Hottest Sports Stories for Friday, Dec. 30
The NBA belongs to a Durantula, the Lakers are back on track and the Alamo was memorable.
Welcome to the Daily Radar, the perfect thing to read before a weekend nap. Leave your comments in the place marked Comments.
Let's dish.
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In this edition:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU HANDSOME FELLAS
Let's celebrate the birth of LeBron James and Tiger Woods by declaring what we love most about these polarizing athletes. Yes, hairlines are among them.
Question on Everybody's Mind: Is today a holiday?
Our Take: Cram Damnit, It should be. The man that brought us Mashed Potatoes is 36-years old. Who would have thought that 36 years ago a female Tiger would give birth to a wunderkind, only to see him turn into an adulterer/crappy golfer. Cheers.
And to LeBron James, blow out those candles big guy. Make sure you wish for a clue because you haven't had a semblance of one since you entered the NBA. Win a title and then act entitled, not the other way around. Merry Douche-mas Everybody!
Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Gift Cards
Are you kidding? This is the best day ever. Take a day off on me. If you are thinking of gifts, stay clear of anything in ring form for King James and no golf clubs for Tiger...he doesn't know how to use them.
Deeper Dive:
LeBron James Throws Birthday Party (FoxSports)
Tiger Woods is 36, Does He Suck? (USA Today)
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DEFENSE DIES AT THE ALAMO
Robert Griffin III and Baylor were victorious at the Alamo Bowl. At some point, both teams agreed to just give up playing defense.
Question on Everybody's Mind: Is RG3 a top-10 selection?
Our Take: The crowd wanted one more year from Robert Griffin III, but he never struck me as an idiot. RG3 will go to the NFL and get paid millions despite a shaky showing. I still have no idea why the two teams didn't introduce a Nerf ball in a game that ended 67-56.
Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Tacklin Fuels
This game could have easily been played in someone's back yard. Bowl games should take note; more offense and absolutely no defense makes fun-filled watching for all.
Deeper Dive:
Baylor Wins Alamo Bowl Shootout (USA Today)
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WORLD IS PAYING RENT TO KEVIN DURANT
So much for the Thunder succumbing to infighting. Sure, Russell Westbrook is still playing like Smush Parker with a blindfold, but the Thunder have the sweet, sweet stroke of Mr. Kevin Durant. His buzzer-beater had me out of my chair shouting, a feat usually reserved for the pizza man.
Question on Everybody's Mind: Is Kevin Durant the best player in NBA?
Our Take: I love this time of year, because every night there is a new "best" player in the NBA. Soon, Kobe Bryant will hit a buzzer-beater and "still be the greatest." On another night, LeBron James will throw down a monster dunk and "be the greatest bald man to play." It's all silly.
Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Winging Its
A close game came down to the Thunder saying screw it, just let Durant take the ball and shoot it. We now have a new master of the clutch. Move over Mamba.
Nail Meet Head Tweet Award:
Deeper Dive:
Kevin Durant Seals Win With Buzzer-Beater (The Oklahoman)
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WE HAVE ANSWER TO WHAT BROWN CAN DO FOR US
Lakers' new head coach Mike Brown introduced a brand new concept to the Lakers. Like Link finding out how to wheeze the juice, the Lakers are finally getting the concept of defense as they routed the Knicks, a team that is supposed to know how to score.
Question on Everybody's Mind: Are the Lakers back?
Our Take: I will say yes, but doing so makes me sick. This team is flourishing thanks to play by Metta World Peace and Josh McRoberts. So excuse me for not having a great deal of confidence.
Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 McBobs
The Knicks looked dreadful and the Lakers had a ton of swagger. All we need is for the Clippers to lose a few in a row and things are just as they should be.
Deeper Dive:
Healthy Kobe Bryant Helps Lakers Flourish (LA Times)
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DAILY FUN WITH MOVING PICTURES
Because what else are you going to watch at work?
DWYANE WADE GOES SUPERMAN
Here is the video of D-Wade showing up Cam Newton on Wednesday night. I am sure Newton cried into his mountains of millions later that night.
Deeper Dive: Watch Heat Star Go Superman With The Game-Winner Over Bobcats (B/R)
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RASHAD GREENE IS GOOD
Here is a catch that I would argue against, if it didn't look so damn awesome.
Deeper Dive: Watch Rashad Greene's Miracle Reception (B/R)
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SMH
Congresswoman and Presidential candidate Michele Bachmann shows that she has no freaking clue what sports fans like. Pick a side and more people would like you. Sports fans hate pandering, and she does just that in a 50-50 jersey.
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AWKWARD SEGWAY
Here is video of a possessed segway intent on eating Ian Healey, a cricket commentator.
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BITS OF TID
Little bits of goodness with a chewy center.
UM, WE CAN HEAR YOU
Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Bill Young and Tulsa World columnist Dave Sittler thought the microphones were off at a press conference. They weren't, and some jacked up stuff gets said. Via Deadspin.
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TWITTER GETS PROFESSIONAL
A pro sports league will now put Twitter handles on the backs of jerseys. Don't worry traditionalists, it's the National Lacrosse League. Via NLL.com.
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JORDAN STILL HAS IT
The man whose shoes caused a nation to go stupid last week is getting married. Air Jordan is marrying one hot tamale. Via ABC News.
Deeper Dive: Yvette Prieto: Engagement Proves Greatest of All-Time Still Has It (B/R)
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WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEKEND
All times are Eastern (Unless you are in the East, then they are just times).
SATURDAY
No. 4 Louisville at No. 3 Kentucky—12:00 p.m. CBS
Get up early and watch this game. The night's entertainment goes down exponentially by the hour. This college basketball rivalry game will be the best thing on all day.
Denver Nuggets at LA Lakers—3:30 p.m. Fox West
Three hour later a star-studded Lakers squad takes on some guys from Denver.
Virginia vs. No. 25 Auburn Chick-fil-A BOWL—7:30 p.m. ESPN
This is what we are calling a bowl game nowadays. The NFL equivalent would be the Colts taking on the Titans.
SUNDAY
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos—4:15 p.m. CBS
Tim Tebow will either be a hero or die forever. There is no middle ground, so enjoy.
Dallas Cowboys at NY Giants—8:20 p.m. NBC
One of the two least-liked quarterbacks will warrant applause. This will be awkward for most fans.
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DAILY DESSERT
Until 2012, Happy New Year.
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