The Big Four

The Boston Celtics weren’t able to sweep the Orlando Magic, but they got the job done in 6 games. Boston sent the Magic home packing to advance to the 2010 NBA Finals last night, winning 96 to 84. Boston is now looking for their 2nd championship in three years as they came up short when Orlando eliminated them in the 2nd round last year.
Everything is going well for the Celtics, who may be even better than the 2008 NBA Champion Boston Celtic team due to the growth and emergence of their newest superstar, Rajon Rondo. Rondo played much better in Game 6 despite taking a hard fall when going to the basket. In order for the Celtics to beat either LA/Phoenix in the NBA Finals, they will need him to play as the Rondo we’ve seen throughout these playoffs. It’s debatable whether Rondo is the best player on the Celtics, but we all understand that he runs the show with slowing the tempo down when it gets out of hand and creating many shots for players with his superb passes. I no longer refer to “Big Three”, but the “Big Four” or what I like to call the Four Tops because how they’re in sync and harmony like a good record, which the Four Tops were notorious for. Some of you young people may not know anything about them, but they produced “real” music.
On another note before I get sidetracked, another key for the Celtics to accomplish their goal of becoming the 2010 NBA Champions is for the BIG 3 to step up. Paul Pierce looks like him old self leading the Celtics with 31 points in game 6 and has been pretty consistent lately. Kevin Garnett also has to play both sides of the ball as everyone knows he’s a force to reckon with on both offense and defense. Last but not least, Ray Allen a.k.a Jesus Shuttlesworth must be lights out from beyond the arc. He barely needs and any room to shoot and can single handily frustrate defenses.
Tip off for the NBA championship is June 3rd at 9 p.m. on ABC and Celtics have been waiting for this moment ever since the beginning of the season. Throughout these playoffs they’ve proved their doubters wrong when beating the 2010 MVP, Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers and of course, the so unstoppable or thought to be Orlando Magic. Whether the Lakers or Suns come out the Western Conference, the Celtics will be prepared for either one with that one goal in mind of becoming the 2010 NBA CHAMPIONS!

Cold Bowl

With the announcement of the 2014 Super Bowl being held in New York Jets’ and Giants’ new $1.7 billon Meadowlands Stadium, there were many fans and players chilly toward the idea. The Meadowlands beat out Miami, Tampa to host the 48th Super Bowl making it the first time the big game will be played outside in a cold weather city. The game is expected to bring in $550 million to the New York City area, which will give New York and New Jersey area extreme media attention on Feb. 2 (expected date of Super Bowl XLVIII).
Many fans and critics may be against the whole idea of weather becoming a deciding factor on who will win, but I think some people are being too drastic. Cold weather football is where the sport grew up. As the New York mayor, Michael Bloomberg, said “This isn’t beach volleyball. It’s football.” Some of our most memorable sports games have been in cold weather such as 2001 AFC Divisional game with the Patriots and Raiders (Tuck rule). I understand that viewers want to see the biggest game of the year if not the biggest championship in all of sports with nice weather displaying pure talent and nothing less, but if it’s cold, it’s cold, deal with it. This is the biggest game of the year and both teams have worked so hard to get here, why wouldn’t they give anything less than 110%? Don’t make excuses, make it happen. Every player on the gridiron has to adjust to the weather conditions, so it’s pretty equal in my eyes. Some teams may have an advantage if they were to make it the Super Bowl 42 because they are accustomed to the weather, but there are always advantages and disadvantages in a game whether it is weather or skill level.
Another valid point that has been discussed is the fans actually coming to the game. Is that a real question?! “REAL” fans of football will attend this game. “If” the weather is supposed to be cold that evening, fans in attendance can simply dress warmer and still enjoy. This is game is the biggest game on America’s sports calendar and people dare think that attendance will be mediocre. This game has already made history with its location and may even make history in the game itself. If I had the chance to go, you wouldn’t have to ask me twice. I think this Super Bowl is great for the league and in the end’s it pro’s will outweigh the negatives.

Down but not OUT

For a team that was embarrassed in Game 3, the Orlando Magic seem to have put the pressure back on the Boston Celtics. Boston may be leading the series 3-2, but they haven’t shown any signs of how they played at the beginning of the series since Orlando started winning. Their transition offense hasn’t been as successful, their half-court offense sloppy at times, Rondo has been quiet, and Dwight Howard has been dismantling their defense in the post and on the boards. Game 3’s 23 point loss seems to have been the wake up call for the Magic, who are playing like the team we say earlier in the playoffs.
A big part of Boston’s team especially on the defense side is Kendrick Perkins. His stats may not be eye-popping in the box score, but his value is as important as every starter Boston has. Perkins value is particularly important in this series because of Dwight Howard a.k.a “Superman”. Howard may not have the most polished post game, but he’s a freak of nature and pure athlete. He can jump out the gym, literally and needs to be boxed out on every possession. Howard’s resume of how he can hurt a team can go forever which is why Perkins is such a key component for Boston to advance to the NBA finals. Perkins was called for two technical fouls (both questionable is my eyes) in Game 5, which gave him is 7th of the postseason. Once a player has reached this mark, they must serve a mandatory suspension. Unless Perkins suspension is overturned, Boston will have to fear Dwight from having another big game in Game 6.
Jameer Nelson and Orlando believe that they can rewrite history and become the first NBA team to come back from 0-3, but they just have to take it one game at a time. Such comebacks are something Boston fans know all too well.
I’m amazed at this series myself as I doubted it would surpass 5 games if Orlando kept playing soft, but obviously they showed they’re far from that the past two games. Orlando will give it their all on Friday in Game 6 with it being win or go home and I’m sure that Boston will accept the challenge.

Boston Notes: Glen Davis received a concussion when he was hit unintentionally by Howard’s elbow and had to leave in the 3rd quarter. The Celtics will need him to help guard Howard.

Orlando Notes: Orlando show over 52% from the 3-point line which is the most success they’re had this whole series. Vince Carter scored only eight points and still hasn’t played up to his potential. Even though the Magic have won the past two, it would be nice for him to play like vintage Carter “Vinsanity”. Rashard Lewis also added 14 points and played much more aggressive in comparison to previous games.

It's still Sunny in Phoenix

What seemed to be another sweep by the Los Angeles Lakers has now turned into a best of three series. The Phoenix Suns, who were dominated on the boards and taken out of their rhythm in Games 1 and 2, gave the Lakers a taste of their own medicine in Games 3 and 4. The reason the series is tied, surprising at that, is the Suns’ zone defense, which they started playing in Game 3. The Suns, who aren’t known for their defense, have made the Lakers settle from the outside instead of attacking and breaking down zone. Even though the Lakers can shoot well from beyond the arc, it comes within the flow of their triangle offense and isn’t their primary option. The zone has showed how much it has affected the Lakers' offense, who attempted 33 three point attempts combined in the 1st two games and 32 in Game 3 alone. Outside shots will always be open in a zone, but you can’t settle for what is given to you. In order for the Lakers to take advantage of the Suns’ zone defense, they must attack the gaps and space out the floor and keep the defense honest.
Kobe stated in the Game 3 press conference that he saw Amar'e Stoudemire’s 42-point game coming because he’s a great player. Did he see the Suns’ bench scoring 30 points alone in the 2nd quarter in Game 4? If he did, he should have warned his teammates who were a non factor throughout the whole game. The Suns’ bench, who scored 52 points in Game 4, ran all over the whole Lakers team from start to finish. Key contributions came from the Suns, Channing Frye, who broke his cold streak by making four 3-pointers and Goran Dragic who was running the show at point guard and abusing Derrick Fisher. Jared Dudley and Leandro Barbosa hit numerous big shots as well.
Kobe, who ended w/ 38 points, 7 rebounds and 10 dimes, did state one thing correct after Game 4, which is their main focus should be on defense (not offense…DEFENSE)! The Lakers, who were out-rebounded 36 to 51 in Game 4, need to make a lot of adjustments in order to win Game 5. The Suns’ bench proved their depth w/ 3 people in double figures and will have to be consistent night in and out in order for the Suns to advance to the Finals.

Side Note: Phil Jackson is 46-0 when his team takes a 2-0 lead in a best-of-seven series. Maybe this will be his first loss.

Brooms Please

There has only been four times in sports history that a team trailing 3-0 has come back to win a series; none being in the NBA. What’s even more ironic is that the last team to lose being up by this margin was from Boston (NHL: Philadelphia Flyers beat the Boston Bruins this year). Everyone wants to know what happen to the Orlando Magic that was 8-0 entering into the East Conference finals. What happen to the Magic that were shooting lights out from beyond the arc? What happen to the team that was winning by 20+ points per game? What happen to Superman? Many Orlando fans are stunned as I am. I’m not that shocked that Boston may sweep them because I predicted it, but that Orlando seems to have lost faith and not putting up a fight at all. Don’t get me wrong, but the Magic were close to winning Game 2, but Game 3 seemed to be the icing on the cake for who was the better team in this series.
There’s one thing to lose playing hard, but another not to give any effort and lose. What could be the play of the series which summed up Orlando’s performance throughout the game was when Rajon Rondo out hustled Jason Williams and dove on the floor for the ball to then shake J-Will for a lay-up. This play showed nothing but heart and how bad the Celtics wanted to win. The Celtics are on a mission to win the 2010 NBA Championship and they’re currently 5 games away from accomplishing this. The so called “old and rusty” Celtics are out hustling teams and showing no signs of fear at all as they’re played the best so far throughout the playoffs. I highly doubt that Orlando will be able to push this series past 5 games, let alone win the whole series. Unless Orlando plays differently and shows some sign of how they played earlier in the playoffs, Boston will become the 94th NBA team to win a playoff series when up 3-0 and will end the series tonight.

Watch Game 4 tonight on ESPN @ 8:30

Orlando may have ran out of Magic

After taking a 2-0 lead in the series, the Boston Celtics seem to be playing like the 2008 NBA Champions, when they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers. Counted out heading into the playoffs with a subpar regular season due to injuries, the Celtics are probably now the most feared team in the playoffs. On their journey to the Eastern Conference Championship, the Celtics blew past Miami in five games and surprisingly shocked many beating the Cleveland Cavaliers in 6 games. To tell you the truth, none of this is a surprise to me. They may be old, but their smart and you can't teach basketball IQ. The Celtics experience and IQ beats most teams by itself. The regular season means only so much as the San Antonio Spurs have proved relentlessly in the past. The Playoffs are what count!!!
Yesterday's game 2 was a necessary for the Magic to win and they couldn't deliver. Now they will be playing the next two games in Boston, which isn't the easiest arena to win in. The Magic need to go back the chalk board and fix their mistakes as they made a couple of late game mistakes last night (Two missed free throws by Vince Carter under a minute and poor judgment by JJ Redick) On a positive side, Dwight Howard finished with 30 points and eight boards and dominated the Celtics from start to finish by getting their big men in trouble. It’s obvious the Magic's bread and butter three point game isn't getting the job done, so you have to find another way to win. Even with limited post moves in my eyes, Dwight Howard needs to be their primary option. The Celtics rotated as many people as they could on him, he got all of them into foul trouble, which helped spur the comeback. The defending Eastern Conference champions are still alive in this series, they just need to play better defense, which I feel should be their primary focus, rather than offense. Boston can beat you in many different ways and have great role players that aren't scared to score such as Big Baby Davis... Worry about stopping them on Offense and your Offense will benefit from it.
As for the Celtics, they almost blew yesterday's game because of foul trouble which led to the Orlando killing the offensive glass giving them second chance points. Even though they're up 2-0, the Celtics know what Orlando is capable of and shouldn't give them any breathing room.

Boston notes: Paul Pierce seemed to get his juice back as he ended w/ 28 points. In order for the Celtics to be successful in the long run, they will need their closer to finish out games and be more consistent like last night. The newest member of the Big 4, Rajon Rondo, ended w/ 25 pts, 8 dimes and 5 boards. Kevin Garnett also gave the Celtics the lead back under a minute with a fade away shot over Dwight Howard.

Magic Notes: JJ Redick came off the bench and scored 16. Redick was key in their offense last night and played an exceptional game besides forgetting to call a timeout, which wasted crucial seconds off the clock. Matt Barnes played a good defensive game on Ray Allen, who only had 4 points shooting 1 of 6 from the field.

Game Changer: Orlando Magic's, Rashard Lewis has been awfully quiet this whole season. Lewis was key in their run to the championship last year and hasn't produced much for his team this year. Without a doubt, Lewis can change a game with his great shooting ability for his height and being able to put the ball on the floor. It's now or never Rashard!!! Step up!

No home for a Diva

Throughout Terrell Owens career there have been many memorable moments, both on and off the field. Even though third all-time in receiving yards and touchdowns, Owens still has yet to be signed by a NFL team. Could this be because of his baggage of DRAMA that he brings to each team as everyone knows he loves the spotlight and the media loves to give it to him? or The belief by some teams who think that he’s washed up at the age of 36 and useless coming off a mediocre season w/ 829 yards receiving for the Buffalo Bills. Whatever it may be, Mr. Owens is still jobless for the time being.
In Terrell’s defense, I don’t expect most superstars to do much with the 30th ranked offense who rotated three quarterbacks and made changes before and midway through the season to fire their the head coach and offensive coordinator. Owens thinks he can still play let alone be a #1 receiver as long as he has some talent to work with as he showed last year against the Jacksonville Jaguars w/ 197 receiving yards.
Unfortunately, the last hope for Owens may be the Oakland Raiders who were 5-11 last year. Many teams have showed no interest in Owens due to the array of talent at wide receiver. I’m pretty sure that the Supreme Diva of the league would rather play for Oakland than sit at home watching TV. Owens is still a good receiver, but isn’t as good as he used to be. In order for him to have any chance of signing with an elite team, he may have to close his mouth and let his game talk for itself! This can only happen if the Raiders or another team chooses to sign him…

Welcome!!!

Welcome to Sports Zone Gossip. First I'll start off by telling you why I created this. Since I can remember, I would always get into arguments about controversial topics with my friends and family about sports, whether it be if Kobe is better than MJ (FYI- MJ is better) to if it's okay for the NY Yankees to buy championships. So...what better way to voice my opinion about these topics than through the internet, which is accessible to everyone. My topics will focus mostly on basketball and football, but I will try to tackle all sports. Hopefully this will also help me in pursuit of my dreams of working for ESPN. Please feel free to voice your opinion and comment on blogs. If you think there is a topic that I need to blog about, let me know! This blog is for the viewers and followers, so please voice your opinion as much as possible. Make sure you become a follower=].Hope you Enjoy! Powwww

Coming Soon: Lebron's Free Agency