Bleacher Report - Articles by Jeremy Mason

Devin Harris Should be Starting Over Allen Iverson in the All-Star Game

Jeremy Mason — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 01:24:53 -0500

With the 2009 NBA All-Star game in Phoenix Arizona looming in the near future, sports enthusiasts everywhere are engaging in conversations and arguments about who should be there, and who should not.

Like every year, somebody who deserves to be there will be absent and a few who are unworthy will play. So what exactly constitutes being an all-star in the NBA?

First thing first, a name should not get you into the all-star game. No player should be in the all-star game based on what he has done in the past. Every year somebody gets voted in who simply has not had a year worthy of the honor.

This year, that player is Allen Iverson. Don't get me wrong, he is third all-time in scoring average and is definitely a future hall-of-famer, but this year he does not deserve to make the all-star team, especially as a starter. He has averaged just 17.9 PPG this season.

Devin Harris should be the starting point guard for the east. Devin is averaging 3.9 points and 1 assist more per game than Allen Iverson. Devin has a greater field goal percentage, free throw percentage, and three point field goal percentage than Iverson this season.

This season Allen Iverson was voted in as a starter by the fans simply because of who he is and what he has done in the past. I submit that the all-star game voting is done every year because the players are supposed to be voted for based on what they have done that year.

Devin Harris is a better selection than Iverson for this year's starting PG for the Eastern Conference!

NFL 2008-2009 Recap

Jeremy Mason — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:26:40 -0500

Nothing went according to plan this year in the NFL....

Every season, the NFL gives us several amazing story lines; so much so that one wonders how the next season could possibly be as exciting. And then every year that question is quickly proven irrelevant by injuries, upsets, dominance, and disappointments. This year was no different.

After last season's undefeated Patriots lost in the Super Bowl to Eli's underdog Giants, fans around the world thought that they had officially seen football at its best, without room for improvement. The 2008-'09 season was doomed to be disappointment compared to the previous instantly classic season.

Entering this season the Patriots looked poised for another dominant run. The Giants appeared to be the latest addition to the NFC's recent collection of one-hit-wonders. Most predicted San Diego and Indianapolis to continue their dominance of their respective divisions.

This season quickly proved itself to be anything but predictable.

The Patriots didn't make it out of the first quarter of their first game without surprising us. Tom Brady, their perennial MVP candidate and one of the league's most prolific passers, suffered a season ending injury.

The Patriots, all of the sudden, looked a lot less dominant. Matt Cassel filled in nicely, but no replacement for Tom Brady is an improvement.

The Patriots were suddenly in a tough battle for one of the most tightly contested divisions in the league. The New York Jets had high expectations with the addition of Brett Favre. Miami came out of nowhere led by the man Favre replaced: Chad Pennington. The Bills looked impressive and started out 4-0.

New England beat all the teams they were supposed to beat, but all season seemed incapable of beating the NFL's elite. They finished with just five losses, but all five were good teams (Miami, San Diego, Indianapolis, New York J, and Pittsburgh), four of which made the playoffs.

New England only managed two wins over teams that would go on to reach the postseason (Miami and Arizona). While 11-5 is a good record, New England missed the playoffs. In no way did the Patriots live up to their expectations for this season.

The Giants entered this season riding high after their Superbowl XLII upset. Despite the win, New York made virtually no improvements this offseason. Combining that with the fact that they played in arguably the toughest division in the NFL forced many fans and analysts to predict a subpar season for the Giants. Man were we (yes, I was one of them) wrong!

Eli Manning led his team to a great 11-1 start and had his team at or near the top of the NFL in just about every offensive category. Unfortunately, they would go on to lose four of their last five games, including their divisional playoff game with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Despite the tough finish, the Giants had a great season. Eli proved that last year's postseason was more than just a fluke. They proved a lot of people wrong.

Indianapolis started slowly compiling just three wins through their first seven games. They turned it around and won the last 9 games they played led by MVP Peyton Manning. They took an early exit from the playoffs when they ran into a few key injuries and a hot San Diego team.

The surprising thing about Indianapolis this year was, they didn't win their division. Tennessee came out of nowhere to take an 10-0 start. They did cool off and lose three of their last seven including a shocker to Baltimore in the playoffs, but not before winning their division and earning the AFC's top playoff seed and the NFL's best win-loss record.

San Diego also entered 2008 with high expectations. They had basically the same team as the year before and were playing in what turned out, to nobody's surprise, to be the weakest division in the AFC. Somehow however, they managed an abysmal 4-8 start.

With some help from one of the biggest choke jobs in recent memory by the Broncos, San Diego won their last four games to become the first team in NFL history to start 4-8 and still make the playoffs.

It wasn't surprising that Arizona won their division; somebody had to. It was the worst division in football. The Cards basically won it by default. So it was and is shocking that the Cardinals would win three straight tough games and earn the first Superbowl appearance in franchise history.

The only thing that seemed to go as planned was the dominance of the Pittsburgh Steelers led by their No. 1 defence. They were the most consistent team in football all season long and eased through two playoff games and didn't surprise too many people with their seventh Super Bowl appearance. They will no doubt enter the game heavily favored. They should win.

But then again, nothing went according to plan this year in the NFL. Why start now?

What a Difference a Year Makes: Miami

Jeremy Mason — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:48:50 -0500

What a year its been for south Florida teams in the three major sports. Three amazing turnarounds have given fans something to cheer about this year.

Last year the Dolphins narrowly missed adding the NFL's first win-less season to their resume which already includes its only perfect season. They accidentally beat the Ravens in Week 15 but still finished with an NFL-worst record of 1-15.

This year could not have been much more different. Miami became the first team in NFL history to go from a one-win one season to double-digit wins (11) the next. The additions of Bill Parcells in the front office and Chad Pennington under center propelled Miami to the top of a very tough AFC East Division.

While Miami took an early exit from the playoffs when they ran into Baltimore's ruthless defense, nothing can be taken away from the amazing turnaround this season.

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays were 66-96 in 2007. Good for the worst record in the MLB. In 2008 the Rays seemingly magically turned it around for a record of 97-65, and the AL East division title by holding off the perennial-power house Boston Red Sox.

They beat the Chicago White Sox and the Boston Red Sox in their respective series before losing to the World Champion Phillies in the World Series. The World Series loss is hardly enough to keep this from being one of the most remarkable turnarounds in MLB history.

The Miami Heat were the bottom-dwellers of the NBA last season. They managed just 15 wins and collected 67 loses. Granted they were one of the most injured teams in recent memory. They suffered injuries to their best four players...Dwyane Wade, Shawn Marion, Udonis Haslem, and Alonzo Mourning.

This year, with the additions of Mario Chalmers, Marcus Banks, James Jones, and rookie phenom Michael Beasley, along with the return of Wade, Haslem, and Marion, the Miami Heat look primed to make a run at one of the top spots in the Eastern Conference.

With a record of 19-17, they have already compiled four more wins than they had all of last season. We haven't even reached the all-star break yet. It will be fun to watch how the young Heat will respond to adversity throughout the rest of the season.

If Dwyane Wade continues his on-court leadership and Michael Beasley continues maturing as a young player I think the Heat are a lock to make the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Even if they don't, south Florida has definitely had a lot to cheer about this season. Congratulations to all three of these teams on their turnarounds.

New England Patriots: 11 Wins and a One-Way Trip Home

Jeremy Mason — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 16:05:46 -0500

After last years' perfect REGULAR season, expectations for the 2008 season were sky-high for countless Patriot fans worldwide. Despite the loss to the Giants in the Super Bowl and Tom Brady's ailing ankle, the Patriots entered this season heavily favored to repeat as AFC champions and contend for the title.

But just as quickly as it started, their season appeared over when 2-time Super Bowl MVP QB Tom Brady suffered a season-ending injury to his knee. The team appeared destined to endure a long ‘08 season shrouded in a dark cloud of mediocrity.

Backup QB Matt Cassel surely lacked the experience and talent necessary to overcome such adversity. Talks of a second consecutive perfect season were silenced and replaced with doubts and predictions of struggles to play .500 ball.

However, Cassel appeared up to the challenge from the start. He quickly exceeded expectations and sparked a glimmer of hope in the hearts of Pat fans. Somehow, the Patriots overcame additional injuries to Laurence Maroney, Adalius Thomas, and several others. They fought their way to a respectable 10-5 record with week 17 looming.

They knew what they had to do. They entered a tough environment against a long-time rival in conditions more suitable to sail boating. The Bills would have loved nothing more than to spoil the Pats season and avoid their 11th straight loss to New England. Again, the Patriots overcame adversity and blanked the Bills 13-0.

Unfortunately the win didn't guarantee anything. They still needed a loss by hated Miami, or a Baltimore team led by a perennially vaunted defense anchored by pro-bowler Ray Lewis.

Baltimore took care of business, beating Jacksonville 27-7. Miami also got it done against the Jets 24-17.

Good teams miss the playoffs in all sports every year. Granted New England didn't do enough to get in...this would all be acceptable, if it weren't for the fact that four of the teams that did make the playoffs had worse records.

Philadelphia, Atlanta, Arizona, and San Diego all made the playoffs with ten or fewer wins!!! I believe this is unacceptable. The playoffs are supposed to be about the best teams playing their best football on the biggest stage. The best 12 teams should go to the playoffs, period!

The NFL should seriously consider an alternative method for determining playoff contenders.

Shaquille O'Neal: Evaluation Through Three Games

Jeremy Mason — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:33:35 -0500

Countless articles have been written in the wake of the blockbuster trade that sent Shaquille O'Neal to the Valley of the Sun for three-time All-Star Shawn Marion.

Some of these debated the probability of Shaquille O'Neal fitting in with Phoenix' finesse offense. Several doubted Shaq's health, and said that he would not be able to keep up with the Suns' frenetic style.

Others offered praise for what is arguably the best training staff in the NBA, stating that Phoenix' uncanny ability to revitalize old past-their-prime players would be exactly what the Big Diesel needed. Some went as far as to say that Shaq in Phoenix would mean a sure championship for the Suns.

However, only now that Shaq has played three games with the Suns, can one begin to accurately evaluate the success of the "experiment".

So far the Suns have gone just 1-2 with Shaq in the rotation. At first glance, this looks abysmal, especially for the Suns. However, upon further evaluation, one can draw several positive conclusions.

First of all, the losses were not necessarily due to poor play on behalf of the Suns. Their opponents in the three games, were the Los Angeles Lakers, the Boston Celtics, and the Detroit Pistons; the top three teams in the NBA record-wise.

Secondly, the Suns have shown improvement in some areas. Over the three-game span, Phoenix has out-rebounded their opponents by five rebounds per game. Also, their 85-77 victory over Boston marks just the second time this season that they have won a game in which they score under 90 points. This entails an improved interior defense, anchored by Shaq.

The Suns have a somewhat easy stretch coming up with Memphis tonight, followed by a tough game against New Orleans, and then Philadelphia and Portland. If they can find a way to edge the Hornets, then they should be able to run off at least four straight, and perhaps reclaim the Western Conference lead.

While the Suns' record looks bad through Shaq's first three games, it may not be as bad as it seems, and more time is needed to accurately assess the Suns' progress.

Celtics, Pistons, Magic: The Real Big Three

Jeremy Mason — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 01:44:24 -0500

I'm not referring to the three all-star-calliber superstars who lace 'em up for Doc Rivers. No, the big three I speak of is different.

With everybody talking about the Western Conference, which consists of about 10 teams that only will fall short of 60-win seasons this year because they have to play each other, a few teams have fallen under the radar.

As I listen to everyone talk about how good the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans Hornets, Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors and even the Portland Trail Blazers are, I cannot help but wonder:

How a team with an .804 win percentage and three All-Stars can be underrated.

How a team that just rattled off 10 straight wins, while outscoring opponents by 10.6 a night, can have done so quietly.

How a team can have a roster spot taken by a 6-11 265-pound version of Superman and not be considered one of the best.

I've heard the Western Conference referred to as the "Bestern Conference." However, the East boasts three teams which have a legitimate chance to dethrone any team in the West...

Boston's pickups of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen brought much anticipation to fans throughout New England and have helped the team compile a league-leading 41-10 record thus far.

Better still, they are 16-1 against the West! That is an astonishing stat. The conference which is supposed to be superior has managed to combine for just one victory against the best the East has to offer.

The Celtics have already managed to lock up a winning record despite playing through injuries to Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett much in thanks to the elevated play of the role players like former LSU Tiger Glen "Big Baby" Davis and starting point guard Rajon Rondo.

The Celtics have dominated the NBA thus far and I see no reason to predict anything different for the rest of the season or in the playoffs.

Detroit is another legitimate title contender playing in the East.

Chauncey Billups, Richard "Rip" Hamilton, Tayshawn Prince, Antonio McDyess, and Rasheed Wallace round out the league's best starting five.

Many would argue that a great starting five is only as good as the play of its bench.

Due to great coaching by Flip Saunders and unbelievable depth, no Detroit player is averaging more than 35 minutes a game. A lot of talent and experience in the starting five, and trust in a deep bench sounds like a championship formula, and Detroit has been there before.

Western Conference teams definitely shouldn't overlook this great Pistons team.

Orlando's Dwight Howard has quickly developed into the best center in the NBA.

He is easily leading the league in dunks and rebounds at the break. He is one of just five players in the league averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds a night.

Hedo Turkoglu is becoming a star in the NBA and has made several game-clinching clutch shots this season.

Jameer Nelson, Carlos Arroyo, and Rashard Lewis are a few more good players on this excellent eastern conference team.

While I cannot argue that the west is very good, and very deep, I have to believe that many people will be surprised at the competition it will face in the NBA Finals against either one of the "Big Three".

Whoever represents the east in the Finals this June, the so-called "Bestern Conference" had better not overlook the title as a foregone conclusion. There are three eastern teams who will have something to say about it if they do.

Phoenix-Dallas: Short-Handed Suns Beat Mavericks, 109-97

Jeremy Mason — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 01:45:25 -0500

Last night a short-handed Phoenix team took on a good Mavericks squad and pulled out the big W. Granted, the Mavericks weren't at full strength themselves, but then again, who is this time of year?

With the win, the Suns improve their record to 3-2 since the Marion trade, and reclaim a technical share of the Western Conference lead, just percentage points behind New Orleans.

Even with this win, Phoenix is only 16-14 in the West, compared to their 21-2 mark against the East. The Suns needed to prove they could play a western contender and get the win. Last night they did just that.

The game was close throughout, but a late 11-2 Phoenix run gave the Suns their biggest lead of the game and proved to be enough to get the edge.

Nash had 24 and 13, Stoudemire and Barbosa each had 26 of their own, and Boris Diaw added 19 more to give the Suns the 109-97 win over Dallas, despite Nowitzki and Terry combining for 65 points.

This was a good win for a Phoenix team playing two players short of a full roster. The All-Star break should give them the time they need to get 14-time All-Star Shaquille O'Neal into game shape.

He is scheduled to make his debut in front of a home crowd when the Suns take on the LA Lakers next Wednesday in their first game back after the break.

Free Throws: Basketball's Lost Art

Jeremy Mason — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:57:54 -0500

The other day I was keeping the stat book at my high school's junior varsity basketball game.

The game started as any other game would, but quickly developed into a competitively played nail-biter. It was one of those games where neither team even considered losing a viable option.

Win at all costs! Players were diving and hustling, and there were several hard physical fouls.

The game went down to the wire, and our school somehow pulled off the 32-28 win.

But, as I sat at the scorer's table, totalling up the stats from the game, I noticed a strange trend.

Both teams made the same amount of two-point field goals (10), and both teams made one three-pointer. What was the difference?

The winning team shot 9/12 from the line, and the other team was just 5/11. We made four more free throws, which proved to be the difference in a close game.

Often, the effect foul shooting has on a game is not so apparent. However, it almost always plays a critical roll in deciding the victor of close games.

In the NBA, coaches often use what has come to be called the "hack-a-Shaq" strategy. In the final two minutes of tight games, coaches purposely foul poor free throw shooters, such as Shaquille O'Neal, Andris Biedrins or Ben Wallace.

This forces the opposition to either remove their defensive anchor from the floor during the most critical stages of the game, or leave them in and deal with the consequences of their poor shooting.

Often, coaches refer to missed free throw attempts as the game's "hidden turnovers."

By going to the rack and getting off a good shot that is preventable only by a foul, a player earns a trip to the charity stripe.

If the player misses the free throws, however, his efforts to get to the stripe are a moot point, and the possession has no greater effect on the game than would a turnover.

Coaches used to preach free throw shooting at their players until they improved. Now, however, players' poor shooting is often overlooked due to their other skills.

Free throw shooting is one of the most important facets of the game. Without it, a team cannot close out a close game. Many close games are won or lost as a direct result of which team is better from the line.

Free throw shooting is becoming a lost art in basketball. The best players, however, recognize its importance and work hard to ensure that, when they earn that pivotal trip to the line late in the game, they are able to close the deal.

Best QBs of the 2007-08 Season

Jeremy Mason — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:17:13 -0500

As the next in a series of player ranking articles, I've decided to rank my top 10 quarterbacks from the 2007-08 season. I've taken into consideration numbers, leadership, clutchness and winning. Here goes.

1. Tom Brady (New England Patriots)

How do you start any list for quarterbacks without Brady? The guy is remarkable.

He's been a starter for seven years and is already in the conversation for being the best ever.

This year, he dialed in with a record 50 TD passes. He only threw eight interceptions, which was third only to David Garrard's three and Jeff Garcia's four. At first glance, this looks like a lot more, however Brady threw the ball 253 more times than Garrard.

His 4,800 passing yards were nearly 400 more than Drew Brees, who had the second most.

Brady completed 68.9% of his passes, which also led the league. Brady got his team all the way to the Super Bowl, where they lost a close one to the Giants, his only loss of the season.

However the loss hardly comes close to cancelling out the amazing MVP season Brady had.

2. David Garrard (Jacksonville Jaguars)

You may be wondering how a quarterback from a team primarily known for their two-edged rush attack of Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor is rated so highly.

However, by completing 64 percent of his passes (11th), turning the ball over just five times (three ints and two lost fumbles) and posting the third best QB rating (102.2), Garrard was one of the most efficient offensive players of this season.

3. Jeff Garcia (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Jeff Garcia may represent one of the biggest mistakes in the history of Philadelphia sports and not for lack of competition.

Letting Jeff slip away to keep an injury-plagued McNabb didn't appear to be the wisest choice at the time and, after last season, it looks even worse.

Garcia put up great numbers this year (2,440 yards, 63.9 percent passing, 13 TDs, four ints and a 94.6 passer rating), despite missing three games, to lead Tampa Bay to a NFC South Division title and a record of 9-7.

4. Brett Favre (Green Bay Packers)

Its hard to believe that every year we all say that Favre needs to retire, and every year he comes back and puts up Pro Bowl caliber numbers. This year was extra special because he led his young teammates to a tie for the best NFC record (13-3) and carried them deep into the playoffs before their eventual loss to the Giants in the championship game.

By putting up numbers comparable to the likes of Brady, Manning and Palmer, he made players like Greg Jennings and James Jones look like star receivers.

Favre was fourth in the league in passing yards with 4,155. He posted the sixth best passer rating of 95.7. He was tied for sixth in the league with 28 TDs and threw a respectably low 15 picks.

I don't know how long Brett can keep playing at this level, but I, for one, am going to enjoy it while it lasts.

5. Derek Anderson (Cleveland Browns)

I find it hard to believe that a team that gives up 24 points and nearly 400 yards of offense per game can go 10-6. Derek Anderson's play led an explosive Browns offense.

He posted over 3,000 passing yards to accompany 29 TD passes and a Pro Bowl appearance. Derek Anderson came out of nowhere to have a great year as the quarterback of the Browns.

6. Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys)

Romo proved himself worthy of his big contract by playing at a Pro Bowl level for most of the season. His great play led the Cowboys to a 12-1 start and the title of a tough NFC East division.

Romo threw 36 TDs/19 Ints, racked up 4,211 yards and put up a 97.4 efficiency rating. Unfortunately, his team tanked in the end, dropping three of their final four games, including a playoff loss to the Giants.

Despite his rough ending, Tony had a great year with the Cowboys and is easily in the top 10.

7. Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts)

Manning is among the top QBs every year. This season, he backed up his Super Bowl run with another solid season.

Peyton’s stats read 31 TDs, 14 Ints, 4,040 yards and a 98.0 passer rating. More importantly, he helped his team to the quietest 13-3 record in recent memory, especially by a defending champion.

Due in part to injuries, his Colts lost in their first postseason game to the San Diego Chargers. Peyton’s year was impressive despite his early exit from the playoffs.

8. Eli Manning (New York Giants)

Not enough can be said about the ‘Giant’ leap toward stardom Eli made this season. “The other Manning” didn’t have eye-popping numbers. He didn’t break any records.

His team wasn’t a one seed or even a division winner. However, his on-field leadership, consistent play and reduced turnovers jumped his team to a great road record and eventually landed them in the Super Bowl.

His smart play and clutch game-winning drive earned his team the win and himself the MVP. Hopefully, his great season has lifted him out of the shadow of his brother and earned him some much-deserved respect.

9. Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle Seahawks)

Hasselbeck put up great numbers this season while guiding the Seahawks to a 10-6 record and their fourth straight NFC West Division title.

He threw 28 passes that ended in the end zone and just 12 that were caught by opposing defenses. He totaled nearly 4,000 yards passing and acquired a 91.4 passer rating.

In the first round of the playoffs, he lifted his team over a hot Redskins team that had been on a roll. His inability to get the victory over a great Packers team the next week was a tough ending to another good year.

10. Phillip Rivers (San Diego Chargers)

After starting out 1-3, the Chargers appeared to be trailing only New Orleans for the title of most disappointing team in football.

However, Rivers stepped up his game and elevated the Bolts to 10 wins in their last 12 games to earn them the third seed in the AFC.

In the playoffs, San Diego found a way to beat Tennessee despite an injury to Rivers. Rivers returned the next week and displayed one of the gutsiest performances I’ve ever seen in a 28-24 win over a great Colts team.

Rivers finally met his match in the AFC Championship and, although he outplayed the Patriot’s Brady, he couldn’t quite edge out a win. Rivers' great regular season numbers and courageous playoff run propelled him into this top-10 list.

I’m sure whoever is reading this disagrees in some way. Feel free to critique the order or contents of this list. I’d love to hear what you have to say.

Blame The Hoodie

Jeremy Mason — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:39:03 -0500

Just an over-worn, overrated article of cheaply tailored clothing. That's all Belichick's infamous cut-off hoodie really is.

But with the Patriot's unbelievable run at perfection recently snubbed by a stingy Giants’ team, many are left searching for answers. Why not go to the hoodie for some hints?

I find it just a little too coincidental that the first game this season in which the Patriots were held under 20 points, the first game in which they were ultimately outscored, the first game in which they were really outplayed, and the first game they lost all season long, was the time Belichick inexplicably decided to kick both tradition and superstition to the curb, pulling a different hoodie from his closet. Red? Was he serious?

Belichick's dumb wardrobe selection was exceeded only by his dumb coaching. Since I cannot come up with any other reasons as to why the genius would be upstaged by a guy who’s name sounds like the flu (Coughlin), I’m blaming the hoodie.

As the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” (Somebody should’ve reminded the Suns of this, too).

So if you wear the same thing for an18-game run of wins, why would you change it? This would never have happened in baseball, where many players and coaches are so superstitious that they don’t wash their socks for the duration of a winning streak.

So Bill, here’s my advice: throw away the red hoodie. Cut it into little shreds and burn it. Pray to the football gods for their forgiveness and beg them to again bless the original hoodie. Maybe then you can go undefeated and double the population of Perfectville, while simultaneously silencing the washed up, getting-older-everyday 1972 ‘Phins.

Please Bill, I’m begging you. I’m not sure how much more of Mercury Morris’ malignant monologue I can stomach.

NBA Notes: Hornets-Suns...and a Proposal

Jeremy Mason — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:55:08 -0500

In light of the two thrilling Wednesday night matchups between four Western Conference contenders, I have a proposal for the NBA. But first, a quick recap of one of the two epic nail-biters...

New Orleans at Phoenix

Neither team led by more than four points following a Phoenix three made by Strawberry with 9:14 to go in the fourth.

The teams traded the lead several times until finally, Steve Nash nailed a fifteen-footer to give his Suns a 111-109 lead with about 40 seconds left in regulation. On the subsequent possession, Peja Stojakovic knocked down a jumper from the elbow to tie the game at 111.

Nash then proceeded to turn the ball over with 11 seconds left. Chris Paul missed a three on the following play, Phoenix rebounded the ball and called a 20-second timeout with less than a second to go. On the inbound, Stoudemire missed an alley-oop attempt and the game went to overtime.

In overtime, the Hornets built a four-point lead, but with timely threes by Barbosa and Nash, Phoenix tied the game at 124 with eight seconds left in overtime. Again, Chris Paul missed a three, this time at the buzzer, and the game was extended into an additional overtime.

In the second OT, the Suns again found themselves trailing, this time by three with just 14 seconds to go. Again, Barbosa proved clutch and connected on a deep three to once again tie the game. There were, however, three seconds remaining in the period. That would be plenty of time for Peja Stojakovic to hit a tough fade-away from 17 feet at the buzzer.

With the Hornets up 132-130, the game was finally over. Nash finished with 32 points, 12 assists, and ten turnovers. Chris Paul totaled 42 points to go with his nine assists and five boards. After beating the Suns for the third time this season, New Orleans pulled within a half game of Phoenix for the best mark in the West.

Now, my proposal:

I propose to the NBA that every matchup between two of the top 10 teams in the Western Conference should be televised.

I don't profess to know anything about the way national television works, and so I have no clue as to the plausibility of this, but please, if it is in any way possible, show me more Western Conference matchups. That may have been the best game in this year's regular season and unless you lived in Arizona or Louisiana, you had to settle for watching the highlights on ESPN.

Great games are meant to be watched. It's as simple as that. Make it happen.

Tom Brady and Randy Moss: Pro Bowl No-Shows

Jeremy Mason — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 14:36:24 -0500

The NFL season is officially over. Congrats to the Giants for their amazing late-season run and Super Bowl victory.

Unfortunately for NFL fans everywhere, the only thing left to look forward to is the 2008 Pro Bowl.

Ah yes, the Pro Bowl. That's the game theoretically composed of rosters stuffed with only the NFL's best. Theoretically. Truth be told, it is not.

Every year, several of the NFL's best players turn down their invitations to participate in the all-star game. This year, to the surprise of absolutely no one, the best quarterback and wideout have both opted out of the meaningless scrimmage.

Brady and Moss—the dynamic Patriot duo that sparked a season that missed perfection by a hair.

And of course, when I say "hair," I mean a dropped pick by New England's sure-handed cornerback Asante Samuel.

I also mean a dumb decision by Belichick to go for it on fourth and 13 instead of kicking a field goal. I also mean an impossible dance by Eli Manning to escape three blitzing Pat defenders. I also mean that catch made more with helmet than hands.

You pick.

But I've made my point. The Pats were good. And they were so, much in part to the sterling play of both Brady and Moss. However, when the AFC takes that first snap on February 10th, it will not be Brady under center.

As the AFC quarterback drops back, he will not throw a pass to Randy Moss.

Brady doesn't do Pro Bowls, despite being selected nearly every season. The headlines might say that Brady and Moss will miss the game because of lingering injuries, but I know the real reason.

It's somewhat obvious, I think. The fact that eight Patriots were selected tells a lot. Brady's reason for not participating in the game is both logical and simple.

Brady simply knows that there is no reason to risk injury in an exhibition game. Unlike most Pro Bowlers, Brady has no reason to live out fantasies of playing on an all-star team.

He doesn't need to imagine himself playing on a team made of nothing but all-star level players. He doesn't share the opinion that the all-star game is a chance to surround himself with all the best players. Brady plays on such a team all year.

For 19 games this year, Brady lined up behind a wall. This wall consisted of five players. Three of these were selected to play in the Pro Bowl

Brady's receiving corps was represented on the original Pro Bowl roster. That rep was Randy Moss. Each level of Brady's top-five defense will be represented in the game.

Vince Wilfork from his D-line. Mike Vrabel from the linebacking crew and Asante Samuel from his secondary will work the game.

Tom Brady skips the game every year because he understands the stupidity of trading 16+ games that matter for one that doesn't. When viewing Tom's no-show in this light, it is impossible to accuse Brady of insulting his fans because it is obvious that he is merely respecting his teammates and his organization.

Top 10 Point Guards in the NBA

Jeremy Mason — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 08:37:58 -0500

It is very important when making any kind of ranking that you specify the criteria you're judging by.

So what constitutes being a good point guard?

It is the point guard's job to run the show—to distribute the ball to his teammates in a way that is most beneficial to scoring the basketball.

This distribution should be typically even, but should also allow for alteration due to the flow of the game. While it is important to get everyone involved, it is equally important to get the ball into the hands of whoever is hot.

Secondly, the best point guards have the ability to sense when their team is struggling and become a scorer. For this cause it is imperative for a good point guard to be able to find his rhythm quickly.

This list describes the point guards in the NBA who are the best at giving their teammates the ball in a good scoring position. The best are the most consistent and a few have that rare ability to turn it on and take over a game whenever they need to.

1. Steve Nash (Phoenix Suns)

Wow! Where to start? Steve Nash is hands down the best in the league. He has averaged double digit assists the last four years and currently leads the league at 11.8 per game which paces the best offense in the league.

When he's not busy picking apart defenses with his deadly accurate passes, he scores almost at will. His deadly jumper is basically guaranteed if he's left alone (which is often the case because defenses overcompensate to defend his passing). He finishes in the paint with the best of them. His fadeaway 15-footer is unguardable. He shoots over 47 percent from three, 51 percent from the field, and 90 percent from the line.

Simply put, he is the most efficient offensive player in the league. The only beef anybody has with his game is his defense. His lateral quickness isn't exactly stellar. But this list is about offensive productivity, so Nash is without question my No. 1, despite the massive game of the next guard on my list.

2. Jason Kidd (New Jersey Nets)

Jason Kidd's career has been unbelievable. He is second all time in triple-doubles. This speaks of longevity and consistent all-around play on his part. This year he is two boards a game away from averaging a triple-double!

His age doesn't seem to have slowed him down. His inspired play on the court shows great professionalism despite his vocal desire for a trade. His long consistent career propelled him slightly ahead of the next guard on my list.

3. Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets)

Chris Paul is everything you could want in a point guard—smart, efficient, flashy, and skilled. He is an excellent passer, ball-handler, scorer, and is even one of the best rebounding point guards in the league (4.0 RPG), trailing only Baron Davis and Jason Kidd.

Perhaps even more important than his skills, which are many, is his youth. He is only in his third year. It will be fun to watch the development of his career and his rivalry with the next young guard on this list.

4. Deron Williams (Utah Jazz)

Another great young point guard, Williams' efficiency in the pick and roll with his favorite target, Carlos Boozer, has received high praise and has been compared to another great Jazz duo: Stockton and Malone.

His size allows him to post up smaller guards such as Steve Nash or Tony Parker, which draws double teams and opens up teammates. His clutch play in last year's playoffs, only his second season, led the Jazz all the way to the conference finals where they lost in six games to the eventual champions (Spurs).

5. Baron Davis (Golden State Warriors)

Baron Davis is one of the most underrated guards in the NBA, single-handedly leading the Warriors. His clutch shooting, great transitional game, post moves, and exquisite passing make the Warriors a playoff team in a tough Western Conference.

Last year, his dominance of the smaller Dallas guards, Terry and Harris, helped Golden State upset the top-seeded Mavs in six games. The Warriors would eventually lose to a Jazz team led by the aforementioned Deron Williams, but not before they greatly exceeded their season's goals thanks to the clutch play of Baron Davis.

6. Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs)

It isn't a fluke that Parker is the starting point guard on the best team in the league over the last seven to eight years. His lightning speed, consistent penetration, and uncanny finishing ability have him leading the league in points in the paint over the last two seasons.

His three-pt shooting is questionable, but his interior game and mid-range jumper easily compensate. His consistent ability to feed Duncan the ball in situations favorable to scoring makes the Spurs the most balanced team in the league. His clutch play and wise decision-making made him the MVP of last year's championship team. His consistency has earned the respect of the entire league, including my No. 7 guard.

7. Chauncey Billups (Detroit Pistons)

Chaunce Billups is a great all-around guard. He is an excellent defender, a clutch shooter, a crafty ball-handler, and an opportunistic passer. Not enough can be said about Billups' clutch shooting. His elevated play has had the Pistons atop the Eastern Conference for several years. He anchors what is arguably the best starting five in the league.

8. Rajon Rondo (Boston Celtics)

The entire offseason was filled with speculation about how good the Big Three of Boston—Garnett, Allen, and Peirce—could be. Three unselfish stars with immense skills. What nobody talked about was how difficult it would be for a point guard to come in and distribute the ball evenly among the three without completely neglecting himself and the center.

Rajon Rondo has filled that roll unbelievably. He has stepped up to the plate and been the on-court leader that Boston needed to bring it all together. He is as much to thank for Boston's NBA leading record as are the Big Three.

9. Andre Miller (Philadelphia 76ers)

Philadelphia fans are tough. Anybody who has watched Donavon McNabb play knows that. So I thought it would be nearly impossible for somebody to come in and try to replace Allen Iverson and not get booed off the floor. Despite my fears, Miller has come to Philadelphia and actually improved the team. He runs the break with the best of them and has been the point guard Philadelphia has badly needed for a while.

10. Allen Iverson (Denver Nuggets)

My scepticism in putting Iverson on this list, and my reason for putting him so low on it, is in no way a shot at his skill. Iverson is a great player—maybe the best penetrator in the league. Pound-for-pound, he is probably the best player in the NBA.

However, Iverson's skill set is more suited to a 2-guard.

The reason he has played as a point guard for most of his career is he hasn't been on a team with a true point guard since he had Eric Snow with Philadelphia. The fact that he is on this list speaks of his versatility. Having him No. 10 isn't an insult, it's a compliment.

As is true with all sports-related articles, this is strictly my opinion. I tried to keep it free of bias, but I am only human, and I'm sure that some bias is implemented. Feel free to comment on my list. I'm open to anything from criticism on the order these players are in, to names of players I've left out.

Let me know what you think.

Duke-North Carolina: Blue Devils Beat the Tar Heels 89-78

Jeremy Mason — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:21:04 -0500

Last night another chapter was written in what many consider to be the best rivalry in college basketball and one of the best in all of sports: Duke vs. North Carolina.

The two teams, separated by eight miles and a shade of blue, as the saying goes, never fail to bring their A-game to this pivotal ACC matchup.

Last night was no different. Adding to the fire between the bitter rivals, were the implications of last night's game. Duke, currently sitting at number two in the land, looked to solidify its ranking as one of the nation's best.

Both teams were looking to avoid just their second loss of the season. North Carolina hoped to keep pace with the Devils for the number one spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference. With supremacy in the ACC and nationally on the line, it seemed to be one of those instances where the game can't possibly live up to the hype. Fans watching the game however, were not disappointed.

The Tar Heels jumped out to a quick early lead and appeared unstoppable. Duke was being outplayed. Hansborough seemed to alter every shot, score every time he touched the ball, and beat the Devils to every rebound or loose ball.

Duke did settle down though, and caught fire from downtown. Timely threes put Duke ahead and distanced them from NC nearly every time the Heels made a run.

Duke somewhat contained Tyler Hansborough and even though he ended up with 28 points and 18 rebounds, Duke limited his three-point plays. Hansborough shot just 4-9 from the charity stripe and never was able to lift his team over the deadly sharpshooting of Duke. Paulus finished 6-8 from 3 and Singler added three of his own deep shots pacing Duke's 13-29 three-point shooting.

Duke eventually won 89-78.

The Blue Devils now are two games up on the Tar Heels for the ACC lead, and barring an upset by BC, Maryland, Wake Forest, Miami, Georgia Tech, NC State, or Virginia, the ACC title will go to Duke. They also have proven themselves worthy of their number two ranking and will be one of the teams to beat come March.

Games like last night's leave fans with no choice but to look forward to the next one. Luckily for us, the two play again in the regular season finale on March 8th.

I, for one, can't wait.

Patriots Fallout: A Perfect Season (Almost) in Retrospect

Jeremy Mason — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:38:36 -0500

Another NFL season has passed, and as a big football fan it’s hard to believe how quickly five months can come and go.

It seems like it was just yesterday that I dropped my remote as my jaw hit the floor in reaction to the Patriots’ pickup of Randy Moss.

I couldn't help but laugh as my favorite team proceeded to sign Wes Welker, Donte' Stallworth, and Adalius Thomas.
And I watched Chris Berman pick the Pats over a revitalized Eagles team in the Super Bowl.

It seems like it was just yesterday that I heard the unreasonable prediction, 19-0. I remember very well evaluating the Patriots’ schedule preseason and marking all the tough games. I remember thinking that if they could somehow go to Indy and get a win, they could do it—they could plow through the tough schedule and win every game, and then in the playoffs…well, anything was possible.

With each blowout on their way to Indianapolis, they seemed more and more to be the team of destiny, the team finally capable of the perfect 19-0 to shut up those old Dolphin farts of 35 years ago.

They beat the Colts, Ravens, and Eagles in tightly contested games, ever nearing that perfect mark.

And they even found a way to come from behind and beat the NFC’s hottest team, the Giants, and completed the regular season unblemished, 16-0. Just three tough playoff wins from silencing Mercury Morris once and for all.

I remember as they hung 31 on the Jag’s tough defense, and held the explosive Chargers to a measly 12 points. They were an unstoppable force.

Then the Giants finally knocked off Brett Favre’s Packers in overtime, and I thought that it was practically over.

I remember thinking that it was impossible for a Giant’s team led by Eli Manning, having lost to the Patriots just one month prior, to beat the perfect Pats.

But I also remember the game unfolding and finally realizing what was going to happen. The Giants were going to pull it off. I remember watching Eli Manning’s game winning drive, and having flashbacks of his brother’s late game heroics in the AFC Championship barely a year ago.

Looking back, I can’t help but find it funny that with the addition of Pro Bowl-caliber players Moss, Welker, Stallworth, and Thomas the Patriots made it exactly one game closer to their coveted 4th title. At this pace, they only need to pick up Troy Polamolu, Brian Urlacher, Ty Law, and Champ Bailey to solidify themselves as the team to beat.

But, as comical as this is, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Belichick somehow managed to pad his top-5 defense with a few more Pro Bowlers.

Honestly though, even if the Patriots don’t make any offseason moves, they still will be next year’s team to beat. Don’t be surprised if next January they are golden once again.

Fourth and 13: How One Play Changed Super Bowl XLII

Jeremy Mason — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:35:03 -0500

It was about halfway through the third quarter of Super Bowl XLII. Gostkowski, in amazement at the enormity of his coach's error, stood not far from his kicking net watching the pivotal play unfold.

Everybody and their mother knew it was a bad call by Belichick to keep his Pro-Bowl kicker sidelined for a fourth and 13 from the Giant's 32 in a tightly contested 7-3 game deep into the third quarter.

I'm sure Brady knew it as he took the snap from Dan Koppen. I'm sure he knew it as he released the pass. I'm sure Moss knew it as he watched Brady's errant pass sail over his head and out of bounds.

I'm sure Gostkowski knew as he watched from his perch on the sideline, just as I knew it as soon as I saw the offensive unit remain on the field. Everybody knew. Everybody except Belichick.

Then again, maybe he knew. Maybe in his own strange, distorted mind he knew he was giving away three points to the Giants. Maybe his arrogance disabled him from believing his team could lose.

Maybe he, along with the 60 percent of America, including myself, that picked New England to win, had already written off the upstart Giants. Maybe he considered the title his after his team's 21-12 victory over a beat-up San Diego team two weeks prior.

Maybe he viewed the NFC as a junior varsity league filled with teams that wouldn't recognize the Lombardi trophy if it hit them in the facemask.

If that is the case, I really can't blame him. These were my views prior to that last minute drive by Manning, which still doesn't sound right, where the Giants capped the game with a TD pass to Burress.

A wise man once said, "That's why they play the games!".

But as Brady scrambled frantically around the backfield searching for a receiver, still shocked by the impossibility of his situation, I thought of one play.

As he fired the ball as far downfield as his cannon of an arm would allow, I thought of one play.

As his desperation Hail Mary fell short, I thought of one play.

As the ball rolled harmlessly on the muddied turf, I thought of one play.

As the teams prematurely strolled onto the field for the postgame ceremonies, I thought of one play.

As the officials restored order for the final one second kneel down by Manning, I thought of one play.

As the score officially showed the Giants being the champions of Super Bowl XLII by three points over the previously unbeaten Patriots, I only thought of one play.

It was about halfway through the third quarter of Super Bowl XLII.

Shaquille O'Neal: Speed Bump or Road Block?

Jeremy Mason — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 01:43:25 -0500

With Shaq heading to Phoenix (physical pending), many Suns fans (myself included) are left with some questions:

How is Shaq going to fit in with D'Antoni's offensive philosophy?

Was this move just to keep up with the Jones' (Lakers)?

Does this change the fast-paced style we know and love?

Does The Diesel have anything left in the tank?

First of all let me say that no, Shaq will not fit in with Phoenix's style. Don't worry though, he won't be playing much.

In fact when I first read about this trade this thought crossed my mind: How is an old injured Shaq who is averaging 28.5 minutes per game going to replace a young energetic Marion who averages almost 40?

Unfortunately, the answer is: He's not.

This means the Suns will need to find more than ten additional quality minutes per game out of Brian Skinner. I just don't see that happening.

Here's another problem: What is the only complaint everybody has about Amare Stoudemire's game?

Fouls!

S.T.A.T is fourth in the league at 3.8 personal fouls per game. He trails only Boozer, Mikki Moore, and The Diesel! With Amare and Shaq in foul trouble, the Suns interior defense will often be anchored by Brian Skinner and Boris Diaw. Forget about the Lakers...that duo couldn't guard my high school team's front court!

So, Phoenix fans, I have good news and bad news concerning this "blockbuster."

The good news: Phoenix is not going to lose its fast-paced seven-seconds-or-less "controlled-chaos" (as Kenny Smith put it) offense.

The bad news: Although the Suns should get just as many fast breaks as before...they've traded their best fast-break finisher for an old overrated past-his-prime center who hasn't seen a fast-break in five years.

I read an article that said Shaq in Phoenix means a sure championship. While I hope this is true, I can't help but feel that this move only undoes the giant step towards a championship that Phoenix made last offseason when they signed Grant Hill.

Final verdict: If you like the Suns...pray like hell that Shaq fails his physical!

Other than that, I foresee a rebirth of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry come June.