NBA Free Agency is officially under way.
And some teams didn’t waste any time making moves.
Watch today’s episode to find out where Chris Paul is now, and why Jrue Holiday may be the reason his new team wins the 2021 NBA Title….
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Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul are set to star in a new show called ‘Point Guard Swap’.
Serena Williams is really good at tennis.
Melvin Gordon said, “F*** you, pay me!”
And Jake Marisnick is getting an undeserved, unpaid ‘vacation’.
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Good morning everyone.
Check out Episode 2 of my new DaveTalksSports Podcast: “It’s Wednesday, Not Tuesday.”
I’m your host, Dave Ettinger of CBS Sports Radio Network, and in today’s episode I predict the future of NBA Free Agency and once again recognize the Yankees’ greatness!!
It was ALWAYS going to be this way.
For those who jumped on the Celtics/Rockets’ bandwagon (you know who you are)….please hang your heads in shame NOW. Both “favorites” stared down a 3-2 series lead, giving themselves two chances to win one game. But neither, had a chance.
LeBron
Call it scrappy. Call it ugly. Call it whatever you want, LeBron James willed his scrap heap of teammates to another NBA Finals. His 9th to be exact (8th in a row). Game 7 resembled a different time in the NBA. A time when there was no shot clock. Because nothing screams awesome like an 8-6 victory.
The Cleveland LeBrons beat the Boston Celtics 87-79 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
LeBron did what LeBron does: 35 points, 15 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 blocks
One of those blocks (as pictured above) was ridiculous!! While Terry Rozier has serious hops for a little guy, he should have thought twice before trying to throw the hammer down on LeBron. When a picture doesn’t do it justice, we go to the video tape:
If we’re being honest, and we always are, that was a foul. The refs clearly didn’t have the balls to blow their whistle there. Either way, all I can picture is Terry Rozier in a dark video room ALL SUMMER. There may be crying. And there may be a half empty bottle of scotch….
While the Celtics will be watching the NBA Finals from home, they’ll be back. Their core is too young, and too talented, to be kept down for too long. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s primes are going to coincide with the (eventual) decline of LeBron James. That bodes well for Celtics’ faithful.
The Warriors’ Dynasty
Again, those who thought the Golden State Warriors were going to be denied their 4th consecutive trip to the NBA Finals, are silly.
I don’t want to hear about Chris Paul’s injury. That’s NOT why the Warriors are representing the Western Conference in the NBA Finals. The Warriors are representing the Western Conference in the NBA Finals because the Rockets shot 7-for-44 from three-point range in Game 7.
7-FOR-44!!!!
That’s impressively bad.
Trevor Ariza won’t soon forget his Game 7. Ariza went 0-for-9 from three (0-for-12 overall). Eric Gordon’s 3-for-12, and James Harden’s 3-for-13 didn’t help either.
The Warriors’ core-four did what they do, combining for 90 points, in a 101-92 victory.
And now, they’ll take on the one-man band people call the Cleveland Cavaliers. This series is not going to be entertaining, or close. Each Warriors’ victory will be by an average of 20 points. LeBron automatically buys his team one victory. If he goes INSANE, he’ll grab a second win on his way out the door. But the LeBrons LITERALLY have NO CHANCE here.
Does LeBron stand a chance?? How many games will he win?? Post your crazy predictions in the comment section below.
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! NOW GO TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
One does not simply beat the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors….beat themselves.
The Warriors Backed Themselves Into A Corner
If I told you James Harden would go 0-for-11 from three-point range in Game 5, you’d tell me the Houston Rockets would lose by 20 points. Fear the beard in December, shave the beard in May.
By the way, it makes me happy that James Harden is the biggest choke artist in sports since Phil Mickelson….
So, I’m not sure what’s wrong with the Warriors. How, the best team the NBA has seen in 20 years, can beat their opponent by 41 points one night and lose to them twice over the next four days is beyond my brain power.
The Warriors’ depth has taken a slight hit with Andre Iguodala missing the past two games, but that shouldn’t keep the Warriors from beating the hapless Rockets. James Harden and Chris Paul shot a combined 11-for-40 Thursday night — and still won (98-94). That makes no sense.
For the 2nd consecutive game, the Warriors carried a lead into the 4th quarter. And for the 2nd consecutive game, they wilted down the stretch. Kevin Durant, the world’s 2nd best player (it’s not even that close), went 0-for-4 in the 4th quarter. Down 95-94, with under 50 seconds to play, the Warriors had, not one, but two chances to take the lead. Both failed. And then, with under 10 seconds left, Draymond Green fumbled away their last ditch effort.
Watch butterfingers:
That is the Warriors past two games in a nutshell. They’ll head home, down 3-2, looking to force a Game 7. LeBron James, and his band of misfits, will look to do the same.
Boston Celtics @ Cleveland LeBrons: Friday @ 8:30 P.M. EST on ESPN.
Houston Rockets @ Golden State Warriors: Saturday @ 9:00 P.M. EST on TNT.
The Islanders Did Something Smart?!
The New York Islanders, despite their recent history, made a smart decision Tuesday. They hired the ‘GM of all GMs’; Lou Lamoriello. Lamoriello, best known for turning the bottom feeding New Jersey Devils into a perennial powerhouse, will take the reigns for the Islanders.
This is brilliant.
While Lamoriello will technically be called ‘President of Hockey Operations’, he’ll be the GM, the President, the CEO, the Mom, and the Dad, all at once. You don’t hire the best to ever do it, and then NOT turn over full control.
Lamoriello spent 27 years as the Devils’ GM. In their 1st season, they had a winning record. They made the playoffs in 22-of-27 seasons. And they won three Stanley Cups in five appearances.
Decent….
This hire is GREAT for a multitude of reasons. No Islanders’ fan should be upset, this week. But this hire was made for one reason; SIGN JOHN TAVARES!!
Apparently, Tavares is “pleased” with the hire — as he should be. The question, however, remains: Will Tavares sign on the dotted line for the Islanders????
Still have confidence in a Warriors/LeBrons rematch?? Is hiring Lou Lamoriello the best decision the Islanders have ever made?? Spill your guts in the comment section below.
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! NOW GO TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
The time has come!!
Not just for Mother’s Day, and my wife’s birthday (May 14th), and my birthday (May 14th), and my dad’s birthday (May 14th)….but for the NBA’s Conference Finals.
It’s an exciting time to be alive!!
The question, we already know the answer to, is who will advance to the NBA Finals??
East – (4) Cleveland LeBrons (Cavaliers) vs. (2) Boston Celtics
West – (2) Golden State Warriors vs. (1) Houston Rockets
LeBron
Sunday, at 3:30 P.M. EST, the Eastern Conference Finals will tip-off with the Cleveland LeBrons taking on the Boston Celtics. No need to rack your brain, this is a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference Finals. The LeBrons are currently heavy favorites to win the series (-285), and one-point favorites in Game One, on the road.
Listen, the Celtics young core is playing GREAT. But, as long as LeBron is playing at this level (no matter how bad his supporting cast is), he’ll continue to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. Like him, love him, or hate him, you have to respect his game and understand he’s the best basketball player the world has seen since Michael Jordan.
The Dynasty
The Golden State Warriors aren’t just the best team in the NBA right now, they’re the best team the NBA has seen in 20 years:
Late 90’s Bulls
Early 90’s Bulls
Showtime Lakers
Bird’s Celtics
Bill Russell’s Celtics
In no order, that’s the level we’re talking about.
This Warriors team is four victories away from playing in their fourth consecutive finals. And they’re just eight victories away from their third championship in four years. Since Kevin Durant joined the Warriors, they’ve lost just three playoff games. Don’t expect many more anytime soon.
James Harden has had a great season. He led the NBA in scoring (30.4 ppg), led his team to the best record in the league (65-17), and is about to win the MVP Award, however, allllll those accomplishments will be for naught. The only thing that matters, besides $$$$, is winning. Without a championship, regular season accolades are meaningless.
The Toronto Raptors know what I’m talking about….
Chris Paul, enjoy your first Conference Finals, for it won’t last long.
Series Prediction: Warriors in 6
Post your predictions in the comment section below.
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! NOW GO TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
Who said the only thing to talk about is the Super Bowl??
As players, coaches, and fans arrive in Minneapolis for Super Bowl LII, teams around the NFL are making their own Super Bowl push….
Dominoes Are Fun
Once the first piece goes, the rest fall into place. Tuesday night, Alex Smith was traded to the Washington Redskins. Instantly, Kirk Cousins’ muddled future in Washington D.C. became a lot clearer.
Redskins Get: QB Alex Smith
Chiefs Get: CB Kendall Fuller and a 3rd round pick
This trade can’t become official until March 14th (start of the NFL year). This secures Patrick Mahomes’ future as the starting quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, and assures that Kirk Cousins will don a different jersey next season. The question is: Which one??
Reportedly, Alex Smith (33 years old) will sign a 4-year extension worth $94 million, including $71 million guaranteed. The $94 million part is believable. The $71 million part can’t possibly be accurate. The Redskins would be really, REALLY DUMB to give a 33-year old quarterback that much guaranteed money….
I Want To Be Part Of History
We’re all part of history, just not equally. James Harden’s role in history is slightly different than ours. Harden, without the services of Chris Paul, Trevor Ariza, and Eric Gordon (for nearly 3 quarters), literally put the rest of his team on his back. Okay, not literally, but he scored more than half of his teams points en route to a 114-107 victory over the Orlando Magic. And broke 2 records along the way.
Harden’s 60 points broke the Houston Rockets’ record for most points in a single-game (Calvin Murphy, 57 points). That record stood for 40 years. Harden also became the 1st player in NBA history to record a triple-double with 60 points:
60 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 block
Ummmm, holy crap!
The Injury Bug Is Real
Injuries are contagious. In the past week, not 1, not 2, but 3 All-Stars have gone down with significant injuries. First, DeMarcus Cousins’ season ended with a ruptured Achilles. Then, John Wall needed a knee scope, putting him on the shelf for 6-8 weeks. And now, Kevin Love will also miss 6-8 weeks with a fractured left hand.
Today, I plead with the players of the NBA. Be extra careful when you cross the street. Don’t run down the stairs in socks. And don’t go skydiving. For you never know when the injury bug is coming for you.
The Knicks Actually Won A Game?!
It’s hard to believe, but yes, the New York Knicks won a basketball game last night. It’s a lot easier when you’re at home, against the Brooklyn Nets, but as they say, a win is a win.
I attended this game and had a great time!!
If you haven’t been to Madison Square Garden since Patrick Ewing played for the Knicks, make an effort to go. The renovations have improved the fan experience, and concession lines have greatly improved. As for television sets lining each section’s front row, I’ll never understand that. Why would you pay for tickets and then watch the game on TV from your seat?!?!
As for the game, Kristaps Porzingis was on, dropping 28 points while shooting 6 for 8 from 3-point range. Enes Kanter had the quietest 20 point/20 rebound game you’ll ever see. And the Knicks took down the Nets 111-95.
The Knicks have now won 2 games in a row.
“If they win tonight, that’s called a winning streak. It has happened before.”
Were you surprised the Redskins traded for Alex Smith?? Where do you think Kirk Cousins will play next season?? Tell me in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
No More Win Streak For You
Heading into Wednesday night’s showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets had won 14 games in a row. That’s a lot of games. On the other hand, the Lakers had lost 3 straight games (and 8 of their last 10). Escaping from Houston with a victory would take a miracle for this young Lakers squad. Good thing it’s holiday season….
Wednesday was Kyle Kuzma’s night. Yes, I’m aware James Harden scored 51 points. Wouldn’t you rather score 1 point and win than score 51 points and lose?? Kuzma dropped a career-high 38 points on 12 of 17 from the field. The method to his madness was the trifecta. He made it rain last night, draining 7 of 10 three point attempts. That’s a lot of threes.
Harden’s individual performance was nothing short of spectacular. However, when Chris Paul left the game early in the 4th quarter, the Rockets’ chances left with him. The Lakers would go on a 10-0 run, seemingly putting the game out of reach. The Lakers held on, 122-116, handing the Rockets their 5th loss on the season.
So Much For A Tune-Up Game
When high profile college teams make their schedule for an upcoming season, they always sprinkle in nice, cushy matchups. Whether it’s Alabama vs. Mercer in football, or Duke vs. Evansville in basketball, these are supposed to be tune-ups. Well, every so often, said tune-up turns nice and cushy into a living nightmare. Welcome to North Carolina’s nightmare.
Wednesday night, the North Carolina Tar Heels lost to the Wofford Terriers 79-75 — in North Carolina!! The Terriers, led by Fletcher Magee’s 27 points, would never relinquish their halftime lead. Magee, who entered the game 2nd in the nation in scoring, put his team on his back. Assuredly, this will be the highlight of Wofford’s season, as #5 North Carolina is the only ranked team on their schedule this season.
*By the way, my previous example of #4 Duke vs. Evansville, happened last night too. Duke won 104-40. Just sayin’….
Take That Former Team!!
Isn’t it funny how players always show out against their former team?? Why is that?? Are you angry you decided to leave in free agency for more money?? Kelly Olynyk is the latest example of misplaced “revenge”. This past offseason, Olynyk left the Boston Celtics to sign a 4-year, $50 million contract with the Miami Heat. Last night, he played against his former team. Olynyk decided that was a good opportunity to drop a career-high 32 points. For a guy who averages 9.5 points per game in his career, let’s call this an anomaly. The Heat took down the Celtics, 90-89.
Which basketball upset did you watch on Wednesday night?? Tell me about it in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
You’ve done it again Thursday.
My thumb was reacquainted with the ‘Prev Ch’ button. Football to basketball, basketball to football, NFL Network and TNT got my ratings Thursday night (until I fell asleep on the couch). To the hardwood we go….
NBA Finals Preview??
Thursday’s nights matchup between the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors pinned the 2 best records in the NBA against each other. The Warriors were winners of 7 straight, as they travelled to Beantown to take on the red hot Celtics (winners of 13 straight).
The Warriors looked like the Warriors, carrying a 17-point lead past the midway point of the 3rd quarter. Then, Jaylen Brown happened. Over a 49 second span, Brown scored 8 consecutive points. After learning of his best friend’s death just hours prior to tip-off, Brown played inspired basketball (22 points and 7 rebounds). He dedicated his performance to Trevin Steede.
The Celtics didn’t win their 14th straight game because they scored 142 points. They won because they do something that’s very rare in the NBA. The play defense. They held a Warriors team, that’s averaging 117.5 points per game, to 88 points. Unbelievably impressive, but I wouldn’t expect Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green to shoot a combined 11 for 43 (25.5%) from the field again — ever.
The Celtics will revel in their 92-88 victory during their day off on Friday. They’ll seek their 15th straight win on Saturday against the hapless Atlanta Hawks (3-12).
A 4th Quarter To Forget
Marcus Mariota let’s it fly. Rishard Matthews comes down with the deep bomb, scampering 75-yards for a touchdown. That’s one way to start the 2nd half. 16-7 became 16-14 in the blink of an eye. And just like that, we had a football game on our hands. Or so we thought. The Titans final 3 possessions: punt, interception, interception. That, plus Antonio Brown’s 3-touchdown night, put the game out of reach in the 4th quarter. 17 unanswered points brought the totality of destruction to 40-17.
The Steelers now own an AFC best record; 8-2. That is, until the New England Patriots play on Sunday. As for the Titans, they drop to 6-4, leaving the door wide open for the Jacksonville Jaguars to grab an AFC South division lead.
You Scored How Many Points?!
Chris Paul made his return to the court Thursday night. After missing 14 games with a knee injury, Paul played 21 minutes against the Phoenix Suns. Effective minutes I’d call them.
Chris Paul’s Evening: 11 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals.
Paul was merely a pedestrian contributor to the absolute smack down the Rockets laid on the Suns. He was 1 of 7 players to score in double figures, led by James Harden’s 48 points. The Rockets set a franchise record Thursday night, scoring 90 points in the 1st half.
No need to readjust your spectacles. The Houston Rockets scored 90 points in the 1st half. I know the Suns are bad, but that’s absurd. The final score of 142-116 included 6 Rockets’ going a perfect 35 for 35 from the free throw line. Only Clint Capela would miss a free throw (0-3).
Harden, Paul, and company will look to improve on their 12-4 record when they take on the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday. Paul will look to ramp up his minutes, while Harden continues his MVP charge.
What were you watching Thursday night?? Tell me about it in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
Good morning sports fans. If you feel you aren’t getting enough of DaveTalksSports here, and you want more, allow me to introduce DaveTalksSports Radio!! You can leave comments here or on YouTube. Make sure to follow me on Twitter @DaveEttinger2, Subscribe to DaveTalksSports on YouTube, or Like my DaveTalksSports Page on Facebook.Thanks for reading and listening!!
Happy 4th of July!! And Happy Birthday Jordan!!
Dave Talks Sports 