Well Eugene , Oregon and the track at Hayward Field was the place to be over the weekend . As the most prodigious of the country’s track and field stars were on display. The talent was of the highest caliber as too was the competitive nature of the racing. For many it was their chance to prove that they’re ready for what’ll lie ahead in Beijing later on this year. The US Olympic track and field trials are second only in importance as a domestic event to the national championships themselves.
Kerron Clement of the United States leads Bershawn Jackson and Angelo Taylor in the finals of the men’s 400m hurdles at US Olympic trials held at Hayward Field in Eugene , Oregon. picture courtesy of getty images/ Andy Lyons …………..
The Olympic games themselves will commence on the 8th of August and all eyes will be on the world’s most populace nation as the extravaganza begins. Much has been made of the fact there has been political unrest not just within China itself but in Tibet, where it has been determined that the citizens there have been held under an extremely repressive rule of the Chinese government. That obviously will be the furthest thing on the minds of the US athletes seeking to gain a berth to the games themselves. And in order to do the prerequisite for many of the competitors will be to finish in the first three. Otherwise that’s it !
Tyson Gay the world champion at 100m and 200m crosses the line in an electrifying 9.68 in the finals of the men’s 100m at the Olympic trials. The time though wasn’t ratified as a new world record . Because it was wind assisted and in excess of the regulated 2m per second that’s normally accorded in terms of the standard acceptance. picture courtesy of getty images/Jonathan Ferrey …………..
And whilst the talk will no doubt be about the exceptional displays that were put on by the likes of Tyson Gay and Muna Lee. There are also other who are expected to shine at the event. The culmination of the competition will end this coming Saturday. So there’s bound to be racing of the highest caliber as well as the field events where the US is hoping to shine bright with its usual array of talent of veterans and newcomers.
Decathlete Rickey Moody competes in the high jump in the decathlon. A ten event competition that in effect usuallay determines the best allround athlete. picture courtesy of getty images/Jonathan Ferrey ………………….
Muna Lee proved that with a surprising win in the ladies 100m final . She may well now be viewed as the presumptive favorite for the gold medal in that particular event in Beijing. Gay has let the world know that whilst Usain Bolt of Jamaica may well still be the world record holder in the event. He cannot be counted out as a contender. And with each of the first three finishers in the men’s event clocking under the 10 seconds. It bodes well for the US team in one of its mainstay events in the Olympic track and field competition. The 100meters often viewed as the the blue ribbon event of the entire championships during the Olympics , always tends to produce a major highlight for the fans watching . And with the controversies that’ve surrounded the sport as of late. It can only be hoped that we’re not in for anything that we’ve seen over the years. The Ben Johnson affair notwithstanding and with the present Olympic champion Justin Gatlin not having his ban overturned on appeal in either the Federal Court system or by the Council For The Arbitration of Sports (CAS) . It can be said that these sort of controversies surrounding the team the US can well do without. Keep reading →
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It comes as something of a surprise to me at this present moment in time that the two Florida teams respectively head their divisions within baseball. In the NL East we have the Florida Marlins holding a lead within that division over the highly touted New York Mets , the Philadelphia Phillies and offcourse the Atlanta Braves. In most people’s eyes the Marlins weren’t seen as a contender and if anything it’d be deemed possible that they’d be deemed cannon fodder for many of the teams within the National League. But with a quarter of the baseball season already under their belts they’ve become something of a pleasant surprise.
Wes Helms of the Florida Marlins connects during the eighth inning of the inter league game played between they and the Kansas City Royals. The Marlins won the game 7-3 and maintain their lead within the division. picture courtesy of ap/photo/Wilfredo Lee….
Their less heralded in state rivals the Tampa Bay Rays are basking in the sunlight of recognition as they sit atop of the AL East no less. Ahead of such worthwhile powerhouses , the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. And with the Yankees and Red Sox no doubt feeling that the division is their’s for the taking having an upstart like the Rays has now made that particular task somewhat more difficult at this juncture. Here’s a young team that’s not only striving for success but also seeking some respectability from their peers and the fans around the game of baseball. For almost their entire existence they were the butt of the jokes that encapsulated what is was meant to be a failure as a franchise within the game. Ownership was never really about improving the team and the onetime experiment of bringing highly touted free agents and paying them excessively was actually an exercise in futility of the highest order.
Rays’ pitcher Matt Garza makes his way to the dugout after being pulled from the game against the St Louis Cardinals on Saturday. The game itself was won by the Cardinals in the 10th inning with a Ryan Ludwick home run. picture courtesy of ap/photo/Jeff Robertson ………….
Now with new ownership in tow and a front office that’s as astute as they come the Rays seem to be heading in the right direction. But as usual there has to be a caveat in there somewhere. All that glitters is not gold , as and when there’s the first sign of uncertainty we’ll see how good this franchise is and whether or not they can overcome that sea of uncertainty as well as the losses that tend to go hand in hand when a team starts to lose its confidence. And if the Rays are to prove their justification that they’ve finally arrived then they’re going to have to show that they can handle real adversity as and when it arises in whatever shape or form it comes in. The same can be said of the Marlins also but with their pedigree of having won two World Series in the most unlikely of situations . Id’ think that it’s safe to say that this franchise knows the depths from whence it came and they are in no rush to return there.
Dan Uggla of the Marlins is conrgatulated by teammate Luis Gonzalez after hitting a home run on Friday against Brett Tomko of the Royals in their interleague game. picture courtesy of ap/photo/Alan Diaz ……………
The Marlins having lost the services of Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera were more than compensated equitably by the trading of those two players. If anything they’re decidedly better off now in terms of the compensatory value of the players received via the trade. They’ve fitted in nicely and have contributed as needed. And when one adds that they now possess some veteran leadership and play from the likes of Luis Gonzalez it certainly does add to the mix youth and experience to an extent. Second year manager Fredi Gonzalez seems to be relishing the taks at hand and knows that the maturity level of the team still does have something of a long way to go before they can be heralded as world beaters. But judging on what they’ve achieved thus far I’d say that he’s got to be pleased with the outcome. Unfortunately the fair weather fans within the South Florida region tend not to show their appreciation for this team unless they’re in the throes of making history. Their home venue is sparsely filled at best when they’re playing and one wonders if things’ll be any different once they’re entrenched in their long awaited new stadium ?
Akinori Iwamura hits a double in the game played against the St Louis Cardinals on Friday. Iwamura compiled stats of 3-5, 2hits and RBI single in the Rays’ 3-1 victory. picture courtesy of ap/photo/Jeff Robertson ………
What has everyone talking though not in heavy adulating tones about the Rays , has been their surprising play. Especially that of their young pitching which is led by Scott Kazmir, James Sheilds and Andy Sonnanstine. And one can add to that trio the overly impressive start of Edwin Jackson who seems to have finally found that confidence about him that was lacking before. The offense on this team hasn’t been too shabby either with Carlos Pena seemingly having refound the zeal for crushing the ball to all parts of the stadium once again. And if anything Rays’ rookie sensational third baseman Evan Longoria seems to be more than willing to show that he’s also capable of doing the same. But he’s also shown that his defensive capabilities are not to be overlooked . And he’s become a highlight reel sensation for not only ESPN but also for the Rays’ fans who’ve now found another hero to worship besides Carl Crawford.
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There’s that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach again. It’s something that tends to happen when I know that something ominous may well happen and there’s nothing that I or anyone can do about it. Whilst arriving early for work last night as I had several reports to get out of the way . I happened to surf the net to find out the latest NBA score with regard to the Spurs and the Hornets. All squared at two games apiece I thought that the Spurs (the team I support ) would be in the driver’s seat heading home for the two remaining games to be played in San Antonio.
Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets makes a shot over defender Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs with Brent Barry and Manu Ginobili looking on in the game played at the New Orleans Arena. picture courtesy of AFP/Getty Images/ Chris Graythen ..
As of now that’s the furthest thing from the truth as evidenced by last night’s disappointing play by the team overall. They were thoroughly outplayed and man handled by team that clearly wanted the victory more. And the Hornets played as if their lives depended on it ! There appeared to be no urgency on the part of this Spurs’ team and one wouldn’t certainly believe them to be the defending champions . If anything it was the Chris Paul led Charlotte Hornets who played like champions handing the Spurs a resounding defeat. Power forward David West had an All Star night with 38 points and 14 rebounds and his menacing presence on the court led to the Spurs’ complete disarray.
Tony Parker of the Spurs sits on the court having missed as shot . Meanwhile the action is taking place at the far end of the court where the Hornets were about to score again. picture courtesy of Getty Images/ Chris Graythen ….
The margin of the loss notwithstanding 101-79, was as comprehensive the demolishing of a team as one would ever want to witness. No matter the level of competition or the endeavor of the sport in question. San Antonio were unravelled by the Hornets as though they were unwinding a ball of wool. And in witnessing the highlights of this I’m now beginning to wonder if this Greg Popovich coached team actually has the stomach for ensuing battle that’ll take place in San Antonio as of tomorrow night. They’ve had to twice fight back from a deficit in terms of games lost. The basketball god’s may not be willing to give them a third chance to redeem themselves once again. Facing elimination now with the Hornets holding a 3-2 lead in this best of seven games conference semi finals series. We may well be seeing the dethroning of the champions and the makings of a new powerhouse within the Western Conference. As if the conference itself isn’t already contentious enough !
Morris Peterson of the New Orleans Hornets grabs a defensive rebound over the head of the Spurs’ Robert Horry. picture courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ Layne Murdoch ………
And try as the Spurs may it has to be said that the Hornets have withstood all that the Spurs has thrown their way . If nothing else they’ve proved themselves immune to what the Spurs has shown in terms of their play and have been more than the champions’ equal. At times they’ve even surpassed the expectations that most thought that this team was capable of. If anything I for one believe that in some circles this team was underestimated as to how good they really are. The stellar play of MVP candidate Chris Paul and that of teammate David West has been exemplorary. And then when throws in the contributions of Tyson Chandler , Peja Stojackovic one can see why this team finished as the number three seed in the west. Should they defeat the Spurs at this juncture they will and should be considered a serious threat to whoever they’ll meet in the conference finals.
Tyson Chandler of the Hornets blocks a shot by Tim Duncan during game five of their conference semi finals game played in New Orleans. picture courtesy of AFP/Getty Images/Layne Murdoch ………..
This New Orleans’ team plays with a passion not often seen from someone making a first appearance the postseason in its current incarnation. One has to remember as the Charlotte Hornets they were merely seen as the upstarts who roughed it out the likes of their Eastern Conference counterparts in the heydays of Alonzo Mourning , Larry Johnson, Mugsy Bogues and P J Brown. That team was an allout physical team with very little time for any sort of finesse to their game. Now with this current New Orleans Hornets team we’re seeing athleticism , finesse and physical attributes that weren’t often associated with the franchise in its days in Charlotte.
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I’ve said it again and again when you seen a fine young female one shouldn’t question the reasons as to why she’s so popular. And that can be said of perhaps one of the most downloaded females on the internet Brook Burke . The sometime actress , model and budding entrepeneur has made a real name for herself . And we ought to be extremely thankful for that. If not then we’d not be able to see some of these amazing pictures of her in all of her glory.
The always amazing and alluring Brook Burke ……….
And just when we thought it was safe to get back into the water Brook makes that water all the more appetizing.
And who’d doubt that Brook doesn’t know how to makes us all appreciate her even more ?
All that glitters most definately doesn’t necessarily have to glitter in gold but it does help if it glitters on Brook.
A hard body always looks good but on a female like Brook it looks exceptionally good !
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I’ved long held the opinion that a beautiful woman when naked is a joy to behold. It is offcourse a wonder of nature as well as pleasing to the eye of the beholder . So at this juncture I’d like to pose this question to the members of this forum and the learned readers that’ll stop to read many of the articles posted within this forum. Who’d you rather see undressed and posing for your pleasure ? I’ve given you a list of two candidates to start off with it . This’ll be a customary post within this site on a weekly basis from now on. And do feel free to comment on the article in question as well as making suggestions as to the nominees you’d most like to see.
Today the candidates are both actresses that’ve had a limited amount of success in their careers. First there’s Brooke Langton who some of you may well have seen in the movie ‘The Replacements’. She was the co star alongside Keannu Reeves and Gene Hackman. Our second candidate is Nia Long whose last notable role was as the love interest of Ice Cube in the comedy ‘Are We There Yet ’ ? and its follow up ‘ Are W e Done Yet ’ ? Repetitiveness may well be the sincerest form of flattery when it comes to making sequels in Hollywood as many of the said writers aren’t necessarily that creative to begin with.
Long seen here circa late 80’s early 90’s . Wholesome wouldn’t be the word that I’d use to describe this pose.
Langton seen here in the role that she’s best known for to date and that’s as cheerleader Annie Farrell in the football comedy ‘The Replacements’.
Ample curves and an abundance of beauty are on display when viewing Nia Long up close and personal.
Brooke seen here on the cover of Stuff Magazine letting us know that there’s also a provocative as well as mischievious side to her.
The things that makes Long appealing are her sexual alluredness and those wonderful legs of hers.
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In says much as to the game of basketball and that of the NBA when you’ve got players calling out their peers or making remarks about their opponent’s supporters. But then that’s way of sports and it happens not just in the NBA . But across the diaspora of sports in general.
Washington Wizards’ Gilbert Arenas tries to evade the outstretched arms of the Cavaliers’ LeBron James. The Cavaliers would defeat the Wizards 116-86 to take 2-0 lead in the 7 game series. picture courtesy of reuters/aaron josefczyk……..
DeShawn Stevenson of the Washington Wizards has let it be known that he feels that LBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers is overrated. Well that’s Stevenson’s prerogative to voice his opinions. And it’s for his teammates should they wish to, they need to back him up. Otherwise it’d be in their best interests to tell him just to shut the fuck up. It’d certainly help also if Stevenson’s Wizards were somewhat more compeititve and give the Cavaliers’ and the Wizarsds’ fans their monies’ worth by way of a contest on the court in the series thus far. At 0-2 it seems as if the Wizards are now just treading water waiting on the inevitable to happen.
LeBron James goes to the basket for the layup with the Wizards’ defenders in tow. picture courtest of afp/nbae/getty images/jesse d garrabant …….
I’m sure that being swept by the Cavaliers will be their fait -accompli for the postseason. There’s not been much to really appreciate on this Wizards’ team during the regular season. As injuries have really kept the team from performing up to par. But Stevenson’s own actions goes to show me that even if they were at their best they’d have still met the same fate. There’s nothing more than a good ass kicking and a bitch slapping to make a team even more underappreciated than it already is . And that’s the position that the Washington Wizards now finds themselves in. So much so that it doesn’t seem warranted for the rest of the series to be televized at all. It’s becoming an abomination to watch the team perform so badly. And even worse watching Stevenson contribute so little to his team.
The Cavaliers’ LeBron James drives the lane against the Wizards’ DeShawn Stevenson. It can be said that Stevenson was to made be LeBron’s bitch. And it’s bound to continue as the series goes on. picture courtesy of ap/mark duncan …….
We all expect their to a little back and forth between teams in order for one to try and gain the upper hand over the other. But when it comes down to nothing more than plain downright stupidity then you’ve got to question the person’s argument for enacting the verbal jousts. So far the Cavaliers’ retort has been to let their actions speak for themselves on the court. Each of the two postseason games which they’ve won , has been done with a tremendous amount of ease. And it’s not about to get any easier for the Wizards as they’ll return home engage the Cavaliers on their homecourt. It may well be deja vu all over again. Not much is really expected as the Wizards have yet to find a consistency to their game. We’ll be lucky to see this partcular series last beyond the four games necessary it’ll take the Cavaliers to close out the series once and for all. Such has been mediocre opposition thrown at the Cavaliers by the Washington Wizards.
Wizards’ coach Eddie Jordan explaining to his players what he wants to see from them on the floor. In attendance are Caron Butler in the background with DeShawn Stevenson(l) and Antawn Jameson (r) listening intently. picture courtesy of ap/photo/mark duncan ….
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Ol’ Blue eyes Frank Sinatra sang the song my ‘My Kind Of Town Chicago Is’. Now the city that gave us the famed Chicago Bulls and the memorable years where they won 6 NBA championships within the space of 8 years seems on the verge of imploding. GM John Paxson announced that Jim Boylan had been fired from his position as coach of the Chicago Bulls.
Bulls’ GM John Paxson. picture courtesy of nba.com/chicagobulls/johnpaxson……..
What once was supposedly going to be a season of promise has turned out to be a season of great disappointment. And much to the dismay of the fans the Bulls have been an abject failure. A record of 33-49 to end the regular season. It can be said the Chicago Bulls has been a total disappointment to many , not just their fans. But to fans of the game across the NBA divide as a whole. Failing to make the postseason and a season of discontent that saw the departure of Ben Wallace and several other players in exchange for Larry Hughes and Drew Gooeden who came over from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for the oft maligned Wallace. Who it can be said never truly fitted in with the Bulls’ way or style of playing. If anything having signed his his 5 year $70m contract it can be said that he failed to live up to or even honored it.
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Much has been made as to the beauty of many of the world’s most beautiful actresses and whether or not they’re within the realms of Hollywood or farther afield. I for one think that for all of the ostentaciousness of Hollywood and it pretentiousness , it does possess some very beautiful women and actresses within its midst. But in my own humble opinion I could make a better case for many of the actresses farther afield. Some of whom would include Ashirawara Rai of India , Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Zi Yi of China and one of my very own personal favorites the delectable Monica Bellucci of Italy.
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Monica Bellucci ………
I touch myself and I enjoy it oh so much. Monica shows us how it’s done.
In Bellucci you have someone who exudes sexuality and possesses it far more than the likes of Angelina Jolie , Charlize Theron, Halle Berry and Ashley Judd combined. If you believe that I’m wrong then I’ve posted below some stunning portraits for you to peruse at your pleasure. Bellucci though not widely known here in America is extremely popular in Europe and in her native Italy she’s seen as the natural successor to Sophia Loren. Who it can be said that at the height of her fame may well have been one of the most desireable women on the planet. So without further ado here’s Monica Bellucci for your own personal edification.
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Much has been made of the woes of the Dallas Mavericks and the loss of their All Star player and performer Dirk Nowitzki. And it can be said that teams will come across with these difficulties from time to time. But it’s a test that they all have to overcome in the end if they’re to show their grit and determination. So before there’s any outpouring of sympathy for the team. Less we forget at the start fo the season they were seriously being considered as preseason favorites within the Western Conference to win it all. Never mind the fact that they’d come off an unprecedented defeat in the opening round of last year’s playoff series against the Golden State Warrors.
A cartoon depicting the characters from The Wizard of Oz. picture courtesy of images.google.com/cartoons/humor
And though we’ll all lament the woes of Avery Johnson’s team it ought to be said that we oughtn’t to feel sorry for them at all. Much of the team’s inherent problems stem from the fact that there’s no real leadership at all on this team. As a player on the roster Dirk Nowitzki was expected to do almost everything on this team without there being much support from his teammates. Though much has been made of the largesse of the owner Mark Cuban and the fact that he’s been able to land talented free agents to come and play in the city of Dallas. This hasn’t been borne out completely by any tangible success on the court. By way of financial success it’s been one of an unprecedented success by way of sellout crowds and a rabid fan base there in Dallas. But at the end of the day I’d dare say that Cuban would indeed trade that all for a chance of winning an NBA championship ? And now seeing the team struggle for their very existence to now make the playoffs makes one wonder what else needs to be done for the team to succeed.
Mark Cuban the owner of the Dallas Mavericks seen here contesting a call made against his team in a game played against the Los Angeles Clippers . picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Noah Graham ….
The current roster of players, Nowitzki notwitstanding, ought to be the envy of most teams within the NBA. But the team’s inconsistency has been bewildering and all the more explanable when you consider what Dirk meant to the team on the whole. He was very much the player that his teammates deferred to . But his assumed role as leader of the team was a mantle that Nowitzki was never really willing to accept despite appearances to the contrary. Much has been made of the fact but it’s never been addressed by anyone within the franchise directly. Coach Avery Johnson’s admiration of the player has been one of high praise since his ascendancy to the coach’s position. But one would think that he for one would’ve been able to make the necessary adjustments to make up for the loss of a player of Nowitzki’s stature. With his productivity lost to the team it was thought that someone else would’ve stepped up to take over the reins.
Eddie Jones , Brandon Bass, Jason Terry , Malik Allen and Jason Kidd seen here on the floor of the Staples Center in a game played against the Los Angeles Clippers. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Noah Graham……..
And even with the addition of point guard Jason Kidd and forward Malik Allen we’ve seen the team stumble even further . There have also been rumblings of discontent from owner Mark Cuban and the fact that he’s not too happy with the apparent lack of effort not only from the players but also from his coach Avery Johnson. There’s only so much a coach can do as he’s not the one who sets foot unto the court to play the games. Kidd’s discontent in New Jersey was self evident and now that he’s returned home to a team where he first broke into the league. One could’ve summized that the return of a prodigal son would’ve been an all too welcoming one. For the more avid Mavericks’ fans however it might be case of deja vu. Kidd’s formative years spent in Dallas though not necessarily productive were eventful ones and when they saw fit to trade him to Phoenix. It may well have been felt that he could fulfill his ambitions elsewhere. How much they underestimated his talents then can only be regretted by the fact that Kidd’s accomplishments along the way have led many to believe that he’s become the point guard of his generation and the one that many of his present day peers look up to as being one of the best ever to play the position. But his productivity upon his return has been questionable and the much thought of leadership qualities that one thought he might posssess hasn’t been evident or shown in the team’s overall play.
Jason Kidd of the Maverciks and Quinton Bass of the Los Angeles Clippers contest a loose ball during their game. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Noah Graham …
Wherever Kidd has played in the latter part of his career he’s made those around him better. But it appears that his present teammates here in Dallas aren’t attuned to his style of play. This isn’t Kidd’s fault as it’d be too much to expect for him to in one fail swoop to fine tune his own game to that of his fledgling teammates and they to him. The trade that brought him to Dallas wasn’t one of necessity. It was merely done out avarice as the Lakers had pulled the plug on a series of trades that’d unfold within the Western Conference. We’d seen Pau Gasol leave Memphis in exchange for Kwame Brown. And we all know who got the better end of that deal don’t we ? Suffice to say that it wasn’t the Grizzlies. Shaquille O’Neal exchanged zip codes from Miami to Phoenix in exhange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. And we’re now slowly seeing the Suns reap the benefits of that particular trade. The Lakers have now become a rejuvenated team under the erstwhile leadership of Kobe Bryant. And we’re now seeing O’Neal in an unaccustomed role of deferring to players such as Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire.
Coach Avery Johnson applauds his team encouraging them in the fourth quarter of their game against the Clippers. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Noah Graham…..
Kidd on the other hand it appears seems to be lost in a maze of bewilderment as the team tries to find a direction. It may well be from the fact that his teammates expected him to lead them in the absence of Nowitzki. A role that he once relished when he was in New Jersey leading them to divisional titles and two consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals. But that was then and this is now. And that type of leadership from Kidd hasn’t been forthcoming at this juncture. And down the stretch run of the regular NBA season it’s highly debatable whether or not we’ll see that manifest itself in Kidd’s play and him being able to lead them on into the playoffs and beyond. The one thing that we all know that some of the teams contesting a playoff berth in the Western Conference possess heart , leadership and courage. And then there are others who only allude to the fact that they possess those qualities. At this juncture I’m inclined to believe that the Dallas Mavericks doesn’t possess any of those . But it’s not for the lack of trying it’s just that they’ve not got Dorothy or Toto to lead ‘em to the Land of Oz to meet the Wizard. Because I for one am sure that he’d be able to help them find what it is they’re looking for !
tophatal …….
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And whilst there’s been much furore as to the apparent guerilla warfare taking place around the Western Conference of the NBA. One does tend to forget that the reigning champions of the NBA are still within the thick of things when it comes to the advent of what transpiring within the conference at present. Everything as of late has been about the Los Angeles Lakers , the Dallas Mavericks, the New Orleans Hornets , the Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns. And in some respects that’s rightfully so as each of those teams having played exceptionally well. Albeit that as of late some teams have been a little inconsistent and have had to weather some injuries. In the case of the Mavericks they’ve lost the reigning MVP Dirk Nowitzki to a season ending injury. His loss’ll be sorely and severely felt by the franchise.
Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs tries to get past the the staunch defense of the Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki . Nowitzki would be lost to the game because of knee and ankle injury. His season is now over and so toom might be the hopes of tjhe Mavericks. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Garrett W Ellwood….
For the Spurs however this is normally the time of the year where they tend to find their groove and start to play some consistently high quality basketball. I think that this has been lost on many of the so called prognosticators out there who feel that they know more than most. The regular season of the NBA is seen as something of a preparation for the postseason. One could claim that if that is the case then why not forego the rudimentaries of the regular season and just make the NBA championship purely a knockout competition ? But that’s not the goal David Stern and the NBA hierarchy. It’s primarily to wet the appetite of its consumers in the hope that they’ll come back wanting more of the product. And if this season is anything to go by then we’ve been starved and are indeed wanting for more.
Manu Ginobli of the Spurs lays up against defender Eric Dampier with Devean George giving chase. picture courtesy of nbae/ getty images/ Garrett W Ellwood……..
The San Antonio Spurs as champions haven’t exaclty acquitted themselves well over the course of the season . But when called upon at times they’ve given us glimpses as to why they’re the reigning champions of the NBA. Finals’ MVP Tony Parker has only just returned from injury and has yet to really fine his playing legs and forward Tim Duncan though the ever present force and leader on the team has struggled with his form. So it has been left to Manu Ginobli to show why it is that he’s so resplendant as a player. And when Manu gets going the rest of the NBA had better watch out !
Jerry Stackhouse of the Mavericks tries to get the better of Spurs’ defender Bruce Bowen druring the game played at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Tx. picture courtesy of getty images/ Ronald Martinez…..
Last night the team went up against divisional rivals the Dallas Mavericks and acquited themselves well with a heard earnt 88-81 victory over the the forelorn Mavericks. Who during the course of the game lost their All Star and reigning league MVP Dirk Nowitzki to a season ending injury. The ramifications of which hasn’t been lost on the franchise or to the rest of the league. If anything it just made several of the teams scrambling to gain a playoff berth all the more assertive in striving to obtain a place in the postseason. The southwest division of the Western Conference may well be just about the most competitive division in all of the NBA.
The standings seem to bear this out with the New Orleans Hornets leading the division on percentage points though not in victories. With that in mind it is not lost on coach Greg Popovich of what needs to be done in order for the Spurs to obtain a good seeding for the playoffs. Win out the remaining divisional games and from there let the dice roll and lay where they lay. That if anything is all that can be asked of the team at this juncture. Myself , I’d like for them to play a more resolute and consistent form of basketball . As down the final stretch it’s all going to be about who’s playing the most consistent. In the playoffs that above all else will determine the character and flow of a team’s psyche and persona. And that’s been something that was very telling of the team’s that failed miserably last season in the playoffs.
A number of fans in the audience are obviously on to something with their signs. I’d definately vote for him if he were a naturalized citizen wouldn’t you ? picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Garrett W Ellwood ….
As Tim Duncan goes so goes the team but I also feel that the remaining members of the Spurs’ triumvirate will also need to step up their game considerably if they’re to prevail in the postseason. Parker Ginobli will have to be their usual stellar selves. In doing so it’ll ease the burden placed upon Duncan’s shoulders. That’s not to say that Duncan has become archaic and out of touch with his game. If anything he’s still the same resourceful Tim Duncan that entered the league a decade ago , only a lot more wiser and in possession of basketball mind that’s unparallelled today in the game. He may well be the player of his generation as he does all the intangible things that it takes to win with so much subtlety. If there’s a player in today’s game that possesses Duncan’s finesse and skills. I’ve yet to see him play. When we talk about true stars in today’s NBA there are but a handful of them. And to my mind Tim Duncan is one of the handful that is appreciated and lauded by the purists of the game.
Spurs’ point guard Tony Parker listens as the national anthem is played prior to the game . picture courtesy of ap/photo/Ronald Martinez….
As to how the remainder of the season’ll unfold is open to debate but I for can see the Spurs as of now making the rest of the league aware that they’re not about to release their grip on the trophy they’re so proudly defending. When you’ve earnt something and someone else wants to take it away from you. You’ll defend that possession to the last breathe you take. And that’s what is expected of the Spurs by not only Greg Popovich but also by their most ardent and loyal of fans , of which I inculde myself amongst those esteemed followers of the San Antonio Spurs. So take it for what you will the Spurs are here to stay and we’ll defend what’s ours to the very end. So get use to it !
Southwest Divsional Standings
New Orleans 47-23
Houston 48-23
San Antnio 47-23
Dallas 44-26
Memphis 18-52
tophatal ………..
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