Thoughts on NBA Finals

It’s been a while since I posted an entry here in my site.  The NBA Finals already rolled out and the L.A. Lakers are already up by one game against the Orlando Magic.  Since I already missed covering the playoffs, I guessed I’ll just try my best to write about the Finals as much as I could, though I doubt it because of my internet connection difficulties.  But since I might have a thing or two to say about the Finals, I’ll try my best to post something at least until the Finals is over.

First, Jameer Nelson’s back in the game and I think this can bring some pros and cons with the current play of the Magic.  Nelson missed the latter part of the season leading to the playoffs due to a shoulder injury.  To make up for his supposedly “season-ending” injury, Orlando acquired Rafer Alston.  Without Nelson, Alston made use of the time allotted for him and helped the Magic pile up wins in the post-season, including the ousting of Lebron James and the Cavaliers.  Now that the Magic are deep in the playoffs, (actually in the Finals), Nelson announces his return and puts Magic coach, Stan Van Gundy in a very tricky situation.

There are two situations that can happen once Nelson settles in the lineup and gets into the rotation.  Nelson can either put Magic’s chemistry out of sync, or he can be a spark plug where his team can get an extra boost.

Depending on how Van Gundy handles the situation, Nelson’s return can either make or break Magic’s run for the NBA title.

Second point, I believe Kobe Bryant let it all out on the first game and tallied 40 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists.  Kobe will always be Kobe, most especially in the Finals.  Orlando should realize that.  Providing coverage for Kobe should be a main concern for Orlando.  Courtney Lee showed some on-court savvy, but the rookie is clearly no-match against Bryant.  I expect to see more of Mickael Pietrus in the rotation to provide coverage for Bryant.  Dwight Howard might be able to hold the fort in the middle against Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, but once Kobe unleashes hell from the outside, that’s a different story.  Providing as much defense against Kobe should be the main concern for Magic if they intend to win in the series.

That’s about it for now.  I’ll try to come up with something sometime this week.  I have been looking to write something about the Boston Celtics since their playoff exit, but I still haven’t found the time.  One of these days I’ll come up with it, I hope.

Looking forward to a great championship series.  Cheers to all Lakers fans for the game 1 win.

-fouledout

LeBron James Scores 31 in Win against Nets

(photo credit: yahoo sports/getty images)

LeBron James put on another spectacular performance when the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New Jersey Nets 106-82 at IZOD Center. James finished the game with 31 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals. His dominating performance also included a block in which he sprinted to the back-court to prevent a fast break dunk from Devin Harris.

The Cavs have won their last eight games while the Nets snapped their two-game winning streak.

Cleveland got a big efforts from guard-tandem Delonte West and Mo Williams as they tallied 16 points apiece. Zydrunas Ilgauskas managed to add 13 points and 9 rebounds. Ben Wallace only had 3 points but grabbed 8 boards and swatted 4 shots.

New Jersey was led by young point guard Devin Harris with 23 points while veteran guard Vince Carter added 12 points. Rookie center Brook Lopez recorded his first career double-double by finishing the game with 15 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out.

(photo credit: yahoo sports/getty images)

James became the youngest NBA player (23 years old and 323 days) to amass 11,000 points when he made a jumper in the first quarter. Kobe Bryant of the L.A. Lakers was 25 years old and 99 days when he reached the 11,000 milestone.

-fouledout

Gilbert Arenas Undergoes another Knee Surgery

Gilbert Arenas just had another surgery in his knee and will likely be out of action until December. Looks like the triumvirate or Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler won’t be complete until December. Tough times for the Wizards brass who signed Arenas to a $111 million contract in the off-season.

Arenas will miss the start of the Washington Wizards’ hoops campaign due to a surgery that removed debris from his previously operated knee. Arenas missed over 60 games last season, but Wizards still managed to make it to the playoffs against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Arenas’ knee issue bothered him so much that he was forced to sit out the playoffs, and the Wizards eventually lost to Cavaliers in the first round.

Arenas averaged 19.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 13 games last season.

-fouledout