Quick NBA Finals Game 7 Preview...

I'm going to make this a quick post, because like most of you, I want to get a seat at the bar for the game. Today's game marks the final game of the NBA season. It all comes down to a do-or-die game 7 between the Boston Celtics and the LA Lakers at the Staples Center. Neither team has been able to gain more than a temporary sense of momentum in the series. It seems like any time a team gets on a roll or has something go it's way, the other team ends up benefiting. That's a good sign for the Celtics, because they got throttled in Game 6. Unfortunately for the Celtics, they will be without starting center Kendrick Perkins, who tore ligaments in his knee during the first half of Game 6. That's not a good sign for a team that is already way more guard-oriented. Glen Davis or Rasheed Wallace will start in place of Perkins, but the best piece of news coming out of this unfortunate incident is that my favorite Celtics player Brian Scalabrine is probably going to be activated for this game.



Even though he's a U$C Trojan, he gives hope to goofy-looking white guys everywhere that maybe they can get paid big bucks to become a cheerleader on the bench.

But back to the game. Honestly, I think everyone expects this game to be one for the ages. I mean, it's the Lakers and the Celtics, the two teams with the most NBA titles, in a game 7. Bird vs. Johnson, McHale vs. Abdul-Jabbar. This game can't not be good. In the end though, I think the Lakers are going to pull it out. Kobe playing Game 7 in LA means he won't be stopped. If the Celtics can limit him enough, they will win. Another key player is Lakers center Andrew Bynum. He is getting surgery after the season for torn cartilage in his own knee, but he'll play through the pain tonight. How he performs has a huge impact on who will have the frontcourt advantage in this game. Without Perkins, I think he'll have an easier time posting up against the short Davis or the old (and quite possibly insane) Wallace. Frontcourt contributions will be the difference, and the Lakers win 99-92. And I'm not just saying that because I have ten pesos on the game.

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Yet Another Reason to Booo the Lakers

Phil Jackson response to the Boston Globe when asked if he expected "physical play" against the Celtics in the Finals.

“We don’t have a smackdown mentality,” he said. “You might have seen that with [Kevin] Garnett on [Orlando's Dwight] Howard in Game 6 in Boston, where he was smacking Howard’s arm and was finally called for an offensive foul... That’s not our kind of team. We don’t go out there to smack people around. I call it more resiliency. We’re a more resilient ball club. We try to stay strong and play hard. But we’re going to have to withstand some of that.”

As Blanche Leitner would say that is GRADE A BOLOGNA!!! Do I have to show it again? Apparently... Kobe Shoved him in the BALLS... IN THE BALLS OK? How more "physical" does it get? I didn't realize shoving your hand into someones testicles was now being referred to as "resilient". Ugh, I despise the Lakers.

Low Blow

Ted Green, a columnist for the LA Times, took his hate of the Boston Celtics a little too far in an article written Sunday. In his piece, “Your Guide to Hating the Celtics”, Green bashed the franchise as a whole and continued to specifically address the starting players. Coming from a Lakers fan, this doesn’t seem too out of place: talking shit is standard procedure when it comes to rivalries. When Green got to Paul Pierce, though, he definitely broke the unwritten trash-talking rules - check out the bolded portion of Green hating on Pierce:

No. 34, Paul Pierce: Pierce is their best scorer and a load for anyone to guard, including Ron Artest. But the Celtics' captain flops more than a large-mouthed bass taking his last breath dangling from a fishing rod at the end of a pier. Every time Pierce shoots, he acts like he's been hit by a train. Usually, he hasn't been touched. Two years ago, he fell during the Finals against the Lakers and went off in an actual wheelchair. Five minutes later, he was dropping 3's all over Banknorth Garden. He actually came back into the game with the music from "Rocky" blaring over the p.a. system. Yo, Paulie, that was such a bad con job, Sylvester Stallone is a better actor than your are. By the way, Pierce's idea of a fun night is going clubbing and getting stabbed. Good times! If you'll be seeing him for the first time, you'll hate him before the first quarter of Game 1 is even close to over, guaranteed. And by the way, Pablo, your headband is usually crooked.

Yea: inappropriate. In case you need a refresher, back in 2000 Pierce was stabbed 11 times in the face, neck and back and then hit over the head with a bottle. After the attack, he was rushed to the hospital for surgery. Although Pierce did end up making a full recovery, I hardly think near-death experiences are anyone’s idea of a “good time”, and definitely not a matter to joke about. C’mon, Ted, use a little common sense.

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And the Strapping Jock Award Goes to...

Only this month’s Strapping Jock could make a sweatband look that sexy. Yes, ladies, we’re talking about Celtics’ starting point guard, #9, Rajon Rondo. Leaving the University of Kentucky for the NBA after two years, Rondo was named one of the top 5 most improved players in just his second pro season. Need more proof? Take the fact that he broke the record for the most steals in a single season (168), tied the franchise record for most assists in a single season and became one of three players in the history of the NBA to have 29 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists in a playoff game. All in one year. Yea, exactly. While some might argue these qualify as some of his greatest accomplishments, I’d like to think joining CCUB’s hall of Strapping Jock fame gives those endeavors a run for their money… And considering Rondo signed for $55,000,000 last year, that’s a pretty bold statement.

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Celtics, Lebron, and the Shaqtastic Bounty Hunter

Last night the Celtics won game 6 against the Cavaliers and clenched the series. Kevin Garnett posted a double-double and his good health proved the team, aging and all, is strong enough to beat any team in the NBA. It also clenched Rajon Rondo win as CCUBs Strapping Jock of the Month, post to follow.

The game also marked an interesting point in LeBron James' career as he enters free agency this summer. Another notable end may be the end of Shaq's long and accomplished NBA career which seems to be slipping under the radar amidst all the Bron Bron chit chat. I for one, hope that Shaq returns to his days as a 2.5. Perhaps his can follow in his ex's footsteps and film a show entitled, "Shaqtastic Bounty Hunter."

The Celtics took a strong lead from the beginning with the Cavs staying in the game for all but those crucial minutes in the fourth quarter. Notably, James was seen shaking each and every Celtics player's hand before leaving the court. He may have even hugged one of the concession workers, although that has yet to be confirmed. Unfortunately for Josh Cribbs, the Celtics victory means he'll have to twitpic himself in downward facing dog pose.

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Boston is Blowing Up Like Charles Barkley

Last night the Celtics, the Bruins, and the Red Sox won, bringing much joy to Boston sports fans.  Much to Cav supporter Josh Cribbs' dismay, Bron Bron and his crew got their asses whooped in Cleveland.  Not that we at CCUB need another reason to dislike the state of Ohio, but the Cavs certainly didn't give us one with the 104-86 loss to the obviously superior Celtics.

In other Boston sporting news, Patriot Leigh Bodden attended last night Bruins game.  The 3-2 victory not only propelled the Bruins along in the playoffs, but also made Leigh a hockey fan!

Finally, the Red Sox beat the Angels by, what some would call, a landslide. Final score 17-8. Particularly like Pedroia's home run Dustin is my bf!!! :)

Keep up the good work Boston! (Although, personally, I'm a Red Wings fan...)

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FANatic: Dirty Dancing - Livin' On a Prayer

One word: epic. I’m not sure whether or not this crazy Celtics fan is a regular, but if not, he should be. As long as we’re going with the 80’s genre, I’d like to officially put in my request for a little Salt-N-Pepa next game…. Ahh, push it... p-push it good…

Big Baby Whining Bolsters Support for Nickname

Glen Davis is being a baby about his nickname. Apparently, he doesn't like it anymore. You know what "Big Baby," TOO BAD! Instead of sitting around crying about not liking your nickname, why don't you write a write a rap designating a new name for yourself like any other respectable individual? Shit, Puffy, or Diddy, or whatever his name is these days did it! Prince was even able to change his name to a symbol and back to Prince!!! All you're doing is whining which frankly does little more than bolster support for a name like "Big Baby." Perhaps we'll start crying you "Cry Baby!"

LeBron: Loss doesn't affect status with Cavs

LeBron: Loss doesn't affect status with Cavs

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I am getting flashbacks of Paul Pierce prior to the 2007 acquisition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. Actually, Pierce's attitude had improved dramatically as his team sunk further and further into disarray during the 2006-2007 season when his team lost every single game he missed due to an elbow injury. I believe it was 18 games in a row, setting a franchise record long losing streak. Ouch! And even when Pierce returned the season didn't improve. At that point the best thing going for the team was the hope of winning the draft lottery. The Celtics drew the 5th pick which was a blessing in disguise considering the #1 pick Greg Oden's career to date and the fact that the Celtics finally won a Championship in 2008.

The moral of the story is that there is more than one way to skin a cat. Undoubtedly, the Celtics are a better team now for having struggled through those frustrating years. For example, Rondo has developed into a strong NBA player and I would argue that the playing time he got on the Celtics understaffed team during his first year contributed dramatically to his ability to play with such tenacity so early in his career. Scalabrine now spends most of the time on the bench where he belongs sporting his new wigger look. The bottom line is that I think Cleveland wants to win just as badly as Lebron; they should be able to work something out.

I forget the second part....

Ok, so tonight the Celtics pulled off of clutch win at home against the Bulls despite a rather lengthy injury list. Meanwhile, the Yankees won 11-0 against the Tigers in Detroit. Interestingly, I found myself fighting for TV space to watch the NBA playoffs opposed by some obviously intense Yankee fans. Without going into my traditional and obvious oration on why the Yankees suck or why a win against the Tigers – of all teams – at this point in the season is meaningless, I would like to point out that the Yankees suck.

Moving on, I would like to reference the above ESPN article which discusses how the current economic situation is affecting our professional athletic teams and leagues, especially the NBA. The author discusses how the ’09 All Star Weekend in Arizona represented the “No Benjamins Association” rather than the National Basketball Association. Frankly, I am offended. I imagine most of the players in the MLS are offended. In fact, I bet about an eighth of the NFL is offended. The guys that played in the ABA are aghast at such an analogy.

Sure, the $90 million endorsement deals don’t exist anymore. But can you seriously justify in your mind paying someone that amount of money to wear a logo for 10 years?! Stadiums no longer bear historical names, representing a brand of team heritage; now they’re sponsored: Gillette Stadium, Bank North Garden. People used to have a different mentality about sports, men and women alike.



... and I forget the second part... Actually, no, I don't. But, I think this part is so funny I am going to let it settle before I deliver the rest.