Tag: James Harden

Doing The Same Thing Every Single Year Is Not Boring In Any Way, Shape, Or Form

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

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??

durantpaullebronjaylenusatsiap

East – (4) Cleveland LeBrons (Cavaliers) vs. (2) Boston Celtics

West – (2) Golden State Warriors vs. (1) Houston Rockets

LeBron

cavs v celtics

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

warriors champs

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….

raptors crying

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 Knew Tuesday Could Be So Exciting?!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

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

harden-james

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

kevin love

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!!

 

Wednesday Was Upset City In The Basketball World

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

kuzma

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!!

 

 

 

Celtics D Stifles Warriors, Headline Busy Thursday Night

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

jaylen brown

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!!

Episode #3 Of DaveTalksSports Radio

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Here it is!! Episode #3 of DaveTalksSports Radio. We talked Knicks, Home Run Derby, Wimbledon, and much more. All you have to do is Click, Listen, and Enjoy!! Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports

Please leave any comments here or on YouTube. Thanks for listening and reading!!

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 called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

Chris Paul Must Hate Paying Taxes

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 4 Comments

Houston Rockets v Los Angeles Clippers

A huge name in the NBA is on the move. While nothing is official until free agency begins (July 1st), the Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets have agreed on a trade. News broke yesterday that the Clippers would send Chris Paul to the Rockets in exchange for:

Take a deep breath..starting..now….

  • Patrick Beverly
  • Lou Williams
  • Sam Dekker
  • Montrezl Harrell
  • DeAndre Liggins
  • Darrun Hilliard
  • Kyle Wiltjer
  • A top-three protected draft pick in 2018
  • And last but not least, $661,000 (aka the Trade Kicker – 15% of Paul’s annual salary).

It sounds like a lot more than it is. A lot of dominoes had to fall in place, but this trade benefits both teams. Chris Paul, in his own self-interest, did the Clippers a favor. What is it they say?? There’s no such thing as a selfless act. I don’t believe that, but that’s a story for a different day. The point is, Paul could have walked away from the Clippers, leaving them empty-handed, to test the free agency waters. Instead, he grabbed the Clippers’ organization by the ear and said something to the effect of, ‘I’m going to Houston, so make this happen.’ Which brings us to the Rockets sending cash considerations seemingly all over the world for the 3 no names in the deal, and the Clippers and Paul executing a sign-and-trade deal. Goodbye La La Land, hello no state income-tax.

*This is the only way Paul could have gone to the Rockets. They couldn’t afford him as a free agent.

Now, all I keep hearing is, ‘this isn’t a good idea, Harden and Paul aren’t a good fit‘. I’m here to tell you that’s NONSENSE. You know what’s a good idea?? Putting multiple all-stars on the same team. Newsflash: that’s how the NBA works. Allow me to remind everyone that the pairing of Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry was doubted prior to last season. Please stuff your revisionist history back in your pocket.

Yes, there’s only 1 ball, but on a Rockets team coached by run-and-gun Mike D’Antoni, I’m pretty sure they’ll figure it out. Paul brings a new element to the Rockets as well. It’s this little thing I’m certain James Harden has never heard of before, called DEFENSE!! Chris Paul is a premier defender from the point guard position. He also possesses one of the best mid-range games in the league from the point guard position. Yeah..this all sounds terrible to me.

The only problem the Rockets still have is the Golden State Warriors (don’t we all). The Rockets, just like the Cleveland Cavaliers, are 1 star and 1 big man away from being true contenders. Rockets’ fans should be pleased to know their team is going ‘all-in’, as they are currently pursuing Indiana Pacers’ star, Paul George. Because who doesn’t love a ‘Big 3’??

There’s another reason Chris Paul could potentially benefit from this sign-and-trade. Yup, you guessed it, MONEY. Paul, who’s 32 years old, can receive a max-contract of 5 years, $201 million.  Which begs the question, how long does Houston want to commit to Chris Paul?? While Paul is still great, the Rockets will assuredly regret the last 2 years of this contract. I say shove all those chips to the middle of the table!!

Hey — what’s the worst that can happen??

 

What do you think of this trade?? Should the Houston Rockets give Chris Paul a Max Contract?? Don’t hold it in, let it out in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends about me!!

 

BREAKING NEWS: LEBRON JAMES IS HUMAN!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

avery bradley

I did not see that coming. Neither did the Cleveland Cavaliers. Neither did anyone else in the world (besides the delusional Celtics fan). But, it’s like they say, there is a reason they play the game. If everything went the way it was supposed to, what would be the point of playing each game? With that being said, Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals was one of the most shocking developments we’ve ever seen. It is the reason we LOVE sports.

Let me set the scene:

The Boston Celtics didn’t just lose Games 1 and 2, they got demoralized. They got run out of the building, chased down the street, and forced up a tree to hide their shame. They lost both games on their home court (so much for home court advantage), including a 44-point shellacking in Game 2. As if that wasn’t enough, they lost their best player, Isaiah Thomas, to a torn hip labrum in Game 2. With everyone, myself included, looking past the Celtics to the seemingly inevitable NBA Finals rematch, they peaked their head around the corner and said, hey woah woah woah..we’re still here!!

Game 3 started just as games 1 and 2 did. It’s actually a miracle I didn’t turn the television off. The Cavaliers jumped out to an early lead, behind Kevin Love’s FIVE 1st quarter 3-pointers (1 shy of tying the NBA record for 3-pointers in a quarter). If you can guess who holds that record I’ll be very impressed….How’d you know?! It is none other than Antoine Walker. The Cavaliers were up by 11 after the 1st quarter, 16 at the half, and led by as many as 21. But the Celtics never gave up. They scratched and clawed their way back into the game, only trailing by 5 heading to the 4th quarter.

So do you want the good or the bad first?? Alright, I’ll start with the bad. It’s more like ugly, but I’ve been trying to be nice lately. Lebron James was AWFUL last night (Awful baby, with a capital A!!). His performance was reminiscent of James Harden’s stinker in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals. If you need a refresher of that stellar bag of poop, click here. Come to think of it, it’s eerily similar to the Rockets’ loss to the Spurs, as the Spurs won without their best player too. Anyway, Lebron James finished with just 11 points on 4 of 13 shooting. He had just as many turnovers as he did assists (6), and he dropped as many points as I did in the 4th quarter….

He looked like he was allergic to the basketball in the 4th quarter.

And now, the good. The entire Celtics team contributed to their comeback win last night. 11 Celtics saw game action, with 6 landing in double figures. They were led by Marcus Smart’s playoff career-high 27 points. The entire Celtics roster showed their fortitude. Down 2 games to none, down 21-points with 6:39 left in the 3rd quarter, they could have curled up in the fetal position, but they didn’t. Instead, they drank some of ‘Michael’s Secret Stuff’, and they turned things around. Classic movie! The Celtics took the lead with 4:20 left in the game, and then it became a seesaw affair. With 10 seconds to play, the Celtics, with possession, had a chance to shock the world. The game was tied at 108, and Marcus Smart brought up the ball. He fed it to Avery Bradley curling off a screen just beyond the 3-point line, and Bradley let it fly. The ball hit every single inch of the rim, as the final seconds ticked, before dropping through the basket. And the Celtics did it!! They stormed back against all odds. 111-108 shined on the scoreboard as the Celtics celebrated on King James’ court.

Unfortunately, this fantastic effort was all for naught. The Cavaliers will win this series (most likely in 5 games now). Lebron James will return to superhuman form. And the sports world will get their super team matchup in the NBA Finals. God, I hope it’s better than Batman vs. Superman!! Expect Lebron to bounce back in a big way in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Check it out by tuning into TNT on Tuesday night @ 8:30 P.M. EST.

Will the Celtics win another game in this series? Tell me your thoughts in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. You can also follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

 

Kelly O Who?!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

celtics-oust-wizards-nba-2017

Do or Die. Sink or Swim. Win or Go Home. I’m runnin’ out of expressions for Game 7 here……..

Tensions were running high Monday night in TD Garden as the Boston Celtics played host to the Washington Wizards for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The nerves were visible right from tip-off, as the first 5 field goal attempts came up empty. Players from both sides quickly settled in, and the points began to pile up. Despite looking like the better team throughout the 1st half, the Celtics trailed 55-53 at halftime. The Celtics were carving up the Wizards defense one backdoor cut at a time, but the Wizards had 4 players in double figures by halftime.

And that was the Wizards’ biggest problem. They ended the game with only those 4 players in double figures. Now, Bradley Beal did all he could, absolutely lighting it up in the 2nd half, finishing with a game-high 38 points. It’s hard to beat the Celtics 1-on-5 though.

Enter John Wall: John Wall did his best James Harden impersonation (minus the ridiculous beard) Monday night. When the game mattered most, Wall was nowhere to be found. Wall went scoreless in the final 19 minutes of the game, missing all 11 of his shots. He also added a turnover and a goaltending violation in there for good measure. Nice work John!

And then there’s Kelly Olynyk. Who?! Yes, Kelly Olynyk, the unlikely hero of Game 7. While Isaiah Thomas played an outstanding Game 7 (29 points and 12 assists), it was Olynyk who put the nail in the coffin. Oh, you want the score?? It’s coming don’t worry. How else can I get you to read this far down on the page?? Olynyk hit one timely shot after another, providing 26 points off the bench. And now, the Celtics have the great pleasure of hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. I guess we’ll finally get to prove the rest vs. play for the #1 seed theory……..

That, or the Cavaliers will win in 6 games. Either way. Either way is fine.

Oh by the way, the Celtics won last night 115-105. Thanks for reading all the way down here!

AND NOW, I’M GOING TO GO OFF ON A DON LAGRECA STYLE RANT:

I always wanted to black-out from rage. Anyway, here goes nothing:

I personally hope Lebron loses in Boston in Game 7 so everyone can blame the Cavaliers resting during the regular season. I CAN’T STAND NBA players resting throughout the regular season!! I understand the season is long, and grueling, and players deal with injuries, but NEWSFLASH: That’s why the league builds rest days into your schedule. Do NBA players ever think about anything other than themselves?? Do they think about the parents who saved up enough money to take their kid to see Lebron James for the first time?? Only to find out Lebron needs to “rest”. “Oh no, Lebron’s not hurt son. He just had a tough week. You know his butler was off this week, so he personally had to carry his millions to the bank. He must be tired from all that heavy lifting.” GIVE ME A BREAK!! NBA players are multi-millionaires because of fans like that. We, the fans, ARE the demand that put millions of dollars in NBA players’ bank accounts. So when your healthy, play. When your team is on the schedule, play. And when you step onto that hardwood every night, remember, there’s a kid in the stands watching you play for the very first time.

Man, I’ve never rooted for Boston before. This is awkward.

Do the Celtics have a chance in the Eastern Conference Finals? How do you feel about the resting epidemic in the NBA? Let me know in the comment section below.

Also, tune into ESPN tonight @ 8:00 P.M. to watch the NBA Draft Lottery show. Let’s see if the Knicks’ luck can get any worse. Immediately following the lottery, you can see Game 2 of the San Antonio Spurs vs. the Golden State Warriors. Should be an ugly one with no Kawhi Leonard. Expect an angry Gregg Popovich..again.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. You can also follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

The English Language Doesn’t Have A Word For What The Spurs Did To The Rockets Thursday Night

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 5 Comments

spurs

WOW!! Let me say that again. WOW!!!! Was that awesome or what?? I’ve never enjoyed watching an absolute blowout so much in my life. In case you turned the game off at halftime, it only got worse (for the Rockets). The San Antonio Spurs crushed, destroyed, demolished, routed, embarrassed, beat down, annihilated, obliterated, and most importantly eliminated the Houston Rockets on Thursday night (114-75). Yes, you read that score right. 114-75.

Game 6 started with the Spurs winning the tip-off. Lamarcus Aldridge received the ball in the low post, made a quick spin move toward the left baseline, and scored an easy basket. Just 23 seconds into the game, the tenor was set for the rest of the evening. Aldridge channeled his days as a Portland Trailblazer (where he averaged nearly 20 points and 9 rebounds per game), finishing with 34 points and 12 rebounds. He was unstoppable, and the rest of the spurs, sans Kawhi Leonard, followed suit. Before we get to the Spurs’ impressive performance, let us attempt to understand what happened to James Harden and the Rockets….

I’ve never seen such a pathetic performance from an MVP candidate, on his home floor, in an elimination game in my life. James Harden looked about as interested in last night’s game as this kid from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off:

ferris

Harden attempted just 2 shots in the 1st half. 2 shots!! Momentum is often thought of in a positive light, but I guess the awful momentum of Harden’s disastrous play at the end of Game 5 spilled over to Game 6. Harden finished with a season low 10 points on 2-11 shooting, and added a stellar 6 turnovers. His performance was inexplicable, but if Harden wasn’t making such a ridiculous salary, I’d be calling for a point-shaving investigation. It was that bad! But anyway, back to the Spurs….

Six Spurs scored in double figures. Jonathan Simmons, who started in place of Leonard, contributed 18 points on 8-12 shooting and played the best defense I’ve seen since the ’85 Bears (“Da Bears“). Rookie point guard, Dejounte Murray, played a fantastic game posting a double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block). Someone tell me how this kid fell to 29th in the draft?! This kid is going to be a very good point guard for a very long time. Pau Gasol, Danny Green, and Patty Mills had solid games, all scoring in double figures as well.

The Spurs have been typecast with playing a “boring” brand of basketball. I am sick of hearing that. If putting the ball in the basket efficiently, playing relentless defense, and winning is “boring”, then sign me up for some boring. And I’ll take a side of fundamentals with my boring please. In the age of hey everybody look at me, it is refreshing to see a franchise run like the Spurs. Sure, they have a superstar in Kawhi Leonard, but do you see him showboating? Complaining? Flailing his arms about looking for an imaginary foul? Flopping around like a fish out of water? The answer, to all, is an emphatic NO!

The Spurs, once again, proved why they are the cream of the crop in the NBA. They are heading to their 10th Western Conference Finals under Gregg Popovich (the coach since ’96-’97). I know, I know, this sounds a lot like the New England Patriots. Well, it’s because they are run very similarly. They don’t hand out contracts based on what you’ve done, rather for what you are going to do. They turn late round draft picks into stars. They don’t tolerate individual egos. And they are run with only one thing in mind; WINNING.

The question is, will they win against the contrasting style of the Golden State Warriors? Assuming Kawhi Leonard’s health, and as much as I don’t want to eat my words for doubting the Spurs, I still can’t envision the Spurs beating the Warriors 4 times in 7 tries. Can you?

Let me know what you think in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. You can also follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

Spurs Win Overtime Thriller!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

manu

Whoever said ‘Father Time’ is unbeaten clearly hasn’t met Manu Ginobili. Or Tom Brady I’m assuming. Or Roy Jones Jr. for that matter. Did you know Jones Jr. is still fighting professionally at the age of 48?! That’s awesome!! Man, how did I get off topic already?! Anyway….Ginobili, the former 6th Man of the Year, turned back the clock Tuesday night, leading his San Antonio Spurs to victory (110 – 107 F/OT). They became his Spurs when Kawhi Leonard tweaked his ankle in the 3rd quarter after stepping on James Harden’s foot. Leonard would return to the game, but the injury forced him to watch the final 5:34 from the sidelines. With the series tied at 2-2, the atmosphere was tense inside AT&T Center. The fans, who seemingly stood the entire game, were rewarded with the best game of the 2017 playoffs. Exciting games have been few and far between in these playoffs, but Game 5 did not disappoint.

James Harden’s stat-line looks fantastic. He posted a triple-double with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, numbers only tell part of the story. Harden was BRUTAL when it mattered most. Don’t believe me?? That’s okay, just check out James Harden’s final 5:54 of the game:

  • He went scoreless on 0-2 shooting
  • He had 4 turnovers (9 total for the game)
  • He committed a silly foul on Danny Green on a made basket with :30 left in overtime
  • And last but certainly not least, his 3-point attempt at the buzzer was blocked from behind by Manu Ginobili

Game 5 was not about Harden’s ugly beard, however, it was about the Spurs resilient performance. While their best player was resigned to the bench, the Spurs embodied the motto ‘Next Man Up’. Manu Ginobili, Danny Green, Patty Mills, and Jonathan Simmons put forth memorable performances. Mills played a team high 43 minutes, contributed 20 points, and hit a game high five 3-pointers (none bigger than the one that brought them within 2 with 2:12 left in regulation). Simmons brought the energy. After every big play, Simmons could be seen screaming and pumping his fists passionately. Simmons was also the culprit in 3 out of Harden’s 4 turnovers down the stretch. Danny Green singlehandedly outscored the Houston Rockets in overtime (7-6). He actually scored all 7 of those points in the final :56 of overtime (impressive right?). And then there’s soon-to-be 40, Manu Ginobili. Ginobili posted 12 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and most importantly 1 MONSTER BLOCK (as pictured above)!!

Manu Ginobili has been an essential part of the Spurs last 4 championships. And with Tony Parker already out for the remainder of the playoffs, and Kawhi Leonard now hobbled, Ginobili will need to channel the 2006-2007 version himself if he wants to wear ring number 5. Assuming the Spurs do outlast the Rockets, I can’t see them stealing more than 2 games from the Golden State Warriors. I’ll be rooting for Ginobili and the Spurs (even though I’m a loyal Knicks fan), but I think Curry and company will be too much to handle for old man river.

How far do you think the Spurs will go in the playoffs?? Let me know in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. You can also follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!