Setting the city off into a frenzy with hate aimed at ‘Kim would be an understatement. There were chants of “Noah sucks!” and a bevy of boo’s all throughout game 2, where the Cavaliers beat the Bulls 112 – 102. This won’t be any different in the upcoming games as he continues his tirade against C-town. But is all his talk doing any good for his team? Is it motivating him, an above average center that averaged 11pts 11reb per game in the regular season? He certainly came strong in last night’s game, putting up 25 pts 13reb, but it wasn’t enough to stop King James’ 40 pts 8reb 8ast. So, what is all this yapping doing?

Is it firing me, a Cavaliers fan and a homegrown Clevelander, up? No doubt about that.

Is it enticing fans to riddle Noah with hate during every minute of his stay in Cleveland? You betcha.

Is it getting to the Cavs? Not so much. Adversely for the Bulls, it’s just motivated LBJ and the team THAT much more.

The Cavaliers are focused and though their defense was less than stellar last night, they know what’s at hand and realize that the Chicago Bulls will inevitably just be a stepping stone as they fight towards getting back to the NBA Finals. That’s right Noah, all your words are for naught. You despise the city that’s handing it to you two games to zero, so LeBron James and co. plan to help you get back home as soon as possible so you can enjoy some of your own vacation spots.

I personally held back as much as I could on my disdain for Noah, but what do you think of his constant yapping? He obviously has the right to say what he pleases to help him get fired up – but 2 games down and being the 8th seed against the top seeded Cavs, is it about time he just shuts up, plays his game and await his destiny of a first round bump? Sound off.

What gives?

These teams played hard for every winding second. These superstars poured their sweat and blood into these high-magnitude post-season games. Doesn’t the winning superstar deserve the respect and admiration from their counterpart? Most called LeBron and Peyton sore losers and believe they should have sucked it up and shook Dwight’s and Drew’s hands. Well, I have to disagree – and before you think I’m a sore loser for siding with them, here’s why I feel this way:

Competitiveness

Every athlete that takes the hardwood, field, pitch, whatever – has that fire within them that’s got them to this level of play. Then you have LBJ, Peyton, and a slew of other athletes that are on a different level of play – and more times than not, they have a competitive nature within them that cannot be matched. They fight and strive to be better every single minute that they play the game.

LeBron is constantly learning, coaching, studying. Peyton is no different and can always be seen reviewing the previous drive’s plays on the sidelines. I emphasize this because when they do lose, they’re far from happy. They’re angry at themselves and know they could’ve won and make sure that they don’t go through that again.

Then comes the biggest games of the season. The ones that will either lead you to a championship or send you home and watching from your couch. So when LeBron and Peyton lost these big games, I felt for them. I didn’t think of them as sore losers or cry babies. I thought of them as highly competitive athletes who are 1 – human and 2 – going through a huge amount of pain after these losses. I’m competitive by nature and may be biased in my thoughts, but am I wrong?

Do we not owe them the ability to spend this tough time alone in their locker room? Are they bad role models for their (non) actions? What are your thoughts?

The game was intense and the Cavaliers pulled out the victory, but that wasn’t the most interesting part of the night. Heck, even DWade’s monstrous, disgusting, sick, all of the above dunk on Andy Verajao (OUCH) wasn’t it either. It was LeBron’s comments at the end of the game that caught my attention (video link):

I respect LBJ for stepping up and showing Michael Jordan the respect that he rightfully deserves. I also respect the maturity that it takes to consider giving up the number you’ve worn since your sophomore year in high school. But I question whether he’s giving up the number 23 for the right reasons. Why?

• Because though we relate the number 23 to MJ, I can relate it to LBJ as well
• Because the number 23 gives kids/players inspiration to do something amazing, to achieve greatness every time they wear that number
• Because one number’s inspiration doesn’t have to be limited to one person

Jerry Rice wore the number 80. I will always equate the greatest receiver of all time to that number. I think of him when I see other WRs wearing that number. But I also know that those players willing to suit up with 80 on their back are going onto the field knowing that they represent a number that achieved greatness – and will aspire to do the same.

As much as Michael Jordan achieved wearing the number 23, I think LeBron James (without getting into the comparison debate) in his own respect, can do the same.

But enough of what I think – do you think LeBron James is doing the right thing? Do you think he has to do it in respect of Jordan? Let me know what’s on your mind.

With those big moves, as well as a plethora of others, NBA fans are hot to already proclaim the 2010 NBA Champions. Though many see the season to be dominated by the usual suspects, here are 3 teams that people should keep an eye on:

San Antonio Spurs

Yes, the Spurs may have been a powerhouse for years but lately they’ve been snubbed as the old team that’s past their prime. Granted, Tim Duncan is admittedly on a decline and not the beast he once was, don’t forget that Tony Parker is in his prime and Manu Ginobili will be coming back full-strength after a season of injury. Oh, did I mention that they also acquired the explosive Richard Jefferson? Yea, I’d keep them on my radar.

Atlanta Hawks

They’re young, fiery and play with speed & excitement – all the reason that teams should be wary of them come playoff time. They’re 2 years out from their extraordinary run in the playoffs and almost beating the Celtics – but with such an athletic team, as well as with acquiring Jamal Crawford, the Hawks are primed and ready for another run.

Portland Trail Blazers

Another fairly young team, but one with one of the league’s biggest centers – Greg Oden. Yes, he has been injury prone the last couple years – but with a star like Brandon Roy and the addition of Andre Miller, they’ll be an exciting team to watch this year…even in the tough Western Conference.

Those are my atypical teams to look out for this coming season, but what teams do you think could be added to this list?

Photo credit: Lenny&Meriel

It was inevitable, as we all knew even while he was still playing that he was a special player and that he’d be recognized for that one day. I admittedly missed watching the ceremony live on ESPN but I caught up with all the speeches online and was truly moved when listening to Michael talk about the game, but more so hearing more about his mentality as a competitor.

He’s fought every day to get to where he’s at today and he’s constantly pushed himself & his teammates to succeed. His motivation comes from his family, as well as from coaches and players that he’s connected with throughout his career. He used the naysayers and his competitors to push him and to prove them wrong.

This competitive nature was summed up at the end of his speech with this great quote:

Limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.

Though his speech may have raised a bit of a debate as to whether he’s ‘too competitive’, no one can deny that his nature was that of non-complacency and is the reason why many of us think of him as one of the greatest players to play the game.

He never settled; nor did he ever give up.

He succeeded, but it was never enough.

Every one of his victories and championships were cherished like it were his first, but he was never satisfied. That passion and thirst for more from the game of basketball stayed within him – and I don’t doubt that same drive is still with him to this day.

So if you haven’t seen his speech, take some time out to watch it: part 1, part 2, part 3.

What do you think of his competitive nature? Is it extreme or is it something that can be instilled in all of us? I want to hear how someone’s own success inspires you.

Photo credit: barnezy

The inspiration for this post came from this great Jordan commercial:

It’s something we all can relate to. When we’ve been knocked down or have a wall in front of our path, we have to be willing to look ourselves in the eye and ask whether or not we have the motivation and drive within us to continue on. Some of the greatest inspiration that’s helped me in these times has come from basketball.

Grant Hill is one player that will always inspire me. He’s shown me more courage and desire than any basketball player I know. He started his career with the Detroit Pistons and after his first few seasons, was touted as one of the rising stars of the league and a superstar for many years to come. But after six seasons with Detroit and his switch over to the Orlando Magic, the line of roadblocks began piling up in front of him. He played less than 50 games in his first three seasons with the Magic due to numerous ankle injuries and actually had to sit out the entire 2003 season. FOUR years of his career, torn apart by injuries.

But he pushed forward. He willed himself to rehabilitate and get better – and he did. Though he had minor injuries nag him every so often, he came back to a point where we were reminded of the Grant Hill of old. The Grant Hill that was a triple-double machine and one of the best all-around players in the league. Grant saw that in his eyes and he had the drive and patience to continue on his path and around those roadblocks. Where’s he at now? He’s with the Phoenix Suns, playing a key supporting role to their explosive offense and just this past season was he able to play in all 82 games – the first time in his career.

So, tell me, who inspires you? Where do you go when you need motivation? It can be a basketball player or just someone else that you admire. I want to hear what drives you.

Photo credit: periwinklepenguins

Now, to the new champions – congrats to the Los Angeles Lakers. They played like the team we knew they were. Not the ups and downs they showed in their series with Houston and Denver, but the strength they showed from both ends of the floor against Orlando in all 5 games. The determination to understand what was ahead of them every single night. The drive that led them to realize their goal all season long, the NBA Championship.

Kobe – 4 rings | Phil – 10 rings

For those who watched the entire finals, as well as the post-series analysis, we’ve heard over and over the comparisons of Kobe & Michael and Phil & Red. Undoubtedly, they both deserve to be in both of those respective comparisons, but what I’m celebrating here is these guys’ passion and desire to succeed. As with many of us and any business setting, there are going to be ups and downs, trade rumors, unhappy teammates, a coach taking time away from the team. Whatever the downs are, it’s how you handle ‘em and where you go from there that shows your grit and focus. These 2 guys, along with the rest of the team, have shown this, seemingly every year. They come in with a focus and swagger that can’t be imitated. But above all, they’ve done it with class and true sportsmanship.

What’s even scarier? They’re young, at their peak, and they’ll be back next year. The NBA is on notice, will be finding ways to improve, and have their eyes set on the Lakers.

I don’t know about you but I can’t until next year!

Photo credit: NBA

Today, I give huge props to Stan Van Gundy for the adjustments he made with the Orlando Magic, who won their first Finals game last night. I’ve seen not only adjustments but also an evolution. Here are two of such that stick out to me:

Point Guard Play

As a Jameer Nelson fan, I was excited to see him healthy and able to play again after a 4-month absence due to a torn labrum. But that’s still 4 months off and a loss of rhythm and real game action that can’t be made up for in practice. Van Gundy went all in and played him for 23 minutes his first game back. He didn’t do terrible but the flow wasn’t there for him. More importantly was Rafer Alston, who voiced his displeasure of playing fewer minutes, and the adverse effect of depleting your starting point guard’s minutes. He’s helped the Magic while taking over during Jameer’s injury, but to cut down his minutes substantially is only going to hurt his comfort and rhythm within the offense. Stan realized this. He understood that though he has an all-star point guard sitting on his bench with Jameer Nelson, he also has Rafer Alston, who has done amazing things for the team these playoffs. Jameer played fewer minutes the last two games and Alston finally broke through last night with a great 20-pt performance. Stan, after a tweak to the lineup that didn’t necessarily work, stuck to his guns with Rafer.

Motivational

Don’t get me wrong, I know the head coach is supposed to motivate his team; but we all also know that Stan has an interesting coaching style that starts and ends with his raspy voice. He’s been known to be fairly pessimistic in his talks & interviews throughout the game, and even Shaquille O’Neal called him “the master of panic.” Given all that, Stan looks and sounds like a changed man. Now, I don’t expect him to be completely chipper throughout the game, but I’ve seen more motivation coming out of his mouth, patting guys on the back, loosening up a bit. He’s reaching out to his team on a different level than what I’ve seen this season and even in earlier playoff series. We talk about the evolution of Dwight Howard and how this year’s postseason was his coming out party. What about Stan, man? He’s gone through his own growing pains, being critiqued on his coaching style by the media and players, but he’s shown tremendous growth throughout this playoffs.

So, if Shaq or the media want to question his coaching style, think again. Regardless of the outcome of the Finals, Stan Van Gundy has evolved as a coach, not only for his key team adjustments but for his maturation as a coach.

Photo Credit: BasketConToDo

Well, it certainly looks like it thus far, even with the close game that Orlando lost in overtime. But the question that comes up is the mindset of the Magic. Not mentally but more so their game play, which if you haven’t noticed, is offensive. They’re a shooting team, first and foremost, live and die by the 3, and rely on that to get them either back in games or to win ‘em. They’ve been on fire in their series wins over the Sixers, Celtics, and Cavaliers, but they seem to have lost their swagger since meeting the Lakers in the Finals.

Their field goal percentage is significantly down, not to mention their 3-point shooting. They’re not running and gunning like they have in past series. They just don’t look like the same team that we’ve enjoyed throughout these playoffs. I wonder, are they finally suffering from the latter of the aforementioned phrase:

Live and Die by the 3

Can that type of mindset, though has gotten them deep into the playoffs, win them a title? Many have said that it’s defense that wins championships and the Lakers are trying to make that come true. They’ve tightened up their D from past series and are clamping down on the Magic; not only on their 3-point shooting but on Dwight Howard as well, as he only has ONE dunk in the first two games of the Finals.

What’s your take? Do you think the Magic have just lost steam? Or have they finally met their match, defensively?

Then there’s the Orlando Magic. A team that people weren’t sure what to make of during the regular season. They had a great record but some weren’t sure if they’d be able to hold their own with the big boys in the playoffs. They had their trouble with the Sixers and then the reigning champs, Boston. Even without Kevin Garnett, the Celtics gave Orlando a tough series, but they were able to prevail. They were on their way to the Eastern Conference Finals, but as the underdogs.

Not many people gave Orlando a shot to beat the, at the time, best team in the league. The Cavs were having fun and making the game look easy. Dismantling opponents left and right, becoming the clear favorites in many eyes. But then…

Orlando Magic Win: 4-2

Wait, what? The dominating team that was expected to make it to the Finals…lost? The team that had the swagger and the high hopes and support of their fans to win it all. Being born and raised in Cleveland, you can probably imagine the disappointment I had when watching the final seconds dwindle down in game 6. It hurts. But I have to give the Orlando Magic props. They’re an amazing team, with an amazing star in Dwight Howard, and an amazing array of shooters and athletes on the roster.

Not enough can be said about the underdogs. The young, inexperienced team that no one thought could make it to the Finals. They brought a style of play that the Cavs just did not have an answer for. Their athleticism, their shooting – it couldn’t be matched in this series.

Whether the Cavaliers became complacent with their great season and playoffs, had too much rest, or just felt Orlando was going to step aside on the Cavs road to the Finals. Whatever the reason, Cleveland fell short of expectations. The favorites were subdued by the feisty underdogs.

Lesson learned for the Cavaliers, as the Magic stopped their train to the Finals and hopped on board.