1) Just like that, the Celtics championship window has been shut. The Heat’s 98-90 overtime victory was more about Boston’s demise than Miami’s rise. Sure, Miami’s Big Three is proving they will be the driving force for an annual title contender, but the Celtics lost the type of game they normally steal. With the hostile TD Garden crowd urging them on to victory, you expected the Celtics to put the clamps down on the Heat. But these aren’t your older brother’s Celts. Boston needed Kevin Garnett to repeat his 28-point, 18-rebound performance, but his superb play in Game 3 was just an aberration. Pierce’s fine performance was cancelled out by a motivated LeBron James. As the series seems to be reaching a close, it’s clear that Boston is relying on old legs. Rajon Rondo is Boston’s bridge to the future, but his fresh legs were offset by a bum elbow. The Heat will have its day, but it looks like the Celts’ is ending.
2) What’s Phil Jackson’s legacy? Judging by Sunday’s postgame press conference, Phil Jackson has coached his last NBA game. He referred to his team as “The Lakers” and commented on “their” future outlook. So what is the 11-time champion’s place in basketball lore? Did Jackson, as some have asserted, only win because he coached the last generation’s most dynamic talents (MJ, Shaq, Kobe)? No. Absolutely not. Any media member who attempts to denigrate Jackson’s résumé is just trying to be a contrarian. With the help of the legendary coach Tex Winter, Jackson implemented “The Triangle” offense in Chicago. But it was his ability to massage egos and manage some of basketball’s most eccentric characters that made him a legend. The Zen Master knew a few Jedi mind tricks. When Jordan retired the first time to play baseball, Jackson didn’t try to get him to stay with the Bulls. Instead, he reminded Michael that he had a gift that people wanted to see. The trust he had built ensured a smooth return 18 months later. He’s definitely in the NBA coaching penthouse with Red Auerbach and Pat Riley.
3) Dwight Howard doesn’t understand how the sports media works. Dwight, the Orlando Sentinel is not trying to run you out of town. If you bolted for Los Angeles they would lose readers, clicks and attention. The paper’s journalists, however, should not be cheerleaders. Their job is to provide coverage/analysis of the Orlando Magic. If that means they need to scrutinize next year’s free agency decision, they should cover the hell out of it. Howard needs to understand that Shaq bolted town because he wanted to go to Hollywood. If Dwight wants to prove his loyalty is with the Magic, he should sign an extension right now.
4) Tiger Woods returns this week at The Players, but don’t expect a big breakthrough. Woods, who fell to No. 8 in the world this week, has never played well at TPC Sawgrass. He only has one win (2001) and has finished outside the top-20 more than any other tournament. Last year, Tiger pulled out after a supposed neck injury. A 2011 turnaround may be in the cards, but don’t look for it this weekend.
5) Gus Johnson is leaving CBS for FOX. March just got a little less mad. I think everyone had hoped that CBS would give the Final Four to Gus, but it never happened. So Gus will be taking his trademarked cackle to FOX and to a better NFL slot. No worries, though, you can still see Gus do college basketball games on the Big Ten Network. HAHA!
Even when the heat do continue over the celts...dont expect the miami to win anything. I called this when "The Decision" happened, that they would make it to the playoffs, but not the title.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Superman needs to quit crying and resign soon. He know's he is a good fit there (not that he wouldnt be other places). He shouldnt worry about leaving, the office should be worried about bringing in a new talent to work along side Howard.
And.... love the video! HOOSIER DADDY!