Tuesday, May 31, 2016

The Finals-- and NBA on TNT

     I keep apologizing for the long waits between posts.  Then I got to thinking about it-- just how many people have been waiting?   Umm-- don't exactly know, but no one's called or written to complain about it.   I see webinars and books all of the time about how to attract people to your blogs, and make posts and videos go viral.   I just want one person to keep coming back over and over.   Yes-- I'm looking for one Loyal Fan.  

    Anyways-- no more whining.   Last post, I admired and honored our local team, the Charlotte Hornets, for what I consider a groundbreaking year, with a record of 48-34, in a four-way tie for third place in the Eastern Conference.  Unfortunately, after vaulting into the playoff hunt with a seven-game winning streak in March, a loss to the Washington Wizards three days before the end of the regular season cost the Hornets, as they fell into a sixth seed in the playoffs and lost the opportunity for a home--court advantage.   Overall, I think that Michael Jordan and the team should be encouraged, but knowing his competitive nature, I'm sure he's fired up to upgrade the Hornets for next year.

    I just watched the seventh game of the Western Conference finals last night when Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors beat the Oklahoma City Thunder to get into the NBA Finals, where they will match up again against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers

    Oftentimes, I'm not so much of a geographical fan as I am an emotional fan.  Curry is from North Carolina, went to Davidson College, and is the son of a former Charlotte Hornet great, Dell Curry.   But the reasons that I admire him and pull for the Warriors goes deeper than those facts.  They play a different style than most other NBA teams.   They take screens and the three--point shot to another level than has ever been achieved in NBA history.   Curry set a record with over 400 three-pointers during the season, and he and his teammate Klay Thompson have continued this pattern in the playoffs.   They recently set another record with 17 three's in one game.   Curry's and Thompson's range is phenomenal-- I watched Steph warming up last night, and was literally amazed when seeing him nail three three's in a row from near half court.

     You probably won't be surprised by my prediction in the Finals-- I pick the Warriors in six games.   I'd like to say "four"-- but honestly, the Cavs are the most formidable opponent that Golden State will play this year, and both teams are playing great basketball.   I give them a couple of games, but still feel that the Warriors will again take the title.

     Just a few words in closing about the TNT basketball analysts who act as hosts for each NBA telecast.    The crew of Ernie Williams, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, and Charles Barkley have become a popular bunch among their peers and NBA fans.    I can't help but find a similar thread of comparison between this group and the old Monday Night Football crew of Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, and Howard Cosell.   In my way of thinking (which I'll admit isn't always correct or logical), I see the two groups' personalities lining up this way.

Ernie Williams (and Kenny Smith) = Frank Gifford

Shaquille O' Neal = Dandy Don Meredith

Sir Charles Barkley = Howard Cosell

    While this comparison is meant in jest, let me further digress by saying that the one that led me to this analysis was Charles Barkley.    He and his interplay with the rest of the TNT group so readily reminds me of Cosell and the MNF trio.   While seeming to parlay a great knowledge of the game, he so often makes gaffs and wrong predictions, is so hard-headed and opinionated, and receives the brunt of most of the jokes, puns, and sarcastic jabs, it is difficult not to draw a parallel to the late great Cosell.   I must say--- I love Sir Charles, but my favorite of the crew has to be "Kenny the Jet" Smith-- he always has keen insights to the game, and of course-- he is a former Tar Heel  (see http://bobstarheels.blogspot.com).

    10-7-- Over and out.   (I just found out what 10-7 means last night.  If you don't know-- well, you can Google it).

See You Soon (maybe!)

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Making Over the Makeover--- The NEW Hornets

     I'd like to apologize for such a drought in posts, but it's as if I was never here to start.  This site has become so old and out--of--date that it still has a Bobcats logo on the header.  I will have to do something about that shortly.   

    But in the meantime, the new Charlotte Hornets, complete with new uniforms AND a new roster, have blown into the top echelons of the NBA with a series of surprising win streaks that have catapulted the team into an almost certain playoff berth.   In fact, recently, they vaulted all the way from out of contention, then barely in eighth place in the Eastern Division, to now--- they are currently in a tie for fourth place, and only a half game out of third place.  The top four teams will draw a home field advantage, and it's looking more promising for the Hornets.

    Point guard Kemba Walker has been a major contributor to this year's Hornets, but many others have combined to make it a real team effort.   Several great trades brought us players like center Al Jefferson (last year), and then Nick Batum and Jeremy Lin (this year).   We also picked up key players like big men Cody Zeller, Tyler Hansbrough, and Frank Kaminsky.   Former UNC player Marvin Williams has come on strong as of lately, and role players like Jeremy Lamb and new acquisition Courtney Lee have helped as well.

   The Hornets' shooting has improved, but the biggest change seems to be in their defense and in their ability to come up with big plays and grab wins in the fourth quarter.   In years past, the team has fallen short many nights when their opponent would put up a big run late in the game.  Now it seems that the Hornets are doing that.  In a game this past week, they came back from a 23--point deficit to the powerhouse San Antonio Spurs and beat them on the Spurs home court, breaking a long losing streak in their matchup.

   I hope to continue to post and keep us in the loop with the Hornets' run to the playoffs.  We have finally got a reason to truly pull for our home NBA team.   Owner Michael Jordan and coach Steve Clifford must have passed on some of their winning tradition onto the Hornets squad.  Looking forward to our team's post season action.