Tag: James Harden

DRIVES with DAVE Podcast #28: James Harden Gets Traded to the Brooklyn Nets!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

James Harden has been a disgruntled employee of the Houston Rockets for some time now. And Wednesday, his dream finally came true….he was shipped out of Houston to Brooklyn to join his buddies Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

As talented as these 3 human beings are, there is no guarantee this project will result in a championship.

Only time will tell, but unless this perfect storm of psychos falls just right, it could be a long, drama-filled, ENTERTAINING, DUMPSTER-FIRE!!

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The NBA BLOCKBUSTER Trade That Wasn’t!! (DRIVES with DAVE Podcast #20)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

If a trade happens in the forest, and no one is around to hear it….did it really happen??

That is the sentiment surrounding this Russell Westbrook/John Wall trade.

Big names, great athletic players, but it doesn’t really do anything, for anyone.

Yup, I said it. Go yell at someone else!!

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“Steph Curry Is Injury Prone!!” (DTS Podcast – #75)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

The Washington Nationals are your World Series Champions!!

Steph Curry gets hurt every year….this time he broke his left hand.

Defense is illegal in the NBA. When you have a 159-158 game that didn’t go to 17 overtimes..you have an issue!!

Athlete-Students are finally getting PAID!!

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“ESPN’s NBA Power Rankings Are A Disaster!!!!” (DTS Podcast – #59)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

ESPN released its NBA Power Rankings this week.

They might as well be backward.

But, as always, I fixed them in today’s DTS Podcast.

Leave YOUR NBA Power Rankings in the comment section below.

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“The NBA….The Gift That Keeps On Giving!!” (DaveTalksSports Podcast – Ep. #16)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

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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DaveTalksSports Podcast – Episode 2: “It’s Wednesday, Not Tuesday.”

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

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!!

 

 

The Warriors Vs. The LeBrons: Part IV

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

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

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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

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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.

harden sucks

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!!

Getting Out Of Your Own Way Is Harder Than It Looks

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

One does not simply beat the Golden State Warriors.

mordor

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….

phil mickelsonSo, 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?!

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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!!

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!!

If You Were Looking For Close Games, You Came to The Wrong Place

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

It was only a matter of time.

Stephen Curry, with his three by his side, would not be held down forever.

LeBron James, and losing streaks, don’t often collide in the same sentence.

The Conference Finals are slowly, but surely, taking form. And soon (but not too soon), LeBrons Vs. Warriors Part IV will hit the big screen.

Well, that was close….

steph

If you’re a Houston Rockets fan, and you turned off game three early, you didn’t miss much. There was no effort. No energy. No EPIC comeback. Instead, a 41-point drubbing.

Steph Curry led the way with 35 points, hitting 5-of-12 three pointers. After combining for 34 points, on 3-of-12 from three in games one and two, Curry found himself. His 18-point, 3rd quarter outburst reminded the world the Warriors have ownership rights over the 3rd quarter. If they were smart, they’d ©,®, or ™ the 3rd quarter. 

Speaking of numbers:

41, 20, 16, 2 

The Warriors, 41-point victory, 126-85, marked the largest playoff victory in Warriors’ franchise history.

Kevin Durant dropped 25 points Sunday, bringing his consecutive 20-point playoff game streak to 20.

Sunday’s victory was the Warriors’ 16th consecutive home, playoff win, breaking the Chicago Bulls (’90-’91) record.

And 2. The Warriors are just 2 victories away from their 4th consecutive NBA Finals.

Remember when you thought the Rockets had a chance in this series?! Silly you….

LeBron Brings Fanatics Down From The Ledge

lebron block

LeBron James doesn’t lose three games in a row very often — especially in the Conference Finals.

Game three of the Eastern Conference Finals was played Saturday, after an inexplicable three consecutive days off. This was one of the more predictable outcomes in NBA Playoffs history. Anyone who thought the Boston Celtics were going to march into LeBron’s house, after three days off, and back LeBron into a corner, were sorely mistaken. Or they were really high on drugs. Either way.

The Cleveland LeBron’s handled their business, putting a 30-point whoopin’ on the Celtics, 116-86. There was a LeBron teammate sighting (extremely rare), as five other LeBrons put up double digits.

If only LeBron’s teammates were consistent. Think of the possibilities.

LeBron’s work isn’t done. Tuesday night he’ll even up the series at two. Somewhere in the 2nd half the momentum will shift, and the young Celtics will realize taking down LeBron isn’t as easy as it seemed.

 

How many games will it take for LeBron to win this series?? Will the Rockets win another game?? 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!!

 

 

 

Best. Week. EVER (For Everyone Except Robinson Cano)!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

When all four major sports collide, special things happen in the universe.

Special, this week, is an understatement.

MLB suspensions, a new Monday Night Football crew, NBA playoffs, NBA awards, and NHL playoffs. Could this week get any better?!

Robinson Cano Suspension

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Everybody cheats. No revelation here, just simple fact. The professional athlete, by definition, seeks a competitive advantage. On the field or at home. Robinson Cano chose the latter. It was announced Tuesday that Cano had tested positive for the banned substance, furosemide. Furosemide is a diuretic, and MLB determined Cano used it as a masking agent and doled out an 80 game suspension. Cano has chosen not to appeal but made the following statement:

“Recently I learned that I tested positive for a substance called Furosemide, which is not a performance enhancing substance,” Cano said in a statement released by the MLB Players Association. “… For more than 15 years, playing professional baseball has been the greatest honor and privilege of my life. I would never do anything to cheat the rules of the game that I love, and after undergoing dozens of drug tests over more than a decade, I have never tested positive for a performance enhancing substance for the simple reason that I have never taken one.”

raw

While Cano’s suspension will begin immediately, the timing of his “punishment” infuriates me to no end. Cano broke a bone in his right hand after being hit by a pitch this past Sunday. So, while Cano will lose $11.85 of his $24 million salary (boohoo!), he’ll have the privilege of serving his suspension from the DL. HOW DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?! Suspension time should not count during DL stints. That’s common sense!!

NBA Awards Finalists

Harden-LeBron-AD

The NBA announced the finalists for their prominent awards Wednesday. On Monday, June 25th, the NBA will host the ultimate money grab, award show in Los Angeles. They will announce the winners of the following awards:

MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Sixth Man of the Year.

MVP: LeBron James (Cavaliers), James Harden (Rockets), Anthony Davis (Pelicans)

Rookie of the Year: Ben Simmons (76ers), Donovan Mitchell (Jazz), Jayson Tatum (Celtics)

Defensive Player of the Year: Davis (Pelicans), Joel Embiid (76ers), Rudy Gobert (Jazz)

Coach of the Year: Dwane Casey (Raptors), Quin Snyder (Jazz), Brad Stevens (Celtics)

Most Improved Player: Clint Capela (Rockets), Spencer Dinwiddie (Nets), Victor Oladipo (Pacers)

Sixth Man of the Year: Eric Gordon (Rockets), Lou Williams (Clippers), Fred VanVleet (Raptors)

Check back with DaveTalksSports.com to see my winners.

New MNF Crew

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Monday Night Football is getting a much needed makeover. Fresh off retirement, Jason Witten (analyst) will headline the new MNF crew. He’ll be joined by Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Booger McFarland (field analyst), and Lisa Salters (sideline reporter).

No one knows if Witten will be any good, as he has ZERO broadcasting experience, but he’s well liked (he’s got that going for him). Joe Tessitore will be an ENORMOUS upgrade over the most monotone voice in sports, Sean McDonough. Lisa Salters, a consummate professional, will be a nice addition to a program in need of professionalism. As for Booger McFarland, your guess is as good as mine….

NHL Playoffs

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Yes, hockey is still being played. Both conference finals stand at 2-1. Now is the time casual fans wonder into a bar, pretend they like hockey, and watch the Stanley Cup Finals. Let’s Go Vegas!!

What is your favorite major sport?? Tell me 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!!