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Team USA Tested by Lithuania
So let me get this straight… Team USA beat Nigeria by 83 points two days ago. Today, Lithuania was beating us in the 4th quarter? With six minutes left, we were down by 2?
Linsa Kleiza (Toronto Raptors reserve player) led the Lithuanians with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Martynas Pocius (who does not even play in the NBA) had a great all around game scoring 14 points, dishing out 6 dimes, and grabbed 7 rebounds. All of this production came against some of the greatest players in the world and most likely, half a dozen future Hall of Famers. Lithuania gave America a true scare.
Now some of you might be thinking that the United States must have played an absolutely terrible game. And yes, they certainly underperformed, but this game was all about how well the Lithuanians played together. Lithuania shot an unbelievable 58.5% and 43.8% from beyond the arc. Team USA shot a mediocre 44.3% from the field and 30.3% from the three-point line.
“We can play better offensively and defensively, no questions about that,” Krzyzewski said. Well yeah, I sure hope we can. This was not the talented Spaniards. This wasn’t even France or Argentina. This was Lithuania! No disrespect to the Lithuanians, but I was just not expecting them to play us hard until the very last whistle.
LeBron James was able to lead the team on a 17-10 run to end the game and the Americans won 99-94. Notice, I used the word “lead”. LeBron James is officially the leader of this team. Not Carmelo, not Durant, and not Kobe Bryant. This is LeBron’s team and he proved it in the fourth quarter scoring 9 of his 20 points.
The Americans improved to 4-0 and have their last preliminary game against Argentina on Monday. Then, its do or die… Lets hope we don’t draw Lithuania as our first opponent.
Posted in America, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Lithuania, Nigeria, Olympics, Team USA
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Team USA Tested by Lithuania
So let me get this straight… Team USA beat Nigeria by 83 points two days ago. Today, Lithuania was beating us in the 4th quarter? With six minutes left, we were down by 2?
Linsa Kleiza (Toronto Raptors reserve player) led the Lithuanians with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Martynas Pocius (who does not even play in the NBA) had a great all around game scoring 14 points, dishing out 6 dimes, and grabbed 7 rebounds. All of this production came against some of the greatest players in the world and most likely, half a dozen future Hall of Famers. Lithuania gave America a true scare.
Now some of you might be thinking that the United States must have played an absolutely terrible game. And yes, they certainly underperformed, but this game was all about how well the Lithuanians played together. Lithuania shot an unbelievable 58.5% and 43.8% from beyond the arc. Team USA shot a mediocre 44.3% from the field and 30.3% from the three-point line.
“We can play better offensively and defensively, no questions about that,” Krzyzewski said. Well yeah, I sure hope we can. This was not the talented Spaniards. This wasn’t even France or Argentina. This was Lithuania! No disrespect to the Lithuanians, but I was just not expecting them to play us hard until the very last whistle.
LeBron James was able to lead the team on a 17-10 run to end the game and the Americans won 99-94. Notice, I used the word “lead”. LeBron James is officially the leader of this team. Not Carmelo, not Durant, and not Kobe Bryant. This is LeBron’s team and he proved it in the fourth quarter scoring 9 of his 20 points.
The Americans improved to 4-0 and have their last preliminary game against Argentina on Monday. Then, its do or die… Lets hope we don’t draw Lithuania as our first opponent.
Posted in America, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Lithuania, Nigeria, Olympics, Team USA
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Matt’s 2013 Eastern Conference Projection
Matt’s Projected Eastern Conference Standings
1. Miami Heat– With the acquisitions of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, and the spectacular play by the big three in the playoffs last year, I don’t see anyone coming close to defeating the Heat. Projection: 62-20
2. Boston Celtics– The Celtics lost Ray Allen, however, they also acquired Jason “The Jet” Terry, a leader and great in clutch moments. Avery Bradley seems to be a solid back up shooting guard along with Courtney Lee. The Celtics were also able to re-sign Brandon Baas and Jeff Green. Kevin Garnett re-signed and will mentor the two rookies Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo. And they still have Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo, the best playmaker in the league. This team is incredibly deep and should go far. Projection: 56-26
3. Indiana Pacers– Donnie Walsh has returned to the Pacers and I expect this team to build off of last year’s break out season. I actually believe that the Pacers will have a very similar season as last year as they did not make many moves. They re-signed 7’2” Roy Hibbert and added Point Guard, DJ Augistin. Danny Granger should lead this team to another winning season. Projection 50-32
4. New York Knicks– Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, and Tyson Chandler. Arguably, the best front court in the league. With the additions of veterans Jason Kidd, Raymond Felton, Marcus Camby, Kurt Thomas, and Ronnie Brewer, the Knicks will have a huge amount of pressure to go far this year. Knicks fans always say, “This is our year.” Well folks, its now or never. Projection 49-33
5. Chicago Bulls– The only reason that I do not have this team up higher is because Derrick Rose is going to miss at least half the season and there is no way of knowing if he will return 100% healthy. Without D-Rose, the Bulls lost in the first round to the Sixers last year and barely put up a fight. Boozer and Noah are solid, but the Bulls offense runs through Rose, and without him, this team will struggle. Projection: 45- 37
6. Brooklyn Nets– the Nets will make the Playoffs their first year playing in Brooklyn. With Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Gerald Wallace signing long term contracts, this team is going to be talented for a long time. All-Star Joe Johnson has left Atlanta and has joined Deron and the Nets. With Marshon Brooks off the bench and Kris Humphries at Power Forward, this squad should be very deep and fun to watch. Projection: 44-38
7. Orlando Magic- They may have a lot of controversy, and they may lose Dwight Howard before the trade deadline, but for now, you can’t count them out. Projection: 42-40
8. Atlanta Hawks- Although they lost Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams, they still have Josh Smith and Al Horford. They won’t be as good as last year, but they will still make a push for the Post-Season. Projection: 41-41
Posted in 2013, Amare Stoudemire, Big 3, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Carmelo Anthony, Chicago Bulls, Dwight Howard, Indiana Pacers, KG, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, NBA, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Paul Pierce, Playoffs, Post-Season, Ray Allen, Rondo, Standings, Tyson Chandler
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Matt’s 2013 Eastern Conference Projection
Matt’s Projected Eastern Conference Standings
1. Miami Heat– With the acquisitions of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, and the spectacular play by the big three in the playoffs last year, I don’t see anyone coming close to defeating the Heat. Projection: 62-20
2. Boston Celtics– The Celtics lost Ray Allen, however, they also acquired Jason “The Jet” Terry, a leader and great in clutch moments. Avery Bradley seems to be a solid back up shooting guard along with Courtney Lee. The Celtics were also able to re-sign Brandon Baas and Jeff Green. Kevin Garnett re-signed and will mentor the two rookies Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo. And they still have Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo, the best playmaker in the league. This team is incredibly deep and should go far. Projection: 56-26
3. Indiana Pacers– Donnie Walsh has returned to the Pacers and I expect this team to build off of last year’s break out season. I actually believe that the Pacers will have a very similar season as last year as they did not make many moves. They re-signed 7’2” Roy Hibbert and added Point Guard, DJ Augistin. Danny Granger should lead this team to another winning season. Projection 50-32
4. New York Knicks– Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, and Tyson Chandler. Arguably, the best front court in the league. With the additions of veterans Jason Kidd, Raymond Felton, Marcus Camby, Kurt Thomas, and Ronnie Brewer, the Knicks will have a huge amount of pressure to go far this year. Knicks fans always say, “This is our year.” Well folks, its now or never. Projection 49-33
5. Chicago Bulls– The only reason that I do not have this team up higher is because Derrick Rose is going to miss at least half the season and there is no way of knowing if he will return 100% healthy. Without D-Rose, the Bulls lost in the first round to the Sixers last year and barely put up a fight. Boozer and Noah are solid, but the Bulls offense runs through Rose, and without him, this team will struggle. Projection: 45- 37
6. Brooklyn Nets– the Nets will make the Playoffs their first year playing in Brooklyn. With Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Gerald Wallace signing long term contracts, this team is going to be talented for a long time. All-Star Joe Johnson has left Atlanta and has joined Deron and the Nets. With Marshon Brooks off the bench and Kris Humphries at Power Forward, this squad should be very deep and fun to watch. Projection: 44-38
7. Orlando Magic- They may have a lot of controversy, and they may lose Dwight Howard before the trade deadline, but for now, you can’t count them out. Projection: 42-40
8. Atlanta Hawks- Although they lost Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams, they still have Josh Smith and Al Horford. They won’t be as good as last year, but they will still make a push for the Post-Season. Projection: 41-41
Posted in 2013, Amare Stoudemire, Big 3, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Carmelo Anthony, Chicago Bulls, Dwight Howard, Indiana Pacers, KG, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, NBA, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Paul Pierce, Playoffs, Post-Season, Ray Allen, Rondo, Standings, Tyson Chandler
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Under Pressure
Everyone knows that to be considered one of the greatest athletes, you have to win a championship. No matter what sport it is, you will never be a superstar if you have not won it all and proven that your team is the best in the world.
Prime example… LeBron James. LeBron James was/is the most scrutinized player in the history of sports. I used to make jokes about him only having 75 cents because he had no fourth quarter and that I put my phone on Lebron mode during class…Ringless. But all of LeBron’s haters (including myself) must now shut up and give credit where credit is due. He has finally won a ring. He is a champion. And he is one the greatest basketball players to ever play the game… still not as good as MJ though.
So now that the pressure is off of King James to win a championship, who has that pressure shifted to? Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard? Those are just a few names that come to mind. But I think the most pressure will be on Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks to win within the next two years.
Anthony can do it all on the offensive end of the court. He can drive, he can pass, he can pull up from the top of the key, and he can drain buckets from beyond the three point line. He has that attack mode instinct in him and he is extremely clutch. Yes, he has been criticized for his lackadaisical defense at times, but when he actually tries and with some coaching, he can be a great defender.
Carmelo is surrounded by talent and arguably has the best frontcourt in the league containing Tyson Chandler, Amare Stoudamire, and Melo himself. The Knicks have made a lot of off-season moves in order to make a title run NOW. They have brought back Raymond Felton to run the point and re-signed J.R. Smith to start at the 2 guard until Iman Shumpert returns from his injury. They have brought in three veterans who know how to win such as J Kidd, Marcus Camby, and Kurt Thomas. This team is built to win NOW.
No more excuses Melo! You have had enough time to get used to playing with Amare and Tyson. It might take a little bit to get on the same page with Felton, but this is it. This is your chance. You are 28 years old now and in the prime of your career. Win a championship or be just another under achiever in New York City. The pressure is on…
Posted in Amare, Basketball, Carmelo Anthony, J.R. Smith, Jason Kidd, Knicks, Kurt Thomas, Marcus Camby, Melo, NBA, New York, Off-Season, Raymond Felton, Shump, Tyson Chandler
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