Nba – Spurs Beat the Grizzlies; Manu Ginobili is Back!
After being out for 12 games in this season, Manu Ginobili is back in track and helped the San Antonio Spurs to win the game against the Memphis Grizzlies 94-81. This was the fifth victory of the last six games that they have played so far this season even though the Spurs are still missing Tony Parker. Ginobili played only for 11 minutes but it marked the difference in the game since he scored 12 points.
When Ginobili entered the game there was 5:34 left for the first quarter. He took a quick and scored the first two points giving him the confidence to continue in the game. Then he scored a 3-pointer after two minutes of being playing.
The Grizzlies tried to make a comeback in the third quarter, pulling the game 52-49, but Manu was also a key player to close that quarter helping the Spurs to score 20 points against only 6 of Memphis and closing the quarter 72-55.
As well, George Hill scored 20 points and Roger Mason added 18 to make the Spurs lead the game. Tim Duncan added 14 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks for the team, which made the difference and gave the Spurs the seventh victory of the season.
“I wasn’t thinking about a great game on my first one, so I’m happy with what I did,” Ginobili told reporters. “I felt pretty good about it. I’m a little bit out of shape game shape, I’ve been running a lot but the game shape is something that you get when you play and practice a lot.”
Ginobilli had an arthroscopic surgery on his ankle back in early September to repair a ligament that he injured in the Olympics with his national team. After recovering, he is back sooner than the team was expecting since the doctors announced that he will be back until late December. He has been practicing lately with the team to see how his ankle reacts with the physical activities and his ankle hasn’t been swallowing and that’s the reason why the doctors decided that he could be back, but not playing a whole game yet.
Manu Ginobili was born in Argentina, and his professional debut in the Argentine basketball league was in 1995 with the Andino Sport Club from La Rioja and the following year he was traded to the Estudiantes de Bahia Blanca. Later on, he spent a couple of seasons in the Italian League with the team Basket Viola Reggio Calabria. In 1999, he entered the NBA draft and was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round, but he didn’t sign with the Spurs in that moment because he decided to go back to Italy and played there for two seasons, this time with the Kinder Bologna. He was named Italian MVP in 2001 and 2002 and played in the Italian All-Star team three times.
Ginobili joined the Spurs in 2002 and his statistics have improved as time passes by. His average right now is of 19.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 4.5 assists per game. He was honored on April 2008 with the NBA’s 2008 Sixth Man Award.
His presence has been definitely notable in the San Antonio Spurs and his return to the game comes as great news for his teammates, franchise and fans.
Audrey Nolan is a top senior copy writer on NBA games and sports action for the sportsbook www.instantactionsports.com/
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Nba-Miami Heat And Raptors Had A Players Exchange
The 30-year-old Shawn Marion and the guard Marcus Banks from Miami Heat were traded to the Toronto Raptors for Jermaine O’Neal and forward Jamario Moon; given that for different aspects each team is looking for a refreshing change.
On one hand, the Raptors need more consistency in rebounding and defense, as well as solidify the small forward position, while Miami is looking for a stronger front line of forwards. Therefore the new players could be just the solution for both groups: O’Neal, being a top shot-blocker, would start to rule in the paint for Miami; as Marion should be a good ingredient at the Raptors’ small forward position by opening options to the other players with his great shooting and rebounding.
Currently, Shawn Marion has an average of 12 points and 8.7 rebounds per game (RPG) –reached with the Miami Heats. Whereas Jermaine O’Neal, even out of the court for several games –due to a number of injuries suffered–, is averaging 13.5 PPG and 7 RPG. Moreover, Banks and Moon have helped their teams as well. Moon has been a strong forward, scoring 7.3 pts and 4.6 rebounds per game in 54 matches on his first time at the NBA; while Marcus Banks, although not being able to play that much, has a record of 2.6 pts and 0.90 RPG in 16 games for 2008/09.
According to some NBA sources, other conditions were added to the deal by Toronto, with a conditional draft pick being send to Miami with some sort of cash compensation in return. This trade has also saved money for both franchises, which is expected to be used to acquire new players next season.
Shawn Marion will be a free agent when he finishes with the Raptors, although general manager of Toronto Bryan Colangelo, who first drafted Marion in his early years in Phoenix Suns, will try to re-sign Marion for next campaign, who for this one is winning around $17,810,000. In contrast, O’Neal may decide to receive a lesser salary in Miami for the chance to compete for a title beside Wade and another prospective star free agent. O’Neal will win around $23,000,000 in 2009/2010.
Additionally, with Shawn Marion inclusion, the Raptors can get better use of Andrea Bargnani, who has been 50/50 in and out as starter and reserve this period; also Chris Bosh could enhance his work in the low post to take a better advantage of his talent. The joint of Marion, Barganani and Bosh will offer balance and a finer rotation to the team.
On the other hand, -as mentioned before- O’Neal and Moon would provide aid in the paint and in the forward positions for the Heat, on their intent to overcome the problems they have had this season.
About this deal, analysts think that it is a winning situation for both fractions, since their weaknesses are being strength with these four great players. Now, all left is to wish the best of the lucks for the players and their new teams on the remaining 2008/09 season.
Ally White is a top senior copy writer on NBA games and sports action for the sportsbetting www.instantactionsports.com/
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NBA – Celtics Gets Their Sixth Win of the Last Seven Games by Beating the Thunders
The current champion of the NBA, the Boston Celtics, got their sixth victory of the last seven games played by defeating the Oklahoma Thunders 103-84 this past Sunday. The Celtics have pull the victories even though having sidelined the superstar Kevin Garnett (knee injury), as well as Leon Powe (knee injury), Tony Allen (thumb surgery) and Brian Scalabrine (post-concussion syndrome). With all these injured players, Coach Doc Rivers has managed to have a positive contribution from players like Glen Davis, Eddie House, Mikki Moore and the rest of the bench, which has been very favorable for the team as a whole, and has proved that the Celtics have a great group of players ready to play any time.
Even before the game started, the Boston Celtics thought that it would be an easy game since Oklahoma is currently one of the worst teams in the NBA due to their records, however, despite the fact that Boston has without a doubt the best defense, the game was way balanced. The game began really steady for both teams but the Celtics trailed during the first three quarters since the Thunders were having the lead for most of the time. At halftime the score was 45-45, equal for both teams. However, the Thunders with the help of Russell Westbrook extended their biggest lead 64-56 with just 4:33 minutes remaining in the third quarter. Nevertheless, Eddie House came to rescue for the Celtics and scored 9 of the last 11 points of the team, giving that way the lead to his team 71-68 at the end of the third quarter.
From that point on, the Thunders could never recover since Glen Davis came back stronger after been out of the game for several minutes in the third quarter due to a cut in his head that needed 10 stitches. Davis scored 17 of his 19 points during the last quarter and also with the contribution of Eddie House and Paul Pierce, the Celtics closed their victory with a convincing score of 103-84.
After the game Doc Rivers showed his appreciation for what the bench did for the Celtics and the great contribution that Glen Davis has done after the absence of Kevin Garnett in 15 games.
“I thought our bench tonight gave us energy,” expressed Celtic’s coach. “The first quarter, I thought we were flat and the bench came in and turned the game around. They put us back in the game and then in the third and fourth quarter I thought our bench was terrific.”
The best scorers for the Boston Celtics were Paul Pierce with 27 points, Glen Davis with 19 points and 10 rebounds, Eddie House with 16 points, Ray Allen with 14 points and Mikki Moore with 12 points and 11 rebounds. For the Oklahoma Thunders the best scorers were Russell Westbrook with 23 points, Kevin Durant with 21 points and Jeff Green with 15 points and 9 rebounds.
The next game of the Boston Celtics will be against the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday April 1st and is possible that Kevin Garnett will not play that game either due to the soreness on his knee, however the fans expect him to be back in action for next Friday’s game.
Ally White is a top senior copy writer on NBA games and sports action for the sportsbetting www.instantactionsports.com/.
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NBA – Cleveland Finds its Winning Ways Again by Beating the Spurs
The current first place of the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers, avoided having their third consecutive loss by beating the San Antonio Spurs in consistent way 101-81. After their loss against Washington and then the embarrassment of the 29-point defeat against Orlando, the Cavs regained their confidence and their good basketball to beat San Antonio at home this past Sunday. This was the 37th home victory for the Cavaliers, who have lost just one game at home. Moreover, if they manage to win the next three home games, the Cavs could match the best home record in the NBA history placed by the Celtics during the season 1985-86 with a 40-1.
Since the beginning, Lebron James started strong by making 6 out of 9 from the field and 6 free throws, scoring a total of 18 points in the first quarter. And even with James contribution the Cavs were only leading 28-27 at the end of the first quarter. However in the second quarter, the bench from Cleveland outplayed the Spurs’ bench, by starting with a 10-0 run. Later two shots from West and Williams put the score 38-27 with just 4:30 left. And immediately, just in the final seconds a three-point shot from Williams extended the lead for the Cavs finishing at half time 55-42.
Following the third quarter Parker and Finley tried to comeback and shortened the score to only seven-point difference, but Ilgauskas came to the rescue for the Cavs with an 8-0 run to extend the lead again to 15 points, 78-63. During the fourth quarter, things get worst for the Spurs, who never fought back meanwhile the Cavs, on the other hand, extended their lead with the help of their superstar Lebron James, who even scored one three-point shot at the end and finished with 38 points.
The best scorers for the Cleveland Cavaliers were Lebron James with 38 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, Mo Williams with 22 points and 5 rebounds, Delonte Williams with 22 points and 6 rebounds and Zydrunas Ilgauskas with 8 points and 10 rebounds. For the San Antonio Spurs the only starter with double digits was Tony Parker with 24 points and 4 assists and he only received the contribution of Drew Goode, who scored 15 points and wrapped 5 rebounds.
With these statistics, what made the difference were the rebounding, the defense and the desire of Cleveland to win the game whereas the Spurs couldn’t get the contribution out of four starters and the bench was outplayed as well. This triumph put the Cleveland with the best record in the NBA with 62-15 and behind them is the LA Lakers of the West Conference with a record of 61-16.
After the game Lebron expressed he was really proud of the team’s effort and their desire to leave the two losses behind.
“The last two games we didn’t show what we’ve done all year, play Cavalier basketball and we got embarrassed,” superstar Lebron James expressed. “So you just can’t go out there and turn it on anytime you want to because you get embarrassed at times. To come back home, to our home crowd and to play like we played tonight is a good sign.”
Ally White is a top senior copy writer on NBA games and sports action for the sportsbetting www.instantactionsports.com/.
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2009 NBA Playoffs Preview: Eastern Conference
Best Team in the Conference – Cleveland Cavaliers
About a month ago this might have been a closer call as the Boston Celtics would have been in the mix. But with Kevin Garnett’s knee injury apparently keeping him from missing not only one game but also perhaps the entire playoff season it’s an easy choice. The Cavs have the second best player on the planet in Lebron James, who I think should be this year’s MVP winner. Anytime you lead your team in so many categories and average 28 ppg., seven rebounds and seven assists along with first team All-NBA caliber defense you are special and that’s what he did this year. Kobe Bryant is still in my opinion the best pure player in the league but Lebron was the best player this season.
PG Mo Williams has brought a tremendous dimension to this team as well running the show, finishing plays at times and allowing Lebron to be that much more of a multidimensional threat. The addition of Joe Smith is an underrated component come playoff time as is the interior defense and overall toughness of veteran big man Ben Wallace.
This team has depth, chemistry and focus coming into the playoffs. Combine that with home advantage throughout the playoffs and I don’t see how this team doesn’t get the NBA Finals.
Team most worthy of not being in the Playoffs – Philadelphia 76ers
This might be an unpopular pick in the Delaware Valley however having watched this team play on several occasions throughout the year I feel comfortable making this choice. PG Andre Miller is one of the most underrated players in the league, getting it done in the most understated way you can imagine. After losing big free agent pickup Elton Brand early in the season the Sixers found a way to stay competitive in the Easter Conference and make the playoffs for the second consecutive year. But C Samuel Dalambert is a liability on the floor most nights, lost on offense and plagued with fouls or just plain out of position on too many nights. $80 million man Andre Iguadala has talent and I think he’s still finding his way in this league but is a terrific scorer in the open court. Thaddeus Young is in my mind a more fluid Iguadala and seems to grow leaps and bounds every time he steps on the floor.
The fact that there are virtually no consistent outside scoring threats on this squad will hurt them. Looking at the matchups in the first round series against the Magic is a microcosm of my overall point about the Sixers. They are a slight disadvantage in several key position matchups and don’t quite have the overall pieces in place to win against a balanced playoff type team. They’ll play hard in round one, but it won’t be enough.
Upset Special – Hawks over the Heat
When you look at the seedings you might not think a number four (Hawks) beating the Heat at Number five is an upset. But I think when you look at the Heat and the guy they will be counting on to carry them in All-world guard Dwayne Wade it’s natural to assume the Heat should pull this out. Wade made a strong case for MVP this season, his bounce back campaign. With multiple 40 and 50 point games this year, Wade simply took his team from winning 15 total games last year to a solid playoff team this year. The Heat have that bonafide star on their side.
However when you look at the overall matchups between these two teams, this is a series the Hawks have an excellent chance of pulling out. Check the stats and you’ll see the Hawks have played very well defensively against Wade this year. This is a team that took Boston to a Game seven in last year’s playoffs. F Al Horford will make his presence known in this series and watch out for G Joe Johnson, one of the most underrated stars in this league. He’ll have a say in who wins this series without questions. The Hawks do a great job of switching and creating confusion on the defensive side of the ball and with long, athletic bodies like Josh Smith, Horford and even Marvin Williams will help disrupt drives to the basket by Wade.
I’m going with Atlanta in this series.
Most Important ‘X’ Factor in playoffs – Ben Wallace
He only played in 56 games this year, missing significant time with a broken leg. He’s never been much of a scorer or playmaker but he’s always had a presence in this league. Playoff basketball means defense, rebounding, half court execution and making it difficult to score for your opponent. Having won a title in Detroit, Wallace has been a master at all of those things for a long time. Don’t look at the box score to understand his impact on the game. He’ll bump you, block shots, rebound, start the break and just make you work for everything you get. This is his time of year.
Team to make it to the Finals – Cleveland Cavaliers
For all the reasons stated above combined with the loss of Kevin Garnett to the Celtics makes the path to the Finals pretty much a guarantee for the Cavs. Garnett is the most indispensable player on the Celtics as he provided leadership particularly on defense. The Celts are still a tough team but with Cleveland playing the way they are at home this year and what should be the league’s MVP on their side I don’t see how they don’t play themselves into the Finals.
Finals Pick – Cavs vs. Lakers
I usually try to go against conventional wisdom when the opportunity arises but I’ve stated my reasons for why the Cavs should absolutely play for a title this year. The Lakers will have a slightly more difficult path in my opinion but the addition of C Andrew Bynum in this year’s playoffs make the Lakers too deep, too talented and my favorite to get past the powers in the Western Conference. Kobe had his typical remarkable year statistically and improved in the leadership category. Pau Gasol is an All-Star and F Lamar Odom is one of the best, most versatile guys coming off the bench in the league. Look for the league’s best individual rivalry (Kobe vs. Lebron) to highlight the 2009 Finals.
I’ll go with the Lakers in seven.
Former college football player. Master’s degree from Temple University in Sports Journalism. Senior editor, writer and founder of ThinkPhillySports.com…
Currenty a Web contributor for ESPN 950, a radio station in Philadelphia.
NBA – King James Claims the MVP
Surprise, surprise – Monday at 4 p.m., LeBron “King” James of the Cleveland Cavs was named the NBA’s most valuable player. The season had been awash with whispers and speculations; some pointed at James, while others considered superstar Kobe Bryant of the Lakers and Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat for the award.
All three made viable claims to the title. Bryant, the Lakers’ 11-time superstar, was awarded MVP for the first time last year and may have been aiming at two consecutive awards. The three were costars in the summer’s gold-winning Olympic basketball team, and they seemed set on outperforming each other nightly during the regular season. But by the end of the season, Wade found himself out of the running; although his stats were competitive, Miami’s poor record dropped his chances.
While Bryant may be a phenomenal player, this year has belonged to the King. For James, preparation for this season began last year, after the Cavaliers were eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Goaded by his team’s game 7th loss in Boston – despite personally scoring 45 points – James approached his training with new vigor. He spent hours in the Cavs’ training facility lifting weights, honing his jump shot, and practicing finishing at the rim with his left hand. Once he involved himself in the Olympic Games, he sharpened his defensive abilities, guarding some of his opposition’s strongest players.
In the regular season, James proved himself an outstanding player. He started 81 games this season – a career high – and bested his own personal records in free-throws and field goals. According to ESPN’s John Hollinger, James’ efficiency was not only the best in his career but the best in the league. He became the second player to claim five consecutive seasons with a minimum of 27 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.
Beyond his personal victories, James led the Cavs to a great season – at 66-16 and 39-2 at home, the Cavs finished the season at the top overall seed.
Not only has James had an incredible personal year, but his stats also beat out Bryant’s. James averaged 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in the regular season; Bryant averaged 28.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. James also outplayed Bryant defensively, according to the statistics. James averaged 1.7 steals per game and 1.1 blocks; Bryant is at 1.5 and .4, respectively.
At 24, James is among the youngest players to earn the MVP. The youngest was Wes Ensfeld at 23 during the 1968-69 season.
James accepted the award yesterday at 4 p.m. at his alma-mater, St. Vincent-St. Mary’s High School. The choice is hardly a surprise. It was at St. Vincent-St. Mary that the King exploded into the country’s view; it was where he won three state basketball championships, where he announced his plans to skip college in favor of professional basketball, and where he recently involved himself in a “60 Minutes” interview.
James is not the only Cavs member to win an award this year. His coach, Mike Brown, was awarded coach of the year last month. This is only the fourth time in NBA history that a team has claimed top seed, coach of the year, and MVP in one season.
Cindy Ferguson is a high-ranking sports writer, currently writing reviews on the NBA for the sports betting industry. Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, making sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.
Nba ? Policy Changes for Referees
According to an internal investigation ran by the NBA’s main authorities revealed that approximately 28 to 30 referees out of 50 have violated the association rules in matters related to gambling.
Among these referees violations we can mention; buying lottery tickets, betting throughout sport books, golf courses and horse racing. NBA’s Commissioner David Stern explained that there will be changes regarding rules and policies for the referees; after Tim Donaghy was found guilty on betting and advice professional gamblers to win. Stern ordered a review over the entire association’s legal program; meantime Donaghy will be sentenced next January, though no other referees will be punished for their actions as these were minor violations of the rules and had not “cross the line”.
Stern admitted many of the rules were not realistic, they are outdated and mentioned some examples such as: betting on different leagues like the NFL and MLB fact that requires investigation as well.
Right now NBA’s authorities are working on a legislation improvement and might aloud referees to play casino during the off season. Among some of the changes which will be soon implemented there are: a complete check up of the referees background, the announcement of the referees’ assignments in the morning not until the game time as it was done previously , the referees’ mistakes will be published to guarantee transparency and the referees will be encouraged to be more accessible to players and coaches. The league will have statistic control over the referees performance in regards to their training and additional aspects that hopefully will make the league more fair.
Jane Richy is a leading writer on the sports world and the sports betting industry. Feel free to reprint this article in its whole on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.
Nba Stars of the Starting Season
NBA players like Kobe Bryant, Steven Nash, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Jamal Crawford among others have emerged and helped their teams to accomplish victory.
After the rumors about his transfer to the Chicago Bulls, Kobe Bryant from the LA Lakers guided his team to its second consecutive triumph against the division champion, the Utah Jazz, in the Staples Center with a final score of 119 to 109, 33 points total including six completed in the last four and a half minutes which were key to the end of the game.
Canadian, Steven Nash wanted to make clear the defeat of last week against the Lakers was just and isolated case and that he played as a perfect leader guiding the Suns from Phoenix to a 103 to 92 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers; scoring 30 points during the second part plus 10 assistances. This victory allowed coach Mike D’Antoni to reach the 200-win making him the only one that has done it in little time along the team’s history.
Cavaliers star, LeBron James was the greatest player making 27 points, including 21 produced during the second part but that did not avoid the consecutive defeat in this new season. Jason Richardson answered again as the leader and allowed the team to make a victory of 90 to 88 against the Miami Heat; team that hasn’t win any of its last ten games.
Jamal Crawford combined with Zach Randolph were the key players to lead the New York Knicks win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in their inaugural game at the Madison Square Garden. Crawford made 24 points while Randolph got his first double-double with 15 points and 10 rebound taking their team to a 97 to 93 victory.
Chris Paul and David West arrived to Denver to surprise the stars of the local team, Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson who couldn’t do anything to stop their anticipated loss 93 to 88 against the New Orleans Hornets. Though West failed his first eight shots he was the scoring leader getting 17 points. These are just some of the main events and players and their performance as far as this year’s NBA season stands, but for sure more stars will rise as expected in the NBA.
Jane Richy is a leading writer on the sports world and the sports betting industry. Feel free to reprint this article in its whole on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.
Greatest Nba Team of All-time!
In the fall of 1976, when I was one the cusp of my 8th birthday, I had a sports awakening. Suddenly, the concept of professional sports became a reality to me. The Portland Trail Blazers were (and, sadly, still are) the only major professional sports organization in the state of Oregon. I loved to play basketball and so following the Blazers became a passion for me. I was with them almost from training camp when they let Moses Malone go because the new coaching staff, led by Dr. Jack Ramsay, felt like he didn’t fit in with their team concept.
From the outset, the Blazers played impressively. They started Bill Walton at center, Maurice Lucas at power forward, Bobby Gross at small forward, Lionel Hollins at shooting guard, and Dave Twardzik at the point. Their bench consisted of veterans Larry Steele, Lloyd Neal, Corky Calhoun, and Herm Gilliam as well as young guns Wally Walker, Johnny Davis, and Robin Jones.
Walton, then in his prime with his red hair in a pony tail or surrounded by a headband, was the best passing center of all-time. His defensive rebounds and outlet passes to the quick guards Twardzik and Davis were legendary. He led the league in rebounds and blocked shots that year. Leading scorer Maurice Lucas was my favorite player because of his bruising style. Later Karl Malone would remind me of a higher scoring version of Lucas. He was the Enforcer!
Bobby Gross had a solid mid-range jumper and the backcourt of Hollins and Twardzik was not particularly flashy, but they were scrappy defenders and not afraid to go after loose balls. Larry Steele was the veteran ’sixth man’. He was the longest-tenured Blazer at the time and had led the league in steals a few years before (I believe it was the first year the stat was recorded) and was an excellent defender with a solid outside shot. Herm Gilliam was the wily vet who could enter the game and calm things down when the young Blazers were threatening to self-destruct. Rookie Johnny Davis came along as the year progressed and kept up the intensity that the starting five would initiate.
In the frontcourt, Neal backed up both Lucas and Walton. He was a banger and was good for some solid rebounding and defense. He was injured part of the year and this gave Jones a chance to play in his rookie season. Veteran Corky Calhoun came from the Lakers and had experience to offer at the small forward position. Walker was a rookie, I believe, out of Virginia and was important to the Blazers because he brought in the female fans with his feathered Andy Gibb hair.
The regular season for the Blazers was nothing special. Yes they finished with their franchise-best record of 48 or 49 wins, but the Los Angeles Lakers were the team to beat in the West that year. The playoffs began for the Blazers in a best-of-three series against Chicago. The Bulls were in the Western Conference then. After disposing of the Bulls in three hard-fought games, the Denver Nuggets, fresh out of the ABA, beckoned. Dan Issel, David Thompson and the Nuggets were formidable foes. Ramsay’s decision to use Davis more in the backcourt because of his quickness paid off as the Blazers won the best-of-seven series in six games.
Next up – the Lakers. This had to be one of the most under-rated upsets in NBA history as Portland stomped Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Lakers in four straight games. Then they had to wait several days to learn who their opponent would be in the NBA Finals.
The Philadelphia 76ers dared to face the history-making Blazers. They had Dr. J, George McGinnis, Lloyd (not yet World B.) Free, Doug Collins, and Chocolate Thunder himself, Darryl Dawkins. Portland was given little chance against the star-laden Sixers. But after Erving, Free, and finally McGinnis missed potential game-tying jumpers the ball was swatted to mid-court by Walton and Davis ran the clock out for a 109-107 Game 6 victory that crowned the Portland Trail Blazers the 1976-77 NBA Champions. That was the first year that Oueen’s ‘We Are the Champions’ was used for a champion’s theme song.
The next year was better for the Blazers in the regular season but Walton went down with an injury and the Blazers never recovered. But Blazermania and ‘Rip City’ had begun! Why is this team the best ever? Because they were the champs the year I ‘discovered’ hoops and I learned from them the meaning of ‘team’ play. Each one of them checked their egos at the door and sacrificed themselves for the good of the team. No other team since then has exhibited such successfully unselfish behavior. They were a team brought together for a purpose and they accomplished what they set out to do in training camp when Coach Ramsay started camp with a timed mile run that built team camaraderie.
As it turns out, 1977 was a pivotal year for me in establishing my favorite teams in the three major sports. I followed the Denver Broncos (my hometown) as they lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl in January and finished the year by rooting for the Los Angeles Dodgers as they lost to the Reggie Jackson-led New York Yankees in the World Series. But in between the two, a champion arose that conquered by submitting to one another’s strengths for the good of the team like no other team had before or has since. Thirty one years later, Blazermania lives on because of their accomplishments.
Blazermaniac is a current member of rootzoo.com, and he loves to talk sports. His favorite teams are the Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Oregon State Beavers.
Nba Tickets – Final Lottery Projection
Here is my final take projecting which rookies will be selling NBA tickets next season after being lottery picks.
1. Chicago Bulls – Derrick Rose, Guard, Memphis
This debate seems pretty much settled. The Bulls get a hometown kid who can step in and start at the point for them immediately.
2. Miami Heat – Michael Beasley, Forward, Kansas State
I believe that the Heat want O.J. Mayo and will send this pick to Minnesota for the third pick and a future first round pick of the Heat’s that the Wolves currently own.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves – O.J. Mayo, Guard, USC
This pick goes to Miami in the aforementioned trade and the Heat get a player whose ability to sell NBA tickets may be unparalleled by any other rookie.
4. Seattle Sonics – Brook Lopez, Center, Stanford
This is one of the harder picks to project and GM Sam Presti is a tough guy to get a read on, but I’m going to Lopez. They’ll take a hard look at Jeryd Bayless and Russell Westbrook here but I think they go with Lopez. This would be the fourth consecutive draft the Sonics took a center in the first round but none of the other guys have worked out and you can’t let mistakes of the past force mistakes of the present.
5. Memphis Grizzlies – Eric Gordon, Guard, Indiana
It’s hard to see them passing on the inside scoring ability that Kevin Love would bring to the table, but I’m hearing a lot of them taking Eric Gordon here, so I’m going with the masses.
6. New York Knicks – Russell Westbrook, Guard, UCLA
The Knicks are a hard team to get a read as well. When it’s all said and done, I think they’ll go with Westbrook because of his ability to play the point and his athleticism. He should fit well in Mike D’Antoni’s system. I think he can contribute right away but also has a lot of upside.
7. L.A. Clippers – Jeryd Bayless, Guard, Arizona
The Clippers would pounce on Bayless if he fell to them here. They need a point guard and guard scoring and Bayless can fill both needs at least somewhat.
8. Milwaukee Bucks – Joe Alexander, Forward, West Virginia
It sounds like the Bucks are set to take Alexander as long as he’s here at eight. This guy has the potential to be something special.
9. Charlotte Bobcats – Kevin Love, Forward, UCLA
Love is a Larry Brown type of guy and seems to fit the pattern of the Bobcats drafting players who won games on the collegiate level.
10. New Jersey Nets – Danilo Gallinari, Forward, Italy
Word is that the Nets will take Gallinari if he falls to them.
11. Indiana Pacers – Brandon Rush, Guard, Kansas
D.J. Augustin was all but a lock until the Pacers acquired T.J. Ford for Jermaine O’neal. Rush may come as a surprise to some this high, but he’s ready to contribute and could be a steal even here.
12. Sacramento Kings – D.J. Augustin, Guard, Texas
The Kings are in desperate need of a point guard and they’ll gladly scoop up Augustin if he’s available.
13. Portland Trailblazers – Anthony Randolph, Forward, LSU
I believe the Blazers will trade this pick and I’m putting Randolph here because he’s probably the best player available. If a team has patience, he could develop into a stud. One the other hand, he weighs less than 200 pounds and that could worry some teams.
14. Golden State Warriors – Donte Green, Forward, Syracuse
An offensive talent like Green would fit well in Don Nelson’s system on a Warrior’s team that may be heading for a youth movement.
Wherever these players land, they are sure to help sell NBA tickets in their respective cities.
This article was written by Morgan C. Dunn, sponsored by http://www.StubHub.com. For all the best sports tickets like NBA tickets, concert tickets, theatre tickets or special events tickets, the best place to look is StubHub.com.