Since starting this thing a little over a month ago, my last post pushed me over 500 pageviews. With unique pageviews from nine different countries (Ni hao China!) and seven different web browsers, it's cool that Google let's me see how far my words are reaching.
Thanks to everyone who's reading, despite obvious time constraints, the lack of any visual appeal and my tendency to ramble and overuse parenthetical statements. Your readership is truly appreciated.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
USA-Mexico, a rivalry renewed
I missed the first thirty minutes of Saturday night's Gold Cup final due to my never to be underestimated soul-crushing, toil of a part-time job, so when I finally sat down in front of my TV I felt comfortable with the US's 2-1 lead.
In the first few flashes of play that I saw, the US seemed to be pressuring for a third. That was until Mexico equalized just before halftime on a goal that seemed to be tapped in by Chicharito who looked egregiously offsides, but smartly didn't make contact with the ball, making the score 2-2. (I've seen offsides calls made on less...but I digress.)
In my posts so far, I've tried to (and I believe I have been mostly successful) remain neutral, but international soccer is a different beast for me. I've been watching soccer since I was 9 years old, my earliest memories being of the 1998 World Cup, watching Cobi Jones and company get trounced in France on my grandparents 13-inch TV in their spare bedroom, because no one else wanted to watch soccer.
Since then, I've followed the United States men's team religiously, suffering heartbreak (see the 2002 World Cup quarterfinal against Germany that saw a German player fist a ball off the line Suarez-style but not get called for it. Evidently this escaped the sight of Hugh Dallas, the center ref for that match. I know where you live Hugh Dallas...I KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE!!!), disappointment (2006 World Cup...let's just not...I don't even...), and euphoria.
That's what's different about international soccer, it's much bigger than anything you've ever watched. There's more at stake emotionally because in all likelihood you've been following that team since infancy, and national pride plays a huge part in it.
So needless to say I was struggling controlling my mouth Saturday night as the tides began to turn in Mexico's favor. My gal, who was watching the game with me, didn't seem to understand my hatred for Mexico. I tried to explain to her that Mexico is the US's biggest rival, they tend to play us dirty (see Adu getting cleated in the face in the second half. Also, welcome back Freddy Adu, who was our most consistent player Saturday night. I'm not sure if I'm riled up that he's back and playing well, or that for all the class on the field for us FREDDY ADU WAS OUR BEST PLAYER. Before I get more depressed, we should just move on.) and what makes it worse is that they're more talented than we are and aren't afraid to showboat a bit just so we don't forget. She just nodded knowingly and continued to watch the game.
Back to the actual game. The US was inches away from tying it up at 3-3 a couple of times in the second half (Dempsey cranked one off the bar and Bradley sent one whizzing just wide from about thirty yards out), but just didn't have the class to finish. After Dos Santos's wonder goal, followed by him removing his headband, which I swore was holding in his weave, it became certain that there was no amount of magic left in the US boots to pull this one off.
The game itself was an absolute gem of a match, with plenty of excitement and enough chippy play to make us hate each other again. The class of Dos Santos and Chicharito cannot be denied and I'm sure the US defense is not looking forward to dealing with them for the unforeseeable future.
The loss was a missed opportunity for the US, but maybe it will fuel them through the upcoming 2014 World Cup campaign. Either way, the implications are far-reaching. The US will now miss out on the Confederation's Cup in Brazil in 2013, a tournament they benefitted greatly from playing in in 2009. The loss also marks a nightmare for a new generation of US soccer fans, hopefully urging the more athletic ones to pursue soccer instead of other American sports (which is in and of itself, a much bigger problem for US soccer.)
Driving around after the game, my girl concludes that she didn't like the way Mexico plays and that, "They seem to have a nasty attitude. I'd rather lose as the US than win as Mexico." For now that's the best consolation I've heard in a while and I'll, however half-heartedly, take it. Because being a US soccer fan is not for the faint of heart, and as my friend Matty put it to me last night, to be one is to be, "pessimistically optimistic," which, following the sting of Saturday night, is the best I can do for now.
In the first few flashes of play that I saw, the US seemed to be pressuring for a third. That was until Mexico equalized just before halftime on a goal that seemed to be tapped in by Chicharito who looked egregiously offsides, but smartly didn't make contact with the ball, making the score 2-2. (I've seen offsides calls made on less...but I digress.)
In my posts so far, I've tried to (and I believe I have been mostly successful) remain neutral, but international soccer is a different beast for me. I've been watching soccer since I was 9 years old, my earliest memories being of the 1998 World Cup, watching Cobi Jones and company get trounced in France on my grandparents 13-inch TV in their spare bedroom, because no one else wanted to watch soccer.
Since then, I've followed the United States men's team religiously, suffering heartbreak (see the 2002 World Cup quarterfinal against Germany that saw a German player fist a ball off the line Suarez-style but not get called for it. Evidently this escaped the sight of Hugh Dallas, the center ref for that match. I know where you live Hugh Dallas...I KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE!!!), disappointment (2006 World Cup...let's just not...I don't even...), and euphoria.
That's what's different about international soccer, it's much bigger than anything you've ever watched. There's more at stake emotionally because in all likelihood you've been following that team since infancy, and national pride plays a huge part in it.
So needless to say I was struggling controlling my mouth Saturday night as the tides began to turn in Mexico's favor. My gal, who was watching the game with me, didn't seem to understand my hatred for Mexico. I tried to explain to her that Mexico is the US's biggest rival, they tend to play us dirty (see Adu getting cleated in the face in the second half. Also, welcome back Freddy Adu, who was our most consistent player Saturday night. I'm not sure if I'm riled up that he's back and playing well, or that for all the class on the field for us FREDDY ADU WAS OUR BEST PLAYER. Before I get more depressed, we should just move on.) and what makes it worse is that they're more talented than we are and aren't afraid to showboat a bit just so we don't forget. She just nodded knowingly and continued to watch the game.
Back to the actual game. The US was inches away from tying it up at 3-3 a couple of times in the second half (Dempsey cranked one off the bar and Bradley sent one whizzing just wide from about thirty yards out), but just didn't have the class to finish. After Dos Santos's wonder goal, followed by him removing his headband, which I swore was holding in his weave, it became certain that there was no amount of magic left in the US boots to pull this one off.
The game itself was an absolute gem of a match, with plenty of excitement and enough chippy play to make us hate each other again. The class of Dos Santos and Chicharito cannot be denied and I'm sure the US defense is not looking forward to dealing with them for the unforeseeable future.
The loss was a missed opportunity for the US, but maybe it will fuel them through the upcoming 2014 World Cup campaign. Either way, the implications are far-reaching. The US will now miss out on the Confederation's Cup in Brazil in 2013, a tournament they benefitted greatly from playing in in 2009. The loss also marks a nightmare for a new generation of US soccer fans, hopefully urging the more athletic ones to pursue soccer instead of other American sports (which is in and of itself, a much bigger problem for US soccer.)
Driving around after the game, my girl concludes that she didn't like the way Mexico plays and that, "They seem to have a nasty attitude. I'd rather lose as the US than win as Mexico." For now that's the best consolation I've heard in a while and I'll, however half-heartedly, take it. Because being a US soccer fan is not for the faint of heart, and as my friend Matty put it to me last night, to be one is to be, "pessimistically optimistic," which, following the sting of Saturday night, is the best I can do for now.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Stitching up the king of summer sports: Fixing MLB
With what might be the start of a trend in the coming weeks, with potential disappointments like the Gold Cup Final and the MLS All-Stars' annual demolition at the hands of a European reserve squad on the horizon (this year's firing squad: Man U), today I'm amending a major sports league here in the US. This week's patient: Major League Baseball.
In recent weeks, sports fans have been treated to the best one-two punch of the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Finals in recent memory, and after all the hype and euphoria surrounding their championships, now all we are left with until August is baseball.
With today being the official start of summer and talks of restructuring already circulating around the league, I figured I'd toss the last two cents to my name into the discussion (seriously, the pantry's looking desolate). Without further ado, here are my amendments to America's pastime:
In recent weeks, sports fans have been treated to the best one-two punch of the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Finals in recent memory, and after all the hype and euphoria surrounding their championships, now all we are left with until August is baseball.
With today being the official start of summer and talks of restructuring already circulating around the league, I figured I'd toss the last two cents to my name into the discussion (seriously, the pantry's looking desolate). Without further ado, here are my amendments to America's pastime:
- Institute the DH in the NL: Why this has taken so long, I have absolutely no idea. It's irrational, it's pointless, and it's an insult to the fans. Every soul in the stadium mentally checks out when the pitcher is at bat because everyone knows it's going to be a sad roller to third or a pop-out to second. Imagine if for one snap every series in the NFL, the offense was forced to put in their third string quarterback. Wouldn't the whole stadium groan and check their iPhones? Then why has baseball, nay, just the NL, stuck with this ludicrous no-DH system? What's the worst that could happen? More home runs? Less extra inning games because the pitcher doesn't come up in a big spot in the ninth? Fix it.
- Move the Astros to the AL West: An easy move with plenty of benefits. No longer would teams in the NL Central have to fight off five other teams for a playoff spot (currently the only division in baseball that has to do so), and no longer would the four AL West teams have a 25% chance each of making the postseason. Now you've got five teams in six divisions, all evened out. Makes sense to me.
- Remove the postseason consequences of the All-Star Game: I don't know how this rule made its way into institution, but somehow it happened and it's nonetheless inexcusable. All-Star Weekend for any sport should do two things and two things only: 1) include an entertaining event prior to the real deal (something the NBA, NHL and MLB all nail, but the NFL glaringly lacks. I think a 5-on-5 flag football game between some of the faster players in both conferences would be a good start, having players pick and name their own teams could be really entertaining.) and 2) an offense-fueled, high-scoring, lighthearted game. Players shouldn't have to exert themselves or feel the pressure of future punishment after being selected as their league's elite.
- Add a salary cap: The other three major sports in the US have one, and it would be beneficial for the MLS to lose theirs, but in Major League Baseball's case, the lack of one is hurting more than it's helping. Had their been a salary cap, poor Cliff Lee would've avoided being shipped from Cleveland, to Philly, to Seattle, to Texas, and back to Philly all in the same two year span, all because he was the hottest arm on the market and teams had the money to burn. Adding a salary cap would also balance out the talent in the league, making for more parody (but not necessarily less quality) and make the draft more valuable. I was talking to a buddy of mine, a Marlins fan, the other day, and was listening to his recent Florida baseball woes. After a while, he said, "Hey, at least your Red Sox are doing well." Instead of feeling good about my team's success, I almost felt a little guilty that we had gone shopping in the offseason in a very New York-esque fashion. Take the case of A-Rod. (I know, I know, just follow me on this one.) Say that A-Rod had stayed in Seattle, and that because of this, he had always felt he would be loved and adored by the hometown fans (much like Jeter is/was in New York). Would he have turned to steroids to boost his performance and land an obscenely huge contract? Perhaps. Would he have become such a polarizing figure in sports? Probably not. And all because the Yankees have the money. Which might have something to do with their 2.7x10^1 championships (doesn't it look like a whole lot more that way? Am I complaining about the Yankees again? Did I just hypothetically defend Alex Rodriguez? I think it's about time this column came to an end.)
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
USA vs. Guadeloupe Live Blog
Since I have a ridiculous amount of time on my hands when I'm not at work and since this is a HUGE game for the US (after dropping a game to Panama, if the US fails to advance, it would be catastrophic), I'll be live blogging this game, updating as important things happen/something infuriates me.
The Scenario: The USA takes the field in Kansas City against Guadeloupe in what is a must-win game for them to advance out of Group C and into the Quarterfinals of the Gold Cup. For those who don't know what's at stake here, think of the Gold Cup as the World Cup of North America, the winner heading to the Confederation's Cup one year before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. To win the tournament and get a chance to play the world's best in 2013 would mean valuable experience for a US squad that certainly needs it.
The Crew: As of right now, it's just me and Matty, but there may be an appearance by the famous Gamblin' Rob later on. If you don't know Matty, this is all you need to know about him: he's perhaps the most cerebral person I know and a true fan of the beautiful game. He spent the hour before the game sitting on the floor reading Vanity Fair, cutting out ads he found visually striking and occasionally chuckling at Top Gear. Ladies and gentlemen, Matty.
The Game:
0': Minor changes to tonight's lineup for the US, but nothing major. Oguchi Onyewu (i.e., when he's healthy, the bouncer of the US defense) still out of the starting lineup, which would indicate to me that he's either not 100% or he's in really poor form. Bocanegra moves to the middle, hopefully shoring up the issues at central defense the past couple games. Wondolowski gets the nod at forward, hopefully to redeem himself from Saturday's gaff.
Canada and Panama played to a draw, so all the US has to do to move on is either tie or win. A loss is out of the question.
1': Hard foul on Altidore, the US looking dangerous already, but still giving up too much space in the midfield in transition. Guadeloupe shouldn't be able to run on the US like that.
3': US nearly gives up a soft goal with poor clearances in the back, which has been the bane of the US defense for as long as I can remember. My life just flashed before my eyes.
6': Dempsey nails a great free kick and nearly beats the keeper. Great save by Grandel. Despite the near goal in the third minute, the US is at least looking aggressive in the attacking third. Good sign for the Yanks if Dempsey came to play tonight.
9': Jozy Altidore receives the ball and cracks a shot into the back of the net from a good 25 or 30 yards out with such velocity that the keeper didn't even bother to dive for it. That's the Altidore that shined in the 2009 Confederation's Cup, and is surely a sight for sore eyes for US fans. The US needs to press for more, build a comfy lead and maybe rest some starters. As it stands, they'd face Jamaica on Sunday.
16': Goodson just got away with murder in the back. That could've been all sorts of bad for the US. Another blindside run nearly beats the US defense, which seems to be their achilles heel. A better side than Guadeloupe would've capitalized on this soft defense already.
21': Lichaj is looking dangerous on the left side, setting up Donovan for what surely would've been a goal if it hadn't been deflected. Lichaj might have earned himself a spot in the starting 11 for the rest of the tournament. Now if we could just figure out this whole central defense thing.
24': Great ball by Cherundolo from the right as Dempsey missed a wide open net to make it 2-0. Perhaps he will rap about it later. Let's hope this doesn't bite them in the ass...
29': Cherundolo is providing great service from the right side. Wondo narrowly misses a chance to go two up. Seriously, if he was one shoe size up he would have tapped that in.
31': Dempsey's cracker of a shot leads to a US corner. On the ensuing corner, Bradley tries a brilliant bit of skill that would have been spectacular if it had gone in, flicking Donovan's low corner to the lower left corner after letting the ball pass him. I'd love to see Bradley push forward more into an attacking role.
34': Bradley nearly springs Dempsey, but the keeper got there just in time to make a clearance. For belonging to a small nation that isn't even part of FIFA, Grandel is playing with a lot of class.
41': Altidore hustles and wins the US a corner. More US pressure, have to feel a second goal for them is coming soon. Series of great saves by Grandel, who is singlehandedly holding Guadeloupe in this game. (Why didn't Donovan just loft that in after intercepting that pass?) Jermaine Jones called for a foul, much to the chagrin of the US faithful at Livestrong.
45+:' Free kick earned by Nabab, who has been the lone menace for Guadeloupe. The free kick is essentially wasted and the half comes to a close.
Halftime: Fox Soccer shows the "As it stands" graphic for the 27591285 time. At this point, it's becoming insulting to my intelligence. Looks like Gamblin' Rob is on the bench with migraines tonight. Too bad, he's a riot. Matty wonders aloud, "Who's Germany's right back? Where's Parker when you need him?" Probably at home fighting crime.
46': Start of the second half. Hopefully the US can bury some of those chances that went begging in the first. Donovan drifts back out of an attacking position and Matty says, "What are you doing over there?" He does not approve.
48': Altidore fouled just outside the box, free kick in a promising spot for the US. Donovan lines up behind it and inexplicably tries to loft it back post. A crack at goal would have been better suited.
51': "You are slow sir, that's why you were beaten to that ball." By all accounts, including Matty's, Wondo has failed to impress this evening. Wouldn't mind seeing Agudelo replace him soon in this second half, but I think Bradley will wait a little longer, perhaps for a second goal, to make some changes. And if he does, it will probably be to rest starters like Dempsey, Donovan, or Altidore.
54': Altidore uses his strength to fend off defenders in the box and eventually earns a corner from a deflected shot. Dellacamera reminds us that Altidore has yet to turn 22. He is younger than I am and an international soccer star. Well at least I've got this blog going for me! (Just kidding...)
56': Ball into the box hits Wondo in the feet. Yeah, I think it's time he's shown the bench.
57': Donovan misses a wide open net. The US should be up by at least three by now. This is alright against a nation that isn't even a member of FIFA, but will not fly later in the tournament. They have to finish better moving forward.
59': Dempsey takes another great up and down free kick that ricochets off the crossbar. Dempsey has been dangerous off a number of free kicks in this contest. Another US goal has to be in the works. Somehow the conversation in the room turns to how the US lost Giuseppe Rossi to Italy, and how much we'd be up by now if he was in the game. Whiskey might be in order after that depressing thought.
64': Wondo comes out for Bedoya...not really sure how that helps, but alright!
68': Matty has been wondering aloud for the past five minutes about possible creative midfielders from European teams who could play for the US. I assure you, the list is long and distinguished. Another chance for the US gets saved by Grandel, who could be man of the match. So much firepower for the US and only one goal to show for it.
75': Dempsey misses an open net, a sequence that caused me to facepalm and yell expletives. Odds he makes that on any other night: 1:1. Way too casual of a finish. I am literally at a loss for words. I can't...I just..let's just move on.
78': Altidore comes off for Kljestan, right after Jozy earns a free kick. Bradley might be trying to save Altidore from earning a second yellow and being held out of the quarterfinals. "We can't finish," Matty says. Yeah, that pretty much sums things up. If the US doesn't get another goal, there might be a riot in Kansas City. Wait, who am I kidding? There aren't 10 people outside of that stadium who care about US soccer in Kansas City.
85': Bradley uses his last sub and brings in Edu for the younger, equally as bald Bradley, thus protecting another player from potential suspension in the later rounds. The US now looks content to sit on the 1-0 lead, more concerned with keeping possession than widening the margin, which they should have done about 5 or 6 times now this evening.
90': Two minutes of added time. If this game finishes 1-0, it will be a missed opportunity for the US to have gotten into an offensive rhythm. Three or four goals would have done the US well. Dempsey misses another close range shot.
Final whistle: The US advances. Could've been a four or five goal differential, but they have to do exponentially better finishing in the knockout rounds if they hope to win the tournament against the likes of Mexico...and well, Mexico, the only other real threat in the region. As Dellacamera pointed out, Dempsey will be seeing his misses tonight in his sleep. Hopefully that will make him all the more hungry on Sunday against Jamaica. "It was good watching the US be subpar with you," Matty concludes. I couldn't agree more.
The Scenario: The USA takes the field in Kansas City against Guadeloupe in what is a must-win game for them to advance out of Group C and into the Quarterfinals of the Gold Cup. For those who don't know what's at stake here, think of the Gold Cup as the World Cup of North America, the winner heading to the Confederation's Cup one year before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. To win the tournament and get a chance to play the world's best in 2013 would mean valuable experience for a US squad that certainly needs it.
The Crew: As of right now, it's just me and Matty, but there may be an appearance by the famous Gamblin' Rob later on. If you don't know Matty, this is all you need to know about him: he's perhaps the most cerebral person I know and a true fan of the beautiful game. He spent the hour before the game sitting on the floor reading Vanity Fair, cutting out ads he found visually striking and occasionally chuckling at Top Gear. Ladies and gentlemen, Matty.
The Game:
0': Minor changes to tonight's lineup for the US, but nothing major. Oguchi Onyewu (i.e., when he's healthy, the bouncer of the US defense) still out of the starting lineup, which would indicate to me that he's either not 100% or he's in really poor form. Bocanegra moves to the middle, hopefully shoring up the issues at central defense the past couple games. Wondolowski gets the nod at forward, hopefully to redeem himself from Saturday's gaff.
Canada and Panama played to a draw, so all the US has to do to move on is either tie or win. A loss is out of the question.
1': Hard foul on Altidore, the US looking dangerous already, but still giving up too much space in the midfield in transition. Guadeloupe shouldn't be able to run on the US like that.
3': US nearly gives up a soft goal with poor clearances in the back, which has been the bane of the US defense for as long as I can remember. My life just flashed before my eyes.
6': Dempsey nails a great free kick and nearly beats the keeper. Great save by Grandel. Despite the near goal in the third minute, the US is at least looking aggressive in the attacking third. Good sign for the Yanks if Dempsey came to play tonight.
9': Jozy Altidore receives the ball and cracks a shot into the back of the net from a good 25 or 30 yards out with such velocity that the keeper didn't even bother to dive for it. That's the Altidore that shined in the 2009 Confederation's Cup, and is surely a sight for sore eyes for US fans. The US needs to press for more, build a comfy lead and maybe rest some starters. As it stands, they'd face Jamaica on Sunday.
16': Goodson just got away with murder in the back. That could've been all sorts of bad for the US. Another blindside run nearly beats the US defense, which seems to be their achilles heel. A better side than Guadeloupe would've capitalized on this soft defense already.
21': Lichaj is looking dangerous on the left side, setting up Donovan for what surely would've been a goal if it hadn't been deflected. Lichaj might have earned himself a spot in the starting 11 for the rest of the tournament. Now if we could just figure out this whole central defense thing.
24': Great ball by Cherundolo from the right as Dempsey missed a wide open net to make it 2-0. Perhaps he will rap about it later. Let's hope this doesn't bite them in the ass...
29': Cherundolo is providing great service from the right side. Wondo narrowly misses a chance to go two up. Seriously, if he was one shoe size up he would have tapped that in.
31': Dempsey's cracker of a shot leads to a US corner. On the ensuing corner, Bradley tries a brilliant bit of skill that would have been spectacular if it had gone in, flicking Donovan's low corner to the lower left corner after letting the ball pass him. I'd love to see Bradley push forward more into an attacking role.
34': Bradley nearly springs Dempsey, but the keeper got there just in time to make a clearance. For belonging to a small nation that isn't even part of FIFA, Grandel is playing with a lot of class.
41': Altidore hustles and wins the US a corner. More US pressure, have to feel a second goal for them is coming soon. Series of great saves by Grandel, who is singlehandedly holding Guadeloupe in this game. (Why didn't Donovan just loft that in after intercepting that pass?) Jermaine Jones called for a foul, much to the chagrin of the US faithful at Livestrong.
45+:' Free kick earned by Nabab, who has been the lone menace for Guadeloupe. The free kick is essentially wasted and the half comes to a close.
Halftime: Fox Soccer shows the "As it stands" graphic for the 27591285 time. At this point, it's becoming insulting to my intelligence. Looks like Gamblin' Rob is on the bench with migraines tonight. Too bad, he's a riot. Matty wonders aloud, "Who's Germany's right back? Where's Parker when you need him?" Probably at home fighting crime.
46': Start of the second half. Hopefully the US can bury some of those chances that went begging in the first. Donovan drifts back out of an attacking position and Matty says, "What are you doing over there?" He does not approve.
48': Altidore fouled just outside the box, free kick in a promising spot for the US. Donovan lines up behind it and inexplicably tries to loft it back post. A crack at goal would have been better suited.
51': "You are slow sir, that's why you were beaten to that ball." By all accounts, including Matty's, Wondo has failed to impress this evening. Wouldn't mind seeing Agudelo replace him soon in this second half, but I think Bradley will wait a little longer, perhaps for a second goal, to make some changes. And if he does, it will probably be to rest starters like Dempsey, Donovan, or Altidore.
54': Altidore uses his strength to fend off defenders in the box and eventually earns a corner from a deflected shot. Dellacamera reminds us that Altidore has yet to turn 22. He is younger than I am and an international soccer star. Well at least I've got this blog going for me! (Just kidding...)
56': Ball into the box hits Wondo in the feet. Yeah, I think it's time he's shown the bench.
57': Donovan misses a wide open net. The US should be up by at least three by now. This is alright against a nation that isn't even a member of FIFA, but will not fly later in the tournament. They have to finish better moving forward.
59': Dempsey takes another great up and down free kick that ricochets off the crossbar. Dempsey has been dangerous off a number of free kicks in this contest. Another US goal has to be in the works. Somehow the conversation in the room turns to how the US lost Giuseppe Rossi to Italy, and how much we'd be up by now if he was in the game. Whiskey might be in order after that depressing thought.
64': Wondo comes out for Bedoya...not really sure how that helps, but alright!
68': Matty has been wondering aloud for the past five minutes about possible creative midfielders from European teams who could play for the US. I assure you, the list is long and distinguished. Another chance for the US gets saved by Grandel, who could be man of the match. So much firepower for the US and only one goal to show for it.
75': Dempsey misses an open net, a sequence that caused me to facepalm and yell expletives. Odds he makes that on any other night: 1:1. Way too casual of a finish. I am literally at a loss for words. I can't...I just..let's just move on.
78': Altidore comes off for Kljestan, right after Jozy earns a free kick. Bradley might be trying to save Altidore from earning a second yellow and being held out of the quarterfinals. "We can't finish," Matty says. Yeah, that pretty much sums things up. If the US doesn't get another goal, there might be a riot in Kansas City. Wait, who am I kidding? There aren't 10 people outside of that stadium who care about US soccer in Kansas City.
85': Bradley uses his last sub and brings in Edu for the younger, equally as bald Bradley, thus protecting another player from potential suspension in the later rounds. The US now looks content to sit on the 1-0 lead, more concerned with keeping possession than widening the margin, which they should have done about 5 or 6 times now this evening.
90': Two minutes of added time. If this game finishes 1-0, it will be a missed opportunity for the US to have gotten into an offensive rhythm. Three or four goals would have done the US well. Dempsey misses another close range shot.
Final whistle: The US advances. Could've been a four or five goal differential, but they have to do exponentially better finishing in the knockout rounds if they hope to win the tournament against the likes of Mexico...and well, Mexico, the only other real threat in the region. As Dellacamera pointed out, Dempsey will be seeing his misses tonight in his sleep. Hopefully that will make him all the more hungry on Sunday against Jamaica. "It was good watching the US be subpar with you," Matty concludes. I couldn't agree more.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Finals wrapup
For much of this highly entertaining NBA Finals, the headlines were less about what Dallas was accomplishing and more about Miami wasn't, but Sunday night deserves to be remembered as a night that belongs to the wily old Maverick veterans.
The mistake of putting the spotlight on Miami when the real story is elsewhere (an analyst at last night's press conference tweeted that half the room left after LeBron and Wade did, before the Mavs had even taken the podium) has been made all too often this postseason, a spotlight that Miami nonetheless pointed on themselves, but has detracted from the hard work and determination of other teams.
So before I get to Miami, let's give credit where credit is due: to the Dallas Mavericks. This is one of the rare years when you can honestly say that the crowned champion was the best "team" in the NBA. They weren't the best group of superstars, or the Big Three plus some scrubs, they were the best team top to bottom in the league.
Dirk Nowitzki has cemented himself as one of the best 20 players of all time. Yeah he didn't have the best Game 6, but as expected he turned it on in the fourth quarter, scoring nearly half of his 21 points in the final period. After he couldn't get it done in '06 and the Mavs bowed out to the eighth seed Warriors in '07, it looked like Dirk would go down as just another great scorer who didn't have that killer instinct requisite of carrying a team to a championship.
And then this year happened. And then every crunch time play for Dallas was run for him, and even though teams absolutely KNEW it was going to him, Dirk was not going to be denied, making shots that look like they have no business going through the net time and time again. One of the lasting images of this Finals will be Dirk falling away from the basket with a defender draped all over him and somehow lofting a shot that swishes softly through the basket. Although he didn't have an "eff you" Game 6, he was definitely the Finals MVP.
The guy's a class act, leaving the floor to have time alone just after the final buzzer sounded. No preening, no dancing, no finger wags, no head nods or stares at the opposing bench, Dirk wouldn't even let anyone see him cry, overcome with emotion at finally reaching the mountaintop.
Good for Dirk and good for the other veterans on this Mavericks team: Jason Kidd, who after 17 years in the league, finally got a ring. Jason Terry, who is the only remaining member of the '06 team that Miami beat in the Finals besides Dirk and who had the stones to get the Larry O'Brien trophy tattooed on his arm before the season even started. Shawn Marion, who has bounced around the league the past couple of years, including stops in Miami and Toronto, but looked like the Matrix Reloaded out there.
Peja, Brian "The Custodian" Cardinal, Tyson Chandler, JJ Barea, and so on and so on. (By the way, I find it hysterical that Brian Cardinal has a nickname that makes him sound like a vengeful character from a bad Jason Statham movie AND the dude has a ring before LeBron. Way to clean up, Cardinal.)
Last but not least, good for Mark Cuban, who built this team from literally nothing and after heartbreak in 2006 has finally been rewarded. Cuban is the best owner in sports, and although he has been known to run his mouth a little more than the NBA would like, he kept quiet this time around and let his team do the talking. As time was winding down, Cuban was on the bench with his players, holding them back getting ready to run on the floor, and: 1) no other owner would leave his owner's suite to be down there with his guys and 2) no other owner would be beloved enough by his players that the players would welcome him like that.
As for Miami, they'll get their turn, just thankfully for basketball it didn't happen in their first year and it didn't happen against a blue-collar bunch like Dallas. There will be talk of LeBron's legacy, but there was talk of Dirk's legacy after he choked in '06 and '07. I think the problem with LeBron is that he will never live up to the standards we made for him.
To compare him to Jordan was unfair from the start. He definitely has the physical makeup to dominate like Jordan, but he doesn't have the mental and emotional makeup, and that's something you can't work out in a gym, it's something LeBron, as a man, will have to work out himself.
It will be interesting to see what the Heat do in the offseason. Does Spoelstra take the brunt of the blame? Do they deal Bosh to get some more pieces of the puzzle? Will there even be a season next year with the NBA facing labor talks this summer?
One last note on Miami losing. I don't think there has been a more reviled fan base than Miami fans for their (and I say this very generally because I do know a handful of loyal, savvy Heat fans) lack of sports knowledge, arrogance (some Miami fans are already picking Miami for next year's champions. If they should've learned anything, it's that you cannot assume you're going to win before you have yet to take the floor.), and willingness to jump ship when the boat is going down.
Heat fans, for most of the game, were getting outcheered by the 5000 or so Mavs fans in the building, and when it looked like Miami would lose, they started clearing out with three or four minutes to go like suspects fleeing the scene. The fact alone that they allowed that many Dallas fans in their building is a shame, but it's even worse that they cleared out like that. It's Game 6 of the NBA Finals, a must win for your team, and you can't muster more support than that and evidently gave up some of your tickets to Game 6 because you assumed there was going to be a Game 7? I think that really speaks to the kind of crowd this type of team garnered attention from, especially in South Beach.
All in all, this was a great Finals for the fans and for the NBA and I'm sad to see it go. Hopefully the NBA will get their issues ironed out this summer so all these great storylines can continue next year.
The mistake of putting the spotlight on Miami when the real story is elsewhere (an analyst at last night's press conference tweeted that half the room left after LeBron and Wade did, before the Mavs had even taken the podium) has been made all too often this postseason, a spotlight that Miami nonetheless pointed on themselves, but has detracted from the hard work and determination of other teams.
So before I get to Miami, let's give credit where credit is due: to the Dallas Mavericks. This is one of the rare years when you can honestly say that the crowned champion was the best "team" in the NBA. They weren't the best group of superstars, or the Big Three plus some scrubs, they were the best team top to bottom in the league.
Dirk Nowitzki has cemented himself as one of the best 20 players of all time. Yeah he didn't have the best Game 6, but as expected he turned it on in the fourth quarter, scoring nearly half of his 21 points in the final period. After he couldn't get it done in '06 and the Mavs bowed out to the eighth seed Warriors in '07, it looked like Dirk would go down as just another great scorer who didn't have that killer instinct requisite of carrying a team to a championship.
And then this year happened. And then every crunch time play for Dallas was run for him, and even though teams absolutely KNEW it was going to him, Dirk was not going to be denied, making shots that look like they have no business going through the net time and time again. One of the lasting images of this Finals will be Dirk falling away from the basket with a defender draped all over him and somehow lofting a shot that swishes softly through the basket. Although he didn't have an "eff you" Game 6, he was definitely the Finals MVP.
The guy's a class act, leaving the floor to have time alone just after the final buzzer sounded. No preening, no dancing, no finger wags, no head nods or stares at the opposing bench, Dirk wouldn't even let anyone see him cry, overcome with emotion at finally reaching the mountaintop.
Good for Dirk and good for the other veterans on this Mavericks team: Jason Kidd, who after 17 years in the league, finally got a ring. Jason Terry, who is the only remaining member of the '06 team that Miami beat in the Finals besides Dirk and who had the stones to get the Larry O'Brien trophy tattooed on his arm before the season even started. Shawn Marion, who has bounced around the league the past couple of years, including stops in Miami and Toronto, but looked like the Matrix Reloaded out there.
Peja, Brian "The Custodian" Cardinal, Tyson Chandler, JJ Barea, and so on and so on. (By the way, I find it hysterical that Brian Cardinal has a nickname that makes him sound like a vengeful character from a bad Jason Statham movie AND the dude has a ring before LeBron. Way to clean up, Cardinal.)
Last but not least, good for Mark Cuban, who built this team from literally nothing and after heartbreak in 2006 has finally been rewarded. Cuban is the best owner in sports, and although he has been known to run his mouth a little more than the NBA would like, he kept quiet this time around and let his team do the talking. As time was winding down, Cuban was on the bench with his players, holding them back getting ready to run on the floor, and: 1) no other owner would leave his owner's suite to be down there with his guys and 2) no other owner would be beloved enough by his players that the players would welcome him like that.
As for Miami, they'll get their turn, just thankfully for basketball it didn't happen in their first year and it didn't happen against a blue-collar bunch like Dallas. There will be talk of LeBron's legacy, but there was talk of Dirk's legacy after he choked in '06 and '07. I think the problem with LeBron is that he will never live up to the standards we made for him.
To compare him to Jordan was unfair from the start. He definitely has the physical makeup to dominate like Jordan, but he doesn't have the mental and emotional makeup, and that's something you can't work out in a gym, it's something LeBron, as a man, will have to work out himself.
It will be interesting to see what the Heat do in the offseason. Does Spoelstra take the brunt of the blame? Do they deal Bosh to get some more pieces of the puzzle? Will there even be a season next year with the NBA facing labor talks this summer?
One last note on Miami losing. I don't think there has been a more reviled fan base than Miami fans for their (and I say this very generally because I do know a handful of loyal, savvy Heat fans) lack of sports knowledge, arrogance (some Miami fans are already picking Miami for next year's champions. If they should've learned anything, it's that you cannot assume you're going to win before you have yet to take the floor.), and willingness to jump ship when the boat is going down.
Heat fans, for most of the game, were getting outcheered by the 5000 or so Mavs fans in the building, and when it looked like Miami would lose, they started clearing out with three or four minutes to go like suspects fleeing the scene. The fact alone that they allowed that many Dallas fans in their building is a shame, but it's even worse that they cleared out like that. It's Game 6 of the NBA Finals, a must win for your team, and you can't muster more support than that and evidently gave up some of your tickets to Game 6 because you assumed there was going to be a Game 7? I think that really speaks to the kind of crowd this type of team garnered attention from, especially in South Beach.
All in all, this was a great Finals for the fans and for the NBA and I'm sad to see it go. Hopefully the NBA will get their issues ironed out this summer so all these great storylines can continue next year.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Game 5: LeBron's legacy
Game 5 of the 2011 NBA Finals had more story lines than you could shake a stick at: does Dallas have the grit to gut one out with a depleted bench, how will Dirk play after having a 102 fever during Game 4, and how will LeBron James respond after a stinker of a performance in Game 4.
Game 5 was a must win for the Dallas Mavericks, and they certainly played like their backs were against the wall, coming out shooting and jumping out to an early lead in a raucous American Airlines Center.
But things really got interesting with about three to go in the first when Dwayne Wade ran into Brian Cardinal, suffered a hip contusion and had to leave the court. With Wade walking down the tunnel, it appeared that it would indefinitely be up to James, Bosh and the Miami Heat bench to carry the load until the superstar returned.
This was literally the worst thing that could've happened to Miami: their grittiest guy, their go-to scorer, their alpha dog was back in the locker room and James looked like a deer in the headlights.
More interestingly, Nowitzki had just sat down as well about two minutes earlier, his normal time for a rest during games, so now BOTH teams had bench players on the court and for the moment, the game was in the hands of the benches and we got to see even for a brief moment, just how deep these teams were, something basketball purists have been crying for since the majority of the scoring has come from only three guys for Miami.
Wade, being the baller he is, returned, still managed to get to the free throw line 12 times and finished with a team high 23, but in the end, it wasn't enough to stymy the offensive barrage by the Mavericks. Here's a wrap to Game 5's story lines:
1) This Mavericks group "gets it" and they want a championship. Kidd has been great this postseason, occasionally making a pass that certainly gives Mark Cuban heart palpitations, but he knocks down the open shots when the Mavs need them most.
Jason Terry has made the adjustment and completely changed his game, whereas he would only look to shoot the jump shot from the wings, he's driving hard to the basket, cutting and scoring almost at will. The frontcourt duo of Marion, who's looking less like his original moniker and more like the Matrix Reloaded lately, and Tyson Chandler are playing hard in the paint.
And I would be remiss if I failed to mention JJ Barea, who looked like a Puerto Rican jumping bean out there, absolutely shredding the Heat defense at times. The Mavs get it. They can smell a ring and with each game, they look more and more hungry.
2) The coaching for both teams has been phenomenal (never thought I'd say that about Erik Spoelstra) but the nod goes to Jim Carrey's twin brother, Rick Carlisle. Carlisle's institution of zone defense was a great adjustment, clogging the paint for Miami and forcing the Heat to win with jump shots, which is just not going to happen.
3) Dirk has the look of a champion. Sure he might be quiet in the early going, but time and time again he shows up when it matters most. He did it in Game 4, he did it last night, and on certain shots, he's almost unguardable. Everyone knows that's who they're going to when they absolutely need a shot and it doesn't matter, he's getting it and he's making it. If Dirk can sew up a title, it would just be the cherry on top of a legacy he's already cemented in this postseason.
4) But what everyone will be talking about, what everyone was watching going into this critical Game 5, is LeBron James. After pulling a Harry Houdini in Game 4, finishing in single digit scoring for the first time in his playoff career, Game 5 was, by his own admission, the biggest of LeBron's career. LeBron needed a "wrath of God" type game to silence the critics. And he disappeared.
Look, I know he finished with a triple-double, but when Wade went out in the first quarter, James had a chance to take over the game, and he just didn't have it in him. With the physical gifts he has, he should have absolutely stepped up and put a stranglehold on that game. The talk of him being the next Jordan can finally be buried, as Jordan would have never, EVER done that, much less ever been in that position.
Hopefully this will stop some of the talk about LeBron, because after eight seasons, we have finally figured out what he is. He's a freakish athlete, perhaps the most gifted in the history of the game, that had his killer instinct beaten out of him after too many playoff loses in Cleveland where the weight was solely on his shoulders. There's no telling what kind of mental toll that took on him, and maybe he hasn't quite recovered yet, but he doesn't seem to have the eye of the tiger when the game's on the line.
One last note on LeBron: it's easy for myself and the media to make value judgements on him as a player, but we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that LeBron James is still a human being and it's the human element that makes sports great. I'll be the first to throw him under the bus about his fourth quarter scoring in the Finals, but let's not forget that this is a guy with a life and a family outside of basketball. Because the truth of the matter is, I kind of feel sorry for the guy now, something I'd never thought I'd say, but for whatever reason, it's true.
The series moves back to South Beach where the Mavs have to take one of two to earn their first championship in franchise history. Game 6 tips at 8 on Sunday.
Game 5 was a must win for the Dallas Mavericks, and they certainly played like their backs were against the wall, coming out shooting and jumping out to an early lead in a raucous American Airlines Center.
But things really got interesting with about three to go in the first when Dwayne Wade ran into Brian Cardinal, suffered a hip contusion and had to leave the court. With Wade walking down the tunnel, it appeared that it would indefinitely be up to James, Bosh and the Miami Heat bench to carry the load until the superstar returned.
This was literally the worst thing that could've happened to Miami: their grittiest guy, their go-to scorer, their alpha dog was back in the locker room and James looked like a deer in the headlights.
More interestingly, Nowitzki had just sat down as well about two minutes earlier, his normal time for a rest during games, so now BOTH teams had bench players on the court and for the moment, the game was in the hands of the benches and we got to see even for a brief moment, just how deep these teams were, something basketball purists have been crying for since the majority of the scoring has come from only three guys for Miami.
Wade, being the baller he is, returned, still managed to get to the free throw line 12 times and finished with a team high 23, but in the end, it wasn't enough to stymy the offensive barrage by the Mavericks. Here's a wrap to Game 5's story lines:
1) This Mavericks group "gets it" and they want a championship. Kidd has been great this postseason, occasionally making a pass that certainly gives Mark Cuban heart palpitations, but he knocks down the open shots when the Mavs need them most.
Jason Terry has made the adjustment and completely changed his game, whereas he would only look to shoot the jump shot from the wings, he's driving hard to the basket, cutting and scoring almost at will. The frontcourt duo of Marion, who's looking less like his original moniker and more like the Matrix Reloaded lately, and Tyson Chandler are playing hard in the paint.
And I would be remiss if I failed to mention JJ Barea, who looked like a Puerto Rican jumping bean out there, absolutely shredding the Heat defense at times. The Mavs get it. They can smell a ring and with each game, they look more and more hungry.
2) The coaching for both teams has been phenomenal (never thought I'd say that about Erik Spoelstra) but the nod goes to Jim Carrey's twin brother, Rick Carlisle. Carlisle's institution of zone defense was a great adjustment, clogging the paint for Miami and forcing the Heat to win with jump shots, which is just not going to happen.
3) Dirk has the look of a champion. Sure he might be quiet in the early going, but time and time again he shows up when it matters most. He did it in Game 4, he did it last night, and on certain shots, he's almost unguardable. Everyone knows that's who they're going to when they absolutely need a shot and it doesn't matter, he's getting it and he's making it. If Dirk can sew up a title, it would just be the cherry on top of a legacy he's already cemented in this postseason.
4) But what everyone will be talking about, what everyone was watching going into this critical Game 5, is LeBron James. After pulling a Harry Houdini in Game 4, finishing in single digit scoring for the first time in his playoff career, Game 5 was, by his own admission, the biggest of LeBron's career. LeBron needed a "wrath of God" type game to silence the critics. And he disappeared.
Look, I know he finished with a triple-double, but when Wade went out in the first quarter, James had a chance to take over the game, and he just didn't have it in him. With the physical gifts he has, he should have absolutely stepped up and put a stranglehold on that game. The talk of him being the next Jordan can finally be buried, as Jordan would have never, EVER done that, much less ever been in that position.
Hopefully this will stop some of the talk about LeBron, because after eight seasons, we have finally figured out what he is. He's a freakish athlete, perhaps the most gifted in the history of the game, that had his killer instinct beaten out of him after too many playoff loses in Cleveland where the weight was solely on his shoulders. There's no telling what kind of mental toll that took on him, and maybe he hasn't quite recovered yet, but he doesn't seem to have the eye of the tiger when the game's on the line.
One last note on LeBron: it's easy for myself and the media to make value judgements on him as a player, but we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that LeBron James is still a human being and it's the human element that makes sports great. I'll be the first to throw him under the bus about his fourth quarter scoring in the Finals, but let's not forget that this is a guy with a life and a family outside of basketball. Because the truth of the matter is, I kind of feel sorry for the guy now, something I'd never thought I'd say, but for whatever reason, it's true.
The series moves back to South Beach where the Mavs have to take one of two to earn their first championship in franchise history. Game 6 tips at 8 on Sunday.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Mobile
Thanks to the geniuses at Blogger/Google, there is now a more mobile-friendly version of the blog, so now you can more readily follow me on the go! I apologize for the lack of posts recently, but following what is sure to be an entertaining Game 5 of the Finals tonight, I'm sure I'll have something to say. Does LeBron bounce back or does he LeChoke again? Tweet the blog/comment with your thoughts!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
US stumbles against Spain
With a matchup against reigning World Cup champion Spain, the United States had an opportunity to show the world how far they'd progressed since their impressive showing in South Africa in the Confederation's Cup in 2009 and the subsequent dramatic advance to the Round of 16 in the 2010 World Cup.
On my way home from a family function, I called my buddy Parker to see if I should wait to watch the game on DVR later, or, if we weren't totally buried yet, if I should tune in when I got to a TV.
"Nah man, we're holding our own," he replied.
When I finally got in front of the couch, the U.S. was only down 1-0. By the time I returned from the bathroom, we were down 2-0. Before half, the Yanks had conceded a third time, all thanks to defense about as airtight as a spaghetti strainer. Following the third goal, I thought the veins in Tim Howard's forehead were going to cut through his skin and physically strangle his defenders, as his frustration was more than evident (one of my favorite things about televised sports is being able to see athletes swear like sailors. Thank God for HD.)
During the second half, my dad was passing through the kitchen and asked how the US was doing. I hastily replied that we were getting run out of the stadium, but then added, "We are playing the World Cup champions."
My dad's reply? "I don't care who we're playing. We can do better than that."
I think my excuse was one that many US fans will have when addressing Saturday's shellacking at the hands of the Spanish, and really, you could choose any number of excuses: Donovan wasn't in the lineup, the US roster is a little thin, Bradley was more concerned with the Gold Cup and was just trying to glean as much experience for his younger players as possible against a side the class of Spain.
Admittedly, my dad doesn't know a lot about soccer, but I think he raises a valid point. Of my friends, I don't think any of us really expected the US to win against Spain and I think that's part of the problem.
I love our guys, and I think we're fully capable of performing at that level, but I don't think they can get there without we, the fans, holding them accountable for their performance on the field.
We've seen their class before, and we want to see it again. Saturday was a missed opportunity, but they've got a chance to quickly rebound in the Gold Cup, a tournament, considering their talent, they should dominate up to the Final where they will likely face Mexico.
The US kicks off the Gold Cup against Canada on Tuesday, June 7.
On my way home from a family function, I called my buddy Parker to see if I should wait to watch the game on DVR later, or, if we weren't totally buried yet, if I should tune in when I got to a TV.
"Nah man, we're holding our own," he replied.
When I finally got in front of the couch, the U.S. was only down 1-0. By the time I returned from the bathroom, we were down 2-0. Before half, the Yanks had conceded a third time, all thanks to defense about as airtight as a spaghetti strainer. Following the third goal, I thought the veins in Tim Howard's forehead were going to cut through his skin and physically strangle his defenders, as his frustration was more than evident (one of my favorite things about televised sports is being able to see athletes swear like sailors. Thank God for HD.)
During the second half, my dad was passing through the kitchen and asked how the US was doing. I hastily replied that we were getting run out of the stadium, but then added, "We are playing the World Cup champions."
My dad's reply? "I don't care who we're playing. We can do better than that."
I think my excuse was one that many US fans will have when addressing Saturday's shellacking at the hands of the Spanish, and really, you could choose any number of excuses: Donovan wasn't in the lineup, the US roster is a little thin, Bradley was more concerned with the Gold Cup and was just trying to glean as much experience for his younger players as possible against a side the class of Spain.
Admittedly, my dad doesn't know a lot about soccer, but I think he raises a valid point. Of my friends, I don't think any of us really expected the US to win against Spain and I think that's part of the problem.
I love our guys, and I think we're fully capable of performing at that level, but I don't think they can get there without we, the fans, holding them accountable for their performance on the field.
We've seen their class before, and we want to see it again. Saturday was a missed opportunity, but they've got a chance to quickly rebound in the Gold Cup, a tournament, considering their talent, they should dominate up to the Final where they will likely face Mexico.
The US kicks off the Gold Cup against Canada on Tuesday, June 7.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Rapid Fire: Finals Game 2
Following Game 2, here are some quick thoughts on Miami's collapse/Dallas's comeback:
- First and foremost, let's address the Heat's undoing tonight: their arrogance. They were up big moving down the stretch, with D-Wade and LeBron doing their usual preening and taunting and somewhere in Ohio, Cavs fans were in the fetal position. And that's about when Dallas decided they had enough, the Heat stopped playing defense due to the aforementioned arrogance and Dirk went HAM, scoring the last nine points of the Mavs' closeout run. It's about time someone put a stop to the dancing, nodding, cajoling, because in the end, Miami has yet to win anything, and it's getting disrespectful. I was ready for that to stop in the Boston series, where I prayed to Basketball Jesus that Doc would put in Kristic to clothesline James just once so the Heat would pick up on that "haven't won anything yet," tidbit. The Mavs took a little different route but an effective one, saying, "don't fall asleep on us, we're too good and we'll punish you for it."
- As evidenced by his drive to score in the closing seconds, Dirk has the look of a champion and now knows he can eat Bosh alive if he has to (something we've all known all along, but, as my friend Kyle astutely pointed out, there was no help defense, something Miami hangs it's hat on. Another shout out, to my brother Vince, who has comically dubbed Bosh "And sometimes Y" like a vowel that only acts like a vowel half the time, or in Bosh's case, a basketball player that only acts like a basketball player half the time.). In '06, Dirk seemed like the stage was too big for him, like he couldn't handle the pressure of the big moment. Now, he wants the ball, the crunchtime plays are designed for him and as soon as he put up that go-ahead three in the closing minute, everyone in that building knew damn sure it was going in. It just looks like he has "it" this year.
- On a grander scale, the implications of this series are huge for the NBA. It's almost like the Heat and the Mavs are battling for the soul of the league right now. On the one hand, you have the Mavericks, the wily old veterans, the guys you feel deserve a championship, guys that have done their time (Kidd is a shoein for the Hall and Dirk will go down as the best shooting big man ever, not to mention veterans like Terry, Marion and Stojackovic). On the other hand, you have the Heat who, in a recent poll on ESPN.com, half the country admitted to hating. It has nothing to do with the city or the people therein, it just feels to most people that Wade and company took the easy way out. This is not to say they haven't worked hard or that they won't deserve a championship if they get it, because they're playing the best defense the league has seen in a while and to say they've got weapons in two of the best 10 players ever on offense is a huge understatement. But they're like the team you played against in youth league. You know, the guys from the nicer side of town, where every house has a pool and every garage has a Porsche. You hated those guys because of what they had and because of how good they were. And I think that's what most of America's problem with Miami is. It doesn't feel blue collar and it doesn't seem like they had to work particularly hard for their success: the cogs of the engine seem to have been born with it (Wade and LeBron) and the rest of the car is just along for the ride (Bosh, Haslem, Miller, Bibby, etc.). It'll be interesting to see how things shake out from here, as I definitely think Dallas has an advantage with the way that game ended. With the series shifting back West, there's a lot on the line.
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