LeBron James Goes “Video Game James” To Save The Miami Heat Season

Jun19 by Ronnie Hampston

Prior to the fourth quarter in Game 6, LeBron James did not look and play like himself. James who has struggled against Boris Diaw and the Spurs continued to settle, and display horrible body language while on the court. James saw that his team’s season was on the line, and morphed back into the player that we all know that he can be.

#NoheadbandBron went into playground mode, and attacked the Spurs defense like no other. James led a surge that dug the Heat out of a double digit point deficit in the fourth quarter.

LeBron has been criticized for not being “clutch”, but the numbers state otherwise. James has the highest points per game in NBA History (31.5ppg) when his team is facing elimination.

James ended up with a monster triple double scoring 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. LeBron did not play the perfect game, but when it mattered he took his game to another level.

LeBron scored 18 points, and played solid defense on Tony Parker in the closing moments of the game. LeBron was not flawless in the fourth quarter, but he did just enough to will his team to a victory.

Players such as Chris Bosh and Ray Allen had their say-so in the comeback as well by making huge plays on both ends of the floor.

LeBron James and the Miami Heat live on to fight another day. Game 7 cannot hurry fast enough.

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The Spurs just pissed away the NBA Title

Jun19 by JT

Judge me if you want because of the title but after watching that game live, I didn’t want to pacify the situation. Tuesday night we all watched one of the greatest NBA Finals games in the history of the NBA and as a fan with no dog in the fight I’m not mad at all but as a realist the Spurs beat themselves in the last 30 seconds of the game. I’m not taking anything away from the Heat because being down 10 points at the start of 4th isn’t anything to sneeze at.

I won’t dog the refs because no matter what side of the coin you are on the game was there for the taking.

3 Things that will always haunt the Spurs if they lose Game 7 are:

1. Manu splitting the first set of free throws 2. Kawhi splitting the second set of free throws 3. Coach Pop not having Duncan in on the last defensive possession

If I got into the overtime the post probably would never end. LeBron made a stay in touch three that was very important but after missing a three, the Bosh offensive rebound was the biggest play of the game as he found Ray Allen in the corner to knock down a game tying three that sent the game into overtime, where the Heat pulled off the thrilling comeback victory.

This game was huge for Bron and the Heat, that turnover in the last 30 seconds by him would’ve been played until we died if the Heat would’ve lost this game, so I know he is thanking Bosh and Ray Ray as we speak. The Heat has to be counting their lucky stars and they have game 7 at home on Thursday.

On the other side of the fence the Spurs have to be ready to play Thursday but it will be tough not to think about the huge missed opportunity on Tuesday. They had the floor taped up just to put the tape down as they let the title slip through their hands in the matter of seconds. Sometimes you have to go to the restroom but most try not to in public and that’s what those free throws turned out to be. Game 6 will be magnified even more after Thursday you can count on that.

NBA Finals: Can The Miami Heat Bounce Back Against the San Antonio Spurs?

Jun18 by Ronnie Hampston

When the Miami Heat masterfully formed “The Big 3,” a bulls eye about as big as Precious was placed on them. At the time, you had two top-five NBA players (Wade and James), and a formidable All-Star (Chris Bosh) teaming up.

Since coming together, the Miami Heat have been to three straight NBA Finals. After losing to the Mavericks, winning against OKC, the Heat find themselves down to the San Antonio Spurs 3-2 and the LeBron and/or Heat naysayers are chomping at the bit for another Heat loss.

With the Heat playing against the San Antonio Spurs, you have a battle of two opposites. You have the Spurs who were built the “traditional” way that a NBA organization builds a championship team. And yes, there are some fans who enjoy good ol’ fundamental, blue-collar team ball – and that’s what they get with the Spurs.

The Miami Heat on the other hand are considered, by many, to be hardwood divas with personalities (on and off the court) bigger than your favorite Hollywood starlet. And we all know that many accuse Miami of trying to buy championships with each new player contract.

The perceptions could be right when talking about both teams, but at the end of the day, the Miami Heat are a world class team – period. The Heat may have peaked at the wrong time this season, but they are standing at the end of the season with two possible home games to win their second NBA Title.

If the Heat lose, people will call it a failure. If they win, people will brush it off and claim that they were supposed to win. In either case, they lose in the perception game. Ladies and gentlemen, the Miami Heat are in a lose-lose situation.

Basketball fans will be on edge tomorrow. Heat haters will be on the edge of their seats praying for the demise of the Miami Heat. Spurs fans will be waiting to see if Tim Duncan can go out on top. Big-3 fans will watch desperately hoping that LeBron James and the Miami Heat will live up to the hype.

Either way, Game 6 will be a good one! After tomorrow we’ll see if the Heat will live to see another game.

When going to the Western Conference Finals isn’t enough

Jun17 by JT

Have you ever seen a team part ways with their coach after making the Western Conference Finals? To add to that have you seen a team part ways with their coach when your team didn’t have major championship hope? Welp, if you haven’t seen this happen before this week you have been a part of history.

The Memphis Grizzlies have decided to part ways with head coach Lionel Hollins. This is a decision that new owner Robert Pera(s/o for the love Pera showed us during the season) and CEO Jason Levien have made together being that they inherited Hollins when acquiring the Grizzlies but it still doesn’t make it a smart decision. Why would you get rid of a coach who has helped stabilize a rocky franchise? I personally can’t answer that question but I can talk about it.

Hollins led the Grizzlies to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in the short history of the franchise. Seemed like a great accomplishment minus being swept by the Spurs. If you dug deeper into the series 3 of the 4 games the Grizzlies had a great chance to win, being that two of them went to overtime. A few tweaks here and there and we thought the Grizz would be right back in the championship hunt. To pull the plug on this operation seems a bit premature, with the recent success of the Grizzlies.

During the last 4 years Hollins has led the Grizz to a 196-155 record along with 3 playoff appearances. He has helped turn Zach Randolph to a team player and transformed point guard Mike Conley into an emerging star. The next leader on the bench will have some big shoes to fill.

With Hollins out the Grizzlies will be ran by a new leader next season we wish them the best but letting Hollins go my comeback to haunt them because sooner than later somebody will hire him and will be on the other side causing the Grizzlies headaches.

Only time will tell if they are making the right decision but I’m willing to bet unless they get Doc Rivers their isn’t much of an upgrade out there. Sometimes rash moves can bite you in the ass only time will tell if that move smacks the Grizzlies in the face.

Jay-Z x Samsung x NBA Finals

Jun16 by JT

During halftime of Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Jay-Z dropped a bomb for those who were watching. He had a commercial marketing the Samsung Galaxy and his new album that will drop July 4th. First million people with the Samsung Galaxy to download the app June 24th will get the album (Magna Carta Holy Grail) July 4th, three days before it comes out to the regular folks.

The commercial was dope, the internet(s) exploded damn near made everyone forget about the NBA Finals. Jay had power producers all in the same room, those producers being Pharrell, Timberland, Swizz Beatz and Rick Rubin. Hell of a power room for you right there. I know we are a sports blog/site but the way this effected the finals was nothing short of epic.

If you didn’t see the commercial check it out right here.

NBA Finals: Dwyane Wade Turns Back The Clock Against the San Antonio Spurs

Jun14 by Ronnie Hampston

Throughout this year’s NBA Playoffs Dwyane Wade has been a shell of himself. Wade, who is battling a knee injury has been subject to a lot of criticism from sports analyst, teammates, coaches, and generic sports analysts like myself.

In the first three rounds of the playoffs Wade was pedestrian at best averaging around 14 points per game, and 4 assists. At times it seemed as if it were LeBron James and the extras. Dwyane Wade was not himself, and that was mainly due to an injured knee.

The more Wade’s knee bothered him his role seemed to diminish. Since Wade is a rhythm player his timing was thrown off when it was time for him to pick and choose his spots to play like “Flash”.

Dwyane Wade’s injured knee has hindered him from being the player we all know that the can be.

Last night against the Spurs Wade gave a rare vintage performance. Wade ended the game with an efficient 32 points to go along with 6 steals, 6 rebounds, and four dimes. Wade’s intensity and impact set the tone early for the Miami Heat. As a whole the “Big 3″ combined for 85 points, 30 rebounds, and 10 steals.

These are the performances that many people expected out of “The Big 3″ since forming their so-called super team. Throughout this year’s playoffs, and most of last year’s playoffs it has been LeBron James and whoever else decided to step up.

Since D-Wade’s health is always in question we can’t expect many of these performances like the one he had last night. When it happens we as basketball fans cherish the moment and watch Wade go to work.

If Wade can continue this type of effort and intensity on the court the Heat will be on their way to a second title. I will admit that Dwyane Wade is not one of my favorite players, but you have to tip your hat to the man they once called “Flash”.

The Brooklyn Nets Take a Gamble with Jason Kidd

Jun14 by Ronnie Hampston

Jason Kidd was recently hired as the Head Coach of the Brooklyn Nets. J-Kidd recently played his last season with the New York Knicks. Being the floor general that Kidd is it seems like it will be an easy transition for the future hall of famer.

Coaching in this day in age is more about managing egos, and making the proper adjustments on the floor. Kidd, who has a close relationship with point guard Deron Williams, should be excited to learn from one of the All-Time greats.

General Manager Billy King wants to think that the Nets are an upper-echelon team, but in reality they aren’t. The Nets may have a high payroll, but they are far from a finished product. Winning in Brooklyn will not be easy.

With the Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, and New York Knicks ahead of the pack it is hard to see the Nets becoming more than a middle of the pack team. Kidd will have a great impact, and the players will respect Kidd due to his credentials in the game of basketball.

Former players always try their hand at coaching. Star players have not had the luck in coaching similar to players that were previously role players. Former players like Doc Rivers, Phil Jackson, and Pat Riley were role players who turned into great coaches.

Stars like Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, and Elgin Baylor did not fare well when on the sidelines. Not saying that Kidd will flop as a head coach, but history is not on his side.

I believe that if there is any player that can buck the trend it is Jason Kidd. Guys like Patrick Ewing, Brian Shaw, and Sam Cassell will have to continue to wait patiently for their number to be called.

This is the second summer that Brooklyn has made noise in the off-season, let’s hope it translates to the regular season.

The hiring of Jason Kidd will be criticized due to his lack of coaching experience. Will the Nets win a title during his tenure? Probably not, but this is a coach that the players will have the utmost respect for.

With Jason Kidd’s 19 years of experience, and being that he was a point guard I think he will make a smooth transition. Good job Brooklyn, I think Kidd was worth the risk.