Sports — It Should Be A 4-Letter Word

February 2, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

The sports world is full of surprises. Breaking news, notes, drama, and shocking revelations. Some stories create smiles. Others, induce vomit. I prefer the former.

The NBA Is A Joke

We’ll get the ‘projectile vomit story’ out of the way. The NBA season, barring MAJOR injury, is predetermined. No one has a fighting chance against the Golden State Warriors. Last season, with the addition of Kevin Durant, the Bay Area Dynasty went from really freakin’ good to absolutely unstoppable. And it’s made the NBA virtually unwatchable.

And the latest rumor, ends with a clean up on aisle 7….

Lebron James can become a free agent after this season. The world will wait with bated breath when he decides where to play. Someone couldn’t wait that long. Allegedly, Lebron James is willing to play for the Golden State Warriors.

Wait, WHAT?!?!?!?!

I understand the concept, “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.” But, what value would a championship have if your starting 5 consists of the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 12th, and 16th ranked players in the league?? It was bad enough when Kevin Durant joined ’em, but this would take pathetic to a new level. For everyone’s sake, hopefully this is a silly rumor by an attention seeking “sports journalist”.

NBA Trade Deadline Approaches

Entrenched in the playoff picture, the New Orleans Pelicans bolstered their frontcourt on Thursday. After losing All-Star center, DeMarcus Cousins, for the season, the Pelicans needed to recoup some size, scoring, and rebounds. While you can’t replace Cousins, Nikola Mirotic is not the worst consolation prize in the world.

Pelicans Get: Nikola Mirotic

Bulls Get: Omer Asik, Tony Allen, Jameer Nelson, and a 2018 1st Round Pick (Top-5 protected)

Surrendering a 1st round pick was the only way New Orleans could get out from under Omer Asik’s contract (owed $20.7 million through 2019). With this move complete, the Pelicans can now make a run at Greg Monroe, who was recently bought out by the Phoenix Suns.

The question is: Will it be enough to keep the Pelicans in the Western Conference Playoffs?

MLB Protective Netting

Eureka!! Major League Baseball has finally decided to take fan safety seriously. As of Opening Day of the 2018 season, all 30 MLB teams will have protective netting extended past the dugouts. After MLB made a league wide suggestion in 2015 that all teams extend their netting, it is no longer optional.

Although I’m not happy a handful of fans were injured in 2017 due to foul balls and flying bats, I’m glad no one was killed due to MLB’s shortsightedness. Now, fans can go back to ignoring the action on the field. Because, ya know, whatever’s on their cell phone is very important.

If Lebron James signs with the Warriors, will you continue watching the NBA?? If so, please visit the Psych Ward, then explain yourself in the comment section below….

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From La La Land To Motown

January 30, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

The Los Angeles Clippers are throwing in the towel.

Stop me if you’ve heard this before….

Monday night, despite being just 1/2 of a game out of the playoffs, the Clippers drew a line in the sand by trading Blake Griffin to Motown:

Detroit Pistons Get: Blake Griffin, Brice Johnson, and Willie Reed

Los Angeles Clippers Get: Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, Boban Marjanovic, a top-4 protected 2018 1st round pick, and a 2019 2nd round pick

It begs the age-old question: Should a franchise always compete to make the playoffs, even if it means spending eternity in mediocrity??

**We know which side of the fence Kristaps Porzingis falls on, as he expects the New York Knicks to be buyers at the trade deadline. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! When you’re done laughing, please, read on….

If the Clippers held on to Blake Griffin, they might have made the playoffs this season. Only to have the pleasure of being trounced by the Golden State Warriors in the 1st round. Griffin would have undoubtedly gotten hurt along the way. And the Clippers would have been back to the drawing board — again. Instead, the Clippers made a SMART decision, and received a solid ROI (return on investment). Bradley is an expiring contract, Harris is a solid, relatively cheap player who becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2019, and draft picks never hurt.

While Griffin is one of the most talented players in the NBA, he’s a hospital visit waiting to happen. Over the past 3 seasons, he’s averaged just 54.3 games per year. And this season, has already missed 16 of 49 games. You can’t dunk on people from the infirmary. Plus, he signed a 5-year, $171 million contract this past July. Over time, that contract will resemble a burden rather than a blessing.

Gather around conspiracy theorists….

Some believe this is the 1st of multiple moves to open up salary cap space for Lebron James. Yes, the Lebron James sweepstakes could be in full effect again next year. But to tear your roster apart for a ‘pipe dream’ is foolish. Expect the Clippers to continue their roster purge prior to the trade deadline (February 8th @ 3:00 P.M EST).

As for the other 29 teams, absolutely nothing has transpired. The New Orleans Pelicans, however, are actively seeking a deal to bolster their frontcourt after losing DeMarcus Cousins to a ruptured Achilles Friday night. Side note: Paul George will replace Cousins on the All-Star Team.

IF Blake Griffin should ever stay healthy, he should land on many All-Star Teams.

Welcome to the Weak-Eastern Conference Blake….

Who won the Blake Griffin trade?? Post your thoughts in the comment section below.

I’m The Greatest — No, I’m The Greatest!!

January 29, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

I am the greatest athlete of this generation.

No, not me. There are 4 gentlemen who’d have a legitimate argument if they said that aloud, and 3 of them were in action Sunday. The 4th, is preparing to launch himself to an unprecedented level of greatness this coming Sunday….

1.) Roger Federer

2.) Tiger Woods

3.) Lebron James

4.) Tom Brady

Roger Federer

The accomplishments of Roger Federer, at 36 years, 173 days old, are like nothing we’ve seen before. After experiencing a Grand Slam title drought of 18, Federer has now won 3 of the past 5 (2 Australian Opens and 1 Wimbledon). That’s just flat out ridiculous.

Did I mention Federer is old?! 36, in men’s professional tennis, is ancient. In fact, upon winning the Australian Open, Federer became the 2nd oldest man to win a Grand Slam (Ken Rosewall – 1972 Australian Open). Still not impressed?! The only 2 sets Federer lost the entire tournament were against Marin Cilic on Sunday. Federer would drop the 2nd and 4th sets, forcing a sudden-death, 5th set for the Australian Open Title. Federer, steam rolled, winning 6-1. And with every Grand Slam victory, Federer continues to break his own record. He’s now won 20 Grand Slams.

The question isn’t if he’ll win #21, but when??

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is back!! For real this time. Playing in his 1st PGA Tour event in a year, and just his 5th in 2-and-a-half years, Tiger Woods impressed. He didn’t win the tournament, nor will he win a tournament anytime soon, but he made the cut and played through the weekend.

He finished 23rd (-3), playing 4 consecutive rounds without injury (which should be Tiger Wood’s main focus). So, while he won’t compete with Jason Day and Alex Noren in Monday’s playoff of the Farmers Insurance Open, Tiger Woods should have a smile on his face.

He should also spend his free time at the driving range, because he hit a career low 17 of 56 fairways (30%), including 3 of 14 on Saturday. No, I can’t shoot 3-under over 4 consecutive rounds, but I can hit more than 3 fairways.

Lebron James

Lebron James went about his business Sunday:

25 points, 8 rebounds, 14 assists, and 1 steal in 38 minutes.

The Cleveland Cavaliers won 121-104 over the Detroit Pistons. As crazy as this sounds, the Cavaliers can use every win they can get. At 29-19 on the season, they are currently the 3-seed in the Eastern Conference, however, they’re closer to the 7-seed than the 2-seed. This also sounds crazy, but another NBA Championship would do Lebron James’ legacy wonders.

As talented and accomplished as he is, Lebron is chasing a ghost. And ghosts tend to be hard to catch. As with every all-time great, I will never doubt Lebron James. Not until the clock hits double-zero and his team is on the wrong side of history.

Tom Brady

Tom Brady doesn’t often land on the wrong side of history. I don’t foresee that changing this coming Sunday. As Nick Foles continues to figure out how he got here, Tom Brady sleeps soundly. Super Bowl Sunday has become as regular an occurrence for Tom Brady, as a trip to the food store is for you and I.

With his (12) stitches removed, Brady is set to capture his 6th Super Bowl Ring. And like Roger Federer, will look to break his own record. When 2nd place is so distant, I guess you become your only competition.

Who is the greatest athlete of this generation?? Tell me in the comment section below.

A Thursday For The Ages!!

January 26, 2018January 26, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Sports is the gift that keeps on giving.

Just 24 hours ago, headlines remained quiet, still, virtually unchanged. Then Thursday happened.

Who Doesn’t Love A Reboot??

The XFL is making a comeback. Yes, you read that right. Vince McMahon, WWE Founder, says a drama free, gimmick free, criminal free XFL is making a comeback. In 2020, Vince McMahon will re-launch an 8-team league, designed to play a 10-week schedule. McMahon is looking into a combination of large and medium-sized markets.

McMahon is individually funding this project and will have complete control over the league and all 8 teams. Initial funding is estimated at $100 million dollars. Coincidentally, McMahon just sold $100 million in WWE stock….

While McMahon clearly stated there will be no criminals in his league, he’s taking a hard stance on many hot-button issues. No personal or political stances will be tolerated in the XFL. Ratings magnets will no longer get the nod over other players. The best players will be put on the field, and they will be paid more when they win. And McMahon plans to run faster games. A 2-hour limit is McMahon’s plan.

Essentially, he’s trying to capitalize on every shortcoming of the NFL.

I give it 2 years this time….

“I’ll Take KD!!”

Thursday, All-Star Captains, Lebron James and Stephen Curry, “secretly” selected their teams. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the order players were picked, so for the love of God, put this thing on TV next year!!!!

Here’s how it probably went down:

Team Lebron Team Curry

1st pick: Kevin Durant 2nd pick: James Harden

3rd pick: Anthony Davis 4th pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo

5th pick: Demarcus Cousins 6th pick: Joel Embiid

7th pick: Kyrie Irving 8th pick: Karl Anthony-Towns

9th pick: Russell Westbrook 10th pick: DeMar DeRozan

11th pick: John Wall 12th pick: Jimmy Butler

13th pick: Kristaps Porzingis 14th pick: Klay Thompson

15th pick: LaMarcus Aldridge 16th pick: Al Horford

17th pick: Kevin Love 18th pick: Damian Lillard

19th pick: Victor Oladipo 20th pick: Draymond Green

21st pick: Bradley Beal 22nd pick: Kyle Lowry

Lebron clearly won the draft. Once you get past the 5th pick, you have to wonder what was going through Stephen Curry’s mind. Picking either Towns, Embiid, Butler, or DeRozan over Cousins, Westbrook, or Irving makes my head spin in a way that feels fairly dangerous. Despite only having 5 Western All-Stars, expect Team Lebron to win 189-179.

Father Time Is Still Waiting

Roger Federer may or may not be human. His accomplishments, at 36, on a tennis court, are nothing short of astonishing. After defeating Hyeon Chung (6-1, 5-2, ret.), Federer has reached his 7th Australian Open Final. Once again, he has NOT dropped a single set en route to the finals. THAT IS INSANE!!

While mere mortals retire due to injury, and potential heat stroke, Federer dabs single beads of sweat from his brow and moves to the next point. His mental game is unparalleled, and his physical talent is 2nd to none. Federer will try to take down #6 ranked, Marin Cilic, in the finals for his 6th Australian Open.

Words simply can not explain the unprecedented nature Federer continues to succeed at the advanced age of 36. It’s like ‘Dog Years’. 36 in ‘Tennis Years’ is 66 in ‘Basketball Years’.

Brewers Are Busy Little Beavers

The Milwaukee Brewers were very busy on Thursday. They made a trade. And they signed the biggest free agent contract of the offseason — so far. Both put the Brewers in the conversation for best outfield in MLB.

The Trade

Brewers Get: OF Christian Yelich

Marlins Get: OF Lewis Brinson, INF Isan Diaz, OF Monte Harrison, and P Jordan Yamamoto

The Signing

They signed OF Lorenzo Cain, to a 5-year, $80 million contract. Until JD Martinez signs on the dotted-line, Cain stands as the highest paid free agent of the offseason.

The Brewers now have a surplus of outfielders, so expect either Domingo Santana, Keon Broxton, or Brett Phillips to be on the move.

Wow Thursday. You didn’t exactly leave room for improvement for Friday….

What was the biggest story from Thursday?? Will you watch the XFL?? Spill it in the comment section below.

It’s Snubbing Season!!

January 24, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I don’t like getting snubbed.

I can’t imagine Paul George does either.

As the NBA All-Star Team Reserves were announced Tuesday, George was the most glaring omission. Each conference is comprised of 12 players, 5 starters and 7 reserves.

Starters are determined by 3 voting groups:

Fans: 50%

Players: 25%

Media: 25%

Reserves are selected by NBA coaches. And this year, rather than play East Vs. West, a playground style, pick-up game will ensue. Each conference’s top vote-getter (as per the fans), will be named “Captain”. The inaugural captains are Lebron James and Stephen Curry. They will then alternate selecting players (Lebron has 1st pick) no matter their conference.

**NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, decided not to televise the selection process, as he doesn’t want to hurt the last pick’s feelings….

(Hurt their feelings?? Are we in 2nd grade?!?! These are grown men, being paid millions to play the game of basketball, and you’re worried about their feelings over the All-Star Game?!?! Talk about a money making opportunity being flushed down the toilet!!)

Instead, Lebron and Curry’s selections will be revealed on Thursday @ 7:00 P.M. EST on TNT.

While I like the idea of “choosing up teams”, they only got this half-way right.

If you’re going to choose teams, regardless of conference, why would the voting process remain separated by conference????

All-Star voting should simply be the top-24 players in the NBA. Here are the teams, as presently constructed:

Eastern Conference:

Starter: Kyrie Irving, G, Boston Celtics
Starter: DeMar DeRozan, G, Toronto Raptors
Starter: LeBron James, F, Cleveland Cavaliers (Captain)
Starter: Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Milwaukee Bucks
Starter: Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers
Reserve: Kyle Lowry, G, Toronto Raptors
Reserve: Bradley Beal, G, Washington Wizards
Reserve: John Wall, G, Washington Wizards
Reserve: Victor Oladipo, G, Indiana Pacers
Reserve: Kevin Love, F, Cleveland Cavaliers
Reserve: Kristaps Porzingis, F, New York Knicks
Reserve: Al Horford, C, Boston Celtics

Western Conference:

Starter: Stephen Curry, G, Golden State Warriors (Captain)
Starter: James Harden, G, Houston Rockets
Starter: Kevin Durant, F, Golden State Warriors
Starter: Anthony Davis, F, New Orleans Pelicans
Starter: DeMarcus Cousins, C, New Orleans Pelicans
Reserve: Damian Lillard, G, Portland Trail Blazers
Reserve: Klay Thompson, G, Golden State Warriors
Reserve: Jimmy Butler, G, Minnesota Timberwolves
Reserve: Russell Westbrook, G, Oklahoma City Thunder
Reserve: LaMarcus Aldridge, F, San Antonio Spurs
Reserve: Draymond Green, F, Golden State Warriors
Reserve: Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Minnesota Timberwolves

If you say someone needs to be in, someone needs to be out….

Paul George is more deserving than Kristaps Porzingis. I love that the Knicks will be represented at All-Star Weekend, but Kristaps Porzingis DOES NOT deserve to be an All-Star. George is also more deserving than Kyle Lowry, Lamarcus Aldridge, Draymond Green, Kevin Love, and Klay Thompson. These players are having outstanding seasons, but they’re not having the season George is having.

Here are George’s stats:

20.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.1 steals, 43.6 FG%, 42.2 3-point%, and 80.9 FT%

Don’t forget, George is also adjusting to life as the 2nd option, for the 1st time, in Oklahoma City. Oh, and George is the front-runner for Defensive Player of the Year.

Should Paul George be an All-Star?? Tell me in the comment section below.

The Knicks Continue Their Losing Ways

January 4, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

porzingis vs wizards

The Knicks suck!!

No need to sugar coat it. However, you may want to shield your child’s eyes when they’re on TV.

The Knicks spent Wednesday evening in Washington D.C. Playing in the 2nd of back-to-back games, the Knicks predictably left their talent, skill, energy, and will to win at home. The Washington Wizards dominated the Knicks, 121-103. The Knicks are now a putrid 3-13 on the road and 18-20 overall on the season.

For the 2nd consecutive game, Michael Beasley led the Knicks in scoring, off the bench. Beasley dropped 20 points to go along with his 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. While he continues to impress, it’s not a good sign for the health of the Knicks. To succeed, the Knicks will need Kristaps Porzingis to step up his game. They’ll also need to figure out how to win on the road. With 12 of their next 15 games on the road, buckle up, it’s going to get bumpy!!

I said this last night on my radio show, and I’ll say it again here:

The Knicks will not be above .500 again, at any point this season. That ship has sailed. There’s another ship sailing right alongside the .500 ship; the playoff ship. There is no chance the Knicks make the playoffs this year. And I will stick with my original prediction of 34 wins this season. You can find me right here, everyday, as I’ll be waiting for apologies from the misguided souls who thought this was a playoff team capable of winning 44 or more games.

The Knicks next test will be another road game, against the Miami Heat. You can watch the Knicks lose again on Friday @ 8:00 P.M. EST.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Lebron Vs. Kyrie Part II. Eastern Conference Finals Preview. Whatever you call it, it was a struggle for Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers, as a whole, played really poorly. They shot just 34.8% from the floor, 25% from 3-point range, and scored just 88 points. Apparently, even the “King” and company have off nights. Ironically, they were PERFECT from the free throw line (18-18).

Kevin Love thought it was a good idea to have the worst game of his career:

2 points on just 1 of 11 from the field. Nice work Kev-O!!

No panic button necessary. The Cavaliers will be just fine. I feel bad for the Magic, as the Cavaliers roll into Orlando Saturday @ 7:00 P.M. EST.

Will the Knicks finish .500 or better this season?? Will they make the playoffs?? Will the Cavaliers represent the Eastern Conference in the Finals again?? Post your predictions in the comment section below.

The NBA Is Really Stupid Sometimes

December 27, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 4 Comments

kevin-durant-lebron

Christmas is a special day.

Family. Friends. Cookies (oh so many cookies). Santa. And a quintuple-header of NBA basketball games. Most notably the NBA Finals rematch between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers. Monday’s game marked the 1st time they’ve played since last year’s NBA Finals. A highly competitive, hard fought game was overshadowed by a handful of “missed” calls.

Let’s start with the facts. The Golden State Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 99-92. The Warriors now hold the best record in the NBA at 27-7 while the Cavaliers sit in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference at 24-10. That’s enough facts for 1 minute. Now, let’s get to my ever popular opinion….

Despite their early success, the Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics don’t stand a chance. Barring major injury to 1 or more key players on the Cavaliers or Warriors, the world will be watching Cavs Vs. Warriors Part 4 in June. Hopefully there will be less complaining about fouls come June.

During the last few minutes of Monday’s game, Lebron James felt he was fouled multiple times, by Kevin Durant. The league agrees. We know the league agrees because since March of 2015, the NBA brain trust decided it would be a good idea to release a “Last Two Minute Report”. This report was implemented to publicize a play-by-play review of all relevant calls and non-calls made (or not made) by referees in the final 2 minutes (and overtime) of games contested by 5-points or less. Said reports will not retroactively change the outcome of any game. They’re solely in place to make the league “more transparent”.

Oh yeah, that should help Lebron James sleep at night. The league might as well say this:

“Hey Lebron, we just wanted to confirm your suspicion that you were fouled by Durant (twice). No no, we’re not going to change the calls or award your team a victory, we just wanted to rub salt in the wound.”

To which I’m sure Lebron would reply, “Thank you so much!!”

**What’s funny is, no one’s talking about Lebron having more turnovers (7) than assists (6) in this game. No one’s talking about Lebron going 2 for 7 from 3-point range. No one’s talking about the Cavaliers scoring just 16 points in the 2nd quarter. And no one’s talking about the Cavaliers shooting just 31.8% from the field.**

Listen, a “Last Two Minute Report” is a REALLY STUPID idea. The league, players, and fans need to accept that there’s human error involved in every sport. Calls made by referees, in a split second, are subjective. Not subjective in a ‘biased’ way. Subjective in a ‘that’s the way the referee happened to see it’ way. The same referee, on the same play, may make the exact opposite call a day later.

Dear NBA,

Unless you’re going to expand your replay system to include foul calls, please don’t give me a detailed criticism of every call made, or not made, the following day. This LITERALLY doesn’t help anyone. Thanks.

Sincerely,

DaveTalksSports

What do you think of the officiating in the NBA?? Don’t hold back. Tell me what you think in the comment section below.

Michael Beasley Goes “Michael Beasley” On The Celtics

December 22, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

beasleyknicks04-777x437

Remember when Michael Beasley told us he’s on the same talent level as Kevin Durant and Lebron James?? Oh no, that happened….

“[It’s] mostly perception. As far as talent-wise, I match up with Kevin [Durant], LeBron, I match up with the best guys in the world.”

Those are Beasley’s ACTUAL words from an October interview with Bleacher Report. There was a time when that was plausible, however, Beasley squandered a golden opportunity. Beasley was the #2 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft out of Kansas State. At 6’9″, Beasley possessed a unique skillset that figured to translate to the NBA. A short stay in China, and 6 NBA teams later (including 2 stints with the Miami Heat), Beasley is trying to find his way with the New York Knicks.

Over his last 3 games, the 28-year old is starting to resemble an NBA player, as he’s averaging 28.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game on 56.8% shooting. He’s also 5 for 7 from 3-point range during this 3 game stretch. The question is, can he sustain this level of production??

The Knicks took down the Boston Celtics Thursday night, 102-93, behind Beasley’s season-high, 32-points. If I had told you Kristaps Porzingis would go Patrick Ewing on us, scoring just 1 point, you would have told me the Knicks got blown out. There’s just something about the Garden that brings out the best in the Knicks. They’re now 17-14 on the season (15-5 at home). The moral of the story is the Knicks should never leave the confines of Madison Square Garden — ever.

*Remember that nasty stretch of road games I told you was comin’…. (click here for the Knicks’ upcoming schedule).

Despite Kyrie Irving’s best superman impersonation (he dropped 32-points of his own), the Celtics lost their 2nd straight game. The Celtics have now lost 5 of their last 9. Anyone who didn’t think regression was in the Celtics’ future, after a 16-2 start, is delusional. You can’t lose your 2nd best (or best) player and remain the best team in the NBA. Unless you’re the Warriors. The Celtics will look to right the ship when they take on the Chicago Bulls, in Boston, Saturday @ 7:30 P.M. EST. While that matchup sounds pretty, the Bulls are winners of 7 of their last 8.

Can Michael Beasley maintain a high level of production?? Are the Celtics the best team in the Eastern Conference?? Tell me everything you know 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 .

Lebron James Is A Punk!!

November 14, 2017November 14, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

lebron-james-kanter-ap

There they are!!

The Knicks I’ve known and loved for so many years.

After holding a 22-point lead, at home, with 1:39 left to play in the 3rd quarter, the New York Knicks set their vehicle to cruise control. That may work against the Sacramento Kings, but not the Cleveland Cavaliers. When rookie, Frank Ntilikina, hit a driving layup to put the Knicks up 75-53, Lebron and Co. flipped a switch. The Cavs would go on an 8-1 run to close the quarter, carrying momentum into the 4th quarter.

A wise man, formerly employed by the Knicks, once told me, “You need 8, and you have to win the 4th quarter. It’s as simple as that.”

Well, 8 they had. As for the 4th quarter….not so much. The Knicks gave up 43 points in the 4th quarter. THE KNICKS GAVE UP 43 POINTS IN THE 4TH QUARTER!! My defeatist, Knicks fan attitude knew the game was lost when the Cavs cut the lead from 14 to 4 over a 2 minute and 25 second stretch. That was about the time Kyle Korver caught fire. Korver would drain five 3-pointers last night, all in the 4th quarter. Side note: Korver scored more points in the 4th quarter (19) than the Cavs scored in the 2nd quarter (13).

With 90 seconds left and counting, and the game tied at 97, Lebron James did what Lebron James does. On the grand stage at Madison Square Garden (superstars always show out at the Garden), Lebron drove a dagger through the heart of the Knicks.

Click here to see my pain in motion. Nothing like a step-back, 27-foot 3-pointer right in Porzingis’ face, right??

So, the Cavs won, 104-101, exacting revenge from the Knicks win in Cleveland just 10 days earlier. Lebron James continues to dominate the NBA 48 minutes at a time. However, Lebron James, should be ashamed of his actions over the past few days.

Lebron made some off-beat comments about the Knicks’ decision to draft Frank Ntilikina over Dennis Smith Jr.:

“The Knicks passed on a really good one, and Dallas got the diamond in the rough. He should be a Knick. That’s going to make some headlines, but he should be a Knick.”

In other words, the Knicks made the wrong decision drafting Ntilikina. It doesn’t matter who the other player (Smith Jr.) is, this is a shot at Ntilikina. Lebron can say this was one last parting shot at Phil Jackson all he wants — that’s bull****!! Hey Lebron, newsflash, Phil’s been gone for quite some time now. There’s no reason to take parting shots at a guy who already got run out of town.

And then, Lebron put his pathetic words into action, showing Ntilikina whose space, and league, he’s in. Click here to see Lebron’s punk move. Watch until the end.

LEBRON JAMES IS A PUNK!!

A 19-year old rookie, who hasn’t opened his mouth once, shouldn’t be on a list of concerns for a player like Lebron James. He should be more concerned with staying above .500 in a weak Eastern Conference.

Conversely, I have earned A LOT of respect for Enes Kanter this week. First, he responds to Lebron’s comments: “Nope!! We love what we got..Thanks!!!” Then he gets right in Lebron’s face, in defense of his teammate. AND THEN, after last night’s game, he makes a sports journalists’ dream come true:

“I don’t care who you are. What do you call yourself? King, Queen, Princess. Whatever you are. We’re going to fight. Nobody out there is going to punk us.”

Good for you Enes Kanter, good for you!!

Stay tuned. I have a feeling this story isn’t over yet….

What do you think of Lebron James’ actions over the past few days?? Is last night’s game a sign of things to come for the Knicks?? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

‘Cause You’re My Best Friend!

September 28, 2017September 28, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

LeBron-james-Dwyane-Wade-Cavs-jersey

Brother.

Definition: A man or boy in relation to other sons and daughters of his parents.

Sometimes, definitions need not apply. Lebron James and Dwyane Wade don’t have the same mother or father, but they’re certainly brothers. Don’t take my word for it. Read Lebron’s words, “It’s kind of like when you start school and you walk into the classroom and you’re not quite sure who your classmates are, but one of your best friends is in there, you’re like, oh yeah, this is going to be fun. It’s going to be a good class.”

Not that Lebron is walking into a classroom of strangers, but he’s clearly giddy to see Dwyane Wade sitting next to an empty seat.

Wednesday evening, Dwyane Wade became the newest member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. This move became possible when the Chicago Bulls agreed to buyout Wade. Wade walked away with $15.8 of his $23.8 million salary for this upcoming season. Hey, anyone want nearly $16 million to go away?? Yes, I’ll literally pay you to not work for me anymore.

By the way, the worse the Bulls get, the better the draft pick the Knicks received from the Thunder looks (via the Bulls).

Following the buyout, Wade cleared waivers at 5:00 P.M., making him eligible to sign with any team. Wade agreed to a 1-year, $2.3 million contract with the Cavaliers, otherwise known as the veteran’s minimum (same as new teammate Derrick Rose).

I know what you’re thinking, that sounds like a really good deal for the Cavaliers. Duh! Dwyane Wade, at 35, is still a good player. If he hit the open market in free agency, he would earn upwards of $10 million per year. Dwyane Wade is coming to Cleveland for 2 things (not crab cakes and football), a chance at 1 more ring and to hang out with his best bud.

The question is, will the Cavaliers win the championship this season?? Everyone knows the road to the championship goes through Golden State. That’s the main reason we’ve seen an INSANE offseason. Every team is scratching and clawing to compete with the Warriors. The new look Cavaliers should waltz through the Eastern Conference — again. However, barring an injury, it’s hard to picture a world where the Warriors aren’t NBA champions in 2018.

The primary reason the Cavaliers lost to the Warriors in the finals last year, wasn’t the superstars faltering, rather their lack of depth and size. While adding Wade, Jae Crowder, and Jeff Green solves the depth problem, they still lack the size to compete inside and on the boards with the Warriors. Check out the Cavaliers roster here. There are worse situations than Crowder, Green, Rose, Jr Smith, and Kyle Korver coming off your bench, but I still don’t see a 7-footer on the roster. If Tristan Thompson is your only big, ‘Houston, we have a problem’.

What do you think of this trade?? Will the Cavaliers win the Championship this year?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

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