Big Baby & Nate Dog all fired up! (photo courtesy of cbcsports.ca)

With all the star-power featured in the 2010 NBA Finals, it’s hard to imagine that the championship will be decided by Andrew Bynum and the Celtic’s bench, mainly the “Big Baby” himself, Glen Davis.  Game 4 was ugly for the first 36 minutes, but once the final period began, all mayhem broke loose.  The Celtics bench unleashed hell on the Lakers, and credit Doc Rivers for leaving them in.  One thing I admire about the Celtics, is that they completely embody the word “team.”  Three future HOF’s were at the scorer’s table ready to check in, only to be called back when the bench started rolling.  Neither of the three had a bit of a problem with it.

None of us expect Davis to play out of his mind like this again this series, especially after his performance during the post-game press conference along with Nate “Dog” Robinson (I think LA might not appreciate it, and will have something to say about it) but it’s safe to assume he will contribute.  Especially if Bynum is hobbled, again.  Sorry Lakers fans, but Bynum is about as reliable as Lindsay Lohan’s ability to stay off the booze.  What’s scary for LA, is the fact that if you look back at every game this series, Allen, Garnett and Pierce have all failed to string together good games at the same time.  Yet Boston has somehow pulled off two wins.  Including a win in LA in which they were out shot in free-throws some 40-25 (Boston’s final 6-7 when LA were forced to foul).  You have to be concerned that they’ll finally get it going, along with an energized bench, it’s going to be tough LA.

On the other side, if you’re Boston, you have to be concerned that the three days between Games 4 and 5 will be enough to heal Bynum’s knee.  If Bynum can be even halfway productive for the remainder of the series, Boston’s chances of winning decreases.  Another cause for concern if you’re Boston, Derek Fisher.  Fisher’s foul trouble kept him sidelined for most of Game 4, and LA clearly missed his presence down the stretch.  What Boston appreciates is when Kobe Bryant gets into that mind state that he has to win it on his own, and they stop going to Gasol.  Pau Gasol dominates the post when they go to him, and for the life of me, I can’t understand why LA doesn’t run their offense through him more?  He is a willing passer, and he puts the defense at a retreating position every time.  And of course Kobe Bryant.  Kobe needs to trust his teammates during the course of the game, then take over late ala “The Closer.”  When Kobe plays within the rhythm of the game, he is unstoppable.

Oh, and the Lakers bench has to show up.

With all that being said, I must say the officials have had a hand in all the wins, and these NBA Finals have been heavily influenced by bad calls.  I’m not one to draw up conspiracy theories, but a Boston/LA rivalry renewed does look good going seven.  I’m sure that’s crossed the minds of the higher-ups at the NBA corporation.  Just saying.

Enjoy your Friday people!

Kobe's clearly got his mind on the Celtics

People who know me or have read my stuff, know that I am very critical of Kobe OFF the court, because you can’t be critical of what he accomplishes on the court, especially during money time.  But that arrogance he carries, that carbon-copy Michael Jordan demeanor he puts on 24/7 is all an act.  Even that new scowl thing he does, what is that supposed to be?  His new trademark?  The new tongue-wagging?  But, for all the irritating things Kobe does, he definitely won over some brownie points with me the other night, when he responded to a question a reporter asked him about where LeBron James might end up next season.  His answer went along the lines of, “I’m trying to be as polite as possible when saying this, but I don’t give a (bleep).”  Amen to that Kobe.  That alone might have changed my opinion on him.  Well that and the video Dyslecix posted where Chris Rock’s attention was denied by Kobe during a timeout.  Rejected!  But I must say, I’m a bit of a Kobe fan right now, and I’m just hoping he doesn’t do anything wrong to make me rescind that like a Kendrick Perkins T.  The man means business, and he can smell his fifth title approaching (although three were hand-delivered by Shaq).  Please don’t bother him with this nonsense about LeBron James.  I’m finally going to say this now and admit to it, but LeBron James might be the best regular season player in the league, the best stat-stuffer, the best throw-downer (yes I made this up), but he is miles away from being even close to Kobe in terms of being a winner.  Not saying LeBron can’t do it, just saying Kobe is doing it.

Today is a somber day in the world of basketball, as legendary coach John Wooden has passed away.  Our blessings go out to his family and loved ones.  Perhaps no other coach will ever leave the trail of excellence of one John Wooden, he truly will be missed.

I know this clip seems a bit old now, but it still is and will always remain a classic.  This clip needs no further introduction, so please … enjoy.

Anyone's ball game now.

Oh my goodness.  Do the Oklahoma City Thunder have a real shot at dethroning the champs?  Well, yes.  It’s now a best of three series, and the shorter the series, the more luck plays a part.  Think about it.  If Oklahoma City steals game five in L.A. that puts the Lakers in a must win situation, in a hostile environment.  There’s no room for error at that point.

Now, Oklahoma City can’t feel too confident about their Game 4 thrashing of the Lakers, simply put, they had an unfair advantage.  Let’s just say the outcome was decided by the “charity” stripe, and because so, the game was gift-wrapped and given to the Thunder.  Pun intended.  Poor pun that is, but whatever, I’m still a little buzzed from my outings this evening.

Oklahoma City shot 48 free-throws Saturday, and made 42 of them.  42 points were registered with not a defender in sight.  That’s amazing to me.  Now, if you’ve read my articles, or happen to know me, I am the biggest Lakers hater there is, but.  42 free-throws!?  That was a little excessive, granted there were fouls, and fouls have to be called the way see fit, but were there really 30 fouls committed by the Lakers?  I’m going to say no.

I’m rooting for Durantula, Westbrook (who is the real key to this series) and the Thunder, but they can’t expect to rely on such a free-throw advantage again this series.  The Lakers actually finished the game with more field-goals made than the Thunder, shooting at a better clip too.  If the Thunder hope to advance, they’re going to have to put all the beans on the table for Game 5.  They have to lay it all on the line, and treat it like an elimination game, because it is.  If the Thunder take Game 5, they win in six.  They lose, Lakers take it in seven.  The magic number is 46.  If the Thunder shoot 46% from the field as a team, I predict they’ll pull it out.  They’ll only get about 13 free-throws in L.A. so efficiency is huge.  As much as Durant has stepped up at home, he’s going to have to do it on the road for the Thunder to stand a chance.  I’m pulling for you, buddy.

So police reports were released regarding the incident revolving  “Big Ben” Roethlisberger at an Atlanta night club last month, and it was ugly.  According to the reports, the accuser, a 20-year old woman who is a college student, was escorted to a hallway by Roethlisberger’s bodyguards in which Roethlisberger soon followed.  Supposedly Roethlisberger exposed himself to the woman, she quickly informed him that his actions were unacceptable.  She then fled to the bathroom.  Roethlisberger followed then proceeded to have sex with her.

If you want to read up on the story, there are plenty of sites for that.  This post isn’t to inform you of breaking news, because I’m sure you’ve all heard the details of the report.

This post is just me giving you my opinion.  Roethlisberger needs to be punished.  I know he wasn’t convicted of anything, but these accusations aren’t to be taken lightly.  Think about what might have happened that night.  He essentially raped this young woman, and walked away.  Treated it like just another night.  This is horrible beyond comparison.

I’m all for giving people the benefit of the doubt, but I hope the NFL investigates this to the best of their abilities.  This entire situation is a disappointment.