Trey All Day.

 I don't want to talk about Kobe's game high 31. I don't want to talk about Pau's 17 & 11, or Lamar's even more impressive 24-15. I don't want to talk about the Lakers blowing a 20 point lead in the 4th quarter when the game should've been over. I don't want to talk about the questionable non-calls going against the Jazz during their run (shout out to Jerry Sloan). I don't want to talk about the Lakers missing way too many free throws down the stretch which would've effectively iced the game. I don't even want to talk about Ronnie Price, whose pretentious style of play is not only annoying, but unnecessary. I'm lying, I do want to talk about that.

 Ronnie, I hope you somehow find this blog, and immediately label me as a hater. News flash: Your game isn't even overrated, because no one knows who you are (your game is like my blog... unknown & unimportant). There's a difference between playing with confidence, and playing with arrogance. You talk more trash than you play the game, and even when you're right about a call, you let your complaints define you. I'm not saying you should let your opponents walk all over you, but you should let your performance speak for itself. You have the talent, but based on one game (wow, what a great sample size), your character is still suspect.

  I only wanted to talk about Trevor Ariza, and this would've been a lot better if the Lakers hadn't blown such a big lead in a series-clinching game. However, a win is a win, and the Jazz won't get a chance to redeem themselves (aww... too bad). While the Jazz won't play a meaningful game until fall '09, the Lakers need Trevor to continue his strong play in the next round. 

 Ariza came into the L as a slasher, known for his ability to finish around the rim, and not much else. After playing for teams with no championship aspirations, Ariza landed in L.A., but was injured during last year's run to the Finals. This may have been a blessing in disguise, as Ariza began to work on his outside shot, something he never seemed comfortable with in years past. While he became a part of the rotation due to his tenacity on the defensive end, it's his ability to knock down shots that has made him one of the most important players on the Lakers.

 In his first 4 seasons, Trevor Ariza only took 43 three pointers, connecting on 9 of them (21%). In the 2008-2009 season, Trevor went 61-191 (32%) from behind the arc. His confidence is through the roof, and he's hit 11 of 18 (61%) three pointers in 5 postseason games. He is averaging 12-4-4.2, and is not only hitting open shots, but it also playing tough defense. In a recent conversation, a colleague called Ariza a lesser version of Kobe Bryant. While I'm not one for comparisons (especially those involving all-time greats), the similarities are there. Jellybean, Jr. entered the league known for his dunks, but with more playing time and exposure, emerged as a lockdown defender and deadly jump shooter. While Ariza still has a ways to go, he is only 23, and is fortunate to be under the tutelage of the world's most deadliest perimeter player (on both ends of the court).

 If the Lakers meet the Rockets (which seems likely) in the second round, either Shane Battier or Ron Artest will spend a lot of time guarding Trevor. They are both known for their defensive abilities, and are veterans with a lot more experience than Ariza. It'll be important to watch how he comes out and plays against this team. Let's hope he lives up to my hype.

121-63.

 Yet another rout featured on NBAtv. Seriously, they have to devise a way to allow for me to watch all of these games without missing anything. While a close game is definitely more entertaining, I would have loved to have watched this game. It was a make or break game for the Hornets. Game 4, at home. A win would tie up the series, and give NOLA momentum going back to Denver. A loss and the series is basically over.

 I didn't have to watch the game to know the Hornets came out flat in a must-win game. That's pretty much clear when you're outscored 36-15 in the first quarter. CP3 only made 2 of his 7 shots in 32 minutes, to go along with 6 turnovers. He was a non-factor in this game, but you cannot blame this loss on him. He's been playing his heart out this series, and has been asked to do way too much on both ends of the court. This is the problem with the Hornets: When Paul is not able to score or facilitate, the game is over. Your superstar cannot always bail you out, and when he's having a bad game, someone has to step up. Anyone. That's what you get paid to do.

 However, not being able to watch this game has left me wondering: Are the Nuggets really that good, or are the Hornets really that bad? This is not to take anything away from Denver, as this is only the second time in NBA history that a team has lost by 58 points in the playoffs. However, this team did not look quite this impressive during the regular season, and I'm unsure if they can really challenge the Lakers. Yea, I went there. Beating up on a 7th seed doesn't mean much, and the only battle tested players on this team are Chauncey Billups and Kenyon Martin. Even still, Mr. Big Shot has changed the culture and the character of this team, and is also a former Finals MVP. K-Mart played in back-to-back NBA Finals. We'll see where that experience takes them if they can get through the Mavs in the second round (the Mavs better win that series).

 P.S. - When a player on your team gets two 4 point plays in 11 seconds, you can't lost that game. You just can't. Well, I guess you can. Thanks, Miami.

Another Classic.

 The Bulls and the Celtics just keep doing it. Yet another game went into extra minutes. 10 to be exact. Yes, double overtime.

 UConn seems to breed clutch shooters. Ray Allen & Ben Gordon, anyone?

 Through 4 games, Rajon Rondo is averaging 23.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 10 assists. That, Ladies and gentlemen, is a triple-double.

 D-Rose, you were so close. Just one assist shy... I have a feeling you'll get another opportunity. In this series.

 

 

The Kobe Reads This Blog.

 The Kobe reads this blog, and does not disappoint. I told you, didn't I? Kobe went 16-24 (67%) from the field and made all five of his free throws. No one could guard him, especially not Ronnie Brewer. In Game 3, with Ronnie on him, Kobe only scored 10 points, on 3-16 shooting. In Game 4? Kobe had 25 against Brewer, on 12-14 shooting (one of those misses being an unnecessary shot in the waning seconds of the 4th quarter).

 Once again, you cannot doubt Kobe's killer instinct. Although I missed the first half due to a long-time family friend's birthday party (hey, these things take precedence over the playoffs), what I did see in the second was a "business as usual" Kobe, asserting himself on the offensive end. And this is what makes Lebron different from (and in some ways, inferior to) Mr. Bryant. The Black Mamba didn't do it with a smile on his face, and wasn't on the bench slapping fives and joking around. It's not because Kobe doesn't believe in fun (Captain Blood), it's because he takes this game seriously, and that's why he's been the League's premier player for so many years. This man is a professional, who goes to work and gets it done. He never takes a second off; He is in game mode from opening tip to the final buzzer. That's why he's the game's best closer. And it's also why you can't stop him.

 And go Mavs. Well, don't go Spurs.

Post Script.

 Bill, how could there only be "two acceptable candidates for the question, 'Who was the greatest NBA team of all-time?'" I'm guessing you're going with the '85-'86 Celtics, who had a 67-15 record (NBA all-time best 40-1 at home... good job Cavs), and the '95-'96 Bulls, the team that went 72-10 (#1 all-time) and also posted the best road record in NBA history. What about the '71-'72 Lakers? They set a record with 69 wins and 13 losses (broken by the aforementioned Bulls team), and won 33 straight games. 33. And that streak began the night All-Star Elgin Baylor retired. They're in the discussion, damn it.

The Ones.

 First and foremost, I must note that the topic I was wish to speak upon was briefly mentioned by Bill Simmons, of ESPN.com's Page 2. In a recent article, he mentions Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo in the same paragraph. While I did not get the idea for this post from The [Boston] Sports Guy, I did happen to read about it in one of his articles, and feel it necessary to give credit where credit is due. Now excuse me while i digress even further:

 Bill, I hate you. You have dedicated your life to the Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics, two teams that I associate with the devil. You have also made it your life mission to hate three of my most favorite sports teams, the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Lakers, and Duke Blue Devils (Wikipedia told me that). However, you're one of the reasons why I do this. Keep up the good work. And remember, I hate you.

 Now to the matter at hand. I am hardly a basketball player, but when I do happen to make it onto a court, I make sure to play the sport's best (... in my opinion) position: point guard. I love point guards, whether they be pass-first (my personal preference) or shoot-first, pure or unorthodox. The point guard is by far the game's most important player, an extension of the coach on the court, a team's offensive coordinator. A point guard must know when to run and when to slow down the pace of the game, when to feed the stars and when to get the role players involved. Their job goes beyond being able to pass well; they must know when to shoot, and must have both an exceptional basketball IQ and first-class court vision.

 Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo all fit my criteria for a superstar point guard, and are poised to take the reins from guys like Jason Kidd, Chauncy Billups, Tony Parker and Steve Nash. Each of them possess an amazing and unique skill set, and are also leaders. At least two of them have been asked to carry the franchise (CP3 and D-Rose), but all four of them are clearly the most important asset to their team. And yes, that includes Rondo. The Jazz have a list of veterans and are deeper than most NBA teams, but would not have been competing in the 2007 Western Conference Finals without Williams (who was in his second season at the time). Chris Paul led his team to 56 wins last season and was second in MVP voting. Derrick Rose is the current Rookie of the Year, and has had the task of the being the man in Chicago since draft day. Rondo is what makes the Celtics unbeatable; His play is as important to Boston as The Big Three's.

 They can all get to the basket. Whether it's through power like Deron Williams, or speed like Rondo, they can all penetrate and finish. They also force defenses to collapse, allowing shooters to be freed up on the perimeter, leading to open shots for their shooters. It's not their fault that those guys can't hit. 

 To piggyback off of that thought, the four of them put up great assist numbers. For the '08-'09 NBA season: Paul - 11 (led NBA), Williams - 10.7 (2nd in the NBA), Rose - 6.3 (led all rookies) and Rondo - 8.2 (6th in the NBA). This is the second year that CP3 led the NBA in assists. Deron Williams was the only other player to hit double figures. And the two younger stars did not disappoint, as we can only expect for their numbers to increase as they become older and more efficient.

 Chris Paul averages a double-double (22.8-11), while also leading the NBA in steals. Deron Williams also averages double digits in two statistical categories (19.4-10.7). Derrick Rose's 16.8 ppg was the second best among rookies. and Rajon Rondo? Even though he only averaged 5.2 rebounds along with 11.9 points and 8.2 assists, I am more than convinced that he could average a triple-double for a season. 

 Let's be honest. No one doubts the fact that Chris Paul and Deron Williams are battling it out for the current number one spot. As Bill Simmons already said, these 2 have a rivalry for the ages, and we are fortunate enough to have them both in the same conference (that means more head-to-head matchups). However, I am 100% sure that D-Rose and R² will be challenging them for years to come, while maintaining their own East Coast rivalry (also brought up by B.S.). These four are the reason why I watch this game, and the reason why you should too.

Game 3.

 No. I'm not going to do it. Why? Because I don't want to, nor do I have to. Fine. I hate you. 

 I apologize for that. Anyway, if I had friends, they'd all be lynching me as a result of the Lakers not being able to sweep the 8th seeded Utah Jazz. For some reason, people out there believe that the Lakers not pulling off the sweep means something. Actually, it means nothing. The Lakers are still the better team, and the Jazz are still out of the series. However, the Jazz are also supposed to win at home. As sad as they are on the road, they play exceptional in their own building, and their arena is supposedly one of the most difficult to play in. Good for them. Even if they win every game at home, they'll still lose the series. Celtics fans know what I'm talking about (even though I hate each and every one of you). The Lakers will only have a problem in the Finals (and that's only if they face the LeBrons), but that's another story for another day. As of right now, they're still playing the Utah Jazz, the 8th seed in the west, the worst of the best.

 

  What about Kobe Bryant's below average performance? Not an issue. Mr. 81 is not one to make excuses. Kobe didn't play poorly because he hasn't taken a break from basketball in 3 years. It's not because he's at the end of his 13th NBA season. It's not because he's tired from playing every game of the last two seasons, or because he led his team to the '08 Finals and then led Team USA to a Gold medal a few months later. Kobe played poorly because... he's human. And everyone has an off day, or in Kobe's case, a bad game. Magic had bad games, Larry Legend had bad games. Even the immortal Michael Jordan had bad games (blasphemy!). It happens. The thing is, Kobe won't let it happen often, so don't expect to see many games similar to this one.

 The most important thing about Game 3? Kobe shot 5-24 (21%) from the field, and the Lakers only lost by 2 points. With a chance to tie it. That says a lot about Utah and Carlos Boozers' 23 point-22 rebound performance. The Lakers don't need Kobe to go off in order to stay in a game, and can win when he's not at his best. and although Kobe couldn't hit a thing, he grabbed seven rebounds, dished out 6 assists, and made 2 steals. And I'm sure he's not worried about anyone being able to stop him.  Kobe hit half of his shots through the first two games. He knows they can't guard him. And that's bad news for the Jazz.

P.S. - Only two more games, Dirk. Please send the Spurs home (well, if you win Games 4 & 5, they'll already be home).