NBA FINALS Game 1 The time is NOW!

There time is NOW

By Mike McClendon
With the world watching and the weight of a team on their backs LeBron James and Kevin Durant don't necessarily have to prove a thing to anybody, win or lose. You might say I'm a fool to say that but let me explain. The expectations for these 2012 NBA Finals are, to me, too high. The world expects Magic vs. Bird, Jordan vs. Magic, Bird vs. Jordan, or Jordan vs. Magic and we will be disappointed if we don't get those type of performances. To be honest we haven't seen any finals like those of the 80's or 90's since then so don't expect it.

Greatness

These two teams are stacked with more talent than a few NBA teams combined (Bobcats, Bucks and Raptors to name a few) and even though KD and Mr. James are the two best players on the court at all times they can have faith and rely on others to help carry that load. The main difference between the two Superstars will be who will have that drive, determination and will to win when it is needed the most? We can talk about who is clutch and who chokes all day but at the end of the day Mr. James is a 3-time League MVP and KD is a consistent scoring Champ both are clutch to the game of basketball.

3 The Hard Way

With all eyes on the two main attractions anybody who watches the game of basketball knows that the key to this series will be the sidekicks. OKC has the youthful and at times unattainable, unattractive, and unconscious combo cheese and crackers eating guards Russell Westbrook and James Harden. The "Heatles" counter that with oh so soft Chris Bosh and Americas favorite super hero Flash, that was a joke. I would however like to say that D.Wade is a vital part to the "Heatles" success. If he doesn't stay in the flow of the game and be aggressive he will get lost in the sauce that is the NBA Finals. Bosh showed life in Game 7 of the ECF and was pretty consistent in his play during last years finals and this years playoff run. OKC will rely on the stubborn like a bulldog point guard, Westbrook, to give not only a scoring effort but a defensive one as well. He must play better on the defensive end than he did against Tony Parker of the Spurs in the WCF. The other key participant in these Finals will be the loved and hated James Harden. The beard is a blog by itself so I won't go there but what I will say is that if Harden can continue to perform and be aggressive like he has been all playoffs than the "Heatles" are in trouble. Harden is the best 4th quaarter scorer off the bench and gets to the charity stripe like it's a free lap dance. The kid means business.

Who will reign as King

Game 1 of the NBA Finals tonight as we all know will be important to both teams but to me it means more to the road team which is the "Heatles". With the 2-3-2 format the team with the 3 games at home cannot get swept in any of the 2 games on the road. Miami can set a tone and show the young fellas of OKC what it feels like to be in the NBA Finals with a win tonight. I think Miami can and will do that tonight but only because OKC may not be ready for this stage tonight. I think if KD sets the tone early and the rest of the firing squad follows than OKC wins, but only if KD in firing first. Sit back relax and let's take this ride on the NBA Finals coaster!

Heat, Thunder, NBA Finals... Get Used To IT...

By Haz Bey

We are all "Witnesses" (no pun intended Bron-Bron) to this historical event.  A new era in the NBA is starting right before our eyes.  With Kobe's Lakers & Duncan's Spurs out the Finals for back-to-back seasons for the first time since  MJ's Bulls had the league on smash, the NBA has a match-up of teams led by true elite talents.  LeBron James, Kevin Durant & Dwyane Wade are arguably the 3 of the 4 best players in the league.  With Kobe Bryant, while still playing at a elite level, on the downside of his career, the torch that represents the league's best player must be passed.  LeBron & D-Wade are leading the Miami Heat back to the Finals for a second year in a row after blowing a 2-1 lead to the eventual champion Dallas Mavericks, while Kevin Durant with the help of rising stars Russell Wesbrook & James Harden making a historic run to the Finals by eliminating the Mavs, Lakers & Spurs.  Winners of 10 of the last 13 NBA Finals since 1998.

All of the attention will surround around the match-up between 3-time league MVP LeBron James & reigning 3-time scoring champ Kevin Durant.  The last few times such elite talent squared off for the world championship was in 2008 & 2010 when Kobe's Lakers faced off against the Big 3 now Big 4 of Boston, 2001 when Shaq & Kobe's Lakers ousted Allen Iverson's 76ers in 5 games, The Bulls match up with Magic's Lakers, Barkley's Suns & Stockton & Malone's Jazz in the 90's & Hakeem's Rockets sweeping Shaq & Penny's Orlando Magic in 1995.  But to understand the magnitude of how significant this years Finals match-up between the Heat & the Thunder, we  have to go back to the years 1984-1987 when the Larry Bird's Celtics faced off with Magic Johnson's Lakers for 3 memorable series that made the NBA what it is today.  Magic & Larry were considered the two best players in the league and their legendary match-ups settled the question on who was better between the two.  Magic's Lakers won 2 of 3 Finals series against the Celtics and forever solidifying Magic's place as the NBA's best player title over Larry Bird.  The best thing about all this is that they were able to settle it on the court.  See in the NBA, more so in every other American professional sports league, winning the ring means everything.  More so than career numbers.  When you are an elite talent in the NBA, with the right pieces around you, you should be able to win multiple championships.  Look at all the greats, MJ, Magic, Bird, Russell, Kareem, Kobe, Shaq, Wilt, Hakeem & Duncan have all won at least two titles while playing at a elite level.  Winning multiple champions doesn't happen by accident in the NBA, it happens to the flat out best players in the league.  That is what history has shown us.  This is fact people.  I love the Barkleys, Ewings, Wilkins, Iversons, Millers, Stocktons & Malones of the world, but to not have a title under your belt is a huge disappointment, but their teams got beaten year after year by team's that had better talent (mainly Michael Jordan is responsible for all, but one of the people I have listed with Shaq & Kobe handling the rest).  That is no accident.  

Fast forward back to this year's NBA Finals.  A lot of pressure is on LeBron to get his first of what should be many rings, but their is no pressure of Kevin Durant.  If LeBron loses he has to deal what a ton of scrutiny, but if Durant loses, the media will look at the fact that Kevin Durant is only 23 years old and his best years are yet to come.  On the flip-side though, whoever wins will at least for 1 season own the NBA as the league's best player, well unless, Dwyane Wade dominates the Finals like he did in 2006 (Finals MVP) and in last year's Finals for the first 4 games of series before he suffered an injury in game 5.  And let's not forget that these teams are primed to make NBA Finals appearance for the next 5 years, a rivalry like the Lakers & Celtics could be in the making, which could take the NBA to levels of excitement we haven't seen in years.

The Flyers Have the Penguins Right Where They Want Them

By Haz Bey
The Philadelphia Flyers have the Pittsburgh Penguins on the brink of elimination with a 3 games to none lead in their first round match-up.  Lead by the play of Danny Briere, the Flyers are scoring at will by applying a lot of pressure at the net.  All the Penguins can do is sucker punch their way back into the series, but that is not happening.  This series is over.  It's a wrap.  "Sid the Kid" can work his magic, but even with Malkin, the pair cannot rally their troops to win four straight against a Flyers team that down right hates them.  I mean every 5 minutes it seems like the 2 teams drop their gloves and sticks and start going at it.  So much hatred, which brings out a passion to win not seen in most playoff series.  The Flyers would personally like to get over the playoff hump from losing to Crosby & company in the 2008 and 2009.  Both years the Penguins got to the Stanley Cup Finals to face the Detroit Red Wings.  The Penguins lost in 2008, but won Lord Stanley's Cup the following year in a game 7 in Detroit. 

The Flyers seem ready to eliminate the Penguins asap to move on the next round and I expect a long playoff run, because their confidence will be off the charts after bouncing out their hated rival.  Former Penguins star and current Flyer Jaromir Jagr would love to send his former team packing for the Summer is playing as if he has turn back the hands of time with his passion on the ice.  Now Game 4 will be a blood bath, but if the Philadelphia Flyers survive with a victory, they will be showered with joy from all of the Philly faithful.

Super Bowl Preview

New York Giants vs New England Patriots
Super Bowl XLVI

Blog by Haz Bey
"The Rematch" is almost here and I personally can not wait for it to go down.  Two elite quarterbacks with two elite receiving cores playing for two elite franchises.  In 2008, the Giants and Patriots met for an historic championship game for the ages ending with Eli coming up huge in the clutch to lead the Giants to a game winning touchdown earning the Giants their third Super Bowl title and ending New England's perfect season with a record of 18-1.  These teams meet again with the Lombardi Trophy on the line once more, but Tom Brady and the Patriots are waiting for payback. 

Isn't it ironic that New England has not won a playoff game since losing to the Giants in 2008 and now they must face them once again in the Super Bowl.  It's also ironic that the "G-MEN" had to go on a run just like they did to end the 2007 regular season then win multiple road games to get to the promise land again.  New England played great all season long and was expected to be here, while the Giants were inconsistent and were an after-thought of competing for the world title.  Same paths just 4 years later. 

Who is going to win this game?  I got the answer.  Let me break it down for you.  The Patriots offense is a juggernaut and is very difficult to stop.  Led by possibly the best quarterback of all-time, Tom Brady, the Patriots present weapons that are unmatched by any offense in football.  The two second year tight ends, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez two of the best at their position.  They can both present match-up problems for any linebacker or defensive back the Giants will try to cover them with.  They also are very good blockers and both are threats out the backfield.  Then there's Wes Welker.  He caught 122 balls this season and is a slot demon.  He is so quick and precised with his routes that defenders struggle to keep up.  Deion Branch, a former Super Bowl MVP for the Patriots is Tom Brady's most trusted receiver and when plays break down, he improvises with Brady to make something out of nothing.  Chad Ochocinco is an Hall-of-Fame talent and don't be surprised if Bill Belichick lets him run loose for the Super Bowl.  It might be his coming out party.  Only catching 15 balls with 1 touchdown is a far cry from what we are used to from Chad, but he didn't lose his talent and if he makes plays in this game then, bye-bye Giants.  With Benjarvas Green Ellis, Danny Woodhead & Kevin Faulk in the backfield, Tom Brady has threats on the ground and in the pass game out the backfield.  Now how will the Giants counter that?  With the arguably the league's best pass rush led by Justin Tuck, Osi Umenioyra & Jason Pierre-Paul.  The Giants do not have to blitz to get pressure on Tom Brady, much like they did to him in Super Bowl XLII and earlier this season in a come from behind win in New England in the regular season.  If they get to Brady then, turnovers will happen and that means Eli Manning and the high-powered Giants' offense will have great field position.  The New England defense is not great by any standards and will have problems trying to slow down the trio of Giant wide receivers led by big-time play maker Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks & Mario Manningham.  Eli and his receivers are more than capable to strike quickly, but their true advantage might be the 3 headed monster at running back, Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs & Danny Ware.  Each one has a different running style and will keep the Patriots defense on it's toes.  Success in the run game will lead to play-action plays and Eli Manning throws a very accurate deep ball which might take the life out the Patriots if the Giants catches them sleeping looking into the backfield.

Now it is time for my prediction.  The Giants are very confident and are not intimidated by the mystic of the New England Patriots.  They been in this alley before and beat down the Patriots with a street fight-like performance,  but Tom Brady has probably been sitting at home with his gorgeous wife, Super Model Gisele, and praying for a chance to right the wrong at the hands of the Giants in their last Super Bowl meeting.  Bill Belichick will have his team prepared and ready to play.  I promise you he is more than aware that the Giants have his Patriots number lately and this might be the toughest game he must coach in his career, but with a injured ankle to his greatest weapon outside of Tom Brady, how will he get the Patriots to out execute the New York Giants?  Rob Gronkowski will play with his bummed-ankle, but how effective will he be? The match-up against Giants would have been tough enough with a healthy "Gronk", but as great as Brady is, I do not see him leading New England to their fourth Super Bowl win.  Tom Coughlin seems like his job is on the line every year and yet all he does is take the Giants to Super Bowls.  A very underrated coach and motivator, Tom Coughlin understands what it takes to win a championship and there is no way the Giants will get out played physically against the Patriots.  The Giants will have minimal problems putting points on the board and New England will not be able to keep up by game's end. 
Giants Win 34-24

Championship Sunday Preview & Picks

Haz Bey

After my perfect weekend last week, my post season record is now 6-2.  I nailed all 4 games last week, but picking the games this week will be even harder, because all 4 teams left in the tournament are worthy of going to the Super Bowl.  Here we go!

Last Week's Picks (4-0)
Post Season Picks (6-2)




AFC Championship Game

Ravens @ Patriots
The Baltimore Ravens are no stranger to winning in Foxboro in the playoffs.  Handing the Patriots a 33-14 butt-kicking 2 years ago in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.  The ran running back Ray Rice right down there throats and New England never recovered.  Ray Lewis and Ed Reed led the defense that day and forced Tom Brady to get rid of the football early, causing New England's offense never to find it's rhythm.  The Baltimore Ravens will go into New England with the same game plan, only difference is, they didn't have to face the tight end tandom of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.  The duo combined for 23 touchdowns this season and help Tom Brady and the offense accumulate the most yards throughout a season in New England Patriots history.  They have proven to be unstoppable and I do not think that Joe Flacco and his handle-bar mustache will score enough points to keep up with Brady and his "All-World" tight ends.  Brady is so focused at the task at hand and I am pretty sure he hasn't forgot about the 33-14 whipping the Ravens put on him 2 years ago.
Patriots Win 31-16

NFC Championship Game

Giants @ 49ers
The 49ers won in dramatic fashion last week at home against the Saints.  Scoring 2 touchdowns late in the 4th quarter to with the last coming with 9 seconds left on a touchdown pass from Alex Smith to Vernon Davis, proved that the 49ers will fight until there is triple zeros on the clock at the end of the game.  They have an intimidating, physical defense that has knocked out 6 running backs this season alone.  They have a running back in Frank Gore that is a load to deal with.  Most importantly they have a coach that has them believing that no team out there can outplay them.  Jim Harbaugh has taking the same roster that Mike Singletary once said, "I can't win with them, I won't win with them, I want winners!", all the way to the NFC Championship Game in his rookie season as head coach.  Their reward for reaching the title game is the New York Football Giants.  The G-Men are on a mission.  Their defensive line hasn't been this healthy in years.  Last time they were this healthy, they bruised and battered Tom Brady and the Patriots on their way to winning the Super Bowl.  Eli Manning is now an elite quarterback.  After taking outshining another elite quarterback in the playoffs, Eli is calm, cool & collective going into Sunday's match up with the 49ers.  With both of his running backs healthy as well as the receiving core, Eli will be primed to make his second appearance in the Super Bowl and he will get his chance.  Alex Smith is the key to the game.  The 49ers quarterback has to be better than he was last week against the Saints.  By better, I mean converting 3rd downs and moving the chains consistently all game.  I do not trust with the Giants' pass rush that Smith will get it done. 
Giants Win 27-17

There you have it.  I am predicting a rematch of Super Bowl 42.  Patriots and Giants.  Both teams have the best quarterbacks left in the tournament and both of them will lead their respective teams the big game on Super Sunday.  Have fun watching, because I know I will.

Divisional Round Preview & Picks

Haz Bey

Last week I completely nailed the NFC picks going 2-0 with accurately predicting the Saints would score 45 points in their win, but as far as AFC picks went, well that's another story. So here we go. These are my picks for this weekend's games. 

Haz Picks This Post Season (2-2)

AFC DIVISIONAL GAMES

Broncos @ Patriots
The absolutely hardest game to pick for me this season. You would think the mystic of the Patriots led by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick would be too much to handle with the inexperienced Tim Tebow led Broncos coming into town, but there might be more than meets the eye here. Denver has the kryptonite to that high powered offense of New England and that's a tough, physical running game. The Ravens and the Jets respectively had similar offenses that led to 2 New England losses in their last 2 home playoff games. In their earlier regular season match up, the Broncos were able to rush for 200 yards in the 1st quarter alone. Look for that trend to continue in this weeks match up. Tim TeBow and the offense will also have to not turnover the football like they did in the first match up. Denver committed 3 turnovers for 17 New England's points that changed the momentum of the game and led to Denver losing the football game. I predict that Denver will fight hard throughout the ball game, but with the loss of safety Brian Dawkins and Von Miller playing with 1 arm, Tom Brady will put points on the board early and often.
Patriots Win 31-20

Texans @ Ravens
All I have been hearing is that these teams are mirror images of each other. OK, maybe, but last time I check Baltimore is a perfect 8-0 at home. With Ray Rice controlling the clock and that legendary defense led by Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs & Haloti Gnata, I see T.J. Yates having a very long day. Running backs Arian Foster & Ben Tate will have to work extremely hard this week and right now the tandem will not be enough. The Ravens should win this game with no real threat coming from Houston.
Ravens Win 24-9

NFC DIVISIONAL GAMES

Saints @ 49ers
This game does not shape up well for the New Orleans at all. San Francisco's home field has a dirt foundation and if it becomes wet, forget about it. The Saints are like Rams of the early 2000s, "The Fastest Show On Turf". All the weapons at Drew Brees' disposal were meant to run past defenses at home in the Super Dome. Playing that nasty defense of the San Francisco 49ers on that field will not benefit the Saints at all. San Fran on offense will pound the Saints defense with a healthy dosage of running back Frank Gore. Keeping Drew Brees off the field by killing clock. The Saints defense is going to have to force some turnovers to gain some extra possessions to give them a shot of winning on the road. Coach of the Year candidate Jim Harbaugh will have his troops fired up to play their first playoff game as a collective unit and will the extra week off, linebacker Patrick Willis will fly all over the field making plays and hitting Saints players in the mouth. This is a bad spot for the Saints who will have to use running back Darren Sproles in the screen game to slow down San Fran's pass rush. In this battle of 13-3 teams, I am taking the home team in this one.
49ers Win 27-17

Giants @ Packers
The Packers have been unstoppable all season long. They have the best receiving core in football hands down. They have arguable the best quarterback in the league. They have 2 of the best defensive play makers in the the game in Clay Mathews & Charles Woodson. So this game this week should be a breeze right? Wrong. The New York Football Giants come into town with an "Empire State of Mind". Eli Manning is playing lights out as of late. His receiving core of Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks & Mario Manningham are probably the 2nd best receiving core in football. The Giants defensive line with their 3 headed monster of Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora & Jason Pierre-Paul are going to give Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offensive line fits all game long. Most importantly, 17 players on the Giants roster are part of the 2007 Super Bowl winning championship team that also went into Green Bay and knocked off the Pack in the NFC Championship game that season. The Giants are physical on both sides of the ball and are by no means intimidated by the Packers. All the pressure is on the Packers to get the win and lets not forget that it took a 58 second drive for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to defeat the Giants in the final moments earlier in the regular season 38-35. I think you know where I am going with this. My upset special. The G-Men get it done.
Giants Win 31-27

Wild Card Weekend Preview & Picks

Haz Bey

I'm looking for the AFC road teams to pull out victories on the road while the NFC home teams protect their respective turfs.  I do not think this Wild Card Weekend will be very memorable, but it does have intriguing match-ups.  I will give you my brief take on all four games to get you ready for this huge weekend.




AFC Wild Card Games

Bengals @ Texans
Look for Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals to win a tough game on the road against the AFC South Champion Houston Texans. With Houston down to their 3rd string quarterback T.J. Yates, the Texans will have difficulty moving the football up and down the field causing Houston not to put up enough points on the board to win the franchises 1st ever playoff game. Houston will stay in the game, because of their elite running attack and superb defense, but look for the Bengals to get the lead early with the combination of Dalton to fellow rookie A.J. Green and then pound the ball late with veteran running back Cedric Benson. 
Bengals Win 20-10

Steelers @ Broncos
The Pittsburgh Steelers are not even 1 year removed from losing to the Green Bay Packers in the Super Bowl and the Denver Broncos are 3 weeks removed from their last win.  The mentalities of these 2 teams are on 2 different levels.  Denver's goal is to try to compete with a struggling Tim Tebow at quarterback and Pittsburgh's goal is to move on the next round for their next step in their quest to get back to the Super Bowl.  I can talk about how arguably the league's best defense will dominate arguably the league's worst offense, but there's no need. There will be no "Tebow-Time" this week.
Steelers Win 24-0


NFC Wild Card Games

Lions @ Saints
Shootout, straight shootout, but the New Orleans Saints at home against the Detroit Lions will not lose Saturday Night.  I expect both teams to light up the scoreboard, but the pressure that Matt Stafford will have to try to keep up with Drew Brees will be too much to bare.  Drew Brees has more weapons at his disposal with the addition of Darren Sproles and he runs his offense like a well-oiled machine, while Mathew has to find ways to get Calvin "Megatron" Johnson the ball through double and triple teams.  Easy choice for me.
Saints Win 45-34

Falcons @ Giants
The Atlanta Falcons are a decent football team.  The have a good young quarterback in Matt Ryan, an elite running back in Michael Turner, a 1st ballot hall of famer at tight end in Tony Gonzales & a good receiving core led by Roddy White.  With that being said, there is no way they will have will and the resolve to come in to East Rutherford and knock off the "G-Men" at home.  It's not happening.  The Giants are a physical, proud bunch.  They still have 17 players in uniform from the 2007 team that won the Super Bowl.  Eli Manning has set an NFL record with 15 touchdowns in the 4th quarter this season.  The defensive line is flat-out scary with Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora & Jason Pierre-Paul wreaking havoc.  Too much of an hostel environment for the Falcons to steal a win.
Giants Win 31-17