked Arizona to reach the Final Four. I can’t say that since then I obsessed over Nash’s career or was so invested that I followed every game or box score as I did with my favorite players during my youth. I am not going to run through his credentials or playing history as basketball player because this is not biography or a piece to convince people that Nash is a great player. The thing I enjoy most about Nash’s game is that he keeps me entertained and makes games exciting to watch. That statement can be made for a lot of NBA players, but the thing about Nash for me is the style of game he plays that I admire most.




He’s a pass first guard, who shoots a good jump shot, absolutely nails his free throws and can finish with drop shots around the rim. Not to mention the fact that Nash is 36 years old and is still playing at a high level. As a person, who enjoys watching point guards and an up-tempo style of basketball there is nothing not to like about Nash’s game. Essentially, Steve Nash is the basketball player I wish I was (never would have happened) or at least a player I wish would have been around when I was younger. I was/am a below average to slightly average basketball player (in terms of high school /pickup). So, any comparisons mentioned or named is strictly for vanity purposes. I was never going to be able to dunk a basketball despite my countless hours of training on my Jordan Jammer, so outside of Jordan I mostly gravitated towards point or guards as my favorite players. There was Sherman Douglas of Syracuse, Khalid Reeves of Arizona, and Rumeal Robinson of Michigan. Wow, that is a pretty depressing list if you take into account the collective NBA careers or lack there of with the three players I mentioned (Sherman Douglas had a decent run as noted in my running diary last night).





(My Guy, Khalid Reeves)



That is to say for some reason I was drawn to following undersized or slow college guards, who made little to no impact at the highest level of basketball. I think the reason I followed those players I mentioned was because they simulated my basketball prowess which was, being an undersized guard with average foot speed, who passed first, loved to get to the rim and had a below average jump shot. Its odd listing those players and not including any legit NBA player because I certainly loved watching NBA basketball I just never found a favorite player or person I could idolize that would have matched the kind of skill set I was trying to create for myself on the basketball court. Maybe I wasn’t looking hard enough or just refused to emulate the pink polo wearing John Stockton or that asshole Isiah Thomas. I am not trying to say that if Steve Nash was around I would have become a better basketball player or anything of the sort. I am just trying in some odd way to point out that in some alternate universe Steve Nash is my basketball idol.


(My favorite college basketball player of all-time and the reason I am a fan of Syracuse Basketball, Sherman Douglas)



( The conflicted idol, Rumeal Robinson. I still hate Michigan)





However, idol worship in sports is reserved for impressionable youth looking to follow someone, who excels at what they do and not aging twenty-somethings, who still just love watching sports. This means I am not placing an order on Eastbay for a Nash jersey, or buying a Phoenix Suns t-shirt at Hermans or running out to Pro Image to buy a Steve Nash poster. Rather, I will just sit back and enjoy watching Nash’s Suns hopefully beat the hated Lakers and get fulfillment from watching a player, who makes me feel like a kid again.




The soundtrack for this post was appropriately provided by Canada's Own, Rush

The Worst NBA playoff game of all-time

Because I have always wanted to do this and because I am really bored and tired (partied out) from watching the Hawks game from last night here comes a live running diary of the Boston Celtics- Orlando Magic game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals

- The following takes place on Saturday Night, May 22nd. All events occur in real time. Ok Now that I have gotten my weak rip off of 24 opening out of the way here goes nothing.

7:25pm- Coming to you live (well not when you read this, but you get the point) from my living room where I am currently sprawled out on my recliner watching ESPN’s crapatastic pre-game show hosted by that mutant Stuart Scott, the annoying Mike Wilbon, the world’s fattest AIDS sufferer Magic Johnson and the bland Jon Barry. No wonder why the show is sponsored by Kia because no other company worth its salt would sanction a broadcast with these four clowns. Give me TNT’s studio show any day of the week minus Reggie Miller

7:32- Still waiting for tip-off but I must say I get really excited every time one of those World Cup commercials comes on especially the one using U2’s “Out of Control”

7:33- Nice montage to open the broadcast.

7:34- Our first shot of Ron Jeremy, err Stan Van Gundy (I am sure that joke has never been made before)

7:36- It must be 80’s night at the TD North Fleet Center Boston Garden. Ozzy’s “Crazy Train” followed by GNR’s “Welcome to the Jungle” to warm up the crowd. I’m sure Rondo is getting pumped

7:38- And were off…

1st Quarter

7:38- Paul Pierce with our first bucket of the night. If he gets hot it will be a long night for the Magic

7: 40- Rashard Lewis continues his stellar ECF performance: a missed wide open 3 and an offensive foul next possession. Celts up 7-0

7:42- Dwight Howard’s free throw shooting style looks like a fat chick in yoga pants just a bad look.

7:46- Ray Allen just blows by Dwight Howard and throws down a dunk and Mark Jackson rattles off a poor version of the “Superman” theme song during the replay. 1st TV timeout could not have come at a better time cutting off Jackson. Celts up 9-6

7: 49- Thrown down to Doris Burke (eh, not good) after the break. Are we sure Carissa Thompson was busy tonight?

7:52- Am I sensing a trend? Kendrick Perkins just blew by Howard for a reverse lay-up. Apparently, the Magic are using the Mark Hansen style of help defense

7:55- Timeout Magic. Celts up 16-6. Just a terrible start for Orlando, Jammer Nelson looks like the only player that knew this was a playoff game tonight. Although, I am expecting big things from Vince Carter because he always shows up when the chips are down…

7:56- Amazing is that Jason Williams is still appearing in NBA commercials or even more amazing is that he is playing decent minutes for a team in the Conference Finals.

8:00- Never thought I would type that JJ Redick coming in for the Magic could provide the offensive spark that their looking for. Usually the only spark Redick provides is contempt from people, especially those who love to rip on popped collar, basketball playing d-bags from Duke.

8:04- And we have reached the end of 1 quarter and it’s Boston 27 – Orlando 12. The Celtics played great defense and spread the ball around on offense. Whereas the Magic have run the equivalent of a bad high school offense, with the intensity of a Jimmy Buffet concert. It also helps if you guard people on defense.

2nd Quarter

8:10- Glen “Big Baby” Davis drives for a lay-up and falls into the stands for a quick snack. Celts up 31-15

8:11- When Dwight Howard gets deep in the lane forget about it. Even Mark Eaton in his prime wouldn’t have stood a chance

8: 12- Rajon Rondo pulls an oke-doke move on Jason Williams and Marcin Gortat for an and 1. This guy is making a serious push to be included in that discussion about the top PG’s in the league. And then diving on the floor for a loose ball then getting back up for a lay-up doesn’t hurt his case either. Magic timeout. Celts up 36-17

8:18- Second Unit time for the Celts, let’s see if the Magic can make a push or not. Celts up 41-19

8:20- Jeff Van Gundy just firing on his brothers team calling them soft and he couldn’t be more right. Telling words from a man that wrapped himself around an opposing player’s ankle during a brawl in the late 90’s.

8:22- Vince Carter finally on the board with 5:50 left in the 1st half. Celts up 43-27.

8:28- When Tony Allen is whipping around 1 handed bounce passes to wide open teammates it’s not a good sign for the other team.

8:30- I have seen better offenses at the YMCA then the Orlando Magic are running tonight. Just plain sloppy and uninspired

8:35- It’s not a good sign for Orlando when JJ Redick has been your most consistent player in the series thus far.

8:36- So, now you hit your free throws Vince. Where was that in the 4th quarter of game 2? Celts up 50-34

8:40- Sorry, I just passed out when I just saw crawling across the bottom of the TV screen that Dice-K has a no hitter through 7 innings. (Player on my fantasy roster that deserves to die a painful death or maybe not?)

8: 40- We are at the half with the Celtics leading 51-34. I am going to turn on the Cubs for some excitement or at least some comic relief.

Halftime

8:51- Where is Chris Connelly for this Vince Carter halftime piece about his drug addict brother? I thought he was a permanent fixture for these depressing ESPN pieces.

8:56- Stuart Scott just jinxed Dice- K’s no hitter. Can someone jinx Stu Scott’s career at ESPN?

8:58- I know this is not a popular opinion but seeing Bill Walton in a commercial makes me miss him in the broadcast booth. Come back, Bill I miss your mid-game acid flashbacks

9:00- Eminem providing the soundtrack for the three 1st half highlights. Versus has a hotter sideline reporter, but at least ESPN is not trotting out Hoobastank songs for highlights.

3rd Quarter

9:02- We have a barn burner on our hands especially when Mike Breen is asking where the phrase: “until the cows come home” originated from with a minute elapsed in the 2nd half. Celts up 53-36

9: 04- Exactly what role other than talking up space is Matt Barnes occupying for the Magic on the floor?

9:08- I think I have the answer for the Barnes question: thug / dirty player certainly not an offensive threat or shutdown defender.

9:10- With 7:43 left in the 3rd Quarter Breen, Jackson and Van Gundy are already filling time with everything other than the action on the court.

9:11- Watch out!!! He hit a wide open jumper!!! Here comes the Vince Carter show, with the Magic down 20. Celts 60-40

9:15- KG knocks down a jump shot. It’s not even that the Celtics have been that dominant (they have been good) it’s that the Magic have been just downright awful. Timeout Magic. Celtics up 66-43

9:18- Hey, great to see my guy Sherman Douglas third on the Celtics list for assists

9:20- The Celtics could probably check-in Brian Scalabrine in street clothes and he would have a dozen points by now (Trying to keep myself amused and not pass out on my keyboard)

9:22- Just did a quick flip around the channels and it’s depressing to say that this NBA game is still the best thing going on basic cable.

9:25- Are we sure that this is the Orlando Magic and not the Atlanta Hawks? It’s like the Magic caught a nasty STD from their one night stand (sweep) against Atlanta. Because this is certainly not the same team that was hottest team in the NBA heading into the playoffs.

9:27- I love Jeff Van Gundy. He is certainly honest you can say that.

4th Quarter

9:34- I just spaced out for a few minutes. Celtics start the 4th quarter up 75-49

9:35- A game like this is certainly bringing back fans to the NBA…

9:37- It’s pretty bad when the Celtics fans are chanting “Beat LA” to keep themselves entertained

9:40- Filler Time: Has Rajon Rando been the best player in the 2010 NBA playoffs? I say yes if not then he is 1A next to Kobe. He has really elevated his game in these playoffs to another level. To be honest ever since Game 6 of the 2008 NBA finals you could say that Rondo has been the best player on the Celtics. I think Paul Pierce said it best in a interview piece from this game in that before Rondo use to defer to the Big 3 ( Pierce, Allen and Garnett), but now they are deferring to him to take over and run the show. That’s a big statement from a future hall-of-famer

9:45- Passing time by checking twitter- Ric Bucher (9:33pm) “Diehard Sports town, Boston, but music-wise, stuck firmly in the 70s” right on cue Tom Petty on the arena loudspeakers takes us into the break. Celtics lead 85-56

9:49- Is it 2pm Sunday yet? I am firmly committed to the Indian

9:53- Marquis Daniels checks into the game for Celtics. I wonder if his dad has checked out of prison yet?

9:54- Great flex of the rim by Brandon Bass for his 1st points of the series. Too bad your team is down 27

9:55- Not that it wasn’t over before, but it’s officially garbage time with Nate Robinson checking in

9:58- A shot of two asshats wearing Lakers jerseys in the stands and Jeff Van Gundy rightly asks: Why in the hell are they wearing Lakers jerseys in Boston when the Lakers aren’t even playing.

10:00- I am considering doing this for Lakers-Suns tomorrow night, so if you’re still reading this and planning on watching the game don’t bother because I am sure (with my luck) that the game will end up being just as boring as tonight.

10:05- JVG ripping on Vince Carter (easy target). How about ripping your bro for his preparation of his team tonight? They played with no heart, ran terrible sets on offense and would have been better off using stick figures on the defensive end to try and stop the Celtics

10:06- Ouch!! Dwight Howard’s stat line for the night: 7 points and 7 rebounds.

10:08- And the horn sounds on a rollicking contest between the Celtics and the Magic. Boston 94 and Orlando 71

It needs to be said that outside of Lakers-Thunder series and few other scattered games (notably: Boston-Orlando game 2) that the 2010NBA playoffs have been an absolute dud. I blame myself for starting this blog and jinxing all the excitement out of the NBA playoffs.

Till next time…

Rip This Joint

And then there were four… It’s Conference Finals time in the NBA and I just can’t contain my excitement (not really). Actually, I think we have the potential to see two good series’ after the “Lebacle” that was round 2. In round 2 we saw three sweeps and only about 4 exciting games. There were some great individual performances, but its probably not a good sign for the NBA when one of the standouts is delivered by Goran Dragic, an unheralded sub for the Phoenix Suns, while others (Joe Johnson, most notably) saw their value plummet quicker than a mortgage controlled by Goldman Sachs. With all that here is how I see the Conference Finals breaking down, you may want to take notes if you’re a gambler and bet the opposite cause my predictions have been sub par thus far

Eastern Conference

Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics

- After 2 rounds I can safely say I still don’t know how good the Orlando Magic are and that’s largely due to the competition they have played thus far. However, we do know that Magic are 27-3 in their last 30 games, so there is no question they are playing their basketball of the season as well. I am pretty sure this series will answer all our questions

- The Celtics put up a decent fight last against the Magic in the 2nd round, especially coming off that 7 game war of a series with the Bulls and playing without Kevin Garnett. So, they are more than capable of beating Orlando

- Rajon Rando was probably the best player on the floor in any uniform against Cleveland in the 2nd round.

- Which Vince Carter will show up is the million dollar question or do the Magic even need to him advance. Stay tuned


Predcition-

Magic in 7



Western Conference

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns

- Andrew Bynum’s knee will be a huge factor in this series, because if he can play solid minutes for the Lakers then that will present match-up nightmares for the Suns

- The Suns need to push tempo in this series and hit their 3’s if they have any shot to beat the Lakers, which means they have to pound the glass and use their perceived mismatches on defense to their advantage on the offensive end. For example: Channing Frye being able to draw out Gasol or Bynum from the lane to spot up or open it up for Nash.

- He is older than dust and hated by every Mormon, but goddamn if Derek Fisher is not clutch. He is a bald, shorter, and lefty version of Robert Horry.

- Jason Richardson presents an interesting match-up for Ron Artest because of his speed. If Richardson can outplay Artest and have a break out series then Los Suns have a chance.


Prediction

Lakers in 5


I just wanted to put something before the games started, so this was a little on the light side, but I still plan on doing a running diary for one game during the Conference Finals and I really want to write something about Steve Nash. We’ll see if and when that happens. Until then Go Blackhawks (where is out preview Phat Joe?)

The soundtrack for this post was provided by The Rolling Stones

Here Lies Lebron James

I might as well write an obituary like every other person, who has weighed in on Lebron James, but at 25 years old I’m not ready to pronounce him dead. Nor am I ready to question his ability or desire to play basketball.

On May 3rd I wrote a 2nd round preview and this is what I had to say about Lebron and the Cavs:

“…it seems with all the hype over Lebron (much of it deserved) and a supposedly better supporting cast the aging Celtics have out played the favored Cavs thus far. There is no question the Cavs were the favorites coming into the playoffs, but I’m starting to wonder if Lebron has that killer instinct needed to win a championship. There is no question he is the most physically gifted player to ever put on a pair of sneakers, but I don’t know if he has the intangibles of a Jordan to carry a team on his back to a title. Whatever the case is he certainly needs his supporting cast to give him some assistance to win a championship and if last night is any indicator for the rest of the series Mo Williams may as well just pack his bags and go home because he would certainly be more useful there than on the court.”


This was written before the now famous game 5 and the ensuing defcon 4 treatment of James in the media. Between now and then I can still say I’m sure of two things: Lebron James is the best player in the NBA and that he needs a solid 2nd fiddle next to him to win a championship. I’m not going to give any excuses for Lebron’s play during the series. I’m sure his elbow injury did affect his performance (jump shot), but he still was more than capable on the court. I could write about or list the litany of other factors(excuses to some) involved to defend Lebron as to why he didn't come through against the Celtics, which some are accurate (bad coaching, choking supporting cast, the insane amount of pressure being put on him by an entire team, city, etc.), some are a stretch (would rather build the LBJ brand than win a title or his body language shows he doesn’t care about winning) or absurd (tanked the playoffs to get out of Cleveland), but I’m not going to do that because it has been or will be written ad nauseum by other professional and not so professional writers, who can write a lot better than me. So, the one thing I will touch on is that: Is it possible for a 25 year old entering his prime to already have his legacy and career become a forgone conclusion because of seemingly one game (series)?



Lebron James is not Michael Jordan. He never will be nor does he want to be if you have read any of his interviews. It’s cliché to say but there never will be another Michael Jordan and we’ll never see another Lebron James. In fact to compare Lebron to MJ is a mistake. Besides being represented by Nike and wearing the number 23they have very little in common. If anything Lebron’s game should be compared to that of Magic Johnson if such comparisons should even be made (guilty). People are so protective of MJ around here (Chicago) that I think they instantly become defensive when you have to read articles about Lebron or Kobe being better than Michael. To me it’s all just fodder written to draw readers, outrage among fans or commentary from the masses (this blog piece!). So, after I draw that same kind of ire for mentioning Lebron James and Michael Jordan in the same sentence I just want to assure people of a few things before the end of this post.

Contrary to popular belief if Lebron James ever wins a title they will not remove MJ’s banners or statue from the United Center, or erase him from the record books, which is to say Michael Jordan’s legacy is not going anywhere. Whereas Lebron James’ legacy has ultimately yet to be written. I don't know about you, but I think he deserves that chance before we pronounce his career dead.

Goodnight Cleveland (Thanks, Tanton for the suggestion)

Sweep the Leg: 2nd Round NBA Playoff Preview (Part 2)

Welcome to Part 2 of the NBA 2nd round playoff preview: Karate Kid Edition
To read part 1 click here

Eastern Conference

Cleveland Cavaliers played by…

Character: Dutch (portrayed by Chad McQueen)

Quote: Points or no points, you're dead meat.

Character Background: By far the most physically intimidating of all of the Cobra Kai is Dutch. Dutch is tough guy, who portrays himself as a badass on and off the mat. Dutch is always willing to crack a few jokes and talk some trash with the best of them. Even though it looked liked Dutch was the far superior fighter he lost in a surprising upset to Daniel Larusso. It’s one thing to be cocky, but it’s another thing to back it up and Dutch certainly did not in the All-Valley Tournament

Team Breakdown: Unfortunately, the Cavs games have clashed with the Blackhawk games and I haven’t been able to watch either game in its entirety. Although, from the parts I have seen so far it seems with all the hype over Lebron (much of it deserved) and a supposedly better supporting cast the aging Celtics have out played the favored Cavs thus far. There is no question the Cavs were the favorites coming into the playoffs, but I’m starting to wonder if Lebron has that killer instinct needed to win a championship. There is no question he is the most physically gifted player to ever put on a pair of sneakers, but I don’t know if has intangibles of a Jordan to carry a team on his back to a title. Whatever the case is he certainly needs his supporting cast to give him some assistance to win a championship and if last night is any indicator for the rest of the series Mo Williams may as well just pack his bags and go home because he would certainly be more useful there than on the court.

Orlando Magic played by…

Character: Sensei John Kreese (portrayed by Martin Kove)

Quote: We do not train to be merciful here. Mercy is for the weak. Here, in the streets, in competition: A man confronts you, he is the enemy. An enemy deserves no mercy.

Character Background: A tough as nails Vietnam Vet and karate Sensei, who takes delight in his students picking on the weak. John Kresse makes it clear that there is no mercy allowed in his dojo. Kreese is an intimidating presence around teenagers and makes it abundantly clear that he wants his army of students to win at all costs even if that means using illegal tactics. Kreese will stop at nothing to spread his Cobra Kai message all around California and wants to see his students win the ultimate prize: an All-Valley Karate Championship. Even if that means shattering some windows or picking fights with teenagers. No Mercy!!

Team Background: The Magic all around are probably the deepest and most talented team left in the playoffs in both conferences, which makes them the scariest team to play. Dwight Howard is a beast down low and can change a game if he stays out of foul trouble. If Jameer Nelson continues playing like he did in round 1 there is no question the Magic can make it back to the finals and probably even win a championship if they play up to expectations. With all that said the Magic are still vulnerable because of Howard’s foul trouble problems and a shaky Vince Carter. You can have the best team on paper, but you still need to execute on the floor and I think the Magic will win this round, but don’t be surprised if their tested by Atlanta.

Atlanta Hawks played by…

Character: Ali Mills (portrayed by Elisabeth Shue)

Quote: Ali... with an I. Hey, what's your name?

Character background: Ali comes from a background of privilege up in the Hills of California and is certainly a hit with the fellas. So, it’s kind of shocking to see her slumming it with Reseda native Daniel Larusso. Apparently, she was impressed by his soccer dribbling skills enough to push his mom’s station wagon up a hill to head out for a date on the town with Larusso at Golf-n-Stuff. Ali was there to support Daniel at the All-Valley tournament, but quickly left him on prom night for a college guy.

Team Background: The Atlanta Hawks are a bit of a mystery. There is no question they have a lot of talent, but it makes you wonder why it took them 7 games to fight it out with an undermanned Bucks team. At times in that series the Hawks looked impressive, where at other points they let a clearly inferior Bucks team hang around with them giving them a chance to hang around a push that series to 7 games. Half way through the season the Hawks looked poised to make the next step in the East and possibly reach the Conference Finals, but now it looks like their relegated into that 4-6 playoff spot range for years to come or until Joe Johnson bolts for a better offer.

Boston Celtics played by…

Character: Terry Silver (portrayed by Thomas Ian Griffith in Karate Kid 3)

Quote: You think this is the end of it, old man? I'm gonna open Cobra Kai dojos all over this Valley. Hell, I might even teach for free! From now on, all that anyone will know about is Cobra Kai karate. John Kreese's karate. You won't even be a memory!

Character Background: Terry Silver is a millionaire, who apparently in his free time likes to destroy local teenage karate champions. In a plot to help out his old Vietnam buddy, John Kreese, and restore the legacy of Cobra Kai karate, Silver befriends an alienated Daniel Larusso, who is wrestling with his relationship with Mr. Miyagi and playing the role of a 19 year, when you pushing your 30’s. Through this bond Silver exploits Larusso in getting him back into the All-Valley tournament to fight karate bad boy Mike Barnes all while trying to restore the legacy of Cobra Kai. Ultimately, Silver’s plan backfires, Miyagi trains Larusso and he beats Barnes. Thus, wasting Silver’s time and my $4 dollars and two hours of my time back in 1989.

Team Breakdown: The Celtics are two years removed from winning an NBA championship and with the exception of Rajon Rando; most of the team is on the decline in their NBA careers. The Celtics certainly made the right moves to capture that championship two years ago, but in the long run did they hurt the future of this team? Only time will tell. It’s tough recapturing that championship magic once you have fallen down from the mountain especially when the core of your players are older and when you bring in other aging veterans (Rasheed Wallace) that perform terribly. As an NBA fan it was great to see Boston back on the map with that championship, but you wonder with Ray Allen potentially leaving this summer and Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett getting older can the Celtics be considered an elite team anymore? Either way this is probably the last chance for the Celtics to make some noise in the East in the foreseeable future.

I'll be back later in the week with another special feature and perhaps a special guest. Until then enjoy the Eastern Conference theme song

Sweep the Leg: 2nd Round NBA Playoff Preview (part 1)

It’s round 2 of the playoffs and what better way to kick off round 2 and Sports Guy week than to have a 2nd round preview incorporating the film The Karate Kid…

Bill Simmons loves to incorporate 80’s movies references into his columns or just write columns about 80’s movies and his favorite movie to write about or reference over the years has certainly been The Karate Kid as evidenced by this great breakdown of the Kid trilogy in 2002. So, without further ado I give a 2nd round breakdown of the NBA playoffs Karate Kid style…

Western Conference

Los Angeles Lakers played by…

Character: Johnny Lawrence (portrayed by William Zabka)

Quote: “Here. You'll need to fill this out and send it in, okay? Just so they'll know where to claim the body.”

Character background: Johnny Lawrence was the king of Karate in the Valley. He had a great sensei leading the way, a decent supporting cast and the talent that made him a champion.

Team Breakdown: The Lakers are the defending champions. The Lakers are essential the bully of the West until somebody comes along and knocks them off. A new kid on the block (OKC) pushed them to the limit in round 1, but they stood their ground and moved on. They are still as cool in LA as rolling a joint in a bathroom stall and have all the tools to repeat as champions. Their supporting cast has some weak members, but they get by with advice from their sensei Phil Jackson and superstars Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. There’s no question the Lakers are the favorites to come out of the West the only question remains can they repeat as champions?

Phoenix Suns played by…

Character: Daniel Larusso (portrayed by Ralph Macchio)


Quote: “No the problem is, I'm getting my ass kicked every other day, that's the problem.”


Character Background: Daniel Larusso reluctantly moved to Reseda, California from New Jersey, when his mom took a computer job that somehow wound up being a hostess job at a Chinese restaurant. He was hoping to at least meet some new friends, some girls and was praying his new school didn’t suck (eventually according to Larusso it did). What Larusso got was a batch of new friends that ditched him when he got his ass kicked on the beach, he did meet a girl, who was nice but later broke his heart (KK part 2) and a school where he immediately was the kid, who everyone wanted to kick his ass. Through all of this he befriended a Japanese janitor, learned karate and eventually won an All-Valley Karate tournament after getting injured in every match. Larusso took his lumps but at the end he earned some respect from the local bullies and was free to alienate people half across the globe and a pony-tailed rich guy.


Team Breakdown: The Phoenix Suns are in no way new to the playoffs, but the Phoenix Suns have long been labeled as soft and a team that doesn’t play defense. A lot of people think you can kick the Suns off their bike so to speak and they won’t get up. Well, as time has gone on over the course of this year and early on in the playoffs the Suns are starting to shed that label. They are starting to toughen up, play some defense and yet still maintain that run and gun style that has given them success in the regular season. Now, it has come time for them to do battle with their nemesis (Spurs) and their certainly going to have to pull out all the stops (Crane Kick?) if they want to advance and compete for a Western Conference championship




Utah Jazz played by…

Character: Bobby Brown (portrayed by Ron Thomas)

Quote: But Sensei, I can beat this guy!

Character Breakdown: Bobby was one of the top students at the Cobra Kai dojo and a remorseful tormentor of Daniel Larusso. Bobby was extremely loyal to his friends and his trusted sensei. He certainly knew his place among the Cobra Kai and for all accounts was fine with that. He even disqualified himself from the All-Valley tournament acting on behalf of his sensei and clearing the way for his friend Johnny Lawrence to fight an injured Larusso in the championship. Bobby clearly knew his role, but was still capable of a superstar performance on the mat and showed with his apology to Daniel that he was stand-up guy hanging out with a bunch of thugs.

Team Breakdown: The Jazz are clearly a team of role players lead by a very solid post player in Carlos Boozer and a superstar PG in Deron Williams. From watching the Jazz you can certainly see that Jerry Sloan is in control of his team from the sidelines and Deron Williams carries out those orders on the floor. The Jazz are a team that runs stuff and just doesn’t look to isolate players or match-ups the way many teams do in the NBA. Sloan knows how to put players in the right spot to maximize their talent. The way they are currently constructed and injured the Jazz aren’t capable of contending for a title, but are capable of testing the Lakers.

San Antonio Spurs played by…

Character: Mr. Kesuke Miyagi (portrayed by Oscar Nominee Pat Morita)

Quote: In Okinawa, all Miyagi know two things: fish and karate.

Character Background: A decorated war hero, master of karate and now a lowly janitor for a run down apartment complex Miyagi is wise old man, who showed everyone the karate benefits of washing a car, sanding a deck and painting a fence. Daniel Larusso has a lot of questions and it seems Miyagi has all the answers because Miyagi has been there before. He has fought in a war and came out a hero, he was defended his honor against bullies and lived to tell about it and he even enjoys a relaxing drink to remind him of his glory days or kicking the shit out of a bunch of teenagers to show he still is a champion of karate. Even at his old age Miyagi is still capable of catching a fly with a chop stick, pruning the perfect Banzai tree and training a young student in the art and success of karate.

Team Background: The Spurs just won’t go away. This team is well coached and has ton of playoff experience and now has a solid young supporting cast to assist their decorated veterans. A fact I seemingly overlooked when I picked Dallas to win in the 1st round. Sure their superstars (Duncan, Ginobli, and Parker) are aging, but those players are playing with in themselves and letting some of the younger players shoulder the load in particularly George Hill. I don’t think anybody in the West (certainly Phoenix) wants to play the Spurs because they still are a dangerous team, who could put a beat down on a much younger team and on their best day is still a top caliber basketball team.

Stay tuned for Part 2. Enjoy the Western Conference theme song...

Onions!!! Double Order: The Gasol Edition

(One time Nets play-by-play guy the great Bill Raftery)


Here are some quick thoughts on the games and a preview of the week ahead.

Last night was far and away the most exciting night of 1st round action. You had 2 good finishes and 1 great finish. Plus, probably the three best home crowds I have seen in a long time for NBA games (Props to OKC, Utah and Milwaukee)

- Kobe Bryant may still be the best player on the Lakers, but Pau Gasol maybe the most important.

- I wish Serge Ibaka had boxed out Gasol and the Thunder could have pushed the Lakers to 7.

- Watch out Lebron, you’ve got company in Kevin Durant.

- There have been some good moments in the series, but Atlanta-Milwaukee has been a rather boring 7 game series, which is pretty much par for the course for the Hawks, who played a 1st round 7 game snoozer vs. the Celtics two years ago.

- The Nuggets absolutely imploded and can we strip the title of Mr. Big Shot from Chauncey Billups. He was absolutely owned by Deron Williams that entire series.

( Jack Sikma: Fear the Perm!! Go Bucks)


I don’t really have much else from last night that I haven’t said or hinted at before. With only 1 game left in Round 1. It’s time to point the sails of this ship towards round 2 and for round 2 I’m going to borrow some column ideas (gimmicks) from a very popular internet sportswriter, Bill Simmons. For those unfamiliar (very few) with Simmons he writes over at ESPN and is sometimes credited with starting this whole crazy of internet sports writing. Although, some people feel (me at times) his work has declined over the years, he still is widely popular both as a writer and podcaster. Among the gimmicks I will be borrowing (ripping off) are the running diary of a game, a breakdown of the 2nd round using an 80’s movie and possibly some player rankings in the playoffs. So, this upcoming week will be Sports Guy week at Benoit Benjamin. Now onto some things I have been reading and listening to lately…


Link Dump

(The multi-talented Sarah Silverman)

- Great article on the band The National, who have a new album coming out in May

- Nice list on why Chicago is a great beer city

- What its like to eat dinner with Bill Murray

- Adam Carolla's interesting podcast with Nick Offerman (Ron Swanson) of Parks & Recreation

- Great breakdown of the Blackhawks-Canucks series by my friend Phat Joe


Till Next time...

Soundtrack for today's post was provided by (bit of a throwback) Bloc Party & Band of Horses (video for Great Salt Lake)