The Perfect Match: Road to the NBA Finals...

 Ahhhh… Here we are, at the final four teams aiming to win four more games to have an opportunity to hoist the Larry O’Brien golden orb set on a pedestal net, carving their way into the record books. Professional sports have been the penultimate reality television for fans all over the world amazed by athletic feats the ordinary wish they could accomplish. Since the Kardashians and Bachelor franchises, populations present on our planet have become addicted to reality TV. Is it the envy of perfect looking people, and knowing they have arguments and issues just like the rest of us? Is it ‘thee’ heavily influenced by producers' trainwreck moments on dating shows we stream week after week from The Bachelor to Love Is Blind? Producers have definitely repeated their winning formula time after time as globalization and social media expand across our sidewalks and buroughs. Has there been inside influences when it comes to our ultimate unscripted athletic entertainment?  From  national media sports analysts and journalists alike, they quietly (or not so quietly) have been nodding towards potential NBA league influence to create the ‘Perfect Match Up’ when it comes to who the final two teams the globe will be watching come June 1st. One seasoned writer expressed his input earlier this week, quipping ‘“ It would be great to see the Nuggets versus the Heat in The Finals…” Said no NBA official ever…’ Which brings me to beg the question, are the Lakers versus the Celtics the perfect match?

We are down to the Western and Eastern NBA Championship series with the winners (of course) advancing one step closer to a championship ring. Every team involved has a telling storyline of how their squad would make the best feature of reaching the summit of what is touted as the world’s greatest professional basketball league, hence considered a ‘World Champion’. The Denver Nuggets have a compelling story playing for an opportunity at firsts for their club. Since their history of joining the NBA back in 1976, they have never been to an NBA final. On top of that, the Nuggets have a franchise winning percentage of .510, the best in the NBA without a championship. Will the giant, lanky, uncoordinated-looking yet effective Nikola Jokic, the supporting role players, and his untraditional straight-shooter coach, Michael Malone be able to finally break the ‘never have I ever’ streak for the mile-high team striking gold? The long shot, and eighth seed out of one of the most glamorous neon beach side resort cities in the southeastern most points in the USA, the Miami Heat, are seeking their first NBA title since King James decided to transfer his talents back to Ohio, in 2013, ten years ago. The Miami Heat have been led by Jimmy Butler throughout the Heat’s playoff run, with the other main impact player, Tyler Herro being sidelined with a hand fracture. The remainder of the Heat’s roster has definitely stepped up their game supporting head coach Spoelstra on his game plan and assisting Butler in dividing the load. What’s impressive with this Miami squad is Butler and Herro are the only drafted players on the roster; majority of the remaining ten teammates were un-drafted, earning their spots with true grit, consistency and stamina. If this isn’t a great storyline from zero to hero, I don’t know what you would have in mind to top that?!!! 

And that takes us to the two remaining tried and true favorites on US’s opposite coasts. There’s the Black Mamba’s Lala Lakers, and their generation after generation east coast brownstone rivals, Boston Celtics. Since the 1960’s, the Lakers have faced the Celtics a record 12 times in the NBA Finals. Of course, this classic rivalry is a media-darling favorite, where it would make an assuming splash in all media markets. What are their compelling story lines? If we look at the Los Angeles Lakers, outside of winning the NBA title in ‘The Bubble’ year (2020), L.A. hasn’t seen a parade since 2010 under the late great MVP Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson! That’s quite the drought for the top western league winning franchise. Will Lebron James and Anthony Davis be able to come back from being 0-2 down to go back and play for an All-NBA leading 18th title for Los Angeles? And then there's Hollywood land’s nemesis, the Boston Celtics vying to win their 18th NBA league-leading title. Boston Garden has to be one of the most intimidating arenas for opposing teams to play in with the rich history of the perfectly polished parquet floors packed with a fan base that will not hesitate to taunt and rip on the opposing team. What is the compelling angle for Boston? Boston has one of the youngest leaders, Jason Tatum attempting to make his mark, along with a significant veteran role player, Al Horford returning to the Celtics in hopes of winning that elusive NBA world championship ring.  

Between Lebron seeking another title with his third team and each storied franchise (Boston and Los Angeles) wanting to break the tie of most championships in the league, they’ll both have to battle back from an 0-2 deficit against their viable opponents. Will we see a sweep? Will the old adage clubs have the fortitude to withstand another six-seven game series?  Will Nikola Jokic be the big man to finally lead Denver to their first NBA title? Will the ultimate underdog in the fight Jimmy Butler finally sweep the favorite as he leads the eighth seeded Heat to another Larry O’Brien to place in the trophy case? NBA fans across the time zones are tuning in to see who will prevail. The perfect match always depends on the vantage point, and eyes of the beholder. Regardless of seemingly intentional or unintentional influences, we are all rooting for the best teams, and match up to prevail. The outcome and teams vying in June may surprise us, and put on quite the reality athletic feat for all the fans! 

Nightmare on South Figueroa Street...

 It’s now seventy-two hours following the disastrous performance that took place at The Crypto Arena in Los Angeles of the Golden State Warriors. Anything Warriors attempted just fell absolutely flat. No one on the team could make a shot even if they were a boat trying to hit water! It was a nightmare outcome for everyone watching. As ‘Cowboy Kobe’ Austin Reaves hit the full court shot at the buzzer at halftime, I was depleted. I of course kept some faith, knowing how many times Warriors role players tend to show up in the third and fourth quarters. Not this time. Everyone seemed out of sync. Between trying to grab boards, nailing an open layup, 15-footer, or the usual ‘nailed it’ open three-footer from Klay or Steph, nothing swished in. Clank after clank off the rim was another dagger into hope of any comeback. 

Friday’s loss against the Lakers was the first game six loss in a playoff series under coach Steve Kerr. The stats displayed all we needed to know of the team's deplorable Performance. Klay Thompson and Steph Curry were 6 for 26 at the three point line (23%), team field goal percentage at 46.5%, 16 turnovers and only making 9 of 12 free throws (where Lakers made 20/20 of their free throws), and 22 fouls versus 15 fouls for the Lakers. Honestly, other numbers between the two teams were similar, with the exception of free throw attempts made and the made field goals. The Warriors had several opportunities with open layups and three point goals, where every one clanked off the rim; there were times where we even were able to grab the board with another attempt, only to either turn it over with a bad pass, or throw it out of bounds. There’s other times where the Lakers just smuggled the boards and the Warriors either had only one person or none under the rim. When has it become a thing not to have a person camping out to grab a board? Between the series versus Sacramento and Los Angeles, it seemed like the Warriors allowed the opposing team to get under their rim, for second and sometimes frustratingly third shot opportunities. 

This result gives you perspective of how incredible the three-peat by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, Magic Johnson Lakers battling with Larry Bird’s Celtics between 1984 and 1988. Attempting to win back-to-back Championships is a monstrous task. Although Golden State made it to the NBA Finals five years in a row (2015- 2019), they were able to win back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018 with the help of Kevin Durant as part of the squad. As the roster dynamics have shifted, and key role players getting older, the window to The Finals is closing. There are unknowns coming up on what the 2023-2024 Golden State Warriors will look like. I am hoping Bob Myers comes back as GM, and Draymond Green decides to stay along with Gary Payton II. The one person I would ship off, due to so many inconsistencies, would be Jordan Poole. There’s other young players that sat on the bench I feel can be developed this summer as impactful role players (DiVincenzo, Kuminga, Moody, Green) for this upcoming season. 

As I was exchanging jabs with my brother-in-law (lives in Oceanside, grew up in Venice) about the series between NorCal and SoCal, he cheekily replied Friday evening, “You know Suzanne, you can come over and root for the Lakers, they’re a California team…” I quickly responded, “Jim, that would be like going over to the Dark Side!” of course, with no hesitation, “Is that such a bad thing??? Don’t they have special powers? 😛” You won this round L.A. and LeBron… Let’s see if you can go all the way outside a bubble! We will be paying attention! 

Art of the Flop

Proportionality

 Let’s get something straight, if the media has an opportunity to be over-the-top, and blow an action out of proportion (depending, of course, on the network and program…), nine times out of ten, they will! On top of flops, on top of absolute overreaction, we have another on-court incident between the Lakers and Warriors jumping the shark. Kevon Looney, when reaching for a free throw, had his forearm inadvertently swipe the side of Anthony Davis’s face and may have bumped his temple. I’ve watched the replay of this action a dozen times, and I cannot truly equate the reaction that unfolded following the incidental contact. Full disclosure, having done a previous piece on ‘an inconvenient truth’ regarding the NFL and their lack of actions relating to CTE, I do not take the risk of concussions lightly. There’s been no mention or follow up statements made by the Lakers team doctor, or Unibrow about possible concussion, or needing to continue concussion protocol; although, it’s been mentioned ad nauseum every time it’s highlighted on a sports update. Inadvertent contact is going to happen. Although basketball is supposedly a non-contact sport… Uh-hum, some may beg to differ. 

Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith on TNT’s broadcast NBA playoffs coverage, could not resist chuckling. They may be receiving some backlash regarding their reaction. They may be giggling, due to the fact, where this forearm swipe did not deserve the over-exaggerated reaction by Anthony Davis. Let me do everyone a solid, and give a link of some ‘intense’ head bashing contact Charles and Kenny survived when they graced the hardwood in the late 1980’s and 1990’s: 

https://youtu.be/_HJmZmR0-NM

The added fuel to an already intense playoff series is irresponsible, and feeding a narrative that should be squashed. AD may have a little tenderness, or possible bruise; that’s it! End of discussion! Done! Donezo! Capiche?!

Let’s move on to the upcoming game six between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. We travel back down I-5 to Lala Land to what should be another physical and grueling 48 minutes. There are two takes on this Friday night lights special depending, of course, your regional allegiance. If you’re pumping the purple and gold, you do not want to take the 75 minute flight back to San Francisco for a Mother’s Day game seven. If you’re repping the ‘We Believe’ squad, you’re expecting the most aggressive and physical game of the series, and need to leave it all on the hardwood in hopes of hosting a Mother’s Day classic finale. We definitely have a must-watch California rivalry and we’re here for it! There’s nothing greater for sports fans than a hope-and-a-prayer possibility of a seven-game series! 

Art of the Flop

 As the NBA becomes popular world wide and further representation popping up on every NBA team’s roster from all-continents, they’ve brought with them an ingenious strategy that we’ve seen perfected on futbol pitches around the globe: the art of the flop. There’s many players around the NBA league that has been practicing, and honestly perfecting their flop technique, where it’s now potentially impacting outcomes of games. It’s becoming a talking point looking at rule changes to potentially apply consequences, such as T-ing up those partaking in the practice (that’s a technical foul, by the way- where the team affected by the action gets a free-throw and possession). We’ve been witnessing such performances in every playoff series going on right now. Some of the infamous flopping we’ve experienced come from players such as Nikola Jokic, James Harden, Chris Paul, LeBron James and some not so successful attempts from Jordan Poole. 

The Golden State Warriors are on the brink of elimination in the western conference semi-final playoff series. With less than two minutes left in game 4 versus the Los Angeles lakers, the Warriors were up 7 points and looking to even up the series when a collection of disastrous shot selections, and unforced turnovers took place, specifically an errant pass, and losing possession of a jump ball, and NOT using a time out available when Steph Curry fell to the floor and nowhere to go (Steph pulled the ‘Michigan Final Four’ error last series against Sacramento Kings, where he called for a time out, where no timeout was left… possibly hesitant to avoid that situation; maybe it would be a good idea to remind players of the TO status as gems are winding down with fate of series direction at stake). On top of seeing a game slip away from your control, is the gross disparity of free-throw attempts between the Lakers and Warriors. The Los Angeles Lakers have 83 free throw attempts versus the Warriors with only 39 through game three. One of my ‘lovely’ Lakers fan friends cheekily replied, “You don’t have opportunity to get fouled when all you’re doing is shooting 3’s...” Of course, if he was actually watching twelve minutes in all four quarters, he’d know we also post up, and have in-line shooters, also! To add to that disparity, are those phantom fouls- the flop on fleek by LeBron, Russell and many other role players learning the technique coming off the bench. 

Of course, there were season-high performances by Reaves and Williams IV in the second half. Reaves was burning our coverage making 3’s and shooters left and right at will. Williams IV scored 15 points for the Lakers in the fourth quarter, just two points shy of scoring the same total as the Warriors! The last player to do such a performance in a playoff game in the final quarter would be the Mamba himself, Kobe Bryant (man, I am nowhere near a Lakers fan, but I did love, respect Kobe’s heart and game; I miss him, as many do!). It’s difficult repeating a championship run. Going through an 82-game season, as well as playing the full gamut of a championship playoff run is ALOT of physical endurance and strength; and then to be expected to display the same intensity the following season?! Ooof, that’s huge, especially when the heart of your line-up and future hall-of-famers are north of thirty years old. The amount of conditioning that every player needs to commit to premier performances night in and night out would be considered insane for the average Biff and Joe Blow in the gym. There’s players and combination line-ups I hope Kerr will evaluate and consider for game five. The Warrior achilles so far has been inconsistent performance on defense, and shot selection. I’d like to see Gary Peyton II step up, Two-Way-Wiggins appear on both ends of the floor, Looney grab some offensive boards and put back up for two and consider giving phenom youngster Jonathan Kuminga some minutes, and see if he can play up to the remaining playoff rosters’ caliber.  

All of us rooted and behind the Gold-Blooded, Strength in Numbers and ‘We Believe’ Golden State Warriors are hoping this will come down to game 7 at Chase… Prayers, voice loud and hands up with the layups, dunks and treys! Let’s go Blue and Gold! 

Clap Back!

 Before delving into reflections on Los Angeles Lakers clap back Saturday evening versus the Golden State Warriors, I was seeing NHL playoff scores, upcoming games and was intrigued with Las Vegas Knights maintaining relevance and moving forward. I also observed a bit of news from Las Vegas with potential hesitancy on funding to bring the Oakland Athletics to tinsel town. Has Athletic’s owner John Fisher been conned into believing they’d be embraced with open arms?! I am looking forward to seeing how this story unfolds (my heart bleeds for Oakland fans enduring just shit owners that give a rats ass about their fans versus lining their pockets; yes, Mark Davis, I include you in the latter sentiment). 

Okay, moving on to why I am typing a brief observation. Saturday’s game between Los Angeles and Golden State was definitely a  reaction display and clapping back from a 27-point beat down in San Francisco forty-eight hours earlier. Having games spaced out going every-other-day is a challenging ask of elite players that are north of thirty years of age. Conditioning, consistency, perseverance and motivation have to be embraced for the primary thirty-something  role players. Elite players, game-changing players must push through exhaustion after their grinding 82-game season, and a seven game first round grueling series win. 

Above the physical challenges and expectations of 100-plus million dollar athletes on the floor, would be to update the next game’s plan in order to improve results as well as thwart repeat performances from role players of your opponent. The Golden State Warriors had absolutely anemic numbers regarding field goal percentage (39.6%), three point conversions (29.5%), assists (26) and turnovers (19!!!). The Lakers shot for 52.5%, 48% from the three-point line and had twice as many steals (10 versus 5)! When Golden State has 30 or more assists in a game, the result usually ends up with scoring more points than the other team, winning those games. Ball movement, quelling turnovers and stepping up on defense will be keys for the Warriors to show up at Crypto Arena and have an answer for the Lakers. Everyone needs to buy in, take some deep breaths and put the celebrities back in their seats with a confused look on their mugs of what they are seeing. 

I’ve now been hearing on sports talk programs what I shared the other day with you, where network and media would like to see this fan-drooling ideal semi-final western conference matchup go seven games (are the refs playing a part to see this happen? Hmmmm…. Inquiring minds speculate) It’s Nor-Cal versus So-Cal where no love is lost, and each region argues their quality of air, life superior over the other. I am firmly rooted with the Warriors; may Lala-land falter and run out of breath chasing Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, Pool et al around the hardwood. 

Rare Air...

I finally had an opportunity to go watch ‘Air’ yesterday before going to work out and then watch the Bay Area’s beloved Golden State Warriors. Little did I know, I would have an epiphany listening to the pitch Sonny gave to Jordan’s mother, as well as the family about creating a shoe around him, as a player. The move was an incredible risk and unprecedented at the time in the sporting shoe industry in 1984! As we all know now, it paid off for everyone, including competing shoe brands. That got me thinking about Stephen Curry. The man, father, brother, athlete, human being realms in rare air, like Jordan. It’s once in every other generation we see a true grinding force pivoting the way a whole league plays the game.  

Earlier in the morning as I was munching on some nutrition to fuel me for the morning and afternoon, I thought I would tune in and see what national sports analysts were discussing. To my delight and ire, ‘First Take’ with Stephen A. Smith and varied plucked sports analysts on ESPN were debating the value and status of one Stephen Curry’s legacy. I could NOT disagree more with their subjective conclusions. Curry is a once in a generation player. As he continues to build on an already mind-blowing career in the NBA, he’s often overshadowed by LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Wardell Stephen Curry, drafted as the 7th pick by the Golden State Warriors in 2009. The Warriors were ecstatic that he was available to nab, and build a team around his talent. Jerry West was a consultant for the Warriors at the time, and was beyond impressed, blown away honestly at his work ethic, drive, grit, grind and absolute natural shooting stroke. The remaining talking heads as well as fans were not enthused, especially when Warriors GM and front office traded Monta Ellis away. Whelp, this is why we are where we are in the bleacher seats, on the sidelines, and they were creating a dynasty. Like Sonny and Mrs. Jordan knew about the internal drive and desire quietly bubbling below the surface of Michael Jordan, Bob Meyers, Jerry West and Joe Lacob could vision the capacity and swagger circulating through the veins of a ‘sleight’ ‘skinny’ ‘small’ Guard out of Davidson. They knew taking the risk on that babyface assassin would run circles around opposing teams and break ankles as he carries the nine bay area counties on his back towards titles and a legacy no one can deny. He trail-blazed a spectacular shoe deal himself, placing Under Armour on the map of must-have shoes! (sound familiar?). 

I’m mystified by national professional sports writers and media analysts of how they continue to dismiss him as a GOAT of his generation?!!! I mean, he’s beaten LeBron James already three times for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. He’s sat Jokic down in early playoff rounds; he beat Kevin Durant enough for him to finally win his ring with the Warriors; James Harden, Chris Paul… All given tee times. Lebron James had to ‘take his talents’ to Miami, joining Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to finally get his ring; he then went back to the Cavaliers, and had to get Draymond Green suspended in order to bring back a title to Cleveland; now, with the Lakers, I feel if it wasn’t for Anthony Davis, there’s no way ‘King James’ brings another title to the Lakers in the Bubble Year. 

There’s only a few that have walked or walking across the perfectly polished hardwood courts in the NBA that make our jaws drop and remedy us speechless at their athletic feats with a 29.5” leather-dimpled ball. In my lifetime, I’ve experienced 6- Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in the l980’s; Michael Jordan in the 1990’s; Kobe Bryant and Lebron James in the 2000’s; last but definitely not least, Wardell Stephen Curry in the 2010’s and continuing now! The Warriors were in the NBA Finals in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022, winning 4 titles in 6 appearances. They would not have made it that far or have won without Curry present. 

The clash of titans between LeBron James and Stephen Curry continues now as the Los Angeles Lakers play the Golden State Warriors with the winning team having an opportunity to play for the Western Conference title. The factors I believe will be the difference of either L.A. winning the series, versus Golden State, do not involve LeBron. What will make the difference would be the significance of Anthony Davis on the floor, and presence on defensive end regarding rebounds and blocks; rebounding and curbing unforced turnovers on Golden State’s end; last but not least, the performance of Steph, and creating best shot selection for himself as well as teammates on the floor. These are the factors I feel (in my humble amateur fan girl opinion) will be the difference of what we will experience as the series continues down I-5 to Lala Land and the Staple… Oh,wait,  uh-hum, I mean Crypto.com Center. Okay, well that and if the refs are being told by Network heads to make sure the series goes seven games… (I am telling you, sometimes I absolutely wonder about that controversial thought…) Doh!  

Enjoy the Playoffs! I, of course, will be rooting for the Bay Area’s Gold Blooded Warriors to continue their run for another NBA title! Strength in Numbers; keep faith in Steph and the team, coaches surrounding an amazing generational talent. Cherish the experiences and play while Curry blesses us with his presence on the court!