Wednesday, May 20, 2009

While I'm gone

So that Cavs-Magic game was marvelous. Since I won't be in school today (may 21st), I'm just gonna vent/post/summarize all the things I'd say to my sports-discussing group of John, Stephen, Mr. Conde, Andrew, and Alex.

After watching that game, there is no doubt in my mind that Lebron James is the best basketball player in the NBA, maybe the world, universe, whatever. The way he dominates in every aspect of the game is incredible. He scores with ease, passes with ease, steals with ease, blocks with ease, rebounds with ease, etc. It honestly looks so damn easy for Lebron, that one can't help but be reminded of Jordan's "with ease" style; consequently, one then cannot help but wonder whether or not he'll ditch basketball in the middle of his prime to go play baseball.

That being said, the refs either really like Lebron, or are just too busy being amazed that they're distracted from making good calls. The first example would be this "block" by Lebron on Howard with about a minute left in the 1st quarter.



Yes, the play was incredibly atheltic, but not all-ball. There was enough contact on Howard's arm from Lebron's swing, and plenty enough contact from the bodies to call the foul. Considering the foul called on Howard later in the game (which I will later address), this is a clear foul. But once again it all comes back to what has almost ruined an incredible playoffs this year: inconsistent officiating.

Now let's jump to the 4th quarter, 40 seconds left. Lebron takes it the basket, only to meet a wall of Magic defenders and a useless Zydrunas Ilgauskas. He picks up his dribble and plants with his left. Pietrus, who by the way gave a tremendous but futile effort defending Lebron all game, catches up to the now stationary Lebron and incidentally sweeps his planted leg from him. Lebron repositions his brand new pivot foot, swivels around and dishes to Delonte who nails the clutch three. This travel was so obvious (fellow Twitterer Kevin Durant saw it too) and I can only think that the refs were checking out some hottie in the stands.

Finally, with 30 seconds left in the game after Lewis knocked down a jumper to take back the lead, Lebron once again attacks the basket, this time only meeting Dwight Howard. Howard, aware that he has five fouls, makes the smart play and jumps straight up and puts both hands in the air instead of going for the block. Lebron being Lebron, goes directly at Howard, draws contact, gets the whistle, and knocks down the impressive floater. But there shouldn't have been a whistle. As I said, Howard jumped straight up and didn't even go at the ball. Not much else to say.

Now on to Dwight Howard. Some people (coughmr.condecough) might use his 14-20 from the field for 30 point performance as evidence that he is in fact a very good offensive post player. Some people might be wrong. Howard's offensive moves consist of:
  • an off-ball spin move for an alley-oop
  • when facing up the defender, a hard-dribble into a spin move
  • when backing down a defender, a lean into the defender, followed by a hard-dribble into a running hook shot

That's it. All these moves didn't work against Kendrick Perkins. The Celtics were able stop Dwight's offense (see games 1, 2, 5, and 7) without using double teams because Kendrick Perkins' speed and strength prevented Howard from making off-ball moves and his crazy running hook shots. The only time Howard was able to make a scoring impact was when he made more hustle plays (offensive rebounds, coming off pick and rolls well, etc. see game 6). Now he's going up against a big, slow, white guy (Z-Dawg) who has no chance one-on-one against him. Therefore, the Cavs have to double up, leaving the Magic's deadly shooters open for their shots.

Feel free to respond in a comment!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

What's GOOD 5/5/09

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-04/14/content_7676526.htm

Yesterday, thousands of dolphins prevented alleged Somali pirates from hijacking a Chinese merchant ship. Clearly the pirates believe that killing the beautiful creatures would be taking it too far. The Chinese government has struggled with attacks in the past year, and are considering recruiting dolphins for defense. Jimmy Fish, spokesperson for the United Dolphins Front, says that they're a non-profit organization and would do it for free.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

What's NOT good 4/30/09

Chris Kaman's hair. I mean, come on. Who is he kidding? He looks like a zombie. This is really bad. Why haven't his teammates shaved his head in his sleep yet?

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

What's NOT good 4/28/2009

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/sfl-sunrise-glades-project-bn042709,0,3916198.story

The Everglades Corporate Park plans to build a 10-story hotel and office building next to Sunrise Boulevard west of the Sawgrass Expressway. They've already had development approval, but Sunrise commissioners are voting today to grant or deny permission to build a bigger project. Environmentalists are upset, claiming that the developers are taking it too far and plan to protest during the meeting. Assistant Deputy Mayor Sheila Alu, the only member to vote against their tentative approval, said, "One spill could affect our drinking water and all the life in the Everglades."

Thursday, April 23, 2009

I really don't know whether or not this is good 4/23/09

U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hands with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez at the Latin leaders summit. Obama stated, "Oh we're cool. He said he was just kidding around about all those comments he made about us." Some reports say Chavez crossed his fingers behind his back during their greeting.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

What's NOT good 4/21/09

http://www.supertouchart.com/2009/04/16/newsripin-loving-memory-of-photographer-shawn-mortensen-1966%E2%80%942009/

Famous portrait photographer Shawn Mortensen died last week on the 16th of April. His work as a commercial photographer for many popular publications such as Vibe and I-D magazines introduced a unique style that can't be duplicated by any other. Mortensen worked with various "pop-culture demigods" like Tupac Shakur, the Foo Fighters, and artist KAWS.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

What's GOOD 4/16/09

Ray Allen shakes the hand of NBA Commissioner David Stern after having a quick discussion before a game. Stern was rumored to say "Just so you know Ray, the suspension is just politics. No one really even likes Varejao."