Bryant Takes Aim At 5th Title

2010 NBA Finals, 2008 NBA Finals rematch Boston Celtics vs. LA Lakers. Lakers were defeated in 2008 by Boston 4-2. Celtics jumped out to a 2-0 series lead as they won Game 1 & 2 in Boston, Lakers won Game 3 in Los Angeles, seemed to be in position to even series up in Game 4 at 2-2, however Boston came back from a 20+ point deficit to take the game and 3-1 series lead, LA won Game 5, now trailed series 3-2 heading back to Boston for Game 6. PP, KG and Jesus Shuttlesworth, were able to win Game 6 by 39 points in route to their 1st NBA title and Celtics 17Th in franchise history. Boston played great team defense vs. Bryant utilizing several defenders vs. 2008 NBA MVP. Reducing his free throw attempts and forcing Kobe to take tough jump shots. While Celtics interior defense manhandled the Lakers front court of Gasol and Odom, LA played minus injured Andrew Bynum. Celtics will utilize that experience from 2008 vs. Lakers in this Finals, Boston has an much improved Rajon Rondo who was a serviceable rookie two summers ago, however this seems to be his team and as he goes, that's how the Celtics will go. Kobe has motivation of the lost two years ago and leaving Boston in Game 6 as a 39point loser. Also the talk that Lebron James is the best player in the game, Kobe and Lakers have already got revenge vs. Phoenix during Western Conference Finals, Suns eliminated Lakers in 2006 while trailing 3-1 and 2007 playoffs. Many believed Bryant couldn't win a title without Shaq, however he won 2008 NBA MVP, while eliminating defending champion San Antonio during WCF, 2009 defeated Orlando 4-1 NBA Finals, now during 3rd straight Finals appearance and Kobe 7th overall (4-2 historically for KB24/KB8), he'll look to win 2nd championship without O'Neal. Nevertheless beware of Boston who defeated MVP James and the Cavs who posted league best record during East Semis and Orlando with Defensive Player Of Year Howard, who posted league 2nd best record, now they'll face LA with NBA 3rd best record. This will be a great series, a long series, a tough series, Lakers in 7.

Halladay Perfect Holiday Weekend

Harry Leroy Halladay III, known as Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay, nickame Doc Halladay given to him by former Toronto Blue Jays announcer Tom Cheek, reference to Western gun slinger Doc Holliday. Roy put himself in the Major League Baseball record books Memorial Day Weekend 2010, while in Miami as the Phillies faced the Florida Marlins in game two of a three game series. Saturday night, Halladay faced 27 batters, retired 27 batters, walked none, while striking out 11 batters in route to a perfect game. Jim Bunning was the only previous Phillies pitcher to record a perfect game, the achievement Saturday became the 20th overall in MLB history and 2nd this season, 20 days apart. The Phillies defeated the Marlins 1-0 in LandShark Stadium as replacement Juan Castro played 3rd base, grabbed a ball in the hole, spun then threw a strike across the diamond to 1st baseman Ryan Howard to record the final out. Howard, catcher Carlos Ruiz and Phillies teammates stormed the mound in celebration as history was made.

Orlando Magic 2010 Posteason From Penthouse To Outhouse

About two weeks ago, I wrote an article, saying Orlando wasn't the best team in the 2010 NBA Playoffs, however they were playing the best basketball after going 8-0 vs. Charlotte and Atlanta during Eastern Conference Playoffs Round 1 & 2. Now Magic trailing the Eastern Conference Finals vs. Boston Celtics 3-0. Orlando lost both games at home to begin series, then were blown away in Boston during 3rd game. Orlando reminds me of the team they defeat last season Cleveland Cavaliers, who last season swept first two rounds before losing to Orlando. Missing from Magic is point forward Hedo Turkoglu who opted out his contract for Toronto Raptors. Vince Carter was acquired from New Jersey. Carter basically became Turkoglu replacement, however he's not the all around player as Hedo, who's a player who opens up the floor for the likes of 3point forward Rashard Lewis also Dwight Howard. Orlando are the defending conference champions, however they aren't playing with heart, playing very lifeless. Many had Orlando in NBA Finals once again especially after Cleveland was eliminated by Boston. Unless the Magic can become first NBA team to win a series after trailing 3-0, it'll be a long season, plenty of questions heading into a new season and new arena in Central Florida next year. Howard is struggling offensively, outside of dunks or layups, Lewis isn't getting open perimeter shots, bench players aren't playing well. Kudos to Boston as they are one win away from making 2nd NBA Finals appearance in 3 years. Celtics are playing excellent championship caliber defense similar to 2008.

Does Anyone Know Who Michael Leighton Is

Michael Leighton current goaltender of the Philadelphia Flyers, Leighton along with his Flyers teammates are one win away from NHL Stanley Cup Finals. If the Flyers can defeat the Montreal Canadiens they'll make their first Finals appearance since 1997, when they were swept 4-0 by Detroit. Hockey fans know that Leighton has shutout Montreal 3 times during this series Game 1 6-0, Game 2 3-0 & Game 6 3-0. During Philadelphia 3-0 series and Game 7 scoring deficits, Leighton along with injured Brian Boucher combined for a Game 5 shutout in Boston. Overall the Flyers have 5 postseason shutouts thus far vs. New Jersey, Boston and Montreal. Leighton was injured during the season, however took over since Game 5 vs. Boston when Boucher was injured, thrown directly into the fire. He then gave up 3 goals during first period of Game 7, then zero after. Flyers won 4-3 on the scoreboard and series to advance to 2nd Eastern Conference Finals in 3 seasons, the same team that only reached postseason during a final regular season shootout win vs. New York Rangers. Leighton has had an up and down career playing for Chicago, Nashville and Carolina also several minor league teams. 34-40 career regular season record for Leighton, however I reiterate one win vs. Montreal from appearing in Stanley Cup Finals vs. Chicago, a former employer. Michael Leighton is a free agent after the season, whether Flyers or another NHL team signs the goaltender, he'll surely receive a large pay increase after his spring performance. You couldn't right more of a story for the 29year old goaltender or his Flyers teammates as they both have been counted down and out, both been injured, however continue to move toward the ultimate team and individual goal : Lord Stanley Cup.

2010 Rays Out To Prove 2008 Was No Fluke

Tampa was awarded a Major League Baseball franchise, which began play in 1998, from 1998 -2007, Tampa Bay Devil Rays / Tampa Bay Rays had a losing record for their first 10 seasons. Tampa during that span never won more than 69 games (twice) and loss 100 games (three), while coming close to losing 100 games with 99 games (twice). Fans in the Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater area just weren't flocking to Tropicana Field to see a lifeless team play. Fast forward to 2008, an early season brawl vs. Red Sox at Fenway Park and it was on. Seemed to jump start this team led by the likes of Evan Longoria, Carl Crawford, B.J Upton, Carlos Pena and crew, along with manager Joe Maddon. Rays were no longer in the basement of AL East, now they were division champions finishing 97-65 defeating White Sox and Red Sox to advance to 2008 World Series vs. Philadelphia Phillies. They not only won AL East title, Tampa won AL Pennant. Rays went on to lose to Phillies 4-1 in an eventful weather delayed 2008 Fall Classic. Nevertheless the success put the team, franchise, its players and manager on the map for years to come. Rays battled through inconsistency and injury during 2009 season and finished 3rd in division 84-78, 13 game dropoff from previous season. During current 2010 season, Rays are out to prove they weren't a one hit, one year 2008 wonder, they currently have major league best record 30-12 in baseball toughest divison, featuring historic teams such as Yankees and Red Sox. Tampa currently has the most road wins in baseball with 17. Tampa in 2010 like in 2008, is having success without the payrolls of fellow AL East teams New York and Boston. As the season moves along, we'll see if Rays can finish what they started in 2008 and bring a World Series title to Central Florida.

Denver Nuggets Head Coach George Karl Battles Cancer

During the 2009 NBA Playoffs, the Denver Nuggets had a deep postseason run, their deepest in quite sometime. The Nuggets sideline leader was head coach George Karl. The Nuggets won a pair of series during the Western Conference playoffs, before losing a tough series vs. Los Angeles Lakers, the eventual champions. Many thought going into 2009-10 season the talented Denver Nuggets with the likes of : Anthony, Billips, Martin, Nene, Smith and Birdman could make another deep postseason run and possibly defeat the Lakers and advance further. However on July 27 during the off season the team announced Karl had prostate cancer. Karl still planned to coach the team for the upcoming season, which he did. However in February 2010 the team announced coach Karl would be taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team. Denver missed their 58 year old coach and sideline leader as assistant coach Adrian Dantely, long time NBA great took over, the final two months of regular season Denver had it's ups and downs with wins and losses, became the #5 seed in the West, while playing #4 Utah. Utah eventually defeated the Nuggets 4-2 during the first round. While Karl watched the team play from home during his cancer treatments. Karl would like to come back and coach the Nuggets for the 2010-11 NBA season, however he'll need to improve with his treatment and get clearance from his doctors. George Karl play for and graduated from University of North Carolina, coached in Spain and coached four NBA franchises : Cleveland, Golden State, Seattle and Denver. His 1993-94 Supersonic team will be remembered for being the first #1 seed to lose a first round series to #8 seed as Denver defeated Seattle 3-2, first round series after trailing 2-0. Karl led 1995-96 Seattle Supersonics to the 1996 NBA Finals, which fell behind 3-0 to Chicago, before winning 2 games to make it a respectable series, eventually losing to the Bulls 4-2. Karl had prostate cancer surgery in 2005, however he didn't miss any games. Everyone in the NBA family hope and pray George can defeat cancer and recover. While being able to live a pain free lifestyle.

Flyers Make History Come Back From 3-0 Series & Game 7 Deficits

Down 3-0, Friday evening to the Bruins in Boston was similar to being down 3-0 in the series during these 2010 NHL Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals. Flyers fought back in both the series and Game 7 to tie 3-3, then win both the series and Game 7 4-3. History was made move over 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, 1975 New York Islanders, even 2004 Boston Red Sox as Philadelphia became 3rd NHL team & 4Th overall in professional sports, to do it the hard way, winning a series after falling in a three games to zero hole. Flyers move on to host Montreal Canadiens who defeated Washington and Pittsburgh after trailing both series and winning on the road in a pair of Game 7, this Eastern Conference Finals series becomes a battle of destiny child(ren), move over Beyonce and company. A critical timeout was called by Flyers coach Peter Laviolette as Philadelphia trailed Boston 3-0 on a pair of power play goals and a break away goal, Flyers got a goal prior to first intermission to trim the lead to 3-1. During period 2, Philadelphia scored two goals, while Boston didn't score the remainder of the game. During the 3rd period, Bruins where called for a too many men on the ice penalty, prior to that, Flyers looked like they scored a goal, after review NHL reply in Toronto said no goal, remained tied 3-3. Simon Gagne scored late on power play to give Flyers 4-3 lead which proved to be game winner and history making goal. Goaltender Michael Leighton playing for injured Boucher made save after save to preserve the lead in the final minutes, while Flyers didn't sit back they were aggressive with the lead, unlike Boston who went cold offensively, the remainder of the game after scoring the first three goals.

Summer Of James Begins What Does It Mean For MVP Cavs Cleveland

Celtics 94, Cavaliers 85 another 60 win season down the drain. Cleveland lost to Boston for the second time in three years during postseason play. 2010 Eastern Conference Semifinals 'Witnessed' the Celtics defeat the Cavaliers 4-2. Thursday at TD Bank Garden, was that the final team everyone will see 2 time NBA MVP Lebron James in a Cavalier uniform, one in which he quickly removed prior to getting to the locker room after Game 6. Visibly frustrated after another postseason flame out, during the post game press conference. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert is extremly upset an felt as he along with GM Danny Ferry put together a championship team for 2009-10 season. Lebron finished with another triple double in Game 6 however he shot 8 for 21 from the field, also had 9 turnovers in an elimination game for Cleveland. Pivotal Game 5 in Cleveland with series tied 2-2, James shot 3 for 14 from the field, in the final pair of games in this series his jumpshot looked awful and really scored most of his points from the line, in transition or around the basket. Some feel Cavs gave James enough help with Williams Parker West O'Neal and aquiring Jamison prior to trade deadline. While others feel that's simply not enough, if so what is ? Everyone will chime in this summer with will James stay or if he goes, where will it be...New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Miami etc. This summer you'll see if Lebron James truly wants to win, whether he decided to leave Cleveland or stay, he'll probably next to take less money to get the players around him, from a supporting cast standpoint to win a NBA Finals championship. If Lebron were to take the max contract in Cleveland or elsewhere, how would a team be able to affort top level talent to assist James. Coach Mike Brown, is he staying or going and like James only time will tell, rumors of Phil Jackson would keep James in town, if Cavs could land the legendary current Lakers and former Bulls coach. Jackson could potentially coach the likes of Jordan, Kobe and Lebron, which would add to a historic resume. Brown if fired, would be unfair, however life is unfair at times, he would be the excape goat for his players postseason shortcomings. Back to James, let the July 1 and summer free agent madness begin.

Philadelphia Flyers Can They Do The Unthinkable They're Halfway Home

Philadelphia Flyers trailed Boston Bruins coming into Friday night game at Wachovia Center 3-0 after dropping Games 1 & 2 in Boston, also Game 3 in Philadelphia 5-4 (OT), 3-2, 4-1 respectively, before winning Game 4, 5-4 (OT) scored by Simon Gagne who returned for his first game during this Eastern Conference Semifinal series. History wasn't on the side of Philadelphia, meaning in NHL Stanley Cup Playoff history, only a pair of teams have come back to win series, they've trailed 3-0 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs & 1975 New York Islanders. After winning Game 4 Monday in Boston 4-0, Flyers have won two in a row and are halfway home to history. The rivals will meet Wednesday in Philadelphia for Game 6. The Flyers will look to force a Game 7 on Friday if they win, Boston is looking to advance to it's first Eastern Conference Finals since 1992. During the victory Philadelphia goaltender Brian Boucher was injured trying to stop a puck, as a teammate landed on his lower body. MCL & ACL sprains have been the post game report in both knees, his availability for Game 6 is uncertain. Nevertheless former starting net minder Michael Leighton came in and finished the shutout, Flyers second of the postseason. Philadelphia have had an emotional rollercoaster of a season, losing forwards centers defensemen and goaltenders. The Flyers postseason lives started with final regular season game, winner moves on, loser goes home vs. Rangers, Philadelphia defeated New York in a shootout. New Jersey Devils were the first round opponent the Flyers eliminated 4-1 in 5 games. The playoff pressure has now shifted to Boston as the look to escape the misery of possibly blowing a 3-0 series lead. Let the fun began in Philadelphia on Wednesday, while allowing the pucks (not the chips) to fall where they may.

King James & Cavs Fans...No Excuse Of Elbow Injury Moving Forward, Cavs Route Celtics During Game 3

Lebron James, offically two time & back to back NBA MVP, was injured vs. Chicago Bulls during round one of Eastern Conference playoff series. Cavaliers won Game 5 vs. Bulls 96-94, to win the series 4-1, however James injured his elbow and decided to take 2ND of two free throws in the final seconds with his left hand, an attempt which he missed. Nevertheless leading up to Eastern Conference semifinal series vs. Boston, James right elbow became the talk prior to the series, during Game 1 which Celtics had a double digit halftime lead, to see Cavs come back to win 101-93, prior to Game 2 during the game and after the game, elbow once again was the talk. Celtics behind Rajon Rondo 13 points & 19 assist even the best of seven series at 1. However opposed to Celtics getting credit for their 104-86 victory, Cavs worse defeat of the season, excuses were made, maybe due to James elbow injury, Cavs weren't the same team. These are the playoffs, this time a year, during late spring everyone around the NBA that's playing, guys are injured. If your on the court, their is no excuse, because if you win, while playing injured, you look like a hero, however if you lose, can't utilize the injury as an excuse. Friday Celtics were blown out in Boston as Cleveland took a 2-1 series lead, winning 124-95. Going forward Game 4 on Sunday and games beyond, media, Cavs fans as well as James fans, simply can't use the elbow as an excuse, if Cleveland is to lose another game or in fact a series. During Friday's game James scored 38 points and dished out 7 assist, the elbow appeared fine.

Eastern Conference Semifinals Matchup Of Postseason Best Team (Magic) vs. Dissapointing Team (Hawks)

Eastern Conference Semifinals, 2010 NBA Playoffs Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks. Magic lead series 2-0 heading to Phillips Arena in Atlanta Saturday for Game 3. In round one Orlando swept first time playoff entry Charlotte Bobcats 4-0, while Atlanta won a seven game series 4-3 vs. Milwaukee Bucks, led by Rookie Of Year candidate Brandon Jennings. However the Bucks were a depleted team from an injury standpoint, kudos to them for playing hard and going seven games, even had an oppotunity to win the series in six games, after winning game five in Atlanta. Michael Redd former Olympian was lost earlier this season to another knee injury and weeks prior to playoffs former NBA 1st overall selection & current All NBA 3rd team Andrew Bogut was lost for the season with arm, hand and wrist injuries. Atlanta finished the regular season 53-29 4th overall seed in East, defending Eastern Conference champions Orlando Magic finished second in the conference during the regular season, while having NBA second best record behind Cleveland in both catergories at 59-23. Orlando currently may not have the best team in NBA, however they are playing the most consistant playoff basketball, while Atlanta is playing the worse basketball out of the remaining eight playoff teams especially on the road. Hawks have made the playoffs the last three springs and have played in 5 series, while managing to win only 2 road games. History shows teams can't win a championship, without being able to win on the road, Hawks aren't just losing on the road, they are getting embarassed and blown out vs. Orlando they lost Game 1 & 2 by 43 & 14 points respectively. Several question marks concern this talented team after the season, will coach Mike Woodson who is a free agent be resigned, ditto for Joe Johnson. Media and fans thought this could be the season, that Hawks took the next step, thus far it doesn't look like it, nevertheless the series isn't over, however the Hawks will have to win one game in Orlando at minimum in order to advance. While Orlando look like a determined team to get back to another ECF as well as another NBA Finals, as they look to bounce back from the 4-1 defeat to Los Angeles last season, watching Lakers celebrate on their floor after Game 5. Dwight Howard is playing well offensively in the lost post, as well as defensively in the paint through two rounds and six games, must stay out of foul trouble. While Orlando shooters space the floor and continue to take and make, three after three after three. Atlanta has too many talented players to simply go quitely into the night.

Mayweather Defeats Mosley Rather Easily, Don't Have To Like Money, Have To Respect Him

Saturday May 1st MGM Grand Garden Las Vegas, NV a pair of 38 and 33 year old boxers fought for welterweight supremacy. Sugar Shane Mosley was defeated by Floyd Money Mayweather Jr., rather easily, most had the fight 10 rounds to two in favor of Floyd. Before our very eyes Shane appeared for the final ten rounds to be every bit of 38 years old, nevertheless thats to take nothing away from Mayweather Jr. Who took the fight over after showing he had a chin in round two. Mosley landed the big shot everyone has been waiting to see an opponent land vs. Money, however Mayweather Jr. weathered the storm after falling behind 2 rounds to 0, to destroy Shane the final 10 rounds of the bout, pitching a 10-0 shutout. The boxing world knew what the best pound for pound boxer in the world could do defensively and stamina he had to go the distance for 12 rounds. What every saw was Mosley not being able to throw let alone land punches after round two, struggled to pull the trigger. However with an opponent in the ring such as Mayweather Jr. its understood why. Shane falls to 46-6-1, Floyd improves to 40-0-0. Money earned $22 million plus pay per view shares, while Shane earned $7 million. Within the past few days Manny Pacquiao seems to be coming around to partcipating in an Olympic style drug testing, which he wasn't willing to do previously. Which could mean the fight that everyone wants to view Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, in the weeks and months to come, we'll see if each boxer and their respective representitives can get together and make the fight happen. As Mayweather showed power in this bout, experts questioned and a chin that was questioned since it's never been tested. Money quite frankly answered all doubters, love him or hate him, please respect him, he's earned that much.

Teenager Tasered During Phillies Game, Another National Black Eye For Philadelphia Sports

St. Louis Cardinals 6, Philadelphia Phillies 3, game 27 of the 2010 Major League Baseball season for the home team. Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia has already been the site of a drunk fan vomiting on an off duty police officer and his daughter during an April 14Th game vs. Washington Nationals. Which happened during the Phillies 8Th overall game and 2ND home game of the season. Attention from those events among others in the past from Phillies, Eagles, Flyers and Sixers games, have all gone national and painted Philadelphia sports fans in a negative light. 17 year old teenager ran onto the playing field late in Monday's game, Phillies security staff attempted to chase the young man down in the outfield, with no success. Philadelphia Police Officer, utilized his taser, to track the young fan down, while stunned, the teen fell to the ground while taken off the field. Less than 24 hours later this situation as been the talk of national and local media, during sports talk radio on Tuesday as well as internet sources, such as this one. We've had fans visiting from St. Louis to see the Cardinals play in the City Of Brotherly Love, die at the hands of being hit by a Phillies fan who was driving drunk. Arguments among Phillies fans which escalated to a man being beat to death in seasons past. We've witnessed opposing hockey players getting into it with Flyers fans, one incident included a fan falling into the penalty box to fight a professional NHL player. National media always recall the Santa Claus situation in the late 1980's when he was attacked with snow balls. Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson was attacked as well with snow balls. Local television cameras are always reluctant to show a fan, anytime they run onto the field, basically to discourage others from doing so. The great debate is whether the officer should or shouldn't have utilized the taser on the fan, especially with him being underage, also Phillies needing to beef up their Citizens Bank Park security as the team has sold out over 50 consecutive home games, dating back to 2009 season. Not a good sports evening for Philadelphia as the Flyers fell to Boston Bruins 3-2, to fall into 2-0 series deficit during NHL Eastern Conference Semifinals.