The good: Mark Cuban splurged on a $90K bottle of bubbly to celebrate with players at a posh club in Miami, generously leaving a $20K tip, that he said was "worth every penny" and likely converting one waiter into a Mavs fan. Cuban had cash to burn after his self-imposed vow of silence reduced the fines routinely levied by the league against him for railing against the refs. Less whine, more wine. Maybe if he had become a monk, his team would've won a title sooner.*
The bad: In accordance with his wait and spree approach, Cuban wants to purchase jewelry to commemorate the championship other than the traditional rings and has suggested bracelets. A few questions arise. Will it be for the wrist or ankle? Is there an option to add a matching necklace and earrings? How many charms are the players allowed to get? Diamons are forever, but bad ideas can also last a lifetime.
The ugly: DeShawn Stevenson said he took extra pleasure in defeating the Heat, who he felt acted "very classless." These comments come from a man who, although he had a secretly successful series, publicly questioned LeBron's efforts in game 4^, engaged in a shoving match during game 6, has a five dollar bill inked across the front of his neck and another tat of a crack descending from his forehead, so on the subject of etiquette he's not exactly Emily Post. Stevenson, whose feud with LeBron dates back to when Soulja Boy -- the Rebecca Black of rapping -- was relevant, is ignoring the advice of the prudent President permanently printed on his person, Abraham Lincoln, who once reasoned, "Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends with them?"
UPDATE: Stevenson was arrested in Irving, Texas Tuesday night for public intoxication. The summit of sophistication, sir.
*We're willing to (Ti)bet
^We give him credit for being ahead of the criticism curve
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The Big Threes
Dallas won three in a row to claim the championship courtesy of it throng of three-point threats. DeShawn Stevenson and Jason Terry, fittingly made three apiece and the team tallied 11 to hold off the Heat and prevent a seventh game. For the Mavericks, three's not just company, it's the guest of honor, valued and distinguished. Considering the Mavs have two of the most successful shooters ever from long-range in Jason Kidd and Peja Stojakovic, there was a surprising source for the threes.
Stevenson's shooting from beyond the arc was beyond believable. He connected on 54% of his tries, hitting 13 in all. He only attempted one two-point field goal in the entire series, which he missed. Stevenson didn't just live at three-point line, he thrived. Kidd made 12 triples, while Stojakovic went 0-for and scored a whopping two points throughout the finals, relegated to watching from the bench in the last two games. Dallas didn't depend on the three, but it did some serious damage with them -- even "The Custodian" chipped in -- leaving Miami's Three Musketeers in tears.
Through three games, both Miami and Dallas were shooting the same percentage from long range, 38.3%. Up to that point, the Heat had actually made 5 more threes, but also attempted 13 additional ones. After that deadlock, Dallas was dominant, making 11 more threes than Miami in games four through six (28 to 17), while shooting just under 44%, compared to Miami's sub-30%. All these triples helped Dallas reach triple digits in games 5 and 6. The Mavs had threes fall, while the Heat went into a free-fall. Miami tried to counter by inserting three-point specialist Eddie House and starting Mario Chalmers in game six, but, despite the season being on the line, Chalmers was ineffective from behind the line (4-6 from outside in game 5, 2-7 in game 6).
What a long, strange trip it's been for the Mavericks. They couldn't have arrived at their desired destination without the triple. Dallas went the distance because they were much better than Miami from long distance.
Stevenson's shooting from beyond the arc was beyond believable. He connected on 54% of his tries, hitting 13 in all. He only attempted one two-point field goal in the entire series, which he missed. Stevenson didn't just live at three-point line, he thrived. Kidd made 12 triples, while Stojakovic went 0-for and scored a whopping two points throughout the finals, relegated to watching from the bench in the last two games. Dallas didn't depend on the three, but it did some serious damage with them -- even "The Custodian" chipped in -- leaving Miami's Three Musketeers in tears.
Through three games, both Miami and Dallas were shooting the same percentage from long range, 38.3%. Up to that point, the Heat had actually made 5 more threes, but also attempted 13 additional ones. After that deadlock, Dallas was dominant, making 11 more threes than Miami in games four through six (28 to 17), while shooting just under 44%, compared to Miami's sub-30%. All these triples helped Dallas reach triple digits in games 5 and 6. The Mavs had threes fall, while the Heat went into a free-fall. Miami tried to counter by inserting three-point specialist Eddie House and starting Mario Chalmers in game six, but, despite the season being on the line, Chalmers was ineffective from behind the line (4-6 from outside in game 5, 2-7 in game 6).
What a long, strange trip it's been for the Mavericks. They couldn't have arrived at their desired destination without the triple. Dallas went the distance because they were much better than Miami from long distance.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Sick Move
On an evening when Dirk Nowitzki's shooting was cold by his stellar standards, he was still hot, due to a fever he awoke with, which caused his body temperature to climb to upwards of 102 degrees. Entering the game, it was the Mavs who were feeling the heat; under pressure and under the weather, Dirk delivered.
If his sallow skin, frequent bench breaks, and the towel draped on his head during timeouts weren't obvious indications of his illness, then his missing a free throw -- something he hadn't done so far in the series (and has done only 11 times throughout the course of the playoffs) -- illustrated that he wasn't well (he finished 9-10 from the line). Although he was ailing, he helped Dallas recover to tie (or should we say Tylenol?) the series.
As he did in game two, Nowitzki, burning up, burned the Heat for the Mavericks final field goal. Dirk, with Udonis Haslem hanging all over him, made a driving layup with 14.4 seconds left to put Dallas ahead by 3 points. He finished strong, not letting his fatigue force him into a fadeaway. He may have been queasy, but he made it look easy. While Nowitzki was coughing, the Heat coughed up another fourth quarter lead, an unhealthy pattern that requires immediate attention. Despite a drained Dirk occasionally looking like he might collapse, he didn't. The same can't be said of Miami.
If his sallow skin, frequent bench breaks, and the towel draped on his head during timeouts weren't obvious indications of his illness, then his missing a free throw -- something he hadn't done so far in the series (and has done only 11 times throughout the course of the playoffs) -- illustrated that he wasn't well (he finished 9-10 from the line). Although he was ailing, he helped Dallas recover to tie (or should we say Tylenol?) the series.
As he did in game two, Nowitzki, burning up, burned the Heat for the Mavericks final field goal. Dirk, with Udonis Haslem hanging all over him, made a driving layup with 14.4 seconds left to put Dallas ahead by 3 points. He finished strong, not letting his fatigue force him into a fadeaway. He may have been queasy, but he made it look easy. While Nowitzki was coughing, the Heat coughed up another fourth quarter lead, an unhealthy pattern that requires immediate attention. Despite a drained Dirk occasionally looking like he might collapse, he didn't. The same can't be said of Miami.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Haywood You Play?
Game four at home for the Mavericks is a must-win and the key to victory could center on their big men. Dallas desperately needs Tyson Chandler to step up and backup Brendan Haywood to suit up, especially if their substitutes' shooting stays shaky. Yes, Haywood, who's averaging slightly over 3 points and 4 rebounds in the playoffs, is a side salad to a 16-oz. sirloin (it's better than being the sprig of parsley portrayed by Ian Mahinmi)*, but his presence was missed in game three. Haywood represents more than six fouls and relief for Chandler when he's winded. He can disrupt shots or at least deter James and Wade from making a beeline to the baseline as often as they have. If Haywood plays, which looks like it will be a game time decision, it allows Chandler to be more aggressive on defense, knowing a capable, veteran replacement is at the ready, should he get into foul trouble. Defense off the bench begins and ends with Haywood, since Carlisle has only allowed "the Custodian" to mop up for a minute, max (that's less time than the ball boys were seen sopping up a spilled drink on Sunday).
Chandler is limited on offense, but he must be more assertive than his 1-4 performance in game three; the Mavs can't afford for him to play Joel Anthony to a draw on offense (in 17 more minutes). The Mavs should try to get him involved early on by setting him up for some good looks from in close. Last time we checked, Jason Kidd still knew how to throw an alley-oop.
We'd advocate playing both bigs simultaneously for stretches and sliding Nowitzki to the three (or going with three guard, like Barea, Kidd and Stevenson, who's made 6-9 threes in the series, one more than Dirk). That size advantage, while slowing them down to be more susceptible to transition points, would free up space for their guards to slash to the basket and potentially help those shooters regain their confidence, and could prove stifling on defense (Miami couldn't counter this tactic, since Spoelstra isn't using Ilgauskas or Dampier, despite our earlier advice). Haywood has said he needs to be at 70 percent strength in order to play with his strained right hip flexor; if he isn't in uniform, Miami will be secretly shouting "hip, hip hooray!"
*That steak analogy is dedicated to the Dallas sports fans. And it was well-done.
Chandler is limited on offense, but he must be more assertive than his 1-4 performance in game three; the Mavs can't afford for him to play Joel Anthony to a draw on offense (in 17 more minutes). The Mavs should try to get him involved early on by setting him up for some good looks from in close. Last time we checked, Jason Kidd still knew how to throw an alley-oop.
We'd advocate playing both bigs simultaneously for stretches and sliding Nowitzki to the three (or going with three guard, like Barea, Kidd and Stevenson, who's made 6-9 threes in the series, one more than Dirk). That size advantage, while slowing them down to be more susceptible to transition points, would free up space for their guards to slash to the basket and potentially help those shooters regain their confidence, and could prove stifling on defense (Miami couldn't counter this tactic, since Spoelstra isn't using Ilgauskas or Dampier, despite our earlier advice). Haywood has said he needs to be at 70 percent strength in order to play with his strained right hip flexor; if he isn't in uniform, Miami will be secretly shouting "hip, hip hooray!"
*That steak analogy is dedicated to the Dallas sports fans. And it was well-done.
Monday, June 6, 2011
A Sight for Sore Eyes
For once, it was appropriate when Chris Bosh let loose one of his primal, Howard Dean-like screams. That's because Bosh, who at times has appeared as unsure of himself and nervous as a Michael Cera character, came through at crunch time (although it helped that LeBron set him up superbly) with a big basket. Bosh, who was born in Dallas, hit what proved to be the game-winner in a two-point victory, narrowly nixing another fourth quarter Mavs rally, which shifted the series ever-so-slightly back in Miami's favor. This after a final five-plus minutes of a dazzling duel between Dirk and Dwayne (12 and 7 straight points, respectively) that we wished would never end (Nowitzki nearly sent it to overtime).
Bosh swelled with pride, as his eye swelled with irritation, having been struck early in the game. Bosh was 2-9 at halftime, but upgraded his shooting in the second half to 5-9, becoming Bosh.0. On his heroic hoop, Bosh was wide open, even if his eyelid wasn't*. It's ironic that his shooting was dead eye following the poke to his peepers, since he entered the game shooting as if his vision was impaired, with a field goal percentage of 26 (9-34), lending credence to the belief that the Heat were two and a half men, not a trio. His jumper was like an iceberg: cold and adrift. We'll have to see whether this was a true turning point for Bosh in the series or a case of blind luck. At least for one night, Bosh had the eye of the tiger.
*You could say he was eye-solated.
Bosh swelled with pride, as his eye swelled with irritation, having been struck early in the game. Bosh was 2-9 at halftime, but upgraded his shooting in the second half to 5-9, becoming Bosh.0. On his heroic hoop, Bosh was wide open, even if his eyelid wasn't*. It's ironic that his shooting was dead eye following the poke to his peepers, since he entered the game shooting as if his vision was impaired, with a field goal percentage of 26 (9-34), lending credence to the belief that the Heat were two and a half men, not a trio. His jumper was like an iceberg: cold and adrift. We'll have to see whether this was a true turning point for Bosh in the series or a case of blind luck. At least for one night, Bosh had the eye of the tiger.
*You could say he was eye-solated.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
It's Nowitzki or Never
As the NBA Finals commence this evening, the Heat is on...for the Mavericks. The window of opportunity for aging and under-achieving Dallas was supposed to have been slammed shut, but those crafty veterans found a way to pry it back open and slink in, largely undetected -- unlike their opponent, who seemed giddy to skip the window altogether and instead kick the door down and intentionally trip the alarm system. The Mavericks blended into the background, while the Heat were the focal point of both fury and fawning, becoming a more prominent bullseye than the Target logo. When you run in an elite circle, some people are bound to paint a circle on your back. Most of the public will be pulling for the superstar who stayed in the same city that sought him out on draft day, not the one who left home for greener pastures -- or whiter beaches, if you will.
While LeBron was busy building castles in the sand, the sands of time were depleting for Dallas. Kidd, Marion, Terry, Stojakovic and Nowtizki are close to the end of the road*, but they picked up a drifter who knows defense along the way (Tyson Chandler), and Mark Cuban has decided to shut up and enjoy the ride.
Miami's nucleus is in its prime and should have many more chances to chase championships -- probably with even more robust rosters. Meanwhile, Dallas is so advanced in age that Marion's moniker, "The Matrix," is from a movie that was released a dozen years ago^. Wade knows what it takes to defeat Dallas, even down 0-2, as he did in the 2006 Finals, when having two superstars was enough to swing the series in the Heat's favor. They have the same amount now, plus an all-star. However, Wade looked worn down in the conference finals and we aren't sure Bosh, a big x factor, can be counted on in the clutch (there are reports he shrinks whenever he hears "Under Pressure" on the radio).
The Heat will win if they push the pace, halt their habit of running tons of isolation plays and don't double Dirk. It would help their cause to receive consistent contributions from Haslem and Miller, like they did against Chicago. Spoelstra should consider giving playing time to James Jones for his three-point shooting, Erick Dampier for the motivation he should have to show up his former team and Ilgauskas for his offense (since Joel Anthony doesn't provide any) to see if he can get Chandler into foul trouble.
The Mavericks will win if their streaky shooters can stay hot, while also remembering to remain aggressive and keep the defense on its toes by driving to the basket. This applies to Dirk as well, who must continue to take the ball down low and create contact, even when facing physical play from LeBron. Dallas must gang up on Wade and James, sending the pesky Barrea and Kidd to take swipes at the ball, and force Miami's role players to beat them. And don't discount Terry's desire to keep his trophy tattoo -- the pain of falling in the finals again will be second only to the pain of having his ink removed.
Don't be surprised if this "Hollywood as hell" team -- star-studded, expensive and heavily promoted -- experiences the success of a summer blockbuster, where LeBron winds up carrying a championship on the Stranger Tides of South Beach#.
*We've watched them grow from Boyz II (Old) Men
^ Admit it, you reacted with a Keanu-like "Whoa" at that realization
# Like Thor, we hammered home that metaphor
While LeBron was busy building castles in the sand, the sands of time were depleting for Dallas. Kidd, Marion, Terry, Stojakovic and Nowtizki are close to the end of the road*, but they picked up a drifter who knows defense along the way (Tyson Chandler), and Mark Cuban has decided to shut up and enjoy the ride.
Miami's nucleus is in its prime and should have many more chances to chase championships -- probably with even more robust rosters. Meanwhile, Dallas is so advanced in age that Marion's moniker, "The Matrix," is from a movie that was released a dozen years ago^. Wade knows what it takes to defeat Dallas, even down 0-2, as he did in the 2006 Finals, when having two superstars was enough to swing the series in the Heat's favor. They have the same amount now, plus an all-star. However, Wade looked worn down in the conference finals and we aren't sure Bosh, a big x factor, can be counted on in the clutch (there are reports he shrinks whenever he hears "Under Pressure" on the radio).
The Heat will win if they push the pace, halt their habit of running tons of isolation plays and don't double Dirk. It would help their cause to receive consistent contributions from Haslem and Miller, like they did against Chicago. Spoelstra should consider giving playing time to James Jones for his three-point shooting, Erick Dampier for the motivation he should have to show up his former team and Ilgauskas for his offense (since Joel Anthony doesn't provide any) to see if he can get Chandler into foul trouble.
The Mavericks will win if their streaky shooters can stay hot, while also remembering to remain aggressive and keep the defense on its toes by driving to the basket. This applies to Dirk as well, who must continue to take the ball down low and create contact, even when facing physical play from LeBron. Dallas must gang up on Wade and James, sending the pesky Barrea and Kidd to take swipes at the ball, and force Miami's role players to beat them. And don't discount Terry's desire to keep his trophy tattoo -- the pain of falling in the finals again will be second only to the pain of having his ink removed.
Don't be surprised if this "Hollywood as hell" team -- star-studded, expensive and heavily promoted -- experiences the success of a summer blockbuster, where LeBron winds up carrying a championship on the Stranger Tides of South Beach#.
*We've watched them grow from Boyz II (Old) Men
^ Admit it, you reacted with a Keanu-like "Whoa" at that realization
# Like Thor, we hammered home that metaphor
Friday, May 20, 2011
Kahn Job
Following the draft lottery, T-Wolves GM David Kahn (in this case, the GM is an acronym for general moron) is crying conspiracy. Dan Gilbert had his 14-year-old son, who suffers from a nervous disorder, represent the Cavs at the podium. And why not? He's a better face of the franchise than any of the vagabond players, and after his comic sans outburst, Gilbert has more common sense than to put himself out front. No one will boo a boy, but Kahn saw fit to blame one. That's harsher than a Minnesota winter.
Kahn floated the idea that the NBA powers that be made the ping pong balls bounce the sick kid's way to set up a storybook ending for the sympathetic, stricken figure. That theory is ill-conceived. He's just upset because he wanted the number one pick so he could draft yet another point guard. Kahn's well on his way to ruining a team like he was the valedictorian at the Isiah Thomas School of Management. The system isn't rigged. In fact, it's structured in such a way that a team can't tank the season and be assured the highest pick. At most, it's just a bit of bad luck (and really not even, when you factor in that the Cavs had a higher statistical chance of drafting first since they possessed two picks) Kahn's already plenty lucky to still have his job, considering the team has won a total of 32 games during his tenure and his dubious decision to sign/overpay Darko Milicic as a free agent, a player who wanted to leave the league.
The line of the night, "What's not to like?*," was charmingly uttered by Gilbert's son after being asked to describe himself by a reporter. It was intended to be rhetorical, but Kahn chose to reply and came off as jealous and petty. Kahn attacked the league's integrity, but in doing so, revealed to have none of his own. Next time, leave the howling to actual wolves.
Post-script: Kahn has since backed down from his comments, claiming he was kidding. As a joke, it was received like a Leno one -- no one's laughing.
*If this turns out to be a conspiracy, look for that phrase to become the NBA's slogan next season. And watch for Nick Gilbert to land an internship with Ernst & Young.
Kahn floated the idea that the NBA powers that be made the ping pong balls bounce the sick kid's way to set up a storybook ending for the sympathetic, stricken figure. That theory is ill-conceived. He's just upset because he wanted the number one pick so he could draft yet another point guard. Kahn's well on his way to ruining a team like he was the valedictorian at the Isiah Thomas School of Management. The system isn't rigged. In fact, it's structured in such a way that a team can't tank the season and be assured the highest pick. At most, it's just a bit of bad luck (and really not even, when you factor in that the Cavs had a higher statistical chance of drafting first since they possessed two picks) Kahn's already plenty lucky to still have his job, considering the team has won a total of 32 games during his tenure and his dubious decision to sign/overpay Darko Milicic as a free agent, a player who wanted to leave the league.
The line of the night, "What's not to like?*," was charmingly uttered by Gilbert's son after being asked to describe himself by a reporter. It was intended to be rhetorical, but Kahn chose to reply and came off as jealous and petty. Kahn attacked the league's integrity, but in doing so, revealed to have none of his own. Next time, leave the howling to actual wolves.
Post-script: Kahn has since backed down from his comments, claiming he was kidding. As a joke, it was received like a Leno one -- no one's laughing.
*If this turns out to be a conspiracy, look for that phrase to become the NBA's slogan next season. And watch for Nick Gilbert to land an internship with Ernst & Young.
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