Welcome Boston, we’ve been waiting on you. As your reward for knocking off the top seed, you’ve been tasked with taking on a well rested Orlando team that’s gone through the playoffs so far looking like gangbusters. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to hand the Magic their first playoff loss. Four times.

With the King’s coronation put off for another year, we the fans, are in for a treat with the past two Eastern Conference Finals representatives vying for another trip back for the ultimate prize. In one corner, you’ve got a veteran group who’s championship window is rapidly closing. While in the other, you’ve a team looking to finish what it started last year, finally having the experience to go along with the talent they relied on this year. Regardless of who’s standing once the series comes to a close, the real winner is us the fans, who’ll be treated to watching two teams at full strength & playing at the top of their games at the right time of the season. Read the rest of this entry »

After all the predicting, rationalizing & theorizing, the NBA Finals are set. The Black Mamba & the Kobes versus Superman & friends. Here’s seven random thoughts on what’s happened thus far & could happen next.

1. Did you notice that Nike dropped off two MVPuppets commercials during Friday’s game, knowing that it would be the last time they would be relevant? They rushed those through like soon to expire milk. How long will it be before we see the other 5-7 “unreleased” commercials hit Youtube?

2. Speaking of King James, wasn’t it poor sportsmanship to duck the media after the loss? After any other game (specifically after the Miracle shot), he made sure to make himself available, almost seeking out Craig Sager (whose suits make him easy to spot). Last night, nil. No interviews. Even worse, he didn’t shake hands with the Magic. :| @ the lack of sportsmanship & maturity there.

Considering that the media has helped make LeBron the star he is, following his every move since high school, it seemed to be poor tastes that he didn’t speak to them last night. Yes, a season-ending loss is a huge L to absorb. But one of the first things you learn in organized sports is lining up & shaking hands with the other team. Dear LeBron, see if the Cavs can help you find a wee bit of maturity over the offseason.

As the game dwindled down & as he exited the court, he had the Friday, “he gon’ cry in the car” look on his face.

3. Before the Magic-Cavs series, Charles Barkley predicted the Magic would win. As previously stated, I pointed Read the rest of this entry »