MMA's Primetime Debut

What a cherry popping night for Mixed Martial Arts. CBS debuted its Saturday Night Fights series with a great card of fights. I can't say I have been a long time MMA fan and really never found the UFC craze to be all that interesting. A few more nights like this and the sport just might have a new convert.

The fights tonight weren't technically UFC fights. They belonged to the Elite Xtreme Combat Organization which is the equivalent of double A baseball I guess??? This is where some research would come in handy but fuck it, I'm lazy.

The fighters were either brand new to the scene (Kimbo Slice, Kaitlin Young) or washed up deadbeats from the UFC (Phil Baroni, Brett Rogers). Despite all this, the action was solid. When the two chicks got after it, I got hard. One was kind of cute and man could she take a punch. That's wife material right there.

The fight of the night was easily Robbie Lawler vs. Scott Smith. Lawler was trying to defend the middleweight belt and the fight was set to go five rounds. It looked like it would be over in under 3 minutes but Smith held on. This thing went back and forth for the next round and a half before Smith caught a little thumb in the eye action. A couple of broad doctors got into the cage to take a look and decided to call it. Premature for sure and the two fighters plan to "run it back" real soon.

Kimbo Slice lived up to expectations...of being a terrible fighter in every technical aspect. He may be a youtube sensation but you won't be seeing him fight Tito Ortiz or that Hughues guy anytime soon. James Thompson almost put Slice into submission about 3 times before Slice got lucky and exploded Jimbo's cauliflowered ear all over National Television. Which was pleasant.

Anyways, the real hero was Gus Johnson. Can this guy do anything wrong??? He called this night like a 15 year vet. He made Jim Lampley look like a washed up, wife beating, Larry Merchant wanna be....oh wait.

As an aside, I have the current issue of ESPN magazine hanging over the towel rack in front of my shitter. Can you imagine dropping a deuce twice a day looking at Kimbo's mug staring right back at you?

89 Celtics, 81 Pistons

The Celtics had a great season, a storybook play-offs and now the finals built by destiny. The Celtics vs Lakers not only is a huge rivalry it's a pride issue. Pierce, KG, and Ray Allen have never made it to the finals before and to beat beat Kobe and the new "Showtime" Lakers. The Celtics who won 24 games last year finished off the season with an impressive 66 wins then although they couldn't finish the Hawks in the time I thought they would they beat them in seven games, then beat the defending Eastern Conference Champions in LeBron James' Cavs in seven games, then beat the always tough defensive minded, experienced Detroit Pistons in 6 games in DE-Troit.

Although James Posey's stat sheet will say only 3 points and 4 rebounds, he is my MVP for this game. If not for his unbelievable defense on basically every player, and in the final minutes keeping Chauncey Billups at quite. Also he had the play of the game with a minute on the clock and the Celtics up by 4, Tayshaun Prince got a rebound and Posey snuck behind him and stripped the ball, ultimately sealing the deal for the game. For all of this I label him M.V.Posey.

K.G. had a terrible first half but was able to right the ship with 16 points and play good defense on Antonio McDyess at the end of the game. Another guy who deserves to make it to the finals.

With Rip Hamilton's status being in question before the game he proved to everyone he is a baller and still a queer. Rip is the new Reggie Miller in my eye, he gives everyone cheap shots and flops whenever possible. With that being said he had 21 points on 9-14 shooting, but luckily the Celtics UConn guy Ray Allen had 17 points of his own and proved he still got game.

Another guy I am happy I won't get to see again these play-offs is Chauncey Billups. Billups was an absolute pain in the ass, he had 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists and was able to score at will for a majority of the game. He scares me more than anyone else in the league, and with Rondo guarding Derrick Fisher, I'm very content with that match-up. Rajon last night had 11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, and with those 11 points, he hit a crucial jumper with a minute left and proved he can score if needed.

Rasheed Wallace had a terrible series this series. In his final game he finished with 4 points on 2-12 shooting and had 10 boards, but in the final minutes Kendrick Perkins (7 points, 7 rebounds) played magnificent defense giving him zero opportunities for shot attempts.
One of the most touching moments after the game was watching Doc and Pierce embrace each other. With Pierce only making it to the Eastern Conference Finals once and Doc never making it out of the first round, it was a very good sight to see, and you felt good for them.
Bye Rasheed


They won this game much like they won many games this season; as a team and hopefully that will carry over to the next series.
Box Score

With that being said:
BEAT LA

Chick of the Day

Since I get to do CotD today, I decided to go away from the porn stars and 170 lb video vixens that Dave usually posts. Less ass, more class, that's my motto. So here is Natalie Portman...



For more Natalie, Click Here.

Snake Bites Penis

Who has ever thought when they pull over to take a piss on the side of the road, it could be deadly? Well, apparently a guy in Australia pulled over to take piss and a deadly brown snake bit his penis. for more click here

Also....

The only thing more annoying than the DETROIT BASKETBALL guy is this...

Makes me want to kill myself

Here Celtics, This is How You Beat The Trap

From Coaches Clipboard (to tell you the truth I didn't read it all I just googled how to beat the trap)

If it is a 1-1-2-1 Half Court Trap...
When attacking a this half court trap, make sure two of your players get down the floor into your forecourt before the ball the point guard arrives, and they should get deep up the sidelines, beyond the deep defender. With this trap alignment, the opponent is trying to get your point guard to commit first, either to the right or left. One option would be for the point guard to delay before crossing the half court line and make the long over-the-top pass to either corner. Another option would be to have the two remaining players (O2 and O3) positioned even with and on both sides of O1 as he/she crosses the line. The point can make the quick pass to either side, and then the pass goes quickly from that side straight up the sideline to the player deep in that corner. Once the ball gets into the corner areas, have your wings cut thru looking for the pass back and lay-up. Now, one other thing... if the initial pass from the point goes to one side, then have the opposite side player (not the opposite corner player) cut to the middle looking for a pass there in case the middle defender cheats to the ballside.

There might even be an occasion when the player with the ball on the side may have to make the deep, skip pass to the opposite corner, which should always be open... just make sure you've got someone who can accurately make that pass, and with some zip on the pass... no floaters please!

You can also screen the deep zone defender... pin the defender so he/she can't move to either the sideline or down low.

Then cut your opposite deep corner player to the ballside for the pass and layup. This screen and cut must be done quickly... before O2 gets trapped. The cutter should be in position almost as O2 gets the ball.
Half-court press breaker, vs 1-1-2-1

If it is a 1-2-1-1 Half Court Trap...
See the diagrams below. When attacking this half court trap, make sure three of your players get down the floor into your forecourt before the ball the point guard arrives.

O3 and O4 get deep up the sidelines. Have O5 get in the middle of the zone on the same side as the guard who does not have the ball (the intended receiver of the first pass O2). He/she can screen and get ballside position on the middle defender (see diagram). You can also screen and pin the deep zone defender so he/she can't move to either the sideline or down low. Then cut your opposite deep corner player to the ballside for the pass and layup. This screen and cut must be done quickly... before O2 gets trapped. The cutter should be in position almost as O2 gets the ball, so the pass can be made quickly before the trap arrives (see the diagrams below).
Half-court press breaker, vs 1-2-1-1

Celtics vs Pistons

With one game away from the finals I have one word to win this game intensity. If the Celtics can play like they did in game 3 this should be an easy one. Doc needs to stick with Rondo the whole game like last game, and if Perk can do close to what he did last game we should be in good shape. Also, Ray Allen hopefully stays hot and with Rip Hamilton shaken up he can take advantage of him early and often.

The things that have worried me are the lack of intensity in the forth quarter blowing big leads, and also, enough with these two foot passes they are ridiculous and sometimes leads to an easy turnover.

I'll let Red Auerbach do the rest of the talking:

Yankee fan gets laid out

More Kobe

I read your article Brian and I think you praised that cock sucker Kobe Bryant too much, so I will go on a rant. 1. He may be talented but LeBron James is the most talented player in the NBA, I won't go to basketball reference or anything to back me up, but I can tell you off hand Lebron scores more points, more rebounds, and more assists (maybe more steals) than Kobe has and has less talent on his team. 2. Kobe being an MVP this year is a joke, he did not lead one statistical category in the NBA this year, Chris Paul got screwed. 3. He is getting all these accolade's and for what? Did we already forget that he wanted out of LA, he ran Shaq out of LA (when Shaq was still healthy and could have won them another couple of championships), and he said on camera "ship Bynam out for Jason Kidd" and bashed his teammates on other numerous amounts of occasions, he is a punk.

Fuck Kobe

Lakers Advance to Finals

It took just five games for the Lakers to defeat the Spurs, to advance to the NBA finals. Early on, the Spurs relied on stellar outside shooting from their guards (Ginobili, Parker, Barry). However, the well ran dry in the second half, which was right about the time Kobe decided to “go off”. L.A. trailed by as many as 15 in the third quarter, but as we have seen throughout this series, youth bests age time and time again. In the fourth quarter San Antonio looked helpless trying to cover Kobe. In addition to lackluster defense, their offense looked anemic. Duncan missed open lay-ups and cried for a foul call after every weak shot attempt. Manu Ginobili might as well have stayed in the locker room at halftime, he could not buy a bucket in the second half. In the end, Kobe proved to be too much scoring a game high 39 points. The supporting cast also stepped up their game when it mattered most. Pau Gasol added 12 points and a game high 19 rebounds. Sasha Vujacic and Jordan Farmar hit big shots down the stretch to boost the Lakers to their first finals appearance since 2004.

The first half of the finals picture is complete. One has to wonder, if the Celtics-Pistons series goes seven games, will the lay off help or hurt the Lakers? After watching this series it is obvious that Kobe Bryant is hands down the best player in the league. People can say Garnett or LeBron, but they would be foolish and wrong. Garnett has yet to rise to the occasion like Kobe. When Kobe has single coverage, he scores. Double coverage, he scores. His repertoire is fierce. Long range, pull up, driving the lane… It’s all deadly.

C'Mon Mariah

Embarrassed that one of chicks of the day could do something like this.

Winter's Biggest Trade Goes Unnoticed

Last December, the Texas Rangers agreed to trade pitching prospects, Edinson Volquez and Daniel Harrera (irrelevant) to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for centerfielder Josh Hamilton. At the time, the deal received little to no attention from the media. However, it has produced two of this years best.

Hamilton tore up spring training and earned himself the starting job. He has began the season on a blistering pace, he is fourth in average (.333) tied for second in homeruns (12), and holds a commanding lead in RBI’s (53) which is 11 more then the next guy. Numbers like these are few and far between, and although the season is young, it appears he has a legitimate shot at the triple crown if he stays healthy. Hamilton’s success has been well documented all season and was recently featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Of course, you cannot mention Hamilton’s name without talks of how he was once an addict, once dismissed from baseball, and a former first round pick. At first glance, this deal looks to be a steal for the Rangers. Hamilton is only 27 years old, and he is only making about 370,000 dollars a year.

With all the focus on Hamilton this season, Edinson Volquez has gone virtually unnoticed. Much like Hamilton, Volquez is making a run for the triple crown, the pitching triple crown of course (wins, strikeouts, and ERA). He is second in the NL in wins with 7, tied for first in strikeouts with 76, and leads the Major Leagues with a nearly transparent 1.33 earned run average. In his 10 starts this season, he has allowed only 9 earned runs in 62 innings. Although Volquez has not received the spotlight so far, he is more then deserving. He is only 24 and has never stayed in the majors for a complete season; however, he is carving up the National League with relative ease.

This trade has been significant for both clubs thus far, the Rangers desperately needed an outfielder, and likewise, the Reds were in dire need for a solid starter. If both continue on this pace (which would be remarkable), it could be another one of those deadlock-Hanley Ramirez for Beckett and Lowell- type deals.

-Brian B

Doug Collins is to Coach Bulls

Doug Collins is back with the Bulls, Collins last stint with the Bulls was in 89 when he was replaced by Phil Jackson. Collins also coached for the Wizards and the Pistons while having a 332-228 record. I'm not really a fan of this move, with Avery Johnson being still around and would have been a great influence on the defensive end with all these young players I think that move would have been better, but I guess Collins is walking into a great situation, a ton of young talent and the first round pick in this upcoming draft.

A Pistons Christmas Carol

No words to describe...



-The Commodore

106 Celtics, 102 Pistons

In a must win game 5 the Celtics played good enough to win, and I guess that is all that matters. A couple guys were the reason this happened Kendrick Perkins, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, and Doc Rivers.

Lets start with Perk who pulled down 16 rebounds and scored 18 points. Perk seems like he hasn't progressed that much but you can see Kevin Garnett's influence on the big fella. Perk is creating his own shot and while not the best jumper he was able to get to almost every ball for the rebound. If Perk continues to be a force on the inside that will open up a lot for Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce.


Kevin Garnett had the most points on the team with 33 but none came bigger than at the two free throws he knocked down with the time dwindling down. Even though Rasheed Wallace scored 18 points, he had zero points in the paint and that I believe is his strong point. And when I am on Rasheed Wallace he got a momentum killing technical when the Pistons were on a run, and believe the technical could be another reason they lost.
Rajon only scored 7 points and 3-14 from the field but he did have 13 assists, 1 turnover, and played a game high 46 minutes. That 46 minutes can be praised to Doc Rivers who played Sam Cassell for only two minutes and realizing he can not take the defensive full court pressure. Also, to Docs credit I liked in the final minute when the Celtics were up by three he chose to foul the Pistons to make them shoot at the line rather than possibly giving up a game tying three pointer. I have been critical of Doc this year but he coached the game masterfully yesterday
That brings us to Jesus Shuttlesworth aka Ray Allen who scored 29 points on 9-15 shotting and was 5-6 behind the line. Ray looked very confident and back to himself and hopefully it will continue. He also hit two critical three throws and an inbound jumper to basically put this game out of the reach of the Pistons.

Some side notes:
Jason Maxiell only played 11 minutes after playing a great game the night before
Rip Hamilton hurt his right arm and had an MRI that was negative, but is in a sling today.
Rasheed Wallace is one technical away from being suspended from a game.


Box Score

Hockey News

Well this is a first, me trying to do some hockey news. The Penguins beat the Red Wings 3-2 last night and pulled to one game in the championship series. The penguins are now 9-0 at home and if can pull of the next game it is a whole new series. I am not a hockey expert by any means but I guess the Penguins are a very good offensive team that is lightning quick and young, while the Detroit Red Wings are more of bruisers and more experienced, so it is quickness vs strength. Sidney Crosby got out of his mini scoring funk and scored the first two goals last night and Marc-Andre Fleury played a much better game at home makings 32 saves and one of the two goals was off a Detroit power play.

Anyways I'm pulling for Pitt because thats who I called last series.

And if this sounds awkward let me know, because I really don't know much about hockey.

NBA Will Implement Fines for Flopping

I think there is nothing more annoying than watching Anderson Varejeo, Manu Ginobelli, and Rip Hamilton playing and when Reggie Miller play, however I think this is a stupid rule. Flopping is part of the game, if you want to hit the players where it hurts tell the refs to bite their whistle if they believe someone is flopping so the players going against them can turn around and get an open jumper. Fines will to difficult to judge and some players live by flopping (Vlade Divac) so I believe the refs should just be told not to blow their whistles.

Vanessa Bryant Gets Real

Apparently you don't want to ask Mrs. Bryant about whether or not her husband is cheating on her. When Laura Lane, a reporter that covers the Lakers, questioned Vanessa if Kobe was laying the pipe to a Laker's girl she bugged out. Here was

Laura's description of the incident:

So as I’m walking out of the Laker's locker room after some post-game interviews with the players, I pass Vanessa, who is sitting outside the locker room as usual with her two girls.

“Laura!” she screams (yes, she apparently knows my name). “Fuck you! You fucking bitch!”

“Excuse me?” I say, completely baffled as I look around me to see if there is someone else named Laura. No, there’s not.

Her daughters – ages 5 and 2 – are sitting next to her on the bench looking at their mom as she screams.

[More f-words ensue. Many more.]

I just stare at her. I’ve heard many stories about her from reporters, but this was unbelievable. Two of my friends from the LA Times told me how she cussed out one of them last season, because he said hi to her daughter. “Join the club, this means you’ve arrived,” said one reporter when word spread of my run-in with Vanessa. “She’s insane,” said another. “Everyone knows it.”

Damn, I still think Vanessa is still hot but she's fit for a straight jacket.

Random Oden Pics

Greg Oden just makes me laugh

Celtics vs Pistons

O.K., last game was a lot closer than the 19 point game that the scoreboard. Also, my biggest fear happened Jason Maxiell, and to win this game the Celtics need to find a way to make the guy be a non factor like the first two games. On the positive not the Celtics probably would have won the game if not for a perfect game from Antonio McDyess and a great game by Maxiell. I have putting off the inevitable but Ray Allen needs to do something, if not for the Celtics offense but to tire Rip Hamilton on the defensive end. Also, the Celtics need better guard play, Rondo and Cassell were terrible and they need attack, and the Celtics need to stop settling for jump shots. Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, KG, and to some extent Ray Allen all need to attack the basket.

93 Lakers, 91 Spurs

The Spurs are in some trouble being down 3-1, but the game could have easily been 2-2 if the refs blew the whistle on Derrick Fisher that last play. A lot of the times I believe the refs should swallow the whistle on the final plays but if this were Kobe, Lebron, or even Manu Ginobelli shotting the last shot the whistle would have been blown. (sorry for the poor quality of the video)

With that being said all the Lakers starters for the exception of Derrick Fisher had double digits, including 28 by Kobe, and that proved too much for the Spurs who have dug themselves in a near impossible situation. The next game will be on Thursday in LA.

Noah Gets Busted for Pot and DUI

Anyone wonder why this happened?


I know this story is a couple of days old but I just wanted to point out that this fruitcake was pulled over for having 20 grams of pot in his car and an open container of booze when his hummer got pulled over in Gainsville Florida this past meorial day. I say good, screw Noah, I hate most Florida people and I hope this mentally ruins his career. His rookie season was definitly full of ups and downs but I am glad it is finished off with this.

All-Star Voting Makes Sox Fans Look Retarded

When Cal Ripken Jr would make All-Star Games late in his career, it wasn't because he was the best third baseman in the AL, it was because the fans wanted to see him play. But when Jason Varitek is the leading vote-getter among AL catchers, it's a different, much sadder story.



I'm a Red Sox fan, and have been for as long as I can remember. I stuffed the ballot box in '99 to get Nomar the start at short-stop. I wrote in David Ortiz when he wasn't on the ballot. But when it comes to the All-Star Game, I don't want to see the Red Sox take on the National League, I want to see the American League All-Stars. I want to see players we don't get many opportunities to see. Vladimir Guerrero, Joe Mauer, Ichiro, et cetera. With the unbalanced schedule, us Sox fans don't see much of the AL West and Central. So why do we want more of that by only voting for AL East players?

Here is what the AL All-Star starters look like as of now:

C - Jason Varitek - BOS
1B - Kevin Youkilis - BOS
2B - Dustin Pedroia - BOS
3B - Alex Rodriguez - NYY
SS - Derek Jeter - NYY
OF - Manny Ramirez - BOS
OF - Vladimir Guerrero - LAA
OF - Ichiro Suzuki - SEA
DH - David Ortiz - BOS

I can understand Ortiz, Youkilis, and Manny. Even Pedroia isn't that bad. But Jason Varitek is hitting .268. There's a guy on the Twins who also plays catcher, but he's hitting .329. His name is Joe Mauer, and somehow he's 3rd in the American League in hitting, and 3rd in All-Star votes for catchers. Mauer also dates former Miss USA Chelsea Cooley.



Looking even deeper at the All-Star voting, a baseball fan grows more and more disturbed. Julio Lugo is 4th at short-stop? 130,139 people voted for Julio Lugo TO START an All-Star Game?????????? JD Drew is hitting .282 with 4 homeruns and is 11th in outfield voting. 185,673 people voted for him. Who are these people?



As a Red Sox fan, I implore my fellow Sox fans out there to stop voting for Varitek, Lugo, and Drew. Vote for Manny, Ortiz, and Youkilis all you'd like. Because Manny and Ortiz are truly Stars, and Youkilis is having a great season. But Varitek is neither a star, nor is he having a great year.

Think about this, the All-Star Game determines home field advantage in the World Series. Wouldn't you rather have Joe Mauer batting in a big situation instead of Jason Varitek?

And think about this, don't you want to give Varitek a few days off, so he's well rested and able to help the Red Sox win games?

So be a homer, but be a smart homer, okay folks?



-The Commodore

Mariners 4, Red Sox 3

Just when it seemed like the rotation would be improving with the return of Bartolo Colon, the Red Sox may lose Daisuke Matsuzaka. He left the game just before the bottom of the 5th with "fatigue" in his right shoulder. There is no word yet on whether he'll miss any time.

Manny Ramirez's 499th homerun tied the game at 3-3 in the 6th, giving the Sox a chance to steal a road win, something they desperately need. But the bats fell silent for the Sox. And in the bottom of the 9th, Mike Timlin walked a man, and gave up two hits, including the game winning single, to give Seattle a 4-3 victory.

The Red Sox are now 1-4 on this West Coast swing, after winning 7 straight at home. Their 11-18 road record is the 9th worst in baseball. And once again, Tampa Bay is in first place by half a game.

The rubber game in Seattle is tonight at 10:10. Tim Wakefield looks to have a good start after struggling in his last 3 outings. He faces former Oriole Erik Bedard.

-The Commodore

Chick Of The Day

This is Tila Tequila, we all have watched her show, so I did some more exploring and she is totally hot.

For More Tila Click Here

Lakers-Spurs

Tonight is game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. The Lakers jumped out to a quick 2-0 advantage, however, the Spurs have regained the momentum after a 103-84 victory at home on Sunday night. In order for the Spurs to be successful they must establish Duncan in the low post and their shooters (Ginobli, Parker, and Finley) have to knock down open shots. The Spurs have yet to lose at home this postseason, and I don’t see that changing tonight. As good as Kobe has been this series, he has not received the support from his teammates. The Spurs are the more proven team and they know how to close out a series. The Lakers also have not been defeated at home this postseason. This series will come down to whether Tim Duncan and Manu Ganobli can out duel Kobe and Pau Gasol. I can’t see anyone on the spurs whether it be Manu, Finley, or Bowen putting a stop to triple ocho.

Luke Walton is a joke.

-Brian B

I Hate Lacrosse

All this weekend, Gillette Stadium has hosted the NCAA Lacrosse Championships. And with apologies to DP's woman, I must declare that lacrosse is a shit sport. I'm not saying it's easy, I'm not saying it isn't fun to play, but I am saying that it sucks more than Jenna Jameson on ecstasy.

Why?

Here's why:

1. Someone once told me lacrosse was like a mix between soccer and hockey. I like soccer and I like hockey. I also like A-1 sauce and I like ice cream. That doesn't mean I want to combine them.

2. lax is short for lacrosse, and it's also short for laxative.



3. Lacrosse is hugely popular in Syracuse and Central New York, and as someone who lived in CNY, I can tell you that Central New York is shit.

4. The only people who like it are people who play it.

5. What the fuck is an attackman? Can't you say "Attacker?"

6. The faceoffs are gay, jump balls would be cooler, or maybe start play XFL style.



7. What kind of uniform involves a masked helmet AND shorts with NO leg padding?

8. Why does the goalie get a tennis racket?

9. The visor over the facemask of a lacrosse helmet is lame. Wear a shaded visor like Ricky Williams INSIDE the helmet.

10. The ball is essentially an oversized bouncy ball

11. The field looks like an enlarged tennis court

12. Duke blows

13. Syracuse sucks

-The Commodore

Celtics vs Pistons

Okay, so what did we learn from game 1? Chauncey Billups is not 100%, and KG can dominate Sheed on both ends of the court. With that being said, I believe Rondo and KG will be the biggest factors in tonight's game. We need to expose Chauncey's injury forcing Lindsey Hunter in, and then KG will get into Sheed's head. I believe 100-78 tonight with Rondo winning the Tommy Award.

Yankees to Start Joba Chamberlain

I think the Sox are starting to effect the decision making of the Yankees. With the recent success of youngsters like Jon Lester, Justin Masterson, and Clay Buchholz and the shittiness of youngsters like Ian Kennedy, Phil Hughes, the Yankees are going to move Joba Chamberlain to the starting role. I smell another failure if you ask me. Not only will the loss of Joba will hurt their bullpen, but he will not be ready to pitch a full game for at least a month. This seems panicky to me.

89 Lakers, 85 Spurs

I personally stopped watching this game at half time when the Spurs were up by 25, so when I woke up I had my wow face on. Apparently the equation of Kobe catching fire with 25 points in the second half and the Spurs playing tired was the reason the outcome was the way it was. From what I have heard, Manu Ginobelli was shooting terribly and Tim Duncan (although he scored 30 and 18) was passing up some open shots in the second half. Either way the Lakers are up 1-0 on the Spurs and as a Celtics fan, I would rather see the Lakers than Spurs in the finals.

Congradulations

You know who this is...... Crystal Mangum, the girl who lied in the Duke lacrosse rape fiasco. Well I just want to give an update that Crystal graduated from North Carolina Central University.

Congrats Philly You Suck

100 seasons without a title. Why are you so cocky still?

Jim Leyland's Rant

Apparently Sean Casey was the glue, that kept the tigers together

NBA Lottery

Wow, with almost a 1 percent chance the Bulls have got the number one pick overall in the NBA draft. Mike D'Antoni must be kicking himself he went to the Knicks over the Bulls, oh yea, the Knicks got the 6th pick.

Here is the order:
Bulls
Heat
Timberwolves
Sonics
Memphis
Knicks
Clippers
Bucks
Bobcats
Nets
Pacers
Kings
Portland
Golden State

You will get our mock drafts in a bit.

88 Celtics, 79 Pistons

Pop your jersey KG because you deserve it. In game one the restless Celtics found a way against the restful Pistons. Kevin Garnett played unbelievable scoring 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, while dominating Rasheed Wallace (3-12 shooting) on both end of the floor. This is a key to winning this series because if you get in his head early, he might not be able to recover mentally. Paul Pierce on the other hand, coming off of the 41 point game, kept up his momentum by scoring 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Paul was able to establish himself as the better stronger player, going against Tayshaun Prince. Tayshaun scored 16 points and was effective offensively, but since he is such a question offensively I don't think he will score this high again during the season.

As for Ray Allen, he only had 9 points on 3-10 shooting, but he did look a lot better and had a more confident look on his face. The guy he defended Rip Hamilton only scored 15 points, and Ray did a very serviceable job defending him. I believe Ray is going to have a big game on Thursday.

This leads to one of the match-ups I worried about before the game, Chauncey Billups vs Rajon Rondo. In game one Rajon won this match-up by scoring 11 points, 7 assists and 5 steals, whether or not Chauncey was hurt or not, Rajon was on him like a fly on shit all game, while running all over the place on offense. At one point they even put Rip Hamilton on Rajon, which is a bad move because Hamilton hates playing defense.

I was most impressed with Rajon in the fourth quarter when he scored 7 of his 11 points in, including a huge 3 points with 1:47 seconds making the score 86-75, sealing the game. As for Chauncey Billups he scored 9 points, 2 assists and left him looking like this:

Jason Maxiell the other guy I worried about wasn't much of a factor scoring 2 points and 4 rebounds.

Stanley Cup Finals Preview

The oldest sports trophy in North America awaits either the Detroit Red Wings or the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 2008 Stanley Cup Finals should be a display of the new brand of hockey ushered in by the post-lockout rule changes. It will also be another showcase for Sidney Crosby, the man whom the NHL is trying to build into Hockey Messiah. You can bet $1,000 (Canadian) that the League offices in Toronto will be secretly pulling for a Pittsburgh victory.



But Sid the Kid isn’t the only star who will be out. Teammate Evgeni Malkin is almost, if not just as good as Crosby. And the Red Wings have more than their fair share of big names. This is a team that has Dominek Hasek as a backup goaltender! Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Nicklas Lidstrom, and Chris Osgood lead Detroit’s effort. In his preview of the series ESPN.com writer Scott Burnside even went so far as to say that Lidstrom “will make his case as the greatest defenseman of all time before he's done.” Unfortunately, Mr. Burnside, Nicklas has to get through these two gentlemen:





And not too many people got through either of those guys.

Anyway, both defenses will be challenged in this series. Detroit is slightly better at possessing the puck, which might be their gameplan when Crosby and Malkin are on the ice. But Pittsburgh is slightly better at taking advantage of one bad pass or one good check. Both net minders have been great in the post-season, but I’d give a slight edge to Osgood. Detroit is missing an important man in Johan Franzen, who’s out with concussion like symptoms, and may or may not return. Franzen had been their biggest goal scoring threat in the playoffs.

I think this will be a great series. But I picked Detroit to win it all a few weeks ago, so I’m sticking with them. Red Wings in 7.



-The Commodore