Even the most arduent Laker haters never saw this coming. A sweep? In the second round? To the Dallas Mavericks? There was no history to back it up, no real direct signs, nothing. L.A. had destroyed Dallas in their final matchup of the regular season, and most figured this playoff meeting would be much of the same. If anything, it was going to be just a bump in the road as the Lakers went about trying to win a third title. Read More »
Other than taking some time off, what are you supposed to do once the season ends? How about go under the needle. Last week, we showed you Paul George‘s newest ink, but that has NOTHING on this. Now, thanks to Twitter, we have the latest from Jazz veteran Andrei Kirilenko. Check it out in all its glory after the jump. Read More »
When word broke that Swizz Beatz was teaming up with Reebok for his own sneaker, people didn’t really know what to expect. But since then, everything we’ve seen and heard – including Swizz being named the creative director of the Reebok Classics brand – has been great. With that, check out the limited edition Kamikaze, the first shoe to hit retail from the collection. Read More »
Last night, the Atlanta Hawks put on an incredible performance against the Chicago Bulls to even their second round series at two game apiece. They played aggressive, moved the ball well and played with energy – all of which have not always been the case for the team this year. Atlanta seems to be the ultimate light switch team – they show up sometimes and completely disappear at others – but their talent should allow them to be one of the best teams in the NBA. Read More »
Somehow I don’t remember Bobby Simmons or Darrell Armstrong turning the NBA Most Improved Player Award into marketing dollars, but Kevin Love must know something they don’t. In addition to his endorsement deal with Right Guard, Love is now pitching for Best Buy as the “ultimate upgrader,” a dude who wants to help the common folk with their upgrades.
If you’re in need of a brief NBA history lesson, Cedric Maxwell played eight seasons and won two championships with the Celtics – including MVP of the 1981 NBA Finals. Currently a radio analyst for WEEI in Boston, Maxwell – who played until he was 32 – had some strong words to say about the return of 39-year-old Shaquille O’Neal in Game 3. Read More »
“I expect to be back in the NBA.” This was Andre Iguodala‘s response to the question, “Do you want to play for the 76ers next year?” after losing to the Heat in the first round of the playoffs. Not exactly a reassuring answer that the Philly faithful (that like Iggy) want to hear. And according to Kate Fagan of the Philadelphia Inquirer, while Iguodala hasn’t asked to be traded, that doesn’t mean the team won’t be looking to move him this summer. Read More »
As Kobe Bryant wandered off the American Airlines Center floor yesterday afternoon, he had to be asking himself “Why?” He was on his own, free to give a hug to Dallas coach Rick Carlisle and accept some words from DeShawn Stevenson. But he was alone. Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom were already in the locker room, ejected for boyishly acting closer to embarrassed 13-year-olds than two-time defending champions. Pau Gasol had mentally checked out over a week earlier, worn down from endless speculation and gossip, worn out from years of people questioning his toughness. Phil Jackson had both feet out the door, and was already entrenched in the Montana wilderness by the time his postgame press conference started. Read More »
To quote Mike Tirico immediately after Andrew Bynum plants his forearm in J.J. Barea‘s chest while he’s in mid-air: “That’s one of the most bush league things I’ve ever seen! Just terrible!”
Did this really happen? On the day we come together to celebrate our favorite women, the Dallas Mavericks gave the Los Angeles Lakers a very un-motherly funeral, 122-86, to complete a cold-hearted, embarrassing sweep of the defending champs. Will Phil Jackson walk away after suffering his first sweep in 21 playoff series? Could this be the “Phil-nale,” if you will? (sorry) The Mavs are playing as well as anyone left in the playoffs. And Mark Cuban is pretty pumped about it … Read More »
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