Bleacher Report - Articles by Micah Secor

Picking an Upset in March Madness

Micah Secor — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 01:03:09 -0400

What an amazing week it has been for College Basketball. Has it really been just four short days since March Madness began?

Over the course of these last four days, unforgettable moments and extraordinary plays have captivated the basketball audience of America.

Thrilling upsets and jaw-dropping finishes have left us all in shock, disbelief, and amazement as we shake our heads and ask our friends: "Did that really just happen?"

And before we know it, a champion will be crowned as another fantastic season of college basketball is put in to the record books.

When the dust settles, the last team left standing will take their place in college basketball history.

As for the losers, fans and players will reflect back on the season with unanswered questions and regret, spliced with the hope of redemption next season.

Like the rest of you, I just can't get enough of March Madness. There's something about this time of year that is different.

Each year, alongside much of the country, I have participated in the ESPN Tournament Challenge, and every year, I get the same outcome.

On Selection Sunday, in a giddy and jovial mood I fill out my brackets, going team by team, trying to visualize games in my mind. I submit my picks just knowing that my bracket is going to be the best, and during class I daydream about what I'll do with my $10,000 after I win.

Then the crashing thud of upsets kick in, and before I know it, my chances of winning are gone like the wind.

Everything comes down to picking the vaunted upset teams. It's that one sexy pick, that team that you brag about to your friends as you fill out your bracket, because you just can't help but think of how cool you will look once it happens. Or in my case, how foolish I look when it doesn't.

This year, my upset team was Utah State. I was sure that they would be last year's Davidson, but I was wrong as they narrowly lost to Marquette. North Dakota State had tempted me, but luckily I layed off.

Out of nowhere, Cleveland State pulled the major upset over a battle tested Wake Forest team. Along with 96% of the hundreds of thousands Americans that had picked Wake, I was left scratching my head. Then a Dayton team without its starting PG somehow dismantled West Virginia.

It had happened again. Each year I miss the upsets and it sends my bracket to the dry cleaners.

I wish there was some type of formula to picking the right upset team, but unfortunately there isn't. I've learned something this year though, that has opened my eyes.

Never ever ever listen to the analysts. If you have a set pick in your mind, don't let someone change your opinion. Your gut instinct matters, and when someone messes with it, even if it is an ESPN analyst, your bracket will go haywire.

I had thought long and hard about Cleveland State, and my mind told me go for it, but after hearing this and that about how good Wake Forest was and how far they would go, I went against my gut instinct.

Look where it got me, along with God knows how many other Americans.

It's safe to say I've learned my lesson now, and I will get back to enjoying this incredible month of basketball, with the field cut down to 16 teams.

One of these years I'd like to nail those upset teams. I don't think I could even begin to describe what I would feel.

So to the few of you that nailed the upsets this year, I congratulate you. And, well, everybody else, it was a good try. We'll get 'em next year.

The Madness That Was March: Kansas Sinks Memphis

Micah Secor — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:43:36 -0500

The stage was set for April 7th. It had been a wild month of March as College Basketball was rounding up another fantastic season full of thrilling finishes and electrifying players. All four number one seeds had blazed their way through the tournament to the Final Four where Kansas throttled North Carolina and Memphis dismantled UCLA. Only the best were left standing and the eyes of the basketball world turned to San Antonio for a National Championship of the ages. Derrick Rose and the high powered Memphis offense squared off against an equally superb Kansas squad. It was an epic battle of talent as both teams answered back and forth in a seesaw battle. One could only sit and marvel at two storied programs vying for a Title. It was College Basketball in its finest hour.

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It Doesn't Get Any Better Than College Football Saturdays

Micah Secor — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:16:01 -0400

The long-awaited college football season has finally come this way.

This Saturday, teams across America will begin their long and hopeful trip to the BCS.

There's nothing better than the start of football. It signals a fresh start and a promising season, and the atmosphere that the fans create and the excitement that the players generate is truly remarkable.

Hopes for each team are sky-high.

Injury-riddled USC will work out the kinks against an underachieving Virginia team, and a dark horse Clemson squad will take on Alabama in what should be the best Week One showdown.

But Sep. 13 will be a day to remember.

No. 2 Ohio St. will face off against No. 3 USC at the Coliseum in an epic matchup with serious BCS implications.

The stingy defense of USC will be tested by the strong-armed Todd Boeckman and talented freshman Terrelle Pryor, as well as Heisman hopeful Chris "Beanie" Wells.

Whoever comes away the winner from this one is on the fast track to making the BCS Championship Game.

It will be a year filled with the hope of success, the sorrow and heartbreak of defeat, and the triumph of victory.

It's right around the corner, and on Saturday, the fun really begins.

Team USA Staves off Pesky Spain for Gold

Micah Secor — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:06:17 -0400

It was a showcase of offensive firepower for both sides. It was truly an epic gold medal showdown. Team USA came out running, but Spain hung tough and kept the pace.

Rudy Fernandez netted a team-leading 22 points for Spain while Pau Gasol chipped in with 21. Simply put, Team USA shot beautifully from behind the arc, posting 46 percent in three-point shooting.

Juan Carlos Navarro displayed an array of runners to bring Spain back into the game. But to see Kobe Bryant and company answer back with shot after shot was quite the experience.

Dwayne Wade caught fire early, popping three-pointer after three-pointer. His extraordinary play from early on really set the tone for Team USA.

Up by only two points in the fourth quarter, Wade leaned into Bryant and said, "Let the mamba loose."

Boy he sure did as Bryant converted a game-changing four-point play in the final minutes. As I sat there shouting and hollering, I told myself, I've seen Kobe come through in the clutch more times than I can remember.

It was all I could do to contain myself watching this see-saw battle between two worthy opponents. Spain did all they could, but it just wasn't enough as USA prevailed, 118-107. I commend them for such a noteworthy performance tonight after a 37-point drubbing from Team USA a week ago

By all means staying up late to watch this game was well worth it. And getting up early for the others was worthwhile as well. Supporting the boys in blue is something that will never grow old for me.

In remarkable fashion, the turnaround from bronze in Athens is complete. This group of players was by all means the Redeem Team, reshaping their image and disposing of the international competition.

Team USA set the ultimate example of excellent teamwork and good sportsmanship in the Olympics.

It's something I'll never forget as the Games were capped off emphatically with this marvelous showdown.

As I took in all the sights, one I will remember is Kobe and Dwayne embracing at midcourt. I was overcome with national pride and told myself, I'm proud that these guys have shown what American basketball is all about again as Dwayne Wade remarked, "It's about the three letters on the front of that jersey."

It's been eight long years since we last won a gold in international competition. Eight years too long. But I've quickly forgotten as Team USA has set the standard for dominance in basketball again.

I have a great feeling of sadness as the Games draw to a close. But instead of regret, I'm glad I was able to enjoy all the competitions and cheer for the US.

It was a blast, and it's something I'll be looking forward to seeing all over again in London in four years.

What Do Sports Mean To The United States?

Micah Secor — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 12:04:37 -0400

With the Summer Games fast approaching in Beijing, athletes from hundreds of countries will compete in various competitions for gold medals and national pride.

But everyone in America has read plenty on the Olympics through the SI and ESPN magazines, as the hype continues to build.

Don't worry, I'm not going to try to paraphrase half of the Olympic Preview in the SI magazine and post it in this article, like many other writers on Bleacher Report and pretend that I'm something else when it comes to covering the Olympics.

It's a question that arose in my mind when I was in France for the last month.

You could not drive by a couple of streets without seeing a soccer field, and rightfully so.

Soccer is the iconic sport that dominates France, and it holds a deep meaning to the people.

So I began to wonder, What do sports mean to the United States as a whole?

While pondering this simple yet profound question, I had the opportunity to play a couple of baseball games with a team in one of the few city baseball leagues in France.

I greatly enjoyed myself as I played a new style of baseball in France with players who worked their tails off.

You may be laughing right now as you are thinking, "Baseball in France, you've got to be joking me."

That's what I thought when I stepped on the field, but I was quickly proven wrong.

What these ballplayers lacked in talent, they made up for it with hustle and determination.

I came away impressed and enjoyed my time there.

Eventually, I came to the conclusion that sports are a significant part of American culture, and they should not be taken for granted. It is a privilege to be able to play sports and enjoy them.

I went on to Paris and gawked at the Eiffel Tower with millions of other tourists there and took in the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame.

For the record, people in America bemoan the gas prices; in France, it costs over $10 a gallon! Don't even get me started on the food prices.

It was then on to Normandy, where I saw the beaches where the Allied soldiers mounted one of the largest invasions in Modern history on D-Day, and the cemetery honoring the soldiers who laid down their life for America.

It was a sobering experience, as over 27,000 American soldiers died in the Normandy invasion.

Next time you complain over some petty little issue and think its not fair, remember that those soldiers died so that you could have freedom in America today.

This includes the freedom to play and enjoy sports.

Sports allow us to decompress and relax after a hard day at work.

In the case of many employed Americans with desk jobs, sports help pass the time at work.

Year after year, millions of fans around the country root for their teams, hoping for that elusive Championship for their beloved club.

Only one lucky team will be left standing, causing the rabid fan base to erupt into a state of euphoria and create lasting memories.

There is the popular trifecta of sports in America that garner the bulk of the attention, football, baseball, and basketball that correspond through the cycle of seasons.

Hands down, football is the most popular. Ask any American and they will say the same thing; it just doesn't get any better than a quality football game on Saturday and Sunday.

The College Football or NFL which-is-better debate can be saved for another day. In my mind, they're both great.

For athletes around America, sports is an escape from the stress of life. The hope of playing professional sports one day captures the minds of all boys.

There are two types of athletes in America: Casual and serious.

Casual athletes play occasionally for fun with their friends at the park and join the basketball team at school to be with their best friends. Rest assured, casual athletes definitely know how to have a good time.

On the other hand are the serious athletes. They use the small hope of playing professionally and their love for the game to fuel them through rigorous training, day after day, week after week, until the long-awaited season arrives. They finally have a platform where their hard work pays off, and they can finally prove themselves.

For me, there is no set favorite sport to watch; I enjoy each sport that comes along with the seasons.

So, next time you relax on the couch, pop open an ice-cold can of soda or beer, dig into the buffalo wings and chips and enjoy a Sunday afternoon football game, take a moment to appreciate the fact that sports are an essential part of our country that everyone can partake of and enjoy.

NBA Trade Rumors: Why Do They Grab Our Attention?

Micah Secor — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:51:05 -0400

Each year in the NBA, trade rumors spark questions and possibilities in the minds of the fans.

NBA Trade Rumors have become an American pastime, eventually expanding its grasp to worldwide audiences around the globe.

Every year in the NBA, there is always hot trade rumors swirling about, grabbing the attention of any casual basketball fan.

These rumors are built up through different sports networks, as shows are broad-casted entirely to the theme of trade rumors, giving the viewer a prospect of certain athletes going on the move.

We give our two cents worth in sports forum's regarding trade rumors relating to "our" team, claiming what we think is best for the franchise.

There is no denying that NBA trade rumors are the main subject of conversations all over the Internet today.

And rightfully so.

The Internet is the perfect place to go to inform yourself of the latest and hottest trade rumor in the Sports World.

But why does it draw our attention?

Trade rumors allow us to explore the possibilities and options that could occur in a transaction between two teams. Simply put, this is priceless to NBA fans, including myself.

The likelihood of a trade offers a fan two things: hope or heartache.

Take for example the Boston Celtics last year. After a dismal 22-60 season, they pulled off a series of trades that brought Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett to Boston, changing the face of the franchise and ultimately winning a Championship a year later.

Celtics fans were thrilled beyond comprehension last summer as GM Danny Ainge gave the fans hope of an NBA title by acquiring those players. In the end, they prevailed and came through.

Then look at the Memphis Grizzlies. Pau Gasol was rumored to be traded for a good portion of the season.

Grizzly fans were hoping they could get premium value for Gasol to help rebuild the team.

NBA fans were shocked when Gasol was shipped to the Lakers for essentially nothing: The inconsistent Kwame Brown, rookie Javaris Crittenton, rights to Gasol's brother, Marc, and two future 1st round draft picks.

Grizzlies fans groaned abroad in painstaking heartache. GM Chris Wallace gave away their franchise player for nothing as Memphis was mired in last place for the season and the Lakers made the Finals.

I love trade rumors just as much as anyone else, and I can't even imagine what the NBA would be like without them.

They have created an enjoyable aspect to the game as basketball continues to grow in popularity as it becomes an immensely popular spectator sport.

So with all the recent trade rumors in the NBA, fans can only brace for the worst and hope for the best for their team, as all of us take pleasure in the wild world of trade rumors.

NBA Trade Rumor: Raptors and Pacers Discuss TJ Ford/Jermaine O'Neal Trade

Micah Secor — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:51:07 -0400

Trade talks between the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers have surfaced pertaining a deal that involves much-maligned Raptor point guard TJ Ford for injury-riddled Jermaine O'Neal.

The cumulative deal would send Ford, center Rasho Nestorovic, and the Raptors first round pick to Indiana for O'Neal.

The Raptors are reluctant to pull the trigger due to two concerns. O'Neal is owed a whopping $44 million in the next two years and that would essentially cripple the Raptors cap space.

Also, committing to O'Neal for the next two years is risky as well given his recent injuries.

In his last four seasons with the Pacers, 29-year-old O'Neal has only averaged 51 games a season.

He is coming off of a left knee injury that limited his production last year as he posted only 13 points a game and Indiana missed the playoffs by one game.

But despite these risks, the Raptors will most likely give the green light.

Combining Chris Bosh and O'Neal would strengthen the front-court along with budding youngster Andrea Bargnani, which makes the Raptors instant contenders for the Eastern Conference.

For the Pacers, the lightning-quick Ford is only 25 and would fill the team's need for a PG.

It is possible that the Pacers may hold onto O'Neal and draft PG DJ Augustin with the 11th pick in the NBA Draft to supplant Jamaal Tinsley and Travis Diener, making a deal for Ford unnecessary.

Or they could deal O'Neal and draft a big man such as Kosta Koufos to fill O'Neal's void.

Either way, I believe that if the Raptors can get this deal done, they can go head-to-head with anyone in the East.

Having a star-caliber player such as O'Neal will give franchise player Chris Bosh some breathing space from the double teams.

Only time will tell if the Raptors can corral O'Neal and begin their ascent in the East.

Dodgers Slam The Door in 4-3 Win Over Indians

Micah Secor — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:56:49 -0400

On a blistering Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers (35-40) picked up a 4-3 win against a resilient Indians team (35-41) in the series finale, thanks in part to a four-run outburst in the first inning led by James Loney and Russell Martin.

Loney doubled in Juan Pierre and Matt Kemp while Martin clubbed his seventh home run of the season to give the Dodgers the 4-0 lead in the first.

Chad Billingsley (6-7) pitched five gutsy innings in the sweltering heat, allowing three earned runs and handing the bullpen a one run lead.

Hong Chi-Kuo, Joe Beimel, and Jonathan Broxton preserved the lead until the ninth inning, when Takashi Saito slammed the door to notch his 11th save.

In a series against the Indians when everything seemed to go wrong for the Dodgers as they lost twice in extra innings, the bullpen came through and did their job.

The Dodgers picked up a game on the struggling Arizona Diamondbacks in the division, but they still have a long way to go.

Hopefully for the Dodgers, the quartet of Pierre, Kemp, Loney, and Martin can continue to produce in Rafael Furcal's absence and generate run support.

The Dodgers will challenge the White Sox and Angels in the upcoming six-game homestand. Winning four out of six is not an impossible goal for the Dodgers, as they can continue to gain ground in the division.

Dodgers Bullpen Keeps L.A. Afloat in Division

Micah Secor — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:19:07 -0400

Sitting at four games under .500, the Dodgers have been subpar this year, to say the least.

But in the weak NL West, they still hold second place behind a struggling Diamondbacks team that started the season with an excellent, 20-8 record, only to go 19-26 for the last month and a half.

The Dodgers have every opportunity to win the division this year. But it won't be easy, by any means.

The signings of Jason Schmidt and Andruw Jones have been a complete disaster. They are making $15 million apiece this year. All Schmidt has done for the Dodgers is post a lousy 6.30 ERA and record only ONE win in his tenure. He has yet to pitch for the team this year due to shoulder surgery in March. Jones, on the other hand...well, let's just be glad that he's injured as well.

Offensive catalyst Rafael Furcal is sidelined with a bulging disc in his back until past the All-Star break and the team lacks a consistent power hitter. Youngsters James Loney, Russell Martin, Matt Kemp, and Andre Ethier have combined for only 27 home runs this year, five more than individual league-leader Chase Utley.

Thirty-nine-year-old Jeff Kent is off to a sluggish start, batting under .250. On top of that, Nomar Garciaparra is injured (what's new?) and rookie pitcher Hiroki Kuroda just hit the disabled list with shoulder tendinitis.

But, despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have a fighting chance. They have quality pitching that combines for an ERA under 3.90 and good speed on the bases.

But what really stands out is the bullpen, which is the reason why the Dodgers remain competitive. With a corps that consists of Joe Beimel, Corey Wade, Hong Chi-Kuo, Chan Ho Park, Jonathan Broxton, and All-Star closer Takashi Saito, their ERA combines at 1.88. That is an excellent average for all six of those relievers to be producing, and that is why the Dodgers can win this division.

If the bats can wake up and put some runs on the board, look out. They went 4-10 to begin the month of June, but have won their last three. If the team can consistently hand the bullpen a lead in the sixth or seventh inning, the Dodgers can win this Division easy.

There is no guarantee, though, because that is a very big if.

Celtics Humiliate Lakers To Notch 17th Championship-The Turnaround Is Complete

Micah Secor — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:51:22 -0400

Last night in Boston, the Celtics silenced the Lakers for good, demolishing them by a score of 131-92. Yes, you read that correctly. The 39 point deficit was the largest in NBA Finals history, as the Celtics out-rebounded the Lakers 48-29.

Simply put, it was a lackluster performance by the Lakers, who were dominated from start to finish by the lock-down defense from the Celtics.

Kobe endured another lousy shooting night as it took him 22 shots to amass 22 points. The rest of the Lakers were virtually nonexistent as the Celtics flat out embarrassed them.

The turn-around for the Celtics is complete, going from 24 wins last year to World Champs this year thanks to the summer acquisitions of Ray Allen and KG.

What I saw last night was a Celtics team that wanted it more than an uninspired Laker team. They out-hustled and out-rebounded the Lakers every play as the Lakers recorded an NBA Final record low two offensive rebounds. Fittingly, Paul Pierce was named Finals MVP and the Celtics captured their 17th Championship.

Plain and simple, the Lakers quit. They quit on their fans, they quit on their coach, and worst of all, they quit on themselves.

Looking forward to next season, I see no reason why the Celtics can't win the East again. Yes, they will be a year older but no one else in the East will knock them off. Detroit is looking for a change of scenery, Cleveland has to acquire a big time player, and Orlando, Toronto, and Atlanta don't have the firepower to deny the Celtics.

On the other hand for the Lakers, they will get Andrew Bynum back from a knee injury to form the deadliest front-court in the league with Gasol and Odom. Add Kobe into the mix and make for another competitive team next year.

Face it, the Lakers were the younger more inexperienced team this series, but that is no excuse for their poor play. This team is angry and will come back next year with a vengeance.

Its been another fantastic season in the NBA as the finals have come to a close. And so once again, I will say, Congratulations Celtics, 2008 NBA Champions. You deserved it.

Babe Ruth Leads List of Worst Trades in MLB History

Micah Secor — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:23:07 -0400

Lousy trades in baseball will often cripple franchises and frustrate loyal fans for years. Some trades I've seen have absolutely amazed me at how plain stupid they were. And while that sounds like a simple observation, it's the cold, hard truth. So let's take a look at some of the worst trades in MLB History:

January 3, 1920: Boston Red Sox Owner Harry Frazee sold pitcher/outfielder Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees for cash (reportedly $125,000 plus a loan) to pay for his Broadway Play, "No, No, Nanette."

This began the Red Sox 86 year World Series drought as the Yankees dominated for the next century, winning an astounding 26 championships and establishing a dynasty. Ruth is considered to be one of the greatest players ever as he ended baseball's dead-ball era as a prolific home-run hitter.

August 12, 1987: The Detroit Tigers sent a promising young pitcher in John Smoltz to the Atlanta Braves for pitcher Doyle Alexander.

A laughable trade that sent a future HOFer who has gone on to win 210 games and save 154, for a 37 year-old pitcher who played only one season with the Tigers. Are you kidding me?

May 25, 1989: The Montreal Expos sent pitchers Randy Johnson, Gene Harris, and Brian Holman to the Seattle Mariners for pitchers Mike Campbell and Mark Langston.

While Johnson was struggling at the time with an ERA over six and no wins, he was 26-years-old and had a lights out fastball. The Expos got two and a half months from Langston, and Campbell never played for them. Simply put, a lopsided trade as Johnson dominated and helped put the Mariners back into contention.

August 30, 1990: The Boston Red Sox traded first baseman Jeff Bagwell to the Houston Astros for pitcher Larry Andersen.

Red Sox fans continue to cringe at this trade as Bagwell had a remarkable, HOF career and Andersen played a whole two and a half months for the Red Sox before signing with the Padres at the end of the season. Nice move.

March 30, 1992: The Chicago White Sox dealt outfielder Sammy Sosa and pitcher Ken Patterson to the Chicago Cubs for outfielder George Bell.

Sosa became a premier power hitter as Bell batted only .236 in his two year tenure with the White Sox before dropping out of the Majors for good. Talk about getting your money's worth for the White Sox.

November 19, 1993: The Los Angeles Dodgers swapped promising pitcher Pedro Martinez to the Montreal Expos for infielder Delino DeShields.

Horrible trade for the Dodgers as team doctor Frank Jobe declared him to be too small to be an effective Major League Pitcher. Deshields batted a measly .243 in his three years with the Dodgers as Pedro went on to become one of the best pitchers in the Majors.

July 31, 1997: The Mariners sent Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek to the Red Sox for crumbling closer Heathcliff Slocumb.

Lowe and Varitek were the centerpieces of the 2004 Championship team and have gone on to have productive careers while Slocumb was out of baseball by 2001.

November 18, 1997: The Tampa Bay Devil Rays dealt outfielder Bobby Abreu to the Philadelphia Phillies for shortstop Kevin Stocker.

Wow. The Rays landed Abreu with the sixth pick in the expansion draft to help build their team. Abreu would have been a good cornerstone to build around. As a 23-year-old, he had sky-high potential and was primed for a breakout season. But this did not stop the Rays from dealing him on the day they drafted him.

While he had only hit .238 in 74 games with the Astros in his first two years, he had that breakout season with the Phillies as Stocker was a complete bust, batting .256 in this two and a half seasons with Tampa Bay.

November 13, 2003: The San Francisco Giants traded pitchers Joe Nathan, Francisco Liriano, and Boof Bonser to Twins for A.J. Pierzynski.

A.J. only played one season for the Giants before getting released while Nathan went on to save 160 games in the next four seasons. Liriano had an excellent '06 season, but sat out the '07 season after having Tommy John surgery on his left elbow. He is regaining his touch in the minors and will be recalled soon. Keep in mind, he is only 25.

July 30, 2004: The New York Mets sent pitcher Scott Kazmir and infielder Jose Diaz to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for Bartolome Fortunato and Victor Zambrano.

A brainless trade that Mets' fans still think about. As a young fireballer, Kazmir is the ace of the Rays as he compiled 41 wins and a 3.49 ERA in his first four seasons. He is only 24 and has a bright future ahead of him.

Fortunato was awful, pitching 21 innings for the Mets, allowing 17 earned runs, earning him a release only a year later.

Zambrano was horrendous as well, posting a dreadful 5.84 ERA in his two and a half year tenure with the Mets.

You've seen some pretty awful trades that have derailed franchises. There are others, such as the Schilling trade or the McGwire trade.

It's pretty sad at how stupid some general managers are. Many of these trades were the swap of a promising young player for a seasoned veteran. I didn't see one veteran player make it past two and a half seasons with his team, while the younger players have gone on to have stellar careers.

So give me your worst trade of all time. For me as a Dodgers' fan, its a toss up between the Konerko trade and the Pedro trade. Thoughts?

Lakers Suffer Crushing Game 4 Loss At The Hands of The Celtics

Micah Secor — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:06:42 -0400

The Lakers were cruising along in Game Four, leading by 24 points and giving Lakers fans hope that this team had the talent to win the Finals. But never say die for the Celtics.

In the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history, the Celtics mounted a huge turnaround and outscored the Lakers 57 to 33 in the second half behind the Big Three and timely shooting by Eddie House and James Posey. This loss all but ends the series for the distraught Lakers as no NBA team has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals.

In the end, the Celtics were the more experienced and talented team than the Lakers. When you combine Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and KG, along with some savvy veterans, that makes for an unbeatable team. This blow is too much for the Lakers to handle as the Celtics left a crowd of over 18,000 in the Staples Center stunned.

So I tip my cap to the Boston Celtics for scrapping and fighting for the victory. And although the Lakers played a stellar first half, they simply did not deserve to win this game.

As Game Five comes upon us on Sunday, Lakers fans can only sit and wait for the inevitable. Congratulations Boston Celtics, 2008 NBA Champions.

Los Angeles Lakers: Do-Or-Die Time Against Boston in NBA Finals Game Four

Micah Secor — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:52:38 -0400

Tonight at 6:00 pm Pacific Time in the friendly confines of the Staples Center, the Lakers will try to tie the NBA Finals at two and shift the momentum back in their favor.

Ultimately, tonight's game will decide the series for the Lakers. A loss would be crushing, as they would have to win the last three games, two of which are in Boston, in order to bring home the trophy.

While Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett had lousy shooting performances in Game Three, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom were worse. Game Three saw Kobe Bryant and Sasha Vujacic combine for 56 points, while the rest of their teammates only scored 31.

The Lakers took advantage of the Celtics' woeful shooting night in a must-win Game Three to set the stage for tonight.

The fact of the matter is that the Lakers have gone too far this year to let their season slip away. Having been without budding superstar Andrew Bynum for the last half of the season, the acquisition of Gasol, the MVP play of Kobe, and emergence of Lamar Odom has propelled the Lakers to where they are now.

Tonight, we will see what the Lakers are really made of.

Although it is not an elimination game, essentially, this game will decide the Lakers fate. Game Four presents a golden opportunity for the Lakers to renew their fading championship chances and turn the cards in their favor.

Tonight, I expect both teams to showcase their offensive firepower after a sluggish and sloppy Game Three. But can the Lakers handle the adversity from the potent Big Three? Will Gasol and Odom, in the biggest games of their careers, show up? Can Kobe repeat his Game Three performance? Or will the Big Three win a convincing Game Four on the Lakers home court and make a statement?

Tonight, these questions will be answered as basketball fans around the world gear up for a pivotal Game Four in the legendary rivalry that is the Lakers and Celtics.

Kobe Bryant, Lakers Earn Hard Fought Victory in Game Three

Micah Secor — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:01:32 -0400

The Lakers refuse to die.

Game Two saw the Lakers down by 24 points only for them to lead a roaring comeback in which they scored 41 points in the fourth quarter. But alas, the comeback fell short in the final seconds, giving the Celtics a commanding 2-0 lead.

The game was marred by poor reffing and a free throw disparity with the Celtics shooting 38 free throws to the Lakers 10.

For the Celtics, in their history, when they are up 2-0 in a playoff series they are 30-0. The Lakers faced a vaunting task of shutting down the Big Three as the series shifted to LA.

It was a seesaw battle through the third quarter as the Lakers shifted into desperation mode. Trailing 68-66 with eight minutes left in Game Three, MVP Kobe Bryant took the game into his own hands scoring 36 points.

Sasha Vujacic crushed the Celtics last run with a three pointer to give the Lakers a five point lead and an 87-81 victory. Vujacic tallied 20 points on 7-10 shooting while Odom and Gasol combined for a paltry 13 points on 5-18 shooting.

The Lakers dodged a bullet as the Celtics' Big Three had an off night of their own, minus Ray Allen who registered 25 points with five three pointers. Paul Pierce had a lousy shooting night and it took Kevin Garnett 21 shots to net thirteen points.

Phil Jackson commented, "It was not a beautiful game."

Either way, ugly or pretty, the Lakers will take it.

Granted, the Lakers could have squandered their lead and suffered a back breaking loss, but Bryant refused to give in, willing his teammates to victory.

Championship teams can still find a way to win, even when their offensive firepower is lacking.

On Thursday night, the Lakers can tie the series at two and swing the momentum back in their favor. For Lakers and Celtics fans abroad, the historic rivalry has been renewed, and has entered a new chapter in Lakers-Celtics folklore.