Kevin Durant Opens Broom Company

June 7, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

They were winning — until they weren’t.

With their backs headed in the direction of a wall, the Cleveland LeBrons looked to handle their business, at home. They shot out of the gates, grabbing a 12-point lead (16-4) through the first 4 minutes and 40 seconds of the game. However, they, along with the rest of the world, would soon realize it was Kevin Durant’s night. Durant dropped 13 points in the 1st quarter, bringing the Warriors within one (29-28).

A theme would develop, as the LeBrons would find themselves up 13 points (50-37) with 4:06 to play in the 1st half. However (lol), Kevin Durant’s 11-point 2nd quarter brought them within six (58-52) at halftime. It was an unfortunate pattern for the LeBrons, who lacked the foot-on-throat mentality all night.

And now, sit back, relax, and enjoy our halftime show….

Annndddd, we’re back.

The Warriors did what they do in the 3rd quarter. They scored 31 points. Did you know, in this year’s playoffs, the Warriors have scored at least 30 points in the 3rd quarter 13 times?! No, that’s not normal. And the seven times they didn’t reach the 30-point mark, they scored 19, 27, 27, 28, 28, 29, and 29 points. Yup, like I said, not normal.

Despite the Warriors holding a two-point lead heading into the 4th quarter, the LeBrons hung tough. LeBron James, as always, did his thing (despite the commentators stating he played poorly multiple times):

33 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals (in 47 minutes)

The LeBrons reclaimed the lead with 3:11 to play, but again, their foot never got within three feet of the Warriors’ throat. Even with Stephen Curry having one of the worst shooting nights of his career, his lone three-pointer (1-10) came at an extremely opportune time. The Warriors closed the game on a 14-5 run, including a Mortal Kombat Fatality Move by Kevin Durant:

Like, love, or hate the Warriors, you have to appreciate the stone cold look on Durant’s face following this ENORMOUS three-pointer. That look probably stemmed from his unreal performance:

43 points (15-23), 13 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal

110-102, Warriors. 3-0, Warriors. NBA Dynasty (soon to be three-out-of-four championships), Warriors.

Well Cleveland, there’s always next yea—-

Oh, sorry!

Will the Cleveland LeBrons get swept?? If you don’t think so, please explain yourself, then….seek psychiatric help.

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!!

What More Could LeBron Possibly Do????

June 4, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

“Nothing is certain but death and taxes….And the Golden State Warriors winning the 2018 NBA Finals.”

That’s the original quote — I promise.

Poor LeBron

I feel bad for LeBron James.

At this point, it’s nearly impossible to rationally feel any other way. He’s giving everything he’s got (as always), and it’s simply not enough. People who constantly find ways to criticize LeBron James should find a bridge….and jump. **Don’t actually jump off of a bridge, but at the very least, punch yourself in the face….

Sunday night, the Warriors took a 2-0 series lead in the NBA Finals, after a historic 122-103 victory. Stephen Curry hit NINE three-pointers, breaking the record for made three-pointers in an NBA Finals game. Curry broke Ray Allen’s record (8) from the 2010 NBA Finals when he was a member of the Boston Celtics. Curry finished game two with 33 points on 9-of-17 from three-point range.

Usually, a series doesn’t start until a home team loses a game, but this one, is over. The Cleveland LeBrons never stood a chance. They’re overpowered. They’re outmanned. Simply put, they’re outmatched. No, no, there’s no unless LeBron today. He already went superhuman on the world, in game one, and that didn’t work.

So fat lady — start singing.

Ohhh, The Mets

The New York Mets lose (2-0) in ways only the New York Mets can lose:

An opposing player stealing home

and

A sacrifice-fly to 2nd base

When words can’t possibly do this level of ineptitude justice, we go to the YouTube:

And one more time, for good measure:

I was going to put a video of the sacrifice-fly to 2nd base that scored Willson Contreras (as pictured above), THE CATCHER, but I couldn’t find it!! I guess the world didn’t want something that awful recorded on video. I understand Luis Guillorme is 12 years old, but there’s no reason for that — EVER!!

Are the Mets Cursed?? Do the LeBrons have ANY chance in the NBA Finals?? Post your thoughts in the comment section below.

“You Blew IT!!!!”

May 23, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

The NBA is stupid.

How can you win by 41 points on Sunday, and lose by 3 points on Tuesday?! The answer SHOULD be, you can’t.

Warriors Collapse

Game four of the Western Conference Finals was played Tuesday night. With a 2-1 lead, the Golden State Warriors, at home, were looking to secure a commanding series lead. After jumping out to a 12-0 lead nearly halfway through the 1st quarter, that looked like a certainty. If only the Warriors knew the NBA gods were about to stuff them into a locker.

Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson collectively went ice cold. They shot a combined 23-for-63 from the field. That’s 36.5%. That’s not good.

Despite their lackluster performance, they returned to Warrior form, if only for 12 minutes. They scored 34 points in the 3rd quarter. Like I told you Monday, the Warriors should ©, ®, or ™ the 3rd quarter. However, when you score 30 points in the 2nd and 4th quarters combined, you don’t often win basketball games. 95-92, not Golden State.

Game five will be played in Houston on Thursday @ 9:00 P.M. EST on TNT. Expect a bounce back performance from Golden State.

Matt Harvey Sucks A Little Bit Less Than He Used To

Matt Harvey landed in the win column Tuesday.

Allow me to repeat myself: Matt Harvey landed in the WIN column Tuesday!!

This is the part when Mets fans throw things at their wall. Now, I know it’s been just three games, but Matt Harvey, all of a sudden, resembles a Major League pitcher….

(Insert Mets’ Fan Screaming Sound Here).

In eight appearances with the Mets, Harvey surrendered 21 runs in 27 innings.

In three appearances with the Reds, 4 runs in 14 innings.

Hmmmmm, very interesting.

Don’t get me wrong, Harvey’s not going to turn back into an ace, but his e.r.a. has dropped from 7.00 to 5.49 in just three starts. I’m just sayin’….this is the METS’ WAY.

But hey, at least they signed Jose Bautista….

Christian Hackenberg

From the Mets’ way to the Jets’ way.

Christian Hackenberg was drafted in the 2nd round (51st overall pick) out of Penn State in 2016. The Jets hoped Hackenberg could turn into a future star at the QB position. However, he never saw the field. This draft pick is an epic failure in the long list of epic failures for the New York Jets.

And now, Hackenberg has been shipped off to Oakland to compete for the backup QB job with the Raiders. Only the Jets know how to turn a 2nd round draft pick into a 7th round draft pick in two years.

Don’t make fun. That’s not easy to do.

How many games will it take the Warriors to win this series?? Do the Mets care about winning — at all?! Spill your guts in the comment section below.

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

May 21, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

It was only a matter of time.

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

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

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

Well, that was close….

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

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

Speaking of numbers:

41, 20, 16, 2

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

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

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

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

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

LeBron Brings Fanatics Down From The Ledge

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

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

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

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

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

How many games will it take for LeBron to win this series?? Will the Rockets win another game?? Post your predictions in the comment section below.

Not Your Typical Tuesday

May 2, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Tuesday didn’t want to end.

With five extra inning/overtime games, 9th inning heroics, and a nearly 11:00 P.M. EST tip-off, Tuesday quickly became Wednesday….

LeBron Acting CRAZY!!

Despite trailing by 14 points after the 1st quarter (on the road), LeBron James never gave up. Despite shooting just 1-for-8 from 3-point range, and 1-for-6 from the free throw line, LeBron didn’t put his head down.

Instead, he persevered. He also did the CRAZIEST THING EVER….

He relied on the band of misfits he calls teammates to drive the LeBrons to victory. Without the efforts of J.R. Smith, Kyle Korver, Jeff Green, and Tristan Thompson, the LeBrons would be staring a 1-0 deficit in the face. Instead, a 113-112 F/OT victory flipped home court advantage upside down.

J.R.: 20 points on 5-for-6 from 3-point range

Korver: 19 points on 5-for-12 from 3-point range

Green: 16 points on 4-for-4 from the field, and 7-for-8 from the free throw line

Thompson: 14 points and 12 rebounds (back-to-back double doubles)

It must have felt nice to not have to play 1-on-5 for 48 minutes — for once. Even crazier than imaginary teammates coming to life, is LeBron’s “bad nights” still turn into triple doubles (26 points, 11 rebounds, 13 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal).

It’s good to be King.

MLB’s Wild Night!!

Not one, but two 9th inning home runs changed the landscape of Tuesday night.

First, down 6-2, down to their last strike, the Cleveland Indians’, Michael Brantley, took Keone Kela’s 0-2 breaking ball up-and-out for a game tying grand slam. That’s the stuff you dream about as an 11-year old in the backyard!! Despite the heroics, the Indians would lose 8-6 F/12.

There were three other extra inning games Tuesday (must have been a full moon).:

Marlins 2, Phillies 1 F/10

Royals 7, Red Sox 6 F/13

Blue Jays 7, Twins 4 F/10

The other 9th inning dinger made me jump off my couch (literally jump). Gary Sanchez broke open a 0-0 tie, with a 3-run home run against the Houston Astros:

While I love the home run, my favorite part of the video, BY FAR, is Astros’ closer, Ken Giles, punching himself in the face!! HAHA.

El Gary’s long blast came after Justin Verlander mowed down the Yankees, allowing just 3 hits, and striking out 14, in 8 innings. But hey, a win, is a win.

Mr. Half Court Shot Is Back!!

Stephen Curry hadn’t stepped foot on a basketball court in 39 days. He could have fooled me….

Stephen Curry is the best shooter the NBA has ever seen. His range is limitless, and his ability to create his own shot makes him one of the most dangerous players in the world. Curry finished with 28 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists in just 27 minutes. He led the game with an insane +26 while he was on the floor. Yes, he was the sole reason the Warriors took down the Pelicans 121-116.

The NBA is LUCKY to have him back!!

What was the most exciting part of a wacky Tuesday evening?? Tell me all about it 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 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

One Of These Things Is Not Like The Other

February 15, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Some athletes play better against the best.

Damian Lillard has a soft spot for the Golden State Warriors. Seemingly every time Lillard takes on the Warriors, he takes his career best performance to a new level. Wednesday night, Lillard figured he’d slay the Kevin Durant dragon, ya know, while he was at it.

Damian Lillard sprinted out of the gate, scoring 18 points in the 1st quarter, giving the Trailblazers a 40-27 lead. Kevin Durant would spend the rest of the evening chipping away at the Trailblazers’ lead. His 50-point effort simply wasn’t enough, as the Warriors fell 123-117. Durant was literally the only Warrior to show up last night. Seriously, he played 1-on-5 all night. Okay, that’s not true, but that’s how it felt. Durant made 17 field goals, while Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green combined for 18 field goals.

Lillard finished with 44 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals in 40 minutes (including going a perfect 12 for 12 from the free throw line).

Add this to the list of Lillard’s outstanding performances against the Warriors:

12/11/17 – 39 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals

4/16/17 – 34 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block

5/7/16 – 40 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists

2/19/16 – 51 points, 7 assists, and 6 steals

Not bad for a guy who’s inexplicably made just 3 All-Star teams in his 6-year career.

From the really good..to the REALLY bad….

The New York Knicks.

Just when you think they can’t stoop any lower, they find a way. Tim Hardaway Jr., the 2nd streakiest shooter in the NBA (J.R. Smith will forever hold that distinction), was en fuego last night. Entering last night’s game, Hardaway Jr. was 5 for his last 41 from 3-point range. THAT’S 12.2%!! Last night, he went 6 for 9 from downtown. You figure it out.

As for the game, the Knicks held a 22-point lead over the Washington Wizards with 11:14 to play in the 3rd quarter. Just 1 minute and 33 seconds later, the lead was 13. And thanks to a 15-point 3rd quarter, the Knicks actually trailed 90-87 heading into the 4th quarter. The end result: 118-113, not them.

How is this possible you ask?!?!

Remember when I told you Hardaway Jr. is streaky??

Well, he dropped 32 points in the 1st half, and just 5 in the 2nd half. That’s how!! Honestly, I’m glad. The Knicks should tank the last 23 games anyway. They should play Emmanuel Mudiay, Frank Ntilikina, and Trey Bruke as much as humanly possible. I swear, if I have to watch Jarrett Jack play 28 minutes 1 more time, I may lose it!!

By the way, the Knicks have now lost 8 games in a row.

As for Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks will be without his services for approximately 1 year. Porzingis, sent out a photograph, post-surgery, to let Knicks’ fans know he’ll remain positive throughout his rehab process and can’t wait to get back on the court.

So keep your heads up Knicks’ fans. At least you can look forward to 2020….

Where does Damian Lillard’s performance rank amongst individual accomplishments this season?? Will the Knicks win another game this 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 6:10 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!!

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.

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 .

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.

Celtics D Stifles Warriors, Headline Busy Thursday Night

November 17, 2017 ~ 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.

NBA Installs Pillows On Every Team’s Bench

August 16, 2017August 16, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 8 Comments

lebron-james-rest

It’s Saturday night. Dinner’s ready. Beer’s in hand. And I settle in to that a** groove in the couch directly in front of the TV. I flip to ABC to watch the highly anticipated match-up between the Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs, ya know, the game ESPN selflessly promoted for weeks, only to find that the game’s 8 best players were “scratched”. Angry, but still happy to have my feet up on the couch next to my wife, we found a movie, and the NBA lost my viewership for the evening.

This is known as the Resting Epidemic. NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, has acknowledged it is the NBA’s biggest problem, and he feels they have a solution. Their solution is highlighted in the NBA’s schedule for the upcoming season. Here are the most notable changes to the schedule:

The season will start 8 days earlier (a move from Oct. 25 to Oct. 17)
A record low back-to-back games (an average of 14.4 per team)
Elimination of 4 in 5’s (4 games in 5 nights)
Protection of Marquee Matchups on National TV

Allow me to elaborate on that last one. Marquee Matchups, such as Warriors vs. Spurs, are broadcast on ABC (National TV). These games carry higher ratings, which brings more advertisers, ergo everyone involved makes more money. So when millions tune-in to check out Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Pau Gasol and NONE of them are playing, yeah, I’d say there’s a problem.

Well this year, the NBA will cater to the babie..ahem..I mean NBA players who feel they don’t get enough days off throughout the season. Ya know, the NBA players who get paid millions to play a game for a living. Yeah — those guys. This is the part when I talk directly into the camera….

Listen, I understand playing in the NBA is taxing on your body. You play thousands of minutes, travel thousands of miles, and probably have odder sleeping habits than me. BUT, you have professional trainers at your beckon call. You have personal chefs. You fly on private planes. And you stay in the nicest hotels imaginable. What the hell do you have to complain about?!?! Playing 4 basketball games in 5 days?!?! Boofreakinhoo!! Try working a 12-hour shift, just to race to your 2nd job where you work another 6-hour shift, to make just enough money to put food on the table for your kids (who you barely see). Then come back to me and tell me you still want to complain about playing in the 2nd game of a back-to-back. Spare me….

The fact that resting is the NBA’s biggest problem, is a sad reflection of our society. And the NBA’s response is even sadder. Rather than coming down hard by fining teams and players, they are coddling their superstars, proudly preparing them for nothing that closely resembles real life. So, when you tune-in to ABC this year for any of the Warriors’ 6 National TV games, they will be well rested. In fact, no team playing on ABC this year will be playing in the 2nd of a back-to-back.

The all-important question still remains: Will caving and pandering to every need of NBA’s superstars solve the NBA’s Resting Epidemic?? Or will NBA teams continue to rest players at inopportune times?? Only time will tell. My guess is it won’t help one bit….

What do you think?? Do you agree with the NBA modifying it’s schedule to get NBA players more rest?? Will it solve the Resting Epidemic?? Tell me what you think 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. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

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