Archive for June, 2015

Blackhawks Win Stanley Cup On Home Ice, Clippers In Fix It Mode, Nuggets Hire Mike Malone As New Coach

HOCKEY

Chicago BlackhawksIt was Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Chicago Blackhawks.  The Blackhawks led the series 3-2, and had a chance to win the Stanley Cup on their HOME ice for the first time since 1934.  Ticket prices to this game were through the roof, and Chicago wasn’t going to take any chances with a Game 7.  They got the job done, secured the win, and have now won an astonishing 3 Championships in 6 years.  That’s a dynasty.  Basically, the only teams who have won recently are the Blackhawks and the Los Angeles Kings.  But last night belonged to Chicago,  and we can expect many parades and celebrations over the next 48 hours.  Chicago 2, Tampa Bay 0.

BASKETBALL

 

In the NBA, the Los Angeles Clippers had a huge collapse this post-season, losing a 19-point lead in one quarter to the Houston Rockets on a close out game.  Had they hung on, the Clippers likely would have given the Warriors a much better run than the Rockets.  Not surprisingly, the Clippers are already in “Fix It” mode, and have traded for former Pacers’ star Lance Stephenson from the Charlotte Hornets.  Stephenson fell out of favor with the Hornets, and they wanted him out of town.  But, despite being a head case, Stephenson is still a great young talent.  He might just be the lynch pin that the Clippers need, and head coach Doc Rivers will likely know how to control him and harness his talent.  Good trade by the Clips.

Finally in the NBA, the Denver Nuggets have found their new head coach.  They didn’t make a sexy pick, choosing a hot college coach or some former player, but rather went with former Sacramento Kings’ coach Mike Malone.  Malone wasn’t doing so well with the Kings, and was replaced last season by George Karl.  But many in NBA circles felt that Malone deserved another chance.  Perhaps he can wrangle a very young Nuggets team, and get them into the playoffs.

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Warriors Win Game 5 In NBA Finals, Blackhawks Win Game 5 In Stanley Cup Finals

BASKETBALL

Steph CurrySunday night was a pivotal Game 5 in the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors.  Usually the winner of this game goes on to win the series, as they have a strong home court advantage.  This game was the battle of what’s called “small ball” where, in order to speed up the pace of the game, the teams don’t play their big men.  This proved to be an advantage for Golden State in Game 4, and they implemented this strategy again in Game 5.

While the Warriors practically dominated Game 4, Game 5 was neck and neck.  LeBron played another masterful game, as did his teammate J.R. Smith, who was on fire with his shots in the first half.  In the second half, however, Steph Curry really turned on the juice, seemingly hitting every shot he wanted.  In the last few minutes, the Warriors got hot and quickly built a 10 point lead that the Cavs simply couldn’t come back from.  Game 6 is Tuesday night in Cleveland, and it’s hard to imagine LeBron losing with his back against the wall.  Golden State 104, Cleveland 91.

At the press conference after the game, LeBron gave Cavs fans hope.  When asked if he still felt confident, James said that of course he felt confident because he’s the best player in the world.  Game six should be interesting!

HOCKEY

In the Stanley Cup Finals, it was Game 5 between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Chicago Blackhawks.  The Lightning had home ice, but it apparently didn’t matter all that much.  The Blackhawks got a fluke goal early, when the Tampa Bay goalie left the goal to stop a puck, but it accidentally went between his legs.  The Blackhawks took the game, and will look to close out the Cup Finals on their home ice.  Chicago 2, Tampa Bay 1.

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Warriors Resurgence Evens Series, Costas Blasts ESPN For Jenner’s Award

BASKETBALL

Andre IguodalaIn the NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors came out strong and fighting to even the series with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodala lit up the court with 22 points each. Steve Kerr, the Warriors coach, replaced their sluggish center Andrew Bogut with Iguodala and the Team responded with energy and confidence we haven’t seen in the past two games. In a scary moment, the Cavs Lebron James flew into the lens of an ESPN cameraman and cut his head. He didn’t need stitches and after a few minutes on the ground, easily sinked his 2 free throws. The Cavs will need  Lebron in perfect form the next two games as the series now moves back to Oakland for game 5.  Warriors 103, Cavaliers 82

 

OTHER

ESPN awarded Caitlyn Jenner the Arthur Ashe Courage Award and ageless sportscaster Bob Costas was not pleased. He said, “I wish Caitlyn all the happiness in the world and all the peace of mind in the world. However, it strikes me that awarding the Arthur Ashe Award to Caitlyn Jenner is just a crass exploitation play — it’s a tabloid play. In the broad world of sports, I’m pretty sure they could’ve found someone -– and this is not anything against Caitlyn Jenner –- who was much closer to actively involved in sports, who would’ve been deserving of what that award represents.”

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Stanley Cup Finals Tied, Warriors Need Intensity, Johnny Football Moves In With Coach

HOCKEY

In Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Chicago Blackhawks, the Blackhawks desperately needed a win on their home ice to avoid heading back to Tampa Bay down 3-1.  They were fortunate to get a late go-ahead goal from Brandon Saad in the 3rd period, and were able to hold on to that lead to secure the win.  The series is now tied and could go either way.  Chicago 2, Tampa Bay 1.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, the Golden State Warriors are trailing 2-1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers and need to win Thursday night to avoid being down 3-1. On Wednesday, Warriors forward Draymond Green said that the Warriors need to play desperate, and play with more fight.  He said they were playing lackluster and then turn it on in the 4th quarter.  They seem to always come back, but they were trailing by 20 on Monday evening.  They need to avoid those holes, and Green thinks that if they turn up their intensity they will solve many of their problems.  And when the intensity level is up, the shots go in.

FOOTBALL

Johnny ManzielJohnny Manziel (aka Johnny Football) appears to be taking his off-season seriously.  The Cleveland Browns’ QB is  coming out of rehab, and it’s reported that Manziel has moved into the house of his high school coach, Julius Scott.  Manziel said Scott was all business and hustle.  If you didn’t practice hard, you didn’t play, regardless of your star power.  Manziel is seemingly shedding his party lifestyle for some discipline.  We shall see if it pays off.

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Cavs Win Game 3, Sherman Responds To Cromartie’s Criticism, Yankees Find Groove

BASKETBALL

LeBron JamesIn the NBA, it was Game 3 of the Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Every game has been incredibly exciting, and this one was no exception. The Warriors were not shooting the ball well in game 2 though and unfortunately they continued to struggle during the first half of game 3.  In the 3rd quarter, LeBron and company pulled out to an incredible 20 point lead. At that point,  Stephen Curry said “That’s enough”, and went on a tear hitting pretty much any shot he wanted.  Unfortunately for the Warriors, it was just a little too late. Lebron was able to execute in the final minutes to help the Cavs hold on for the victory.  The Cavs now lead the series 2-1, with tough game coming on Thursday night back in Cleveland.  Cleveland 96, Golden State 91.

FOOTBALL

Richard ShermanIn a story talked about last week, Jets ‘Pro Bowl cornerback Antonio Cromartie criticized Seahawks’ star cornerback Richard Sherman.  He said that Sherman never covers the best guy on the field and never switches sides of the field.  Not surprisingly, Sherman had some words to say to Cromartie.  First he said that Cromartie never would have made the Pro Bowl without him.  The reasoning is that since the Seahawks went to the Super Bowl, Sherman couldn’t go to the Pro Bowl, opening up a spot for Cromartie.  Then he said that the Seahawks defense is the best in the NFL, and it wouldn’t make sense to break that system by pointlessly switching sides.

BASEBALL

Don’t look now, but the New York Yankees are really heating up.  They have been relatively dormant these past few seasons, but on Tuesday, their star pitcher Masahiro Tanaka shined over another star pitcher, Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals, to give the Yanks their 7th win in a row.  It’s too early to get excited, but the Yankees are certainly finding their groove.  NY Yankees 6, Washington 1.

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Lightening Take Stanley Cup Lead, Hope Solo Controversy, NCAA Shot Clock Change

HOCKEY

The Stanley Cup Championship series between the Tampa Bay Lightening and the Chicago Blackhawks was tied headed into Game 3 in Chicago. It was a close game but Cedric Paquette scored the late goal for the Lightning to take the win and the series lead.  Tampa Bay 3, Chicago 2.

SOCCER

Hope SoloThere has been a lot of controversy surrounding the United States’ team during the kick off of the Women’s World Cup.  The US goalie, Hope Solo had been charged with an off-season domestic violence allegation. The media reported this story but US Soccer tried to keep it quiet so there wouldn’t be drama surrounding the team.   In the US opener against Australia, Megan Rapinoe scored twice to give the United States an opening victory.  The US Team is a favorite to win it all and determined to avenge their loss in last year’s World Cup Championship.USA 3, Australia 1.

 

BASKETBALL

In college basketball, the NCAA has approved reducing the shot clock from 35 seconds to 30 seconds in an attempt to make the game more fun to watch.  It may not seem like a big difference, but it is just enough to encourage the players to move the ball up the court and get in position faster. Many basketball enthusiasts like this move but would still prefer to see the shot clock equal with the NBA at 24 seconds.

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American Pharoah Wins Triple Crown, Cavs Win Game 2 In OT, Tiger In Slump

HORSE RACING

American PharoahHistory was made this weekend at The Belmont Stakes.  After 37 years, we finally got a Triple Crown.  The Triple Crown is defined as winning the Kentucky Derby, The Preakness and The Belmont Stakes all in a period of 5 weeks.  No horse has accomplished this feat since 1978 when Affirmed took the crown.  Before a screaming crowd, American Pharoah raced out in front of his competition and never looked back.  It was an incredible moment for horse racing and long overdue.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA Finals, everyone was writing off the Cleveland Cavaliers after their star point guard Kyrie Irving was ruled out after they lost game 1. What most forgot is that the Cavs have one of the best players in the game:  LeBron James.  On Sunday night, the Cavs hoped to even the series with the Golden State Warriors.  The Cavs played well, with Matthew Dellavedova filling in nicely for Irving.  The Cavs also benefited from an awful shooting night from the Warriors.   With a late and exciting comeback from the Warriors, the game went into overtime.  In OT, the Warriors couldn’t find their shots and the Cavs did enough to hold on to grab Game 2 away from Golden State and steal back home court advantage.  Cleveland 95, Golden State 93.

GOLF

Tiger WoodsTiger Woods has won the Memorial Tournament 5 times before in the past but was off his mark this weekend.  Tiger, at 39 years old, finished 14 strokes over par.  Tiger has been in a slump for awhile now and it’s uncertain whether he’ll ever revive his glory days.

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Warriors Win Game 1 In OT, Hack A Shaq Ok, Iverson Drunk During “Practice” Speech

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, it was Game one of the Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors.  There were two storylines going into this season.  For the Cavs, it was whether or not LeBron would get his 3rd title, and bring Cleveland their first championship since NFL QB Jim Brown won for the Browns in the 60’s.  A win would make his “coming home” story complete.  For the Warriors, it was whether this dream season for Steph Curry and these young guys would have a cherry on top.

Steph Curry, Klay ThompsonThe fans got what we wanted — great basketball all around, with two incredible players (LeBron and Curry) delivering fantastic performances.  The Cavs started hot, jumping out to a 13-point lead, while the Warriors couldn’t buy a bucket.  But, of course, Golden State turned it around.  The Cavs actually had a chance to win the game in the final seconds, but LeBron and Shumpert missed, sending the game into OT.  And that’s when the Warriors took over.  They made almost all their shots and looked incredible.  LeBron didn’t score, and Twitter exploded (i.e. “Would Michael Jordan have gone scoreless in a Finals overtime.”)  LeBron did have 44 points in the game,  but it just wasn’t enough.  Even worse, Kyrie Irving left injured in the game’s closing minutes, and if he has to sit at any point in the series, it will be very tough for the Cavs to win.  Golden State 108, Cleveland 100.

Adam SilverElsewhere in the NBA, commissioner, Adam Silver, said he doesn’t think the league will outlaw “Hack-A-Shaq”.  Hack-A-Shaq refers to players intentionally and repeatedly fouling a big man because they know he will likely miss his free throws and give the opposing team the ball back.  All in all, it’s pretty boring to watch.   Silver, however,  said that 90% of the complaints of Hack-A-Shaq  centered around the Rockets (Dwight Howard) and the Clippers (DeAndre Jordan).  Plus, Silver said that outlawing this could result in young players having a disincentive to practice their free throws.

Finally, in the NBA, a new book about former Philadelphia 76er Allen Iverson reveals that during his famous “We Talkin’ About Practice, Not A Game” Speech, Iverson was drunk.  It is a strange press conference as Iverson says that phrase over and over.  So really… this makes sense.  If you want to read more, check out the book “Not A Game” about Allen Iverson.

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Blackhawk Jerseys Not Permitted, Blackhawks Win Game 1, Djokovic Crushes Nadal, LeSean McCoy Accusations Of Racism

HOCKEY

Chicago BlackhawksGame 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Lightning took place on Wednesday night.  Game 1 was in Tampa Bay, and the arena implemented a very odd rule.  They said that there would be certain sections of the stadium where Blackhawks jerseys would not be permitted.  If a fan wore Blackhawks gear, the stadium would supply them with a T-Shirt to cover up.  This move was very controversial and received a lot of backlash, but the commissioner of the NHL, Gary Bettman, didn’t do anything about it.

Despite this rah-rah rule by the Lightning, the Blackhawks managed to stage a late comeback, and stunned the Lightning.  With the win, the Blackhawks seized home ice advantage.  Chicago 2, Tampa Bay 1.

TENNIS

Novak DjokovicRafael Nadal has dominated the French Open for the last 11 years.  It’s his turf.  On Wednesday, however, the hottest name in tennis, Novak Djokovic absolutely crushed Nadal in straight sets. Nadal looked lifeless and Djokovic capitalized.  Djokovic will now take on Andy Murray in the Finals.

FOOTBALL

Finally, in the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles’ star running back, LeSean McCoy claimed that he was traded to the Buffalo Bills because he was black. In a recent press conference, McCoy didn’t back down from his allegation but didn’t want to continue to discuss his statement.  Accusing someone of racism is a big deal so even though McCoy might not want to discuss his accusations in a recent press conference, he will likely continue to get bombarded with clarification questions.

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Peterson Reports To Vikings’ Camp, Cromartie Says Sherman Not Great, Gronkowski’s On Family Feud

FOOTBALL

Adrian PetersonAdrian Peterson has stirred up some drama this off-season.  There were claims that he said he wanted to be traded, that he never wanted to play for the Vikings again.  There may have been some shred of truth to these rumors, but the fact remained that if Peterson didn’t report to camp, he would sacrifice close to $13 million.  So it was no big surprise that Peterson reported to the Vikings’ facilities on Tuesday, and said that “It felt good to be back in the building”.  Surprise. Surprise.
Elsewhere in the NFL, Antonio Cromartie, cornerback for the New York Jets, has decided to stir the pot with the Seattle Seahawks’ cornerback Richard Sherman.  Sherman publicly calls himself the best cornerback in the NFL.  Cromartie has said that he’s not among the best, but his success is merely a part of the Seahawks’ system.  Cromartie said he would like to see him achieve greatness without two all-pro safeties behind him (Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas).  He also said Sherman is more of a zone player and doesn’t follow his receiver all game like the “greats” do.

Family FeudFinally, in the NFL, if you haven’t seen enough of Rob Gronkowski this off-season — all the videos of him partying, at the Kentucky Derby, NASCAR events, and basically every other pop culture shin dig, you get to see more of him on TV soon.  His whole family, The Gronkowskis, will be appearing on Family Fued.  The family is pretty boisterous so should be a fun show to watch.

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