Considering last night’s NBA Finals playoff-low scoring output from LeBron — combined with the upcoming statistical breakdown — the lead video seems awfully appropriate. The unnecessary Jordan/LeBron discussion was, of course, initiated by Scottie Pippen’s outburst, something he semi-recanted. Initially, LeBron’s fourth quarter scoring was the discussion point, but after his eight point outing in Game 4 — zero in the fourth quarter — it’s time to put the discussion to bed.
The lead video comes courtesy of Devour.com, and it speaks volumes. So do these NBA Finals statistics:
Every year the NBA playoffs are a test of endurance, not only for the players who must survive the two-month stint right after finishing an 82-game season, but also for the fans who give up their normal primetime TV viewing, get a little less sleep, and endure hours of commercials they normally skip with their DVRs.
The NBA playoffs are long, and since switching the first round to a 7-game series, they tend to drag on even longer. Even the games themselves seem longer, with more fouls, injuries, and stoppage of play, mostly because of the heightened competitiveness of the players. The NBA playoffs are so long that many other things typically viewed as agonizingly long do not even come close. The following are ten examples.
I guess, as a sports blog, I should acknowledge the Los Angeles Lakers beating the Boston Celtics last night for their 16th banner.
There, done.
Mom always told me if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. While I normally ignore that, today, mom’s right. Congratulations to the Lakers. If you want analysis, go read Ball Don’t Lie or Basketbawful. I’m basketball’d out for now.
Evidently, the Los Angeles Lakers believe in things like luck and superstition. What else would explain them inviting Christina Aguilera back to re-perform the National Anthem for Game 7? Granted, her Game 6 performance was awesome but still. It’s obvious the Lakers like the vibe her singing provided — or maybe she’s to blame for the Celtics playing like such garbage. Either way, the Lakers are trying to re-capture whatever bottled lightening Aguilera’s Anthem provided.
While Brown may not have evolved into the NBA player some thought, and while he hasn’t contributed much to the Lakers against the Celtics (6 points, 2 points, 4 points, 5 points, 0 points and 4 points in six Finals games so far), the man can jump. High. Really, really high. And while he may not have contributed anything more than two baskets (two rebounds and assists as well), it’s doubtful you’ll see a prettier four points scored, maybe ever.
Oh, and Game 7, ya’ll. It’s hard to get much better than that, at least, sports-wise.
Unfortunately, the rest of the nation — save about 140 people in Nevada — don’t share the same confidence in Team Kobe (and Pau). Obviously, the latest SportsNation poll features a combination of overreaction to one game, while doing a good job of showing where the homer state are, Massachusetts and California not included. Oddly enough, the aforementioned Massachusetts had a 90-10 percentage split of who voted for the Celtics over the Lakers.
Meanwhile, the California split was only 69-31 for the Lakers, suggesting the laid-back West Coasters aren’t as confident or relaxed about the Lakers’ chances like they were after Game 1.
On the opposite side of the country, it’s fairly obvious Massachusetts residents were moved and motivated by Paul Pierce’s announcement of his upcoming travel plans.
He doesn’t think so. At least, that’s what the sideline microphones picked up after Pau Gasol hammered Kendrick Perkins in an effort to extend a game that was clearly slipping away from the Lakers. One wonders if Pierce will use his “my account got hacked” reason to explain away his exuberance. Oh, there’s video of the entire affair.
In order to get his wish, Pierce might want to contribute a little more than 10 points and four rebounds — unless, of course, he thinks Ray “My Stroke’s So Sweet, It Will Make You Cry” Shuttlesworth Allen is going to provide eight more long-range bombs in games three, four and five (now necessary).
Finally. That’s about all I can come up with when thinking about the fact the NBA Finals start tonight. Boston versus LA. The Lakers versus the Celtics. Magic versus Bird gives way to Kobe versus Paul Pierce. All things considered, that’s the way it’s supposed to be. To help get you prepared for the fun, here’s a selection of intros and promos for the NBA Finals on television.
If these don’t get you in the mood for some basketball, nothing will:
