If the Warriors stock hasn't dropped a lot, the Clippers and Lakers has risen.
California might be movies, the beach, and other things, but basketball is cherished. Getting Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to play for the Clippers helps them quite a bit. Even though they have been very good this decade, they can't get past the first or second round. I don't know if it's a lack of players for support or Doc Rivers inability to get further the last ten years, but they look poised to make a good run.
Plenty of new faces are going to the Lakers. Anthony Davis will make a huge impact in theory. There is also Demarcus Cousins and he can be a third guy to go to. Add in some other guys for support and this could be a team that likely goes back to the playoffs for the first time in about six, seven years. The Pacific Division could be lead with both teams and the Warriors. Sacramento will still struggle.
Keep your sights on whether Houston gets Russell Westbrook via trade. Most of the Western Conference are in contention to make an impact for the upcoming 2019-20 season. At least ten have a chance to make the postseason.
Showing posts with label warriors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label warriors. Show all posts
Monday, July 8, 2019
Sunday, June 16, 2019
2019 NBA Finals Thoughts/Aftermath
When I thought my prediction of the NBA Finals, I figured it would be a tough series for the Warriors, but enough for them to get a fourth championship in five years. I was wrong, as probably more than many, too. First championship in Toronto since the 1993 Blue Jays in baseball. The Raptors owe it to the guys they brought over like Kawhi Leonard and Serge Ibaka to compliment Kyle Lowry and the bench.
If I'm the Raptors, I'm doing anything to keep Leonard on the team. He is too important of a tool for them. But they also need to not let the championship get the best of them. They have a good chance to repeat, but the Celtics and Sixers are teams that could play the role of upset next year.
For the Warriors, next year is going to be rough. An ACL injury from Klay Thompson, the Achilles issues with Kevin Durant. Several players calling it quits for their careers. You may not see them in the Finals next year. Stephen Curry's inability to make go ahead field goals has become a factor (he hasn't made one at all) Overall, it's a mess. The move to San Francisco for their new arena is not going to be kind and disappointment will be something they have to endure. More than likely, Thompson and Durant won't play the 2019-20 season. ACL injuries are typically year round issues and Achilles ones depends, but it's not a simple couple months recovery.
With the recent trades in Los Angeles and the supposed issues in Houston, there could be a change in the Western Conference. And the East will have a variety of teams that can compete for the Finals. Next year should be interesting.
If I'm the Raptors, I'm doing anything to keep Leonard on the team. He is too important of a tool for them. But they also need to not let the championship get the best of them. They have a good chance to repeat, but the Celtics and Sixers are teams that could play the role of upset next year.
For the Warriors, next year is going to be rough. An ACL injury from Klay Thompson, the Achilles issues with Kevin Durant. Several players calling it quits for their careers. You may not see them in the Finals next year. Stephen Curry's inability to make go ahead field goals has become a factor (he hasn't made one at all) Overall, it's a mess. The move to San Francisco for their new arena is not going to be kind and disappointment will be something they have to endure. More than likely, Thompson and Durant won't play the 2019-20 season. ACL injuries are typically year round issues and Achilles ones depends, but it's not a simple couple months recovery.
With the recent trades in Los Angeles and the supposed issues in Houston, there could be a change in the Western Conference. And the East will have a variety of teams that can compete for the Finals. Next year should be interesting.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Pushing Sports Health Limits
A thing with the New York Yankees is that because of the success so far this season, they haven't panicked on trying to get some of their players back. If only that mentality worked with other sports. I understand how big of a deal the NBA Finals is for Durant, but with a torn Achilles, I'm not sure if he plays next year. If not that, then at least for a good chunk of the next season.
This push to have players play through pain is not anything new in any sport. Football players barrel through it week in and week out. Minor nics and cuts are in that and hockey. Physicality for hockey always leads to ice tubs and therapy. But tweaking your leg is not something to take lightly. Yes, it's the playoffs. Yes, the Warriors have a chance to win it all. But Durant might have ruined his career for good. He may not ever be the same again. He still has a lot of basketball left if he thinks he can do more.
Durant changes how the NBA looks, as many others are taking notice. Whether he was going to stay with Golden State or go to the Knicks or some other team, nobody knows. I'm not sure if signing him for the 2019-20 season is even worth it. Speaking of Golden State, someone on the medical staff is going to get fired. And fans need to understand that health is not something that a player can magically recover overnight.
I'm not sure if the Warriors win the series. But whatever happens, the offseason is going to be interesting for the league and the team.
This push to have players play through pain is not anything new in any sport. Football players barrel through it week in and week out. Minor nics and cuts are in that and hockey. Physicality for hockey always leads to ice tubs and therapy. But tweaking your leg is not something to take lightly. Yes, it's the playoffs. Yes, the Warriors have a chance to win it all. But Durant might have ruined his career for good. He may not ever be the same again. He still has a lot of basketball left if he thinks he can do more.
Durant changes how the NBA looks, as many others are taking notice. Whether he was going to stay with Golden State or go to the Knicks or some other team, nobody knows. I'm not sure if signing him for the 2019-20 season is even worth it. Speaking of Golden State, someone on the medical staff is going to get fired. And fans need to understand that health is not something that a player can magically recover overnight.
I'm not sure if the Warriors win the series. But whatever happens, the offseason is going to be interesting for the league and the team.
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
2019 NBA Finals Prediction
Another year, another appearance for the Golden State Warriors. With some injuries, they might not have a huge advantage over the Toronto Raptors. Depending on DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Durant, how the healthy players play will determine how long they are in the finals. I think we're going to see a six game series and another championship for the Warriors.
If Toronto has any chance, it rests on Kawhi Leonard. He has been the x factor to this team. Add in Serge Ibaka and Kyle Lowry to the starters and it's a good trio to fear. The jitters will be in these guys considering the franchise has never gotten that far into the playoffs. First time playing in June. If they can limit and stress out Curry and Thompson, they could make the series interesting.
Prediction: Warriors in six, but don't assume Toronto will give up easily.
If Toronto has any chance, it rests on Kawhi Leonard. He has been the x factor to this team. Add in Serge Ibaka and Kyle Lowry to the starters and it's a good trio to fear. The jitters will be in these guys considering the franchise has never gotten that far into the playoffs. First time playing in June. If they can limit and stress out Curry and Thompson, they could make the series interesting.
Prediction: Warriors in six, but don't assume Toronto will give up easily.
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Can Anyone Stop the Warriors? 2019 Edition
The odds of the Golden State Warriors getting into the Finals for a fifth straight year will make many happy and some frustrated. With no LeBron James, no Boston, and no Philadelphia, they could punch their ticket easily next month. But is there anyone that can stop them? I'm not sure if there is one.
Portland might have CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard, but you need more than that to get past them. Unless Stephen Curry's brother Seth spills some secrets, it's a tough buy to say that the team can get past the Warriors. They haven't been to a Finals since 1992. It could make them hungry, but if they can group together and fix problems in previous series, they could fight for the title.
Even with Serge Ibaka and Kawhi Leonard, Toronto has never been to a Finals ever. Most playoff runs ended in first or second round eliminations. Their buzzer beater against the 76ers will be one for the ages and another accolade to Leonard. They are in the top ten in scoring on both sides. Cleaning up the defense a little bit will be needed. That and being calm without having the spotlight get to them.
Leonard is the X factor for Toronto. Giannis Antetokounmpo is that case for Milwaukee. A big scoring team and not giving up many points either could make them a huge underdog if they advance. They are a bit better than the Warriors in a few categories, but numbers may not mean much if they can't keep up. I do believe that it will be a Milwaukee-Golden State Finals.
Closing up this blog, health will need to be something the Warriors have to keep eye on. Kevin Durant may miss quite a bit of time depending on how bad his injury is. DeMarcus Cousins could return, but how much he can help them will be another factor. Whatever the case, it won't be as mundane as it has been the last two years for the Finals.
Portland might have CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard, but you need more than that to get past them. Unless Stephen Curry's brother Seth spills some secrets, it's a tough buy to say that the team can get past the Warriors. They haven't been to a Finals since 1992. It could make them hungry, but if they can group together and fix problems in previous series, they could fight for the title.
Even with Serge Ibaka and Kawhi Leonard, Toronto has never been to a Finals ever. Most playoff runs ended in first or second round eliminations. Their buzzer beater against the 76ers will be one for the ages and another accolade to Leonard. They are in the top ten in scoring on both sides. Cleaning up the defense a little bit will be needed. That and being calm without having the spotlight get to them.
Leonard is the X factor for Toronto. Giannis Antetokounmpo is that case for Milwaukee. A big scoring team and not giving up many points either could make them a huge underdog if they advance. They are a bit better than the Warriors in a few categories, but numbers may not mean much if they can't keep up. I do believe that it will be a Milwaukee-Golden State Finals.
Closing up this blog, health will need to be something the Warriors have to keep eye on. Kevin Durant may miss quite a bit of time depending on how bad his injury is. DeMarcus Cousins could return, but how much he can help them will be another factor. Whatever the case, it won't be as mundane as it has been the last two years for the Finals.
Monday, June 11, 2018
Ultimate Warriors
For the NBA, the script was already in the hands of the Golden State Warriors. It was clear what was going to happen, and it did. They won the Finals in convincing fashion against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is their third in four years and they were able to do this on the road as well, something other teams struggled to do.
The shake up in the winter said a lot about the Cavs. Getting rid of a number of their players was the tip of the iceberg. How they were able to advance to the Finals is beyond me. They also squandered their opportunity to at least win a game. However, JR Smith's blunder at the end of regulation in Game 1 will be looked at as one of the biggest goofs of all time. It also gave the Warriors the edge which culminated into a win to begin the series.
With the champions, it's through the use of all their developed stars. Stephen Curry was back to being in true form after battling injuries. Kevin Durant was always the X factor for them this year, delivering strong moments and claiming another MVP award. Klay Thompson is the guy you don't think of, but he's the underrated player that pops up whenever the team needs a boost of confidence. Of course, Draymond Green is that physical type of player that isn't afraid to go for the ball. Whether that leads to fouls/technicals is another story. Add in a decent bench, and this adds more to Steve Kerr's early legacy so far.
So what happens? Some things might happen behind the scenes for the Warriors. I see someone getting ousted. In Cleveland, there is speculation LeBron James could go somewhere else. If he does, the Eastern Conference will be a lot different no matter what team he picks. Next year could be Boston or Toronto's shot to make the Finals. The Cavs would have to really start developing players if they don't want a repeat of 2010 through 14.
These Warriors are mighty and strong. Their dynasty has gotten much stronger and will be remembered for years to come.
The shake up in the winter said a lot about the Cavs. Getting rid of a number of their players was the tip of the iceberg. How they were able to advance to the Finals is beyond me. They also squandered their opportunity to at least win a game. However, JR Smith's blunder at the end of regulation in Game 1 will be looked at as one of the biggest goofs of all time. It also gave the Warriors the edge which culminated into a win to begin the series.
With the champions, it's through the use of all their developed stars. Stephen Curry was back to being in true form after battling injuries. Kevin Durant was always the X factor for them this year, delivering strong moments and claiming another MVP award. Klay Thompson is the guy you don't think of, but he's the underrated player that pops up whenever the team needs a boost of confidence. Of course, Draymond Green is that physical type of player that isn't afraid to go for the ball. Whether that leads to fouls/technicals is another story. Add in a decent bench, and this adds more to Steve Kerr's early legacy so far.
So what happens? Some things might happen behind the scenes for the Warriors. I see someone getting ousted. In Cleveland, there is speculation LeBron James could go somewhere else. If he does, the Eastern Conference will be a lot different no matter what team he picks. Next year could be Boston or Toronto's shot to make the Finals. The Cavs would have to really start developing players if they don't want a repeat of 2010 through 14.
These Warriors are mighty and strong. Their dynasty has gotten much stronger and will be remembered for years to come.
Thursday, April 26, 2018
NBA Playoffs 2018: Challengers Wanted
Last year, the NBA saw it's part III with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. This year, the competition is a bit tougher. At least on the Eastern Conference. We could see a Finals where these two teams may not face each other. There is still plenty of playoff basketball and the challengers here could make things difficult.
The most obvious challenger is the Houston Rockets. Their 65 win season is the franchise's most in a single year, surpassing their 58 in the 1993-94 season, a year that saw them win an NBA Finals. They have enjoyed some success under coach Mike D'Antoni following a disappointing 2015-16 year that saw Kevin McHale fired after 11 games. With the addition of Chris Paul and others like Trevor Ariza stepping up, they seem to be the only one poised to potentially take down Golden State. They can play defense and find many ways to score points, which is ranked second among the teams this season. However, can the team and coach get past that hump? They've been to a conference finals twice since winning the Finals in 1995. Is it finally their year in the James Harden Era?
Keep your eyes peeled on the Philadelphia 76ers. They have been on a huge surge following their NFL Eagles Super Bowl win back in February. Going 27 and 5 since that day, they have been relentless, eliminating the Miami Heat in the playoffs. When they are healthy, their players contribute in many ways. The team is unselfish in terms of playing defense and feeding the ball to each other. Five players with 1000 points is not something you see every year. With a solid effort on both sides, this is a group that will surprise a lot if they continue their run. Other than Boston, this could be Cleveland's big nemesis if the Cavs advance.
As far as other teams go in the East, I have a hard time thinking Toronto has chance. Maybe this year is different, but the amount of heartbreak they give fans whenever they are in the postseason leaves me with a lot of doubt. Boston is a doubtful one, but more so in the health of their players. As of now, they have the chance to eliminate the Milwaukee Bucks very soon, but without some of their big players, it's a tough sell. On the West side, nothing stands out other than Houston. The closest is the Utah Jazz. They are a team that plays a strong defense, but their scoring is not their strongest facet of the game.
Who knows what will happen. This year could be a lot more interesting if the Cavs or Warriors (or both) get eliminated from postseason contention. That alone would make ratings and revenue something to watch out for.
The most obvious challenger is the Houston Rockets. Their 65 win season is the franchise's most in a single year, surpassing their 58 in the 1993-94 season, a year that saw them win an NBA Finals. They have enjoyed some success under coach Mike D'Antoni following a disappointing 2015-16 year that saw Kevin McHale fired after 11 games. With the addition of Chris Paul and others like Trevor Ariza stepping up, they seem to be the only one poised to potentially take down Golden State. They can play defense and find many ways to score points, which is ranked second among the teams this season. However, can the team and coach get past that hump? They've been to a conference finals twice since winning the Finals in 1995. Is it finally their year in the James Harden Era?
Keep your eyes peeled on the Philadelphia 76ers. They have been on a huge surge following their NFL Eagles Super Bowl win back in February. Going 27 and 5 since that day, they have been relentless, eliminating the Miami Heat in the playoffs. When they are healthy, their players contribute in many ways. The team is unselfish in terms of playing defense and feeding the ball to each other. Five players with 1000 points is not something you see every year. With a solid effort on both sides, this is a group that will surprise a lot if they continue their run. Other than Boston, this could be Cleveland's big nemesis if the Cavs advance.
As far as other teams go in the East, I have a hard time thinking Toronto has chance. Maybe this year is different, but the amount of heartbreak they give fans whenever they are in the postseason leaves me with a lot of doubt. Boston is a doubtful one, but more so in the health of their players. As of now, they have the chance to eliminate the Milwaukee Bucks very soon, but without some of their big players, it's a tough sell. On the West side, nothing stands out other than Houston. The closest is the Utah Jazz. They are a team that plays a strong defense, but their scoring is not their strongest facet of the game.
Who knows what will happen. This year could be a lot more interesting if the Cavs or Warriors (or both) get eliminated from postseason contention. That alone would make ratings and revenue something to watch out for.
Monday, April 3, 2017
NCAA Hates the East Coast?
The NCAA has an interesting championship game for tonight when Gonzaga faces off against North Carolina. One could say it should favor the Tar Heels, but with the way the Bulldogs have played, they might have a chance. This begs the question, however. Why does the NCAA hate the East Coast? As usual, the game begins at 9:20 PM for anyone that lives in that part of the United States.
I get that it's tradition and all, but this really needs to stop. If it were a Saturday night game, there wouldn't be too many issues. Monday night is pretty bad for anyone that has to go work that starts anywhere from six to nine in the morning, give or take. Not to mention any children that have to get to school the next day. They can't even watch the entire first half. I understand getting ratings, but wouldn't it make more sense to start the game at 8:15 PM or maybe 7:30 PM for that matter?
Major League Baseball received a lot of criticism for their World Series coverage in the 2000s. The big complaint was games starting after 8:30 at night. They have tried to address it, but problems still arise. Some from MLB, and other times, the teams who turn a three hour game into a three and a half, maybe four hour game. I do not see a daytime World Series working. At the very least, starting at 7:00 PM would certainly get people to at least watch most of a game. They should be lucky that last year's Series between the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs actually got more than 40 million viewers for Game 7. That's lightning in a bottle that probably won't be replicated again.
I'd say the Super Bowl is the only championship game in all sports that starts at a decent time. The NFL knows exactly when to start and knows that the audience will be there, no matter what, until the last play of the game. For NCAA Football, it's not the best with their time choice, but not as bad as basketball. It should go for at least a 7:30 PM game. I'm not even sure that the NHL is worth criticizing since it isn't a ratings juggernaut. However, 8:00 PM is not a horrible timeslot to begin a game. Depending on penalties, shootouts, and other calls like off sides, it shouldn't take that long.
Much like the MLB, the NBA has endured a lot of criticism for its still current approach to scheduling Finals games. With exceptions of Sunday games, their games begin at 9:00 PM. That is the sweet spot if you were a TV show like Cheers or the original CSI. Much like last year's World Series, it has been lightning in a bottle the last few years for the Finals. Seeing the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors duke it out for six, seven games has seen big numbers since the Michael Jordan years. NBC struggled after Jordan retired for a second time, and ABC had a hard time early on attracting audiences since getting the rights for the NBA for the 2002-03 season.
For them to get the rights in 2002, ABC struggled. Their first five years saw some pretty bad numbers in 2003 and 2007 for the Finals. Sandwiched in between were series that had notable teams and players, but saw some declines that were noticeable until the last few games of a Finals that went more than five games. It was still not as good as NBC ratings for the NBA. Starting with the 2008 Lakers and Celtics Finals, it has seen a steady growth in ratings due to the growth in a lot of big name players and teams that hadn't won or had the makings of a championship team.
Anyway you slice it, sports like the NBA can justify starting late at night because of the growth. The NCAA had its best ratings for the Final Four in over a decade and could rise following. It hurts anyone that lives on the eastern or even central time. But if it is a close game towards the end, the networks and leagues know everyone is going to watch. Those last few innings in the World Series last year was very intense and had the ultimate drama.
Is it really hating the East Coast? I don't know. I feel like it is, especially when lots of people have to get up to go to work or school. Until the numbers see a huge decrease (which seems very unlikely), networks and leagues can keep justifying starting late. Greed can sometimes not be a happy thing.
I get that it's tradition and all, but this really needs to stop. If it were a Saturday night game, there wouldn't be too many issues. Monday night is pretty bad for anyone that has to go work that starts anywhere from six to nine in the morning, give or take. Not to mention any children that have to get to school the next day. They can't even watch the entire first half. I understand getting ratings, but wouldn't it make more sense to start the game at 8:15 PM or maybe 7:30 PM for that matter?
Major League Baseball received a lot of criticism for their World Series coverage in the 2000s. The big complaint was games starting after 8:30 at night. They have tried to address it, but problems still arise. Some from MLB, and other times, the teams who turn a three hour game into a three and a half, maybe four hour game. I do not see a daytime World Series working. At the very least, starting at 7:00 PM would certainly get people to at least watch most of a game. They should be lucky that last year's Series between the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs actually got more than 40 million viewers for Game 7. That's lightning in a bottle that probably won't be replicated again.
I'd say the Super Bowl is the only championship game in all sports that starts at a decent time. The NFL knows exactly when to start and knows that the audience will be there, no matter what, until the last play of the game. For NCAA Football, it's not the best with their time choice, but not as bad as basketball. It should go for at least a 7:30 PM game. I'm not even sure that the NHL is worth criticizing since it isn't a ratings juggernaut. However, 8:00 PM is not a horrible timeslot to begin a game. Depending on penalties, shootouts, and other calls like off sides, it shouldn't take that long.
Much like the MLB, the NBA has endured a lot of criticism for its still current approach to scheduling Finals games. With exceptions of Sunday games, their games begin at 9:00 PM. That is the sweet spot if you were a TV show like Cheers or the original CSI. Much like last year's World Series, it has been lightning in a bottle the last few years for the Finals. Seeing the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors duke it out for six, seven games has seen big numbers since the Michael Jordan years. NBC struggled after Jordan retired for a second time, and ABC had a hard time early on attracting audiences since getting the rights for the NBA for the 2002-03 season.
For them to get the rights in 2002, ABC struggled. Their first five years saw some pretty bad numbers in 2003 and 2007 for the Finals. Sandwiched in between were series that had notable teams and players, but saw some declines that were noticeable until the last few games of a Finals that went more than five games. It was still not as good as NBC ratings for the NBA. Starting with the 2008 Lakers and Celtics Finals, it has seen a steady growth in ratings due to the growth in a lot of big name players and teams that hadn't won or had the makings of a championship team.
Anyway you slice it, sports like the NBA can justify starting late at night because of the growth. The NCAA had its best ratings for the Final Four in over a decade and could rise following. It hurts anyone that lives on the eastern or even central time. But if it is a close game towards the end, the networks and leagues know everyone is going to watch. Those last few innings in the World Series last year was very intense and had the ultimate drama.
Is it really hating the East Coast? I don't know. I feel like it is, especially when lots of people have to get up to go to work or school. Until the numbers see a huge decrease (which seems very unlikely), networks and leagues can keep justifying starting late. Greed can sometimes not be a happy thing.
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