Bleacher Report - Articles by Taylor Gram

How Michael Crabtree Can Ruin a Season

Taylor Gram — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 10:35:44 -0500

Today the new BCS rankings were let out and the computers had Oklahoma above Texas.

This placement settled the three way tie between Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech, and sent Oklahoma to the big 12 Title game against Missouri.

Had Oklahoma lost to Oklahoma state this past Saturday the Texas Tech would be the one headed to face Mizzou, because of their close defeat over Texas.

I never like to play the "If" game, but as I saw the results I thought about what couldv'e happened if Michael Crabtree had not made his stunning catch to beat Texas as time ran off the clock.If Michael Crabtree dropped that pass, or heaven forbid somebody tackle him, the season may have folded out a little differently.

First of all, Texas Tech would have fell in the rankings. Oklahoma would play them and have the dominant game hey did, but not get nearly as many style point, as Tech would have been an 11 or 12. With two losses, Texas Tech's season would be over and there wouldn't be a three way tie.

Next, Texas would only have to survive the rest of their schedule having beaten four ranked teams, to stay No. 1 in the Nation. With their un-dented record, there would be no dispute over the higher ranked team after an Oklahoma win in Stillwater.

Texas would be on it's way to a Big 12 championship game, and possibly a National Title game.

The way the BCS is, one play can ruin a teams whole season, just like Michael Crabtree showed Texas on Lubbock. The fate of a team can come down to a blown call, one mental mistake, a half a second of confusion, one mis-communication, one ounce of energy for a second effort, and many more things.

The lesson Texas learned is a hard one, the little things matter. Texas is out of BCS contention because of that one play, that one mistake, that one half a step.

Maybe this is the NCAA's reason for the system in place, it creates drama, energy, and the importance of a win, week in and week out. I'm starting to understand why, maybe this system isn't as bad or corrupt as we think.

Big games become biggger, underdogs seem like threats, evey play counts. It creates this hostile enviromment that can't be predicted. Expectations are bigger, standards are higher, and the unexpected becomes more, and more expected.

Yes, the the system is flawed, and yes it is unfair, but maybe that's what makes college football, college football.

The Argument for Texas' BCS Hopes

Taylor Gram — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 06:21:29 -0500

Lately all over ESPN has been the talk of if Oklahoma beats Oklahoma State, whether the Sooners they should leapfrog Texas in the BCS polls.

Oklahoma dismantled Texas Tech, Texas Tech edged Texas on an incredible Michael Crabtree play, and Texas went to Dallas and beat Oklahoma. It's like we're living a reality show!

Let's break this down. Texas (ranked No.3 at the time) went to neutral Dallas in the Cotton Bowl and upset the No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners. Texas Tech (ranked No. 7 at the time) hosted Texas in Lubbock in one of the best games I have seen in recent history, where they beat the No. 1 Longhorns in the final seconds of the game. Texas Tech jumped to No. 2 and were completely demolished by the No. 5 Sooners.

So here's the question: Who should be on top?

Texas Tech has been left out of this talk for two reasons. One, they never reached the No. 1 position, and two, they let Oklahoma step all over them.

The argument for Oklahoma is that they destroyed Texas Tech, who beat Texas. The only problem in that insane logic is that Texas already beat Oklahoma.

The Longhorns and Sooners met in the Cotton Bowl for the Red River Rivalry in a 45-35 thriller. Before this win, Texas wasn't talked about much with Alabama and Oklahoma, even though they were positioned at No. 3.

In their time at No. 1, Texas beat up on No. 6 Oklahoma State. Oklahoma claims if they beat the Cowboys they should move up. News flash OU! Texas already did that too! The Longhorns also beat No. 11 Mizzou in one of the hardest stretches of games that a No. 1 has ever played.

Here's the problem for Texas. They traveled to one of the most hostile place I have ever seen, Texas Tech. Fans rushed the field on several occasions and almost cost Tech the game in the end. Texas Tech kept up and even led the Longhorns throughout the game, and never let up.

The Red Raiders traveled down the field with little time left and escaped defeat twice on dropped interceptions. Against all odds and physics, Michael Crabtree made the most amazing catch I have ever seen, dodging defenders and tiptoeing the sidelines into the end zone.

If Texas' defense could've held up in the end, we wouldn't even be having this conversation.

Notable wins for Oklahoma

TCU 35-10

Kansas 45-31

Nebraska 62-28

and of course, Texas Tech 65-21

Notable wins for Texas

Arkansas 52-10

Oklahoma 45-35

Missouri 56-31

Oklahoma State 28-24

So why should Oklahoma jump Texas? Your guess is as good as mine.

Getting Back To Dallas Cowboy Football

Taylor Gram — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:29:42 -0500

Before last Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys were ridiculed and put down. Their star Quarterback had an injured pinkie, Their veteran Wide Receiver was unhappy about the team's play, Wade Phillips was considered "On the Hot Seat", Rookie breakout Felix Jones was placed on IR, Adam Jones was suspended, and Roy Williams was yet to be productive. The only upside to this was that Terrence Newman was back from injury.

Brad Johnson could'nt hit the broad side of a barn, while Brooks Bollinger wasn't any better. Great relief came to Dallas when tony Romo was announced to play against the Division Rival Redskins. It was a must win game for the Cowboys. They came together and scratched out a win in D.C. to save their almost lost season.

This last weekend Dallas took on the San Francisco 49er's at home in Irving. The Cowboys were on their way to rebuilding themselves halfway through the season.

In the first quarter the 49er's easily drove the ball up and down the field but couldn't convert for touchdowns, only pulling away six points. The Cowboys had yet to threaten the San Francisco Defense, punting on each drive.

I was disappointed as I watched, but realized something familiar. Last year, the Cowboys had one of the best regular seasons in franchise history, Regular season being the key words here. In almost every game they were either down of hadn't scored in the first quarter. They were notorious for slow starts.

So I relaxed and let the game play out from there. After the first quarter it seemed as though they were beginning to play Dallas Cowboy Football again.

They had a high powered offense that could not be stopped, and a defense that was not great, but solid.

I know what your thinking, "They were playing the San Francisco 49ers!". Yes, they were, but the win wasn't important here, heck, I could drop 40 on the 49er's with my hands tied behind my back.

They point to this is that they won by playing the kind of football they needed to play the whole season.

Terrell Owens had over 200 receiving yards, Roy Williams has started to be affective, the defense held up through most of the game holding Shaun Hill to, at one point late in the game, 1-for-7, no touchdowns and one interception.

It's now or never, the Cowboys need a late season run to grab a wild card spot, and as long as they play like they have done the past two weeks, they should have no problem in doing so.

Dallas Cowboys Are Super Bowl Bound

Taylor Gram — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:50:26 -0400

The Dallas Cowboys have had some disappointing years, but none like the ones they've had behind Tony Romo.

First, he comes in behind Drew Bledsoe and saves the Cowboys' season, giving the fans a reason to cheer.

Then came the fumble. Romo fumbles the ball on the field-goal attempt in Seattle, gets the blame for the whole loss, and the ending of the Cowboys' season, and gets to look ahead to great criticism the next year.

In the '07-'08 season, the Cowboys finally looked themselves again. They had a winning record, beat the rival, divisional teams, and had a great offense. They would have been on top of the sports world if Tom Brady weren't alive.

But the Cowboys were climbing the ladder of NFL success. They had big wins against the Packers and the Bears. Home-field advantage was their partner, and together they seemed unstoppable.

Then they crumbled in the face of the Giants and were sent home still wondering what went wrong.

Now that the '08-'09 season is approaching, the hopes are still high for the Cowboys. They have brought in help on defense with Pacman...oh, sorry...Adam Jones. Julius Jones is in Seattle, Barber is on top of the depth chart, and the Cowboys are looking for their sixth Lombardi trophy.

Romo and the gang are hungry for a playoff win, something the city of Dallas has not seen in some time. They have everything they need. Their arsenal is full and ready for battle.

Romo has proved that he can lead Dallas, but the question is: How far can he lead them? So far, Romo has a reputation of not being able to get it done in the crunch time. That is a reputation he does not deserve.

Romo has only played in two playoff games.

The first was against a very good Seattle team, and maybe he did drop the ball in the end, but the Cowboys still had a chance to win the game after that. They stopped the Seahawks and had the ball around the 50, with timeouts left. They just flat out got beaten.

The other loss was to the Giants, who went on to win the Super Bowl. It doesn't seem like a horrible loss if you lose to the team that is apparently the best in the league.

Marion Barber is a beast, and he can still share the load with Felix Jones like he did with the Julius Jones.

Marc Colombo, Flozell Adams, and Leonard Davis can keep their offensive line together, as long as Andre Gurode can keep the snap down. And it's not as if Barber even needs blockers.

Jason Witten will be the key to the offense next year. Defenses will have to base their game plans around him and make sure he is covered. As long as they're doing that, Owens and Crayton can be productive with less attention toward them.

Here's where it gets tricky.

Terrell Owens is 33. Glenn is a free agent. The Cowboys are in trouble. Yes, Dallas has great young receivers with loads of potential. But they haven't cashed in on that potential just yet.

As long as Owens stays until he's about 35 or 36, the Cowboys will be fine. If not, Dallas will have to trade for a No. 1 receiver, or let Crayton, Sam Hurd, and Austin Miles take over.

Defense is what the Cowboys need to focus on. I think that their D is underrated. With the addition of Adam Jones, and Terrence Newman on the other side of the field, Dallas has an unstoppable corner back corps.

The Cowboys' secondary is a little shaky. Roy Williams has proven to be a hard hitter and ankle breaker, but that's about it. Ken Hamlin isn't too great either. Teams will constantly try to go deep on the Cowboys.

What they won't be able to do is get past DeMarcus Ware. He's coming up as one of the best linebackers in the league, and he sometimes plays defensive end in Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense. I expect a Defensive Player of the Year performance.

The linebacker corps is excellent. The Cowboys have DeMarcus Ware, and they've added Zach Thomas. Players like Bobby Carpenter, Greg Ellis, and Bradie James can fill up holes and make key tackles.

The defensive line is great. They picked up Tank Johnson from the Bears, after his suspension. Canty and Ratliff are young, solid, and have plenty of potential.

The '08-'09 season will show what the Cowboys really have in them. Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett have shown that they can run a league-leading offense, and Romo has proven that he can make that offense produce.

It's finally the Cowboys' time to shine. They're hungry for victory. They want to prove themselves to the world. Super Bowl XLIII will be filled with stars.

The Scoop on Rick Carlisle, Dallas Mavericks Head Coach

Taylor Gram — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:48:42 -0400

The Dallas Mavericks now have an array of playoff losses and disappointments. How can they change all this? By hiring their ninth head coach, that's how. Or at least that's what Mavs owner Mark Cuban thinks.

After the Mavs gave the city of Dallas another disappointing playoff loss, Mark Cuban fired Avery Johnson, and pursued Coach Rick Carlisle.

Rick Carlisle played college basketball at the University of Virginia, and as co-captain lead the Cavaliers to the Final Four.

He was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1984, winning a Finals in '86, and went on to play for two other teams in his career.

Carlisle began his coaching as an assistant in Portland and New Jersey. He later was the head coach for the Pistons and the Pacers, both of whom he led to the playoffs.

So coach Rick Carlisle has been around the block a couple of times and can proudly wear something most players on the Mavs don't, a ring. So that's the master plan here for Carlisle, give the fans and players in Dallas something to be proud of, not two playoff flops in two straight years.

Coaching the team won't be a walk in the park, mostly because of crazy owner Mark Cuban. Cuban has displayed his anger of losing and his ability to fire and hire anybody he wants.

Years before, Cuban fired soon to be Hall of Fame Coach Don Nelson. Nelson later went on to lead the Warriors to upset the Mavs in the first round.

So Cuban isn't afraid to toss Carlisle to the curb if he doesn't produce. And that's the question right there, will Carlisle produce?

The Mavs fans can't go through too much more of playoff tragedies. Carlisle will have to go deep into the playoffs or the city of Dallas will want him gone.

My prediction, the Mavs have what it takes to go deep into the playoffs. But every year they seem to fail us. Rick Carlisle will take the Mavs to where they need to go. I see a second round leave for the Mavs after they grab the fourth or fifth seed in the West.

The coaching change will give life and energy to the Mavs, something they never experienced with dull Avery Johnson. This year will be the year that the Mavs prove themselves to their fans, the world, and to themselves.

Josh Hamilton: Saving the Rangers, while Saving Himself

Taylor Gram — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:32:46 -0400

As all of you know, Josh Hamilton competed in the Home Run Derby this year, and hit 28, yes 28, home runs in the first round, the farthest going about 514 feet.

Then he had to screw it up and choke in the third round vs. Justin Morneau, where he only hit four home runs. But I'm not concerned, really, I'm overjoyed from the life he has put into the Texas Rangers and the way that he has done it has been truly incredible.

Josh Hamilton came out of Raleigh, North Carolina and was a two time North Carolina High School Player of the Year. In his senior year, he was named USA's Baseball Amateur Player of the Year.

Hamilton was the first overall pick in the 1999 draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His career was sidelined by injuries and more importantly, drug addiction. He was suspended because of the league's substance abuse policy in '02.

The tattoos he now wears on his arms were put in place when he was high, and now he claims he is ashamed of them. Finally, his grandmother confronted him and showed him Christianity. He now says he's been clean since October '05.

Now, if asked about his comeback he says, "It's a GOD thing". Before every at bat at home, the song 'Saved the Day' by the Christian band Phillips Craig & Dean is played.

He travels the country teaching kids about the horrors in drugs and proudly tells his story to anybody willing to hear it. He claims he is living proof that hope is never lost.

Josh Hamilton has made a huge splash this season and has put the Texas Rangers on the map. Before Hamilton, the Rangers have had stars such as Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez. Even the Manager didn't know the players names on previous teams.

Now the Rangers can see the light and can taste it with people like Ian Kinsler, Milton Bradley, and Michael Young. Not to mention Josh Hamilton is among the league leaders in homers with 21, and is now a first time America League All-Star.

Some people now resent Hamilton because of his troubled past, but I embrace the future and all it may hold, for him, the Rangers, and everyone that thinks they have lost all hope.

Mark Cuban: Headcase or Great Owner?

Taylor Gram — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 08:33:04 -0400

Mark Cuban is the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and proudly shows it as he rushes onto the court because of officials, or rants and raves about other players and head coaches. Everybody knows him. The question remains, is he a head case or a great owner?

Cuban made his money from starting a computer software company Micro Solutions, and sold it for $6 million. He later started Broadcast.com and sold it to Yahoo for $5.9 billion, that's right billion. From then on it was all an entrepreneur trying to make money.

He bought the Mavericks in 2000 and instantly raised their scoring percentage, and placed them among the league elite for all the rest of the seasons to come. He acquired coach Don Nelson, who drastically turned around the franchise. He was first frowned upon when he got Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash, but later called brilliant when they both won MVPs.

Cuban is known for his short fuse and harsh temper towards referees. He sat alongside the Mavs before he was banned, when the NBA put into place the Cuban rule, where an owner cannot sit on the team bench.

Guess the one person effected by this? That's right Mark Cuban. How did he solve the problem? Sitting behind the team bench that's how.

During games, Cuban will rush the floor and get into screaming matches with officials, and later get fined for his behavior. But as I see it, this shows how much he cares.

On April Fool's, he and a referee planned to fake a shoving match on the court to entertain fans. He even started a booing campaign when Michael Finley took the floor as a San Antonio Spur in their playoff series in Dallas.

If he was just another billionaire owner that may come to some games during the season, he would just sit in a luxurious press box, above the court. They let GMs hire and fire coaches, release and sign free agents and do everything an owner would do, except make the money.

Mark Cuban works hard for his beloved Mavs and will spend any kind of money to see them win. I mean he pays Eric Dampier $11 million a year!

What you probably don't know is that every penny he gets fined he matches and gives to charities. He once criticized the manager of officials and told him he couldn't manage a Dairy Queen. He later worked at a Dairy Queen on his own will to apologize.

So love him or hate him, Mark Cuban gives a 110 percent to the Mavs and their fans. Sure he gets a little hot headed at times, but in the end he is one of the best owners of the league.

Dallas Mavericks: Why signing Gerald Greeen means so much

Taylor Gram — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:18:03 -0400

Gerald Green was signed in this year's free agency, by the Dallas Mavericks. This pickup can do nothing but seriously improve the team.

See before the Mavs bench was a wreck.

They would have Devean George backing up Howard, or Stackhouse coming of the bench at SF. JJ Berea has backed up Kidd. Sometimes Stack would start at SG and Terry would come in at PG.

Throw Devean George in the mix and Carlisle will put him at SF, SG ,and PF. Brandon Bass is perfect for the PF spot but because of the Kidd trade, he's had to play Center off and on, which is the worst place for him to play because of his size. Juwan Howard has actually for some reason gotten playing time at PF, something that is a total mistake.

But things will change after the signing of Diop and Green. Now they have a solid bench order that Carlisle can trust.

PG SG SF PF C

Jason Kidd Jason Terry Josh Howard Dirk Nowitzki Desagna Diop

JJ Berea Jerry Stackhouse Gerald Green Brandon Bass Eric Dampier

See how much better that looks? the Mavs will yet again be a dominant Force in the West with Diop back and Green incoming. Gerald Green might not be a great player but he can be a solid role player for a team like the Mavs.

Tony Stewart to Leave Joe Gibbs Racing: Is This Best for Everyone?

Taylor Gram — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:32:42 -0400

Joe Gibbs Racing has just announced that they will release Tony Stewart after this season when his contract goes up. My question to everybody: Is this the best for both sides?

If you're Joe Gibbs you lose Tony Stewart, one of the biggest names in NASCAR, to potential opposing teams. If you're Stewart, you leave one of the top teams in NASCAR and now have to find a job somewhere else.

Tony Stewart

There was speculation at the beginning of the season that Tony Stewart might leave JGR to form his own team, join another team, or retire. Stewart definitely has the money to build his own team, and the experience.

He owns Tony Stewart Racing which races in USAC Midget and Sprint Car divisions and World of Outlaws Sprint Car series. Combined he has eight championships from his four drivers, one of which is the current reigning champion. He also owns three dirt car tracks, one which he owns fully.

Stewart has two NASCAR titles under his belt and is searching for more, although he says that if he ever wins Daytona he will retire. He has one of the biggest endorsement deals with Home Depot, and a top five fan base. Tony Stewart has it all, so why leave?

This is a question only Stewart can answer himself. Maybe he wants change, maybe he wants money (though that's doubtful).

When he leaves Gibbs he will be leaving a team that is up and coming with drivers such as Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch. Where can he go to get better teammates?

The only answer would be Hendrick Motorsports, home of Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Casey Mears. But due to NASCAR's restrictions regarding how many drivers a team can have, Hendrick would have to kick someone to the curb, and I bet you can't guess who his first pick would be.

Joe Gibbs Racing

Joe Gibbs Racing has drivers Kyle Busch (points leader), Denny Hamlin, and the soon to be ex, Tony Stewart.

Gibbs has tackled everything he could dream of: Super Bowls, Championships, and all the money in the world. So how dominating will he be without Stewart? Plenty.

Joe Gibbs has young drivers and great behind the scenes people working for him. Kyle Busch is looking to win a NASCAR title this year and how much better will he get as he matures?

Gibbs managed a feat that was put down last year by Michael Waltrip—racing Toyota cars. Toyota crashed and burned last year with the help of Waltrip racing, and was beaten down by Chevy, Ford, and Dodge. Then things turned around when Gibbs had his crew working on it and his drivers behind the wheel.

So what's the verdict? This can't be that bad for either team.

Tony Stewart will land on his feet and will receive a car from any team he wants in NASCAR. As for Gibbs, well, he has a lot to look forward to. He might lose his best driver, but there are plenty behind him ready to take the spot.

Seattle SuperSonics to Leave: Can Oklahoma City Hold Them?

Taylor Gram — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:28:53 -0400

The ex-Seattle SuperSonics have announced that they are moving to Oklahoma City. But is this really for the best?

The Sonics have fans in Seattle that don't want to see them go, and I'm sure the NBA league offices don't either. Relocation is never good unless one of the four(!) teams in California wants to spread some NBA love to other parts of the country.

The SuperSonics have decided to try to share that love and leave a place that will be no longer a home to any NBA team.

I don't pretend to know about all the money dealing, but I'm sure OKC is paying the Sonics to relocate to their professional sports empty place. This could have upside for the Sonics, as they will be the main attraction—if that's what people want there.

The only pro teams that inhabit OKC are the Oklahoma Red Hawks (AAA baseball teams to the Rangers), Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz (Arena Football), Oklahoma City Lightning (National Women's Football Association), and the Oklahoma Blazers (Central Hockey League).

Has it ever occurred to people that if those are the sports teams they have in such a big city, that the residents don't want any? The guys in charge of OKC are paying these teams to come here, thinking it will help the city—but if no one shows up and income goes down, the owner gets mad and leaves again.

This cycle happened to the Hornets after they left Charlotte, and they now have a nice fit for a home in New Orleans.

How well will people sit on this if they change the team name too? The Rays were mocked and laughed at when they switched from Devil Rays to Rays. What kind of stupid name are the people for the Sonics going to make up? The Rainbow Warriors? The Clown Capers?

If they want that catchy name that starts with an O to go with OKC, then what in the world are they going to pick? The only O teams I can think of are the Baltimore Orioles and the Edmonton Oilers—so try to find an O name.

All in all, this is a bad move for the Sonics.

I lay out my prediction now—the Sonics will be gone in three years or fewer.

Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Hornets: Upset Waiting to Happen?

Taylor Gram — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 09:23:05 -0400

This year's playoffs will be the best in NBA history, we all know that.

But who will be the best team, this year? Really, nobody knows, but what we do know is that there will be upsets.

And the one I'm picking...Mavs over Hornets (In case you didn't read the title.)

This match up has everything, two GREAT point guards running the game who get 15 assists a game, make amazing plays, and dictate the game the whole way. They are two young household star, and one that refuses to retire. Now let's break the game down:

Point Guard-Jason Kidd vs. Chris Paul

This will be the most intriguing match up, and it happens at one of the most important positions on the floor.

This series may come down to point guard play. It will be Jason Kidd's experience, playmaker abilities, and defensive skills against Chris Paul's offensive talent, passing ability, and the choice of turning on and off whenever he feels.

Defense wins championships and so will the winner in the point position.

Results- It’s a toss up. Whoever comes out on top will be because if their defensive awareness, stealing, and pressure.

Shooting Guard- Morris Peterson vs. Jason Terry

Morris Peterson isn't what you would call the best player on the team. He averages eight points a game, which, don’t get me wrong, is decent. But he doesn't even average one assist per game so he doesn't contribute to other teammates, and he is definitely NOT an outside threat.

On the other hand, Jason Terry is a good role player, and can carry some weight. In Dallas he's a big fan favorite, and with his long range touch, and assists, he can turn the game around on a good day.

Results- Jason Terry over Morris Peterson easily; he's just too good for Peterson to handle.

Small Forward-Peja Stojakovic vs. Josh Howard

Peja averages about 16 points per game, but this is undermined when you look at Josh Howard's 20 points per game.

Peja averages four rebounds per game, while Howard gets almost 10 balls off the boards. They both average a measly two and one assists per game, respectively, but Howard still has him by one.

The only attribute that would sway me for Peja is his 44% three point shot. He is deadly accurate and hard to stop around the arc.

Results- Three pointers can't come back on the whoopin’ Howard puts on Peja.

Power Forward-David West vs. Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk adds to the three point ability of Terry, but not the lack of rebounding of Dampier.

Dirk is more of a scoring threat, but can he shut down West himself? West averages a couple more valuable rebound, but Dirk scores about five points more.

West should be good enough to slow down Dirk, but how much? So many question so little time, well not really but that sounds better.

Result- The scoring machine Dirk EDGES, yes edges, our West some games, and West dominates others. Dirk's defense will definitely not help unless he can step up.

Center-Erick Dampier vs. Tyson Chandler-Do even need an argument?

Tyson Chandler gets five more points per game, four more rebounds, and .4 more blocks. With Tyson Dominating on the boards, it will be tough for Dallas to get an inside game going.

Results- Chandler, Chandler, Chandler! No chance for Dampier, because Paul is hooking up with Chandler for the most alley-oops in the league! Tyson will be unstoppable!

Bench- Jerry Stackhouse vs. Bonzi Wells

After the Jason Kidd trade, the Mavs bench sort of fluctuated the wrong way and they lost the depth they had built up . So a chance for the Hornets to catch up is when the Mavs backups are in.

Overall Results- Mavs and Hornets are going to battle up and down the court, no doubt, but after it's all over, I think it will be the Mavs in six.

The Mavs have more veterans, more bench players, and more impact players.

All I know is I'll be tuning in for the first game, and all the rest after that.

This Year's Finals: Which Will Top the List?

Taylor Gram — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:12:32 -0400

This year's upcoming finals (March Madness, NBA and NHL playoffs, etc.) are going to get tons of viewers, but which will be the most entertaining? Here are my top choices.

4. NCAA Spring championships

Are any games besides the actual championship games going to be aired? If they are, do they really get that many viewers. Unless your alma-mater is playing in the sport you participated in—lacrosse, softball, baseball, hockey—I don't think so...Which leads us to No. 3.

3. NHL PLayoffs

Does anybody tune in to the NHL anyway? If they don't watch the regular season what's going to provoke them to watch a bunch of teams they haven't seen play yet for the right to go to the next round against a team they haven't heard of?

Most of the fans are in Canada, so why is it centered here in the US? I'm from Texas (no we don't ride horses and say Yeeehawwww) and I could MAYBE name three people who care about hockey.

2. March Madness

We're now down to the Final Four, and this was a tough one to place. On one hand we have no Final Four Cinderellas—maybe even a No. 3 or No. 4 seeded team would suffice, but they're all No. 1.

March Madness is always previewed to be the chance for David vs. Goliath upsets, which Davidson gave us, but because we're fans of the little guy we want more! Now there is no chance of that.

On the other hand they are all No. 1 seeds, which will play out to be some awesome basketball. Most people would want to see the big dogs like Kansas and UNC play. These teams are soooo good, there's no way to actually KNOW who will come out on top. Some fans like to watch just the Final Four to get to know the future NBA stars. There are tons of reasons to watch, but it still bows down to the number one.

1. NBA Playoffs

This year's Western Conference is so unpredictable people will be begging for the season to end and the playoffs to start. You'll have No. 1 seeds playing teams that only lost seven or eight games more than they did—not that I'm saying the No. 8 seeds are just as good, but it will be a series to see. Everyone will be anxious to see if the Rockets can keep up with just McGrady, no Yao.

Then you have rivals playing all throughout the playoffs. The Southwest division has a chance, if the Mavs can hold on (and last year who would have thought they would need to hold on?) to send four out of five teams to the playoffs.

The team of the 2000s: the San Antonio Spurs. The"Let's play better when our star is out": the Houston Rockets. The "We have an awesomely amazing point guard": the New Orleans Hornets. And the "Let's let everyone down in the Dallas Area next year": the Dallas Mavericks.

The odd-ball team is the Grizzlies, who won't be in the playoffs soon. On top of that three of the teams are from Texas!

Now let's talk about the East. OK, well there's not much to talk about other than the Celtics and Pistons will duel it out for the right to go to the finals. I'm not a huge Celtics fan but I would like to see K.G get a ring.

So those are the upcoming finals. You tune in and be the judge.