APRIL; Where The Four Major Sports Collide

April 16, 2018April 17, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

April is an interesting month.

The NBA and NHL playoffs, a.k.a. the never-ending journeys, begin. MLB gets under way (sort of). And the NFL sprinkles breaking news on top of the sports world to stay relevant.

NBA Playoffs

If you already knew the outcome of a game, or series, would you still watch?? Well you already do, so don’t lie to me. Everyone knows the Golden State Warriors are going to win another NBA championship, yet we watch the NBA playoffs anyway.

Sunday’s round 1 drama was a good excuse to watch the meaningless. While the Milwaukee Bucks ultimately fell to the Boston Celtics 113-107 F/OT, no one will doubt their effort. Check out the shot that sent this game to overtime:

Wild!!

LeBron James, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, should be ashamed of themselves. They were outclassed by the Indiana Pacers on their home court Sunday afternoon. 98-80. No need to check your spectacles. The Cavaliers scored just 80 points, at home, in the playoffs. I do, however, feel bad for the Pacers. LeBron is going to do unspeakable things to them in Game 2. You’ll have to wait until WEDNESDAY NIGHT @ 7:00 P.M.!! Hence the never-ending part.

NHL Playoffs

I don’t really like Pittsburgh. I don’t like Philadelphia. I really don’t like Boston. But Las Vegas I like. There’s a reason to enjoy the Las Vegas Golden Knights’ dominance over the Los Angeles Kings. Have your brooms handy?? Never has an NHL team gone from expansion team to Stanley Cup Champion in one year. Maybe, just maybe, this is the year. It would make me a hell of a lot happier than Sydney Crosby hoisting another trophy over his puny head.

MLB Season

Jackie Robinson Day deserves a do-over. Only 10 out of a potential 16 games were played Sunday. The rest — rained/snowed out.

Despite actually losing a game (snapping a nine-game winning streak), the Mets got right back to their winning ways:

We must give a shout-out to Big Fat Bartolo Colon!! At the ripe old age of 44, Colon flirted with a perfect game Sunday night. Colon’s perfect game, no-hitter, and shutout were erased on consecutive batters. The first baserunner of the game was Carlos Correa (8th inning walk). Followed by a Josh Reddick double. Followed by a Yuli Gurriel sacrifice fly. The Rangers would hold on to win 3-1 F/10.

Who needs 98 m.p.h. when you have 86 m.p.h. with movement and location?!

Bye-Bye Dez

One of the more overrated “superstars” in recent NFL history, Dez Bryant, is looking for work. In an era when wide receivers exceed 1,000 yards by accident, Dez hasn’t done so since 2014. And Friday afternoon, the Dallas Cowboys sent Dez packing. This wasn’t a financial move, as the Cowboys will save just $4 million of Dez’s $12.5 million salary this upcoming season. As an unbiased outsider, I enjoy this story. Dez is easy to dislike thanks to his overtly cocky attitude, underwhelming production, and Dallas Cowboys jersey.

What is your favorite part of April?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.

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The Knicks Are A Never-Ending Cycle Of Mediocrity

April 13, 2018April 13, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

“Step into my office.”

“Why??”

“Because you’re freakin’ fired, that’s why!!”

That’s how Jeff Hornacek’s Thursday morning went. And that’s how the New York Knicks, since the turn of the century, have operated. Every two or three years, the Knicks’ coaching carousel goes round and round. Which mediocre coach it’ll land on, nobody knows.

With the Knicks in a state of flux, they need structure. They need stability. Not since Jeff Van Gundy (1996-2001), has a Knicks’ head coach been afforded job security. Since Van Gundy departed, the Knicks have had 10 head coaches. Only Mike Woodson posted a winning record (109-79).

The question is: Who will be the next head coach of the New York Knicks??

Jeff Van Gundy

The aforementioned (and pictured above) Van Gundy’s name surfaces every time a head coaching vacancy pops up. So, every year?! Van Gundy, a brilliant basketball mind, has spent the past 11 years doing color commentary for the NBA on ESPN. Over the past few years, he’s allegedly interviewed for, and been offered, multiple NBA head coaching jobs. He’s turned them all down. Maybe he’s waiting for the Knicks to come knocking again….

Mark Jackson

And then, there’s former Knicks’ player, Mark Jackson. Jackson is currently a play-by-play announcer for the NBA on ESPN (alongside Jeff Van Gundy). Jackson hasn’t coached in the NBA since he was unceremoniously fired by the Golden State Warriors in 2014. Jackson was a successful coach and was instrumental in orchestrating the Warriors’ dynasty. After posting a record of 121-109, including 51-31 in 2014, Jackson was put out to pasture to make room for Steve Kerr. The rest, as they say, is history….

Van Gundy and Jackson should be the only coaching candidates considered. Either would bring NBA head coaching experience, an “old school” mentality (that the Knicks sorely need), and stability. The Knicks, however, rarely listen to DaveTalksSports (or anyone with a brain). They’ll probably hire David Blatt, who’ll lose control of the locker room within three months of stepping foot in the building, and continue the never-ending cycle of bad every other year.

But hey, maybe they’ll prove me wrong….

Who should the Knicks hire as their next head coach?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

2018 Basketball Hall of Fame Class

April 5, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Greatness. Sustained excellence. A career of incredible achievements. The 13 newest members of the Basketball Hall of Fame share this common thread. The 2018 Hall of Fame Class is highlighted by:

Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, and Grant Hill

The other inductees include:

Maurice Cheeks, Tina Thompson, Lefty Driesell, Charlie Scott, Rick Welts, Rod Thorn, Dino Radja, Katie Smith, and Ora Mae Washington

Jason Kidd (1994-2013)

Jason Kidd was a walking triple-double. He is currently 3rd on the all-time triple-double list (107), behind Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson. Playing for the Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, Phoenix Suns, and New York Knicks during his career, Kidd won one NBA Championship (2011; Dallas Mavericks).

Steve Nash (1996-2014)

Steve Nash, like Jason Kidd, is a top-10 point guard of all-time. Winning back-to-back MVPs in 2005 and 2006, the only thing missing from Nash’s resume is an NBA Championship. Nash averaged double-digit assists seven times during his career and is regarded as one of the best shooters the game has ever seen. He ranks 9th all-time on the 3-point % leaderboard (42.78%), and 1st all-time on the free throw % leaderboard (90.43%).

Grant Hill (1994-2013)

Grant Hill was LeBron James before LeBron James. Through Hill’s first six seasons in the NBA (with the Detroit Pistons), Hill averaged 21.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.6 steals. And then, injuries took over. Hill would play just 47 games combined over the next three seasons. While he had a nice resurgence later in his career, and played until he was 40 years old, I’m not convinced he deserves to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

Ray Allen (1996-2014)

Ray Allen played an integral part in multiple championships, in multiple cities. First with the Boston Celtics. And later with the Miami Heat. Regarded as one of the best shooters of all-time, Ray Allen hit big 3-pointer after big 3-pointer throughout his career. Nobody was more active in trying to find an open shot. Memories of Allen running off screen after screen for an open shot continue playing in my head. Allen also ranks 7th all-time on the free throw leaderboard (89.39%).

The official induction ceremony will take place on September 7th, 2018 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Do you think the NBA Hall of Fame got it right?? Tell me in the comment section below.

Snow + Sweet 16 = Springtime!!

March 22, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Now that’s what I call SPRING!!

The 2nd day of Spring brought the Tri-State Area a care package; A FOOT OF SNOW!!

You won’t find whining and complaining here. I LOVE SNOW!!

Go ahead, call me crazy. You won’t be the first. For those who live in New York (like myself), and have for 10+ years, what do you expect?? 60’s and sunny on March 1st?! That’s not how this works people. The Tri-State Area generally gets hit with a major snow storm every March. If you don’t like it, move to Florida….

Anyway, alongside this beautiful snow day; basketball. Before we get to the basketball on hand this evening, let’s take a look at the amazing feats the NBA provided Wednesday night.

Superman!!

Self-proclaimed Superman, Dwight Howard, had a historic Wednesday. He posted the 1st 30-30 night in nearly 8 years, and the 2nd in nearly 40 years. Not since Kevin Love in 2010 (and Moses Malone in 1982) has an NBA player hung 30 points and 30 rebounds on an opponent in a single game. The opponent?? The Brooklyn Nets. I know, I know, it’s the Nets. Listen, 30 rebounds is 30 rebounds. That’s some Wilt Chamberlain stuff right there.

The King

Self-proclaimed King, LeBron James, had a historic Wednesday of his own.

35 points, 17 assists, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and ZERO turnovers.

That’s insane. Playing without Rodney Hood and Larry Nance Jr., LeBron wanted to send a message to the #1 seed, Toronto Raptors. 132-129. MESSAGE SENT. MESSAGE DELIVERED. LeBron, candid as always, said this prior to the game, “I’ll be available, so we got a chance.” Oh, they have a chance alright. With a healthy LeBron James on the floor, expect the Cleveland Cavaliers to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals — again.

March Madness!!

The Sweet 16 commences this evening, with 4 games on the schedule:

#11 Loyola-Chicago vs. #7 Nevada (CBS @ 7:07 P.M.)

#7 Texas A&M vs. #3 Michigan (TBS @ 7:37 P.M.)

#9 Kansas State vs. #5 Kentucky (CBS @ 9:37 P.M.)

#9 Florida State vs. #4 Gonzaga (TBS @ 10:07 P.M.)

Loyola-Chicago has won both of their games by a combined 3 points. Nevada is fresh off of a 22-point comeback. Which Cinderella story will prevail??

Score Prediction: 69-68 Loyola-Chicago

Texas A&M manhandled UNC in the 2nd round. With one of the most potent frontlines in college basketball, can Texas A&M do the same to Michigan??

Score Prediction: 70-64 Michigan

Kansas State was given a super early Christmas present when UMBC knocked off Virginia. Their road will get a lot tougher tonight, as they run into a Kentucky team playing as well as anyone in the country.

Score Prediction: 67-60 Kentucky

Florida State took a page out of UMBC’s playbook, knocking out #1 seed, Xavier. Can they continue their strong play against a tournament ready, Gonzaga team??

Score Prediction: 80-72 Gonzaga

Who will advance to the Elite 8 tonight?? Post your predictions in the comment section below.

What’s Your Name Again??

March 2, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Who are you??

I’m sorry, I’ve never heard of you before. Can I see some identification please??

In the wide world of sports, many athletes fly under the radar. Some ride the bench, so they go unnoticed for good reason. Others, however, are “unknown superstars”. Today, we’ve comprised a list of the best athletes most people didn’t know existed.

Justin Thomas

justin thomas

Casual golf fans, if such a group exists, have heard of Tiger Woods. They’ve also probably heard of Phil Mickelson. But that’s about it. They probably haven’t heard of Justin Thomas. Thomas is currently the 3rd ranked golfer in the world. He’s already won two PGA Tour events this year, after winning five last year (including a Major). Oh, and he’s currently in 1st place in the FedEx Cup Standings. Not bad for a 5’10”, 145 pound, 24-year old man who could blend into a crowd easier than Where’s Waldo.

Whit Merrifield

whit

If you know who Whit Merrifield is, I’ll be impressed. Merrifield currently plays second base for the Kansas City Royals. At 29 years old, he’s looking to duplicate his success from last season. Merrifield was one of only two players to hit at least 15 home runs and steal at least 30 bases. The other; Jose Altuve. Colliding in the same sentence with the reigning AL MVP isn’t what I’d call a bad thing.

Nikita Kucherov

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning

I’ll give you a hint. His team has the best record in his sport. Give up?? Nikita Kucherov plays in the NHL for the Tampa Bay Lightning. They currently hold the best record in the league at 44-17 (92 points). Kucherov, despite never having entered a conversation in your living room, is leading the NHL in points (82). Yeah, the 24-year old is that good.

Megan Rapinoe

megan-rapinoe-1024

How is that you’ve never heard of one of the best soccer players in this country?! Megan Rapinoe is an international superstar. Rapinoe plays for the Seattle Reign FC in the National Women’s Soccer League and is part of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Rapinoe was a crucial part of their gold medals at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics. And she scored the lone goal in the U.S.’ victory over Germany yesterday. Shame on you for not knowing Megan Rapinoe!!

David Goffin

david goffin

If you were ranked 7th in the world, in an individual sport, you’d think people would know your name, no?! Well I’m betting most of you wouldn’t recognize David Goffin if you bumped into him on the street. Goffin won 2 single’s titles last year, and has been in the top-25 in the world tennis rankings since October of 2014.

Mario Addison

mario addison

I will be shocked if you know this next one. Who is Mario Addison?? Don’t go to the Google, that’s cheating. Okay, time’s up. Mario Addison is a defensive end the NFL. Addison has spent the past six seasons with the Carolina Panthers and may be the most overshadowed defensive player in the NFL. Addison is one of just seven players to average 10 or more sacks over the past two seasons.

Khris Middleton

khris-middleton

This one you may know, but his talent doesn’t match his name (or face) recognition. His celebrity status if you will. Khris Middleton is an extremely talented small forward for the Milwaukee Bucks. Middleton is one of only nine NBA players averaging at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists this season.

Had you heard of any of these athletes prior to today?? Don’t lie in my comment section!!

The Times They Are A-Changin’

February 28, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

It’s time to make some changes around here.

Everything evolves. People evolve (I’m not trying to start the debate to end all debates). The world evolves. And most importantly; sports evolve. Major organizations, such as the NFL and NCAA must evolve alongside their respective sport, or they’ll be left in the dust.

NFL

With the 2018 NFL Combine under way, the NFL competition committee figured it was an appropriate time to discuss potential rule changes. The most highly debated, controversial topic in the NFL has been the ‘catch rule’. No one watching, playing, coaching, or refereeing can define a catch. That has to change. And it looks like it will.

New York Giants’ owner, John Mara, who’s a committee member, had this to say, “It’s easy to say the rule has got to be changed, but coming up with the right language is a challenge.” Mara went on to say the committee unanimously agreed controversial incompletions like Dez Bryant’s in the 2014 playoffs and Calvin Johnson’s from the 2010 season would both be ruled completions moving forward. Finally, all those Dez Caught It! fantasy football team names will be accurate!!

The committee is also discussing modifying the defensive pass interference rule. Rather than being a spot foul, it would be a 15-yard penalty. In theory this makes sense, because the current rule assumes a completion, however, the proposed rule doesn’t account for a defender intentionally tackling a receiver by his feet, who’s wide open 50 yards down field. I don’t envy the committee, but at least they’re trying to evolve alongside the game of football.

NCAA

The NCAA, apparently, didn’t want to get left out of the rule changing fun. They’ll temporarily implement four rule changes during this year’s NIT (National Invitation Tournament):

The 3-point line will be moved back 20 inches. It’ll now be the same distance as used by FIBA in international play.
The free throw lane, aka “the key”, will be extended from 12 to 16 feet (the same size as the NBA).
Two 20-minute halves will be broken down to four 10-minute quarters.
Following an offensive rebound, the shot clock will reset to 20 seconds rather than 30.

While I’m not a fan of rule changes mid-season, 3 out of 4 of these are long overdue. The only one I disagree with is resetting the shot clock to 20 seconds. What’s the purpose of this rule?? Why shouldn’t the team, who earned another possession, receive another 30 seconds to attempt to score??

Even though most people are afraid of change, it’s a good thing. Embrace it, or the (sports) world may pass you by.

What do you think of these proposed rule changes?? If you have a rule change idea, post it in the comment section below.

Apparently, They’re Just Giving NFL Contracts Away

February 26, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I’m confused!!

Evidently, so are the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Saturday, the Jaguars extended the contract of Blake Bortles through the 2020 season. The deal is for 3-years, $54 million, including $26.5 million of guaranteed money. I literally fell off my couch when this story broke.

This decision by Tom Coughlin, Vice President of Football Operations, makes no sense, for a multitude of reasons:

1.) Bortles’ contract didn’t need extending. The Jaguars already picked up his option (in May) for 2019 for $19.053 million.

2.) Bortles had wrist surgery this off season, creating doubt that he’ll be healthy for the start of the 2019 season.

3.) Bortles SUCKS at quarterback!!

This decision, guarantees the Jaguars will not win a Super Bowl. After reaching the AFC Championship last season, the Jaguars should have realized what the rest of the world did; they’re just 1 player away from being a Super Bowl contender. With a top-3 defense, a great running game, and a good offensive line, the only missing piece to the puzzle is a competent gunslinger. Blake Bortles is not the answer.

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It’s never too early for the hits to start coming for the New York Mets. No, not hits on a baseball field; “hits” as in injuries. Dominic Smith, the pudgy wonder, will undergo an MRI for a strained right quad today. After showing up late to his first Spring Training game, Smith isn’t exactly having the ‘best week ever’.

In other Mets’ injury news, Tim Tebow sprained his ankle running over a sprinkler head. I’m embarrassed to even be writing his name, but this kind of comedy is too good to pass up….

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LeBron James lost to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, 110-94. Despite posting 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists in 40 minutes, LeBron and “new look” company got outclassed on their own court. Rather than discuss ways his team can improve, LeBron felt it necessary to complain about the referees:

“There’s no reason I should be going to the line four times in a game when I drive 100 times to the paint and I’m getting hit and slapped and grabbed and whatever and whatnot. We protect the shooter. That’s what it’s turned into. ‘Chicks dig the long ball,’ and that’s what it’s about.”

Listen, Little LeBron, while chicks definitely dig the long ball, quit your crying and complaining. It’s not a good look for the “face” of the NBA….

Like, Love, or Hate Blake Bortles’ contract extension?? I’ll give you a hint, there’s only one right answer….

I’ll Play — When I’m Good And Ready!!

February 22, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Gregg Popovich: “Alright Kawhi, it’s time to get back out there.”

Kawhi Leonard: “No thanks.”

Gregg Popovich: “What?!?!”

Kawhi Leonard: “Yeah, I don’t think I wanna play for you anymore.”

Gregg Popovich: “Was it something I said??”

Kawhi Leonard: “Yeah, that, or your general point of view toward everyone….”

(That’s probably how that conversation went).

Kawhi Leonard, one of the NBA’s best players, has been riddled with injuries all season. He’s appeared in just 9 games for the San Antonio Spurs. And as of Wednesday, a report surfaced that despite being medically cleared to play, Leonard has chosen to remain on the sidelines. If the Spurs were eliminated from playoff contention I’d almost understand, however, at 35-24 (3rd in the Western Conference), they’d have a shot in the playoffs with a healthy Leonard.

League sources stated Leonard is upset with the Spurs’ timetable for rehabilitation. This tension has led to many believing Leonard and the Spurs will part ways after next season. Leonard has a player option following the 2019 season.

If Leonard leaves, it’ll prove WINNING doesn’t cure all.

I’ve drawn many parallels between the Spurs and New England Patriots. While the NBA and NFL are completely different animals, both dynasties have many similarities. Both win at a record-setting pace. Both systematically place the betterment of the team over any individual. And both have All-Time great coaches who also happen to be emotionless jerks.

Following his playing career in New England, Wes Welker openly admitted not enjoying his time in New England. He specifically stated Bill Belichick as the reason for signing with the Denver Broncos in 2013. “It was just kind of hard to put up with him (Belichick). You had to endure him (Belichick),” Welker said.

Even the great Tom Brady’s trials and tribulations with Belichick surfaced during this past season. Seemingly the only thing holding the Patriots together is Elmer’s Glue. Or winning. Winning is definitely the thing holding them together.

So with just 23 games left to play in the NBA’s regular season, Popovich is trying to ‘save face’:

“We only have ‘X’ number of games left in the season, and he’s still not ready to go,” Popovich told reporters in San Antonio on Wednesday. “If by some chance he is, it’s gonna be pretty late into the season; and it’s going to be a pretty tough decision — how late to bring somebody back. So that’s why I’m just trying to be honest and logical. I’ll be surprised if he gets back this year.”

That may sound nice. That may be what a head coach should say when speaking about his injured superstar. But he conveniently left out the ‘Kawhi Leonard is healthy but decided not to play for you’ part.

Words are a funny thing….

Do you agree with Kawhi Leonard’s decision to sit out despite being healthy?? Tell me in the comment section below.

Now THAT’S What I Call A Weekend!!

February 19, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

There are weekends. And then there are WEEKENDS!!

All-Star festivities. NCAA basketball. MLB free agent news. NASCAR (yes, I said NASCAR). And the Olympics.

WHAT WERE YOU WATCHING??

NBA All-Star Weekend

You probably only watched because it snowed. They don’t care why you watch, ratings are ratings.

The 3-point shooting contest was the most exciting part of the weekend. I know, I know, just hear me out. The skills competition was boring. And the dunk contest used to be exciting, but since the superstars don’t compete, and there are no original dunks left, what’s the point?!

Devin Booker and Klay Thompson, however, put on a show from the 3-point line. Booker set a record for most points in a round, edging Thompson 28-25 in the finals.

As for the game, wait, there was a game?! Yup. And it was preceded by the worst National Anthem in the history of National Anthems. If your ears didn’t have the displeasure of hearing it, please CLICK HERE.

If you made it through the entire video without saying, “What the **** is this?!”, I have questions for you.

Team LeBron, despite injuries to nearly his whole roster, pulled off a 148-145 victory. Dunk, nice pass, 3-pointer, dunk, and oh yeah, another dunk. You didn’t miss much. LeBron took home his 3rd All-Star Game MVP Award with 29 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal.

NCAA Men’s Basketball

Bob Huggins isn’t happy. His West Virginia Mountaineers fell to the Kansas Jayhawks 77-69. No one likes losing, but upon closer review of the box score, you’ll see why Huggins is so upset. Kansas was awarded 35 free throws, to West Virginia’s 2. I’m not saying this game was fixed, but this game was fixed.

MLB Free Agency

MLB free agents are finally finding homes. Some will be able to afford nicer homes than others. Eric Hosmer could buy every one of his teammates a mansion if generosity took hold of his body. Late Saturday night, Hosmer signed an 8-year, $144 million deal with the San Diego Padres. It sounds worse than it is. Hosmer is a consistent run producer with a .284 career batting average. There are worse 1st baseman to lock down for the next 8 years. You’re next J.D. Martinez….

NASCAR

I vowed I’d never write about NASCAR. Never say never.

(You’re welcome Mike).

So, apparently this was Danica Patrick’s last Daytona 500. The 35-year old will be retiring this year and wanted to go out with a bang. Oh, she went out with a bang alright. On the 102nd lap of a scheduled 200 laps, Patrick was involved in a 517-car crash, ending her day, and career, early. I guess she couldn’t get her pre-race, Aaron Rodgers’ kiss out of her mind.

As for the race, Austin Dillon captured his 1st Daytona 500 victory. Dillon became the 2nd Daytona 500 winner to win after only leading for 1 total lap. What the what?! What kind of “sport” is this?!

Oh, right….

Olympics

Have you ever been sucked into the black hole of television. That’s curling at the Olympics. It’s like planning to lay down for 2 minutes and waking up 8 hours later (that was me — last night).

And then they switch over to the Biathlon. Because ya never know when you’ll need to shoot a rifle while cross-country skiing.

Apparently Martin Fourcade likes photo finishes. After missing out on Gold by 3 centimeters in the 2014 Olympics, Fourcade won by the same margin on Sunday in the Biathlon. Now that’s riveting television.

Tell me what you watched this weekend in the comment section below.

You’re Only As Good As Your Superstar

February 14, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I’m going to start by doing something I’ve NEVER done before….

I WAS WRONG.

That was a lot harder than I thought it’d be, but I feel better now. I thought the “new look” Cleveland Cavaliers would lose, on the road, to the Oklahoma City Thunder. While this game remained LeBron James‘ to lose, his new supporting cast provided balanced scoring off the bench (Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood, and Larry Nance Jr. all scored in double-digits).

On the other hand, only 6 Thunder scored Tuesday night. Granted, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, and Steven Adams all scored 20 or more points, but that’s not a recipe for success. Do you know what else isn’t a recipe for success?? Allowing Carmelo Anthony to lead your team in field goal attempts (22). Knicks’ fans know what I’m talkin’ about….

With his renewed exuberance, LeBron’s impressive February rolls on. Over his last 5 games, LeBron is averaging 29 points, 11.4 assists, and 9.6 rebounds.

The good: The Cavaliers have won 4 games in a row.

The (sort of) bad: LeBron has played 40+ minutes in 3 of his last 5 games.

LeBron is actually tied for 2nd for the most minutes played per game (37) this season. The ultimate question is: Will this finally effect the 33-year old version of LeBron James come playoff time?? It never has before, but father-time is undefeated for a reason (despite rumors that Tom Brady is immortal). All of those minutes didn’t slow LeBron down last night, as he dropped 17 points in the 3rd quarter en route to a 120-112 victory over the Thunder.

Prior to the game, LeBron was asked about collegiate superstar, Trae young. Because, ya know, everything LeBron James says is the most important thing anyone says all day. As a reporter began to ask about Trae Young’s decision to go pro, LeBron interjected, simply saying, “Decision?! What Decision?! He better go pro!!” LeBron also hinted that there may be some acting in his future….

Check out what LeBron had to say here.

Trae Young and LeBron James have something in common. When Trae Young struggles, the Oklahoma Sooners struggle. Over his past 12 games, Young has failed to shoot at least 39% from the field 8 times. Yup, you guessed it, the Sooners have lost 8 of their last 12 games. The Sooners now stand at 16-9 and should fall out of the top-25 after their 88-78 loss to Texas Tech Tuesday night. Young and company will look to get back on track when they take on Texas Saturday afternoon. Despite Young’s most recent struggles, he still leads the nation in scoring, and assists per game (29.1 points, 9.3 assists, and 4 rebounds).

The question is: Can Trae Young’s 6’2″, 180 lb frame succeed in the NBA??

Will the “new look” Cavaliers finish as the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference?? Will Trae Young succeed in the NBA?? Post your predictions in the comment section below.

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