Archive for May, 2015

Last Second Hawks Win, Warriors Dominate, Rangers Win In Overtime And Head On

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In the NBA, the Washington Wizards and the Atlanta Hawks were tied at 2 in a pivotal Game 5.  The good news for the Wizards was that they had their superstar John Wall back in the line-up.  Having him play was paramount to their success as he demonstrated by helping them build a 7-point lead in the 4th quarter. The Wizards, unfortunately, have a knack of giving up leads, and they did it again Wednesday night.  The Hawks came back, and looked like they were going to win the game, but a late 3-point shot from Paul Pierce gave the Wizards a 1-point lead.  The Hawks had one last chance.  Dennis Schroeder’s layup was blocked, but then Al Horford got the rebound and put in the winning basket at the last second for the Hawks’ win. Now we’re headed to Washington for a Game 6.  Atlanta 82, Washington 81.

Then, in Golden State, the Warriors and the Grizzlies were also tied at 2, but it is very tough to win in Golden State, specially against a Warriors team that can easily put up 15 points in just a minute or two.  No lead is safe, except for on Wednesday night when the Warriors gained control early, and never let off the gas.  The Grizzlies simply couldn’t get anything going, and will have to do some real soul searching to figure out how they are going to beat a tenacious Warriors team.  Golden State 98, Memphis 78.

HOCKEY

NY RangersIn the NHL, the Washington Capitals led their series 3-1  against the New York Rangers.  The Rangers never gave up, and evened the series at 3-3.   Capitals’ star Alex Ovechkin went to the media and guaranteed a Game 7 victory. That’s pretty gutsy.  Unfortunately for the Caps, his prediction was inaccurate, as the Rangers won the game in overtime.  New York will now face off against the Tampa Bay Lightening in the Eastern Conference Final. New York 2, Washington 1.

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Cavs Much Needed Win Agst Bulls, Rockets Avoid Elimination, Pelicans Want Calipari

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Indiana Pacers Chicago Bulls during the XXX quarter in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series on Tuesday, April 26, 2011, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

In the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers were hoping to take care of business at home against the Chicago Bulls.  They absolutely needed the win to avoid elimination when the series heads back to Chicago. These are the type of games that LeBron James takes over.  He put up 38 points to hold off the Bulls.  Tempers flared in this game, however, as the Bulls’ Taj Gibson was ejected for kicking a Cavs player. Cleveland 106, Chicago 101.
Then, the playoffs most disappointing team, the Houston Rockets, were hoping to avoid elimination taking on a red hot Clippers.  The Rockets have been looking completely disjointed this series. Tuesday night, however, the Rockets came to play.  They absolutely demolished the Clippers, and looked like their regular season selves again.  It’s unlikely that they will wrest Game 6 away from the Clippers in LA, but stranger things have happened.  Houston 124, LA Clippers 103.

John CalipariDespite having a much improved season and a playoff appearance, the New Orleans Pelicans have fired head coach Monte Williams.  This is a bit odd coming so late in the season, but rumors are swirling that their star Anthony Davis may not have liked Williams.  And now, the next rumor is that the Pelicans want to become a “talked about” team in the NBA and want Anthony Davis and Tyreke Evans to reach out to John Calipari, their college coach in Kentucky.   Calipari grabs headlines, and New Orleans would love those headlines.  Calipari, however,  just got a 1-year $8million extension and it’s hard to see him giving up his huge spotlight in college basketball to go to the Pelicans.

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Patriots Guilty And Tom Brady Suspended 4 Games, Hawks And Warriors Even Series

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Tom and GiseleThe major story of the day came from the NFL, where the Patriots were found guilty of Deflategate.  According to the report, the Patriots knowingly deflated balls before their game against the Indianapolis Colts, and, more importantly, QB Tom Brady was involved.  The Pats gave us some draft picks, had to pay $1 million dollars, and most importantly, Tom Brady was suspended for 4 games next season.  If the Pats lose those games, their playoff chances could be seriously hampered.  They are going to have to rely on their 2nd year QB, Jimmy Garoppolo to make some noise.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, it was do or die for the top seeds as they both faced the possibility of going down 3-1 in the series — not ideal when there is still one home game left for the underdog, who could potentially close it out at home.  First up, it was the top seed Atlanta Hawks against the Washington Wizards.  The Wizards led the series 2-1, but were without their superstar John Wall again (a serious setback). The Hawks capitalized by pretty much hitting every shot they took in the first half, posting an incredible 65 points by halftime.  They cooled a bit in the 2nd half, but did enough to win the game and even the series.  The wizards are hoping for a miracle that John Wall will be able to play again in this series.  They desperately need him.  Atlanta 106, Washington 101.

Then, it was the top seed Golden State Warriors taking on the Memphis Grizzlies in Memphis.  Memphis won 2 straight, and it looked like they had the Warriors number, but Warriors head coach called this game the most important of the season, knowing that being down 3-1 would be a hard hole to climb out of.  The Warriors dominated the game from the opening tip off, and the Grizzlies just couldn’t get any momentum.  The Warriors grabbed the win, and the series will head back to Memphis even at 2.  Golden State 101, Memphis 84.

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Buzzer Beater Games In NBA With Bulls Then Cavs Winning And The Wizards Miraculous Win

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In the NBA, it was the weekend of the buzzer beater.

Derrick RoseIn Game 3 between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the game was tied with just 10 seconds left.  The Bulls gave the ball to Derrick Rose.  He heaved up a shot from about 3 feet behind the 3-point land, AND BANKED IT IN.  The Bulls won, and Derrick Rose re-cements himself as a star player in the clutch.  Chicago 99, Cleveland 96.

Then, in Washington, the Wizards were absolutely clobbering the Hawks.  They had a safe 21-point lead with just 7 minutes to go in the 4th.  Then, all the sudden, the Wizards did everything wrong, and the Hawks did everything right.  And in just 3.5 minutes, the Hawks cut that deficit to 3 points.  3 POINTS!  That’s unheard of.  One thing led to another, and the Hawks actually tied the game with just 14 seconds left.  The Wizards had one last chance, but couldn’t get a good look at the basket, so Paul Pierce heaved up a desperation shot from close to the 3-point line, AND BANKED IT IN. The Wizards miraculously won, and without their best player John Wall.   Washington 103, Atlanta 101.

Then, on Sunday, the Bulls and Cavs were at it again.   The Cavs were leading late, and the Bulls made a miraculous comeback, with Derrick Rose tying it again with just 10 seconds left.  The Cavs had one last chance.  LeBron drove to the hoop, but it was knocked out of bounds, and the Cavs had just 1.5 seconds left.  LeBron reportedly said to his teammates — just give me the ball and I’ll get us a win.  LeBron got open, jumped high, got a shot off, and SWISH.  Incredible!  LeBron won it at the buzzer.  And now the series is headed back to Cleveland tied at 2.  Cleveland 86, Chicago 84.

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Wall Fractures In Wrist, Mayweather Calls Pacquiao Coward, Blackhawks On Way To Championship Again

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John WallIn the NBA, the Washington Wizards were dealt some bad news.  They have been playing great this post-season, but they just found out that their superstar point guard John Wall has multiple fractures in his wrist.  If he is forced to sit out the remainder of the season, their hopes of reaching the finals or even beating the Atlanta Hawks are moot.

BOXING

On Wednesday, Floyd Mayweather said he would be willing to give Manny Pacquiao a rematch.  A day later, Mayweather said he had changed his mind. Mayweather called Pacquiao a “coward” for saying that the reason he lost the fight was because he needed shoulder surgery.  Mayweather said that Pacquiao should have just come out and said Mayweather is the better fighter.  So now it doesn’t look like we will be getting a rematch, and Mayweather will be fighting what could be his final fight (not against Pacquiao) in September.

HOCKEY

In the NHL, it looks like the Chicago Blackhawks are making a run, and might be on their way to another Stanley Cup Championship.  Thursday night, they held off a Minnesota Wild team for the win to sweep their series.  If they win again, some might consider them a dynasty.  But, they have a few more hurdles to jump.  Chicago 4, Minnesota 3.

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Lebron Brings His Game For Win Over Bulls, Rockets Grab Win Over Clips, Brady Knew About Deflategate

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Lebron JamesIn the NBA, LeBron and the Cavs were hoping to even the series with the Bulls before it headed back to Chicago.  This was the type of game where LeBron James had to take over.  He couldn’t take the risk of the Cavs being down 0-2, and so he put up an amazing, LeBron-esque 33 point game.  He even put his headband back on after saying that it had been retired.  The Cavs started strong, stayed strong, and never looked back.  If the Cavs want to get to the Finals, LeBron is going to have to start running the show.  Cleveland 106, Chicago 91.

Then, it was Game 2 of the Clippers and Rockets series.  The Clippers stole a win in Game 1 with Chris Paul out, but Chris Paul was out again in Game 2, and the Rockets tried to take advantage.  Actually, Jamal Crawford has stepped up so well in Paul’s absence that the Clippers were able to hang with the Rockets until late in the 4th quarter. But then, James Harden and the Rockets pulled away and grabbed the Game 2 win to even the series heading back to Los Angeles.  Houston 115, LA Clippers 109.

FOOTBALL

Tom BradyAnd in the NFL, believe it or not there is more drama on Deflategate.  Now it’s being reported that Tom Brady “knew” about the plan.  Sure, it doesn’t go much beyond that, but it’s amazing the League is still looking into the Patriots possibly cheating in the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts.  There is still no concrete evidence that the Pats did something malicious, but this seems to be the most pressing thing on the NFL’s mind.

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Hawks Snag Win Over Wizards, Warriors Lose To Grizz At Home, Rematch Mayweather/Pacquiao

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In the NBA, the Washington Wizards jumped out to a 1-0 lead on the Atlanta Hawks, and appeared to have their number.  But, they were dealt some bad news as their superstar point guard, John Wall, was ruled out for Tuesday night’s Game 2.  The Hawks used that opportunity to snag the win, and now the series heads back to Washington at 1-1.  The Wizards are hoping to have Wall back for the next game, because they desperately need him.  Atlanta 106, Washington 90.

Next up, the Golden State Warriors took on the Memphis Grizzlies.  The Warriors easily took Game 1 when the Grizz were without Mike Conley, but Conley was back in the lineup for Game 2 and had a brilliant 22-point game.  The Warriors looked a little off Tuesday night and the Grizz capitalized.  The Grizz have now stolen home court advantage away from the Warriors with the series heading back to Memphis tied at 1-1.  Memphis 97, Golden State 90.

BOXING

Manny PaquiaoFinally, in boxing, everybody is still reeling from what was perceived as a rather dull fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao.  Pacquiao will be undergoing shoulder surgery and Mayweather said he’d be willing to think about a rematch.  Mayweather earned $100 million this past weekend so for that amount of money, it’s possible he’ll consider stepping in the ring again.

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Clippers Win Over Flat Rockets, Bulls Surging Ahead Of Cavs, Steph Curry Wins MVP

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Blake GriffinIn the NBA, the Los Angeles Clippers may have knocked off the defending champions, the San Antonio Spurs, in miraculous fashion, but now they are without their star, Chris Paul,  as he’s nursing a nagging knee injury he aggravated in Game 7 against the Spurs.  Fortunately for the Clippers, Blake Griffin came out strong and even recorded another triple double for two in a row against the Houston Rockets.  The Rockets looked flat and will need to make some key adjustments if they want to compete with the Clips.  LA Clippers 117, Houston 101.

And in Cleveland, the Cavs faced a difficult test against a now surging Chicago Bulls team.  Plus, the Cavs were short-handed without Kevin Love and J.R. Smith. On Monday night, they looked deflated against the Bulls.  The Bulls have finally found their mojo this post-season, and a healthy Derrick Rose has only been a huge boon.  The Bulls pulled out the win and after the game, LeBron said that the Cavs simply can’t play like that in Game 2.  Chicago 99, Cleveland 92.

Stephen CurryAnd finally, after waiting for what seemed an eternity, we now know this year’s NBA MVP.  The race was essentially between three players (and not Lebron James as he was injured for much of the season). Russell Westbrook for the OKC Thunder, James Harden for the Houston Rockets, and Stephen Curry for the Golden State Warriors.  When the votes came in, it wasn’t even close.  Steph Curry was chosen MVP in a landslide.  The Warriors success this season is largely due to the magic Curry produced on the court.  They look like the clear favorites to win the title, and without him, that simply wouldn’t be possible.  Great pick by the voting committee!

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Mayweather’s Chess-like Moves Wins Fight Of Century, American Pharoah Wins Derby, Clippers Stun Spurs

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Mayweather/PacquiaoThe main sporting event of the weekend, if not the century:  Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao.  These were the titans of the boxing scene the past 12 years, and finally, FINALLY, we got to see who would win.  This fight was previously something of myth, as nobody ever thought they would get in the ring.  Everyone thought that Mayweather didn’t want to fight Pacquiao because he would lose.  Then, the two realized just how much money they could make and got in the ring together.  The numbers are not definite, but they both made well over $100 million in just one night.

Manny came out fast and furious, flailing punches, and getting Floyd in the corner, but Floyd is such a calculated, chess-game fighter, that this was exactly what he wanted.  He knows how to bait his opponents, and then strategically dodges their punches, and catches them with nasty jabs to the face.  It’s hard to see because the action is so fast, but a lot of damage is being done in there.  As the fight went on, Floyd continued this defensive technique, and kept winning rounds.  Pacquiao simply couldn’t hit him, and at the end, the judges unanimously agreed that Mayweather won.  This makes him an incredible 48-0.

As for what’s next for both fighters, Manny Pacquiao will likely retire and pursue a political career, while Floyd has publicly stated that he intends to honor his contract with Showtime and fight one last fight in September.  It’s uncertain who he will fight, but if he wins that, he will retire a perfect 49-0.  There is no clear competitor out there that could beat him.  He’s just so difficult to hit.

Horse Racing

American PharoahIn the Kentucky Derby, good and bad news for all bettors, as the favorite American Pharaoh took home the trophy.  Good news if you like to bet on the low-paying favorite, but bad news if you were one of the millions of bettors around the world that likes playing a long shot of any type.  American Pharaoh now will look to win The Preakness in a two weeks.

BASKETBALL

The Los Angeles Clippers and the San Antonio Spurs were in a first round battle that felt like the NBA Finals.  The series was tied at 3-3 headed into Saturday, and Game 7 was anybody’s game.  It was hard to imagine, however,  the Spurs losing such an important game, especially against a Clippers team that had a reputation of failing in clutch situations.  But… not Saturday night.  With the game tied with just 10 seconds left, Chris Paul took an amazing off-balance shot that banked off the back board and went in.  He gave the Clippers the win, and now the Clippers advance to take on the high-scoring Houston Rockets in Round 2.  LA Clippers 111, San Antonio 109.

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Winston And Mariota Go #1, #2 In Draft, Goodell Gets Booed

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Jameis WinstonAfter months of speculation, we now know the top pick in the NFL draft. To no ones surprise, Florida State QB Jameis Winston went number 1 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Winston won the Heisman Trophy in 2013 and helped lead the team to a National Championship. There’s no doubt that Winston has an incredible arm but he has had a history of bad decisions off the field so it will be interesting to see if he can keep his head straight and become a franchise QB.

Again, no surprise that the Tennessee Titans selected Marcus Mariota with the number 2 pick. Mariota also won a Heisman Trophy winner in 2014.

The draft began a bit auspiciously as the crowd in Chicago booed the NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell as he stepped on stage. Many are still upset with him for how he handled the Ray Rice domestic abuse situation and made it clear that they haven’t forgotten or forgiven him.

Check out NFL.com for all draft info.

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