KAAAHN!

Do the Timberwolves/David Kahn ever stop being hilarious?  I hope not.

"Just one player not in our Top 100 was drafted on Thursday. The Blazers took Targuy Ngombo for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night with the 57th pick in the draft. Ngombo plays in Qatar and was discovered by Timberwolves international scout Pete Philo at a tournament in Manila, Philippines, last year.

While Ngombo lists his age as 21 on his passport, a number of other sources, including Qatar's FIBA website, suggest he's actually 26. If proven to be true, that means he's ineligible for the draft and the Wolves will have to forfeit the pick per NBA rules. Considering Minnesota traded for the pick and paid the Blazers some compensation (as of Monday the two teams were still haggling over what the price would be given the revelation), I'm sure owner Glen Taylor isn't thrilled." -Chad Ford

NBA Trade Rumors

The Lakers are the ones putting trade calls out on Pau Gasol, according to FOX's Sam Amico.  Previous reports have made it sound like other teams were calling the Lakers about Gasol's availability. But according to Amico, it's the other way around.

Very interesting.  I have no idea what Lakers are expecting to get back for Gasol, but unless it is something of Dwight Howard caliber they will be on the losing end.  Also makes you wonder how much of a problem there is in the Laker's locker room right now.  This wouldn't be the first time Kobe has pushed someone out of LA.

According to Yahoo! Sports, the Atlanta Hawks are checking out what they can get for forward Josh Smith and reportedly Smith would not mind being traded.  Smith has not asked for a trade. but he would prefer being sent to Boston, Houston, New Jersey or Orlando, if he's dealt by the Hawks.

This is the first time I can ever remember a player in his prime being asked to be traded to Boston.  This is probably due to his friendship and connection with Rajon Rondo, with who he roomed with at prep school.  Josh Smith's talents are largely untapped and he could still be a star in this league, but he has his flaws.  Namely, taking too many low percentage jump shots instead of attacking the rim.  Doc Rivers, a veteran team, and Rondo, could have a chance of pushing him in the right direction though, and this would add much needed youth and athleticism into the Celts aging roster.  I am not sure what they would give up for him or how the line up would work.

Andre Iguodala "loves" the idea of playing for the Clippers, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.  Iguodala feels unappreciated by the fans in Philadelphia and played his college ball out west.

More and more reports are coming out about Iguodala going to the Clippers for Kaman.  Bodog currently has 2/5 odd on Iguodala not being traded before the end of the draft on Thursday and 17/10 odds he will, meaning Vegas thinks he will be out of Philly.  Iguodala, like Loul Deng, continues to be one of the more underrated players in the NBA due to being overpaid (Not his fault GM offered him the contract), public not appreciating defense, and not boasting a high PPG.  I would imagine Clippers would have to offer more then injury prone Kaman (avg 48 games played in last 4 seasons), but if they do pull this off the Clippers starting line up would be scary.  Though they would need more depth and Blake Griffin committing to playing both side of the floor, they have the youth and talent to build off of and be a real force in a year or two.  For the 76ers this would open the door for Thadeus Young to take over, but still would be a significant downgrade due to Iguodala being one of the best defensive wing players in the league his ability to play point-forward.

Kenny Britt's Path to Retirement

For some people the off-season is looked at as a time to get better at things you struggle in, get over injuries, get in shape, and work towards really reaching your potential.  Kenny Britt is not one of those people.  He has showed his talent on the field and could consistently be a top receiver in the league year in and year out, but seems like if you give the guy a weekend off he will find trouble.  After his latest mishap, one of the smaller ones, I thought it would be nice to look at a what he has done to get better this prolonged offseason.

• February 22nd: Britt has to go to court in NJ for 'theft-by-deception' charge in which he  promised to pay $12,500 bail for childhood friend and rapper Albert "Albee Al" Robinson.  Charges were eventually lowered to a misdemeanor.  Albee Al was later arrested, while out on bail, for murder.  Police allege he threw a shot teenager into the Hudson River where he drowned to death.
• April 12th: Got into a car chase in NJ with police and was arrested for evading and lying to police.  A couple miles into the car chase Britt tried to stop the car and walk away as if he was a passenger.  Didn't work.  Charges were reduced and he ended up only paying $478 and being charged with 'careless driving' . 
• He does not show up to players only workouts in Tennessee and chooses to stay at his home in NJ. 
• June 8th: Arrested by New Jersey narcotic officers and charged with two counts of of resisting arrest.  He is accused of pushing police and not submitting to handcuffs after they found him smoking marijuana.  All charges were downgraded to 'disorderly persons' offense.
• June 13th: Britt becomes a wanted man in Nashville for outstanding misdemeanor warrants.  Britt had two arrest warrants out in the city via the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Police claim Britt made "inaccurate statements" on driver's license applications, and he is now expected to turn himself in.
• June 20th: Posts "Retiring from NFL.  F*** You Goddell" on his facebook page.  He later recanted and said someone hacked his page and it was a mistake... With his track record, any reason not to believe him?

Since the Titans have drafted Britt '09 he has been arrested six times and a wanted man once.  What is it about Wide Receivers that seems to bring in all the idiots, egomaniacs, and every type of stupidity to that position?  Also, I hate reality TV shows, but could anyone think of a better one then having Kenny Britt, Dez Bryant, and Legarrette Blount  spend their off season together and record what happens?

It is being reported that Britt will probably only be seeing a game or two suspension.  He should consider himself lucky (and also a great sleeper pick in fantasy).

2011 Stanley Cup Winners

I am the furthest thing from a hockey fan you can find, but when the Bruins are in the finals I will watch.  When they win the stanley cup, I will post.  So here you go.  Congrats to the Boston Bruins for completing a decade of dominance for Boston sports.  Since '01 Patriots have won three times, Red Sox twice, Celtics once, and now Bruins once. 

The most I can add to the conversation about the actual hockey being played in the finals is that this series reminded me so much of the first round match up in '08 between the Celtics and Hawks.  Celtics won the series in 7.  They won every home game and lost every away game.  What really struck me is how much Celtics and Bruins dominated their opponents at home but kept losing close games away.  The Celtics average margin of defeat in wins (all home games) was 25.25 points while the average margin of defeat in losses (all away games) was 5.66.  Besides game 7, in which Bruins just won 4-0, every game in Vancouver was decided by 1 point and two of the three ended 1-0.  On the other side of the border Bruins destroyed the Canucks and beat them 17-3 in the three games that were played in Boston with the closest game being decided by 3 goals.

Bruins Bets

2-0 +37.50

Date placed: Jun 10, 2011 4:10p Date settled: Jun 15, 2011 10:50p	Single #216284134 (Placed by Web) Hockey - Futures (Game) Moneyline NHL STANLEY CUP SERIES PRICE Best of Seven (2-2-1-1-1) Series is tied 2-2 (6911) Boston Bruins (Series Prices) +155 Fri@8:05p Final Scores Boston Bruins (Series Prices) 4 Vancouver Canucks (Series Prices) 3	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 15.50

Date placed: Jun 12, 2011 6:40p Date settled: Jun 13, 2011 11:08p	Single #216479613 (Placed by Web) Hockey - NHL (Game) Canadian Line NHL - STANLEY CUP FINAL - Game #6 Best of Seven (2-2-1-1-1) Vancouver leads Series 3-2 (12) Boston Bruins -1½ (+220) Mon@8:05p Final Scores Vancouver Canucks 2 Boston Bruins 5	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 22.00

Lebron James' Postgame Comments

Lebron's response when asked if he was bothered by people rooting for him failing:

"All the people that were rooting on me to fail, at the end of the day they have to wake up tomorrow and have the same life that they had before they woke up today. They have the same personal problems they had today. I'm going to continue to live the way I want to live and continue to do the things that I want to do with me and my family and be happy with that. So they can get a few days or a few months or whatever the case may be on being happy about not only myself, but the Miami Heat not accomplishing their goal. But they got to get back to the real world at some point."

Wow.  Where are Lebron Jame's PR people?  Does he realize he is not just talking to his 'haters', and is addressing every single sports fan out there?  Win or lose, every fan is going to go back to doing what they do.  Lebron might as well of said, "F the world, I am rich and you aren't."  For someone who's main goal is become a billionaire he sure knows how to get fans and support.   Ever since losing to the Celtics in the playoffs last year and saying, "I spoil a lot of people with my play", he has continually stuck his foot in his mouth and seems to miss the point.  A couple hours later he then tweeted:

The Greater Man upstairs know when it's my time. Right now isn't the time.

I can not say I am positive, but I think Lebron showing no signs of life, aggression, or desperation for the second year in a row in do-or-die games had more to do with him losing then the 'Greater Man Upstairs'.  There is no excuse for the best player in the league to average just 15 shots (almost 1/3 of them were 3 pointers) per a game in the finals and differ every 4th quarter to far less talented players.  38 year old Juwan Howard is not going to bail you out.

More on the finals coming up later.

Deshawn Stevenson's Lebron Shirt

He might be tatted up and doesn't like sitting on internet or typing, but that doesn't mean he can't get great custom shirts.

Hey Lebron!  Hows my Dirk taste

Finals Prop Bets Results

7-3 118.08

Date placed: May 29, 2011 5:49p	Single #215611726 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Moneyline 2011 NBA Finals- Dirk Nowitzki - Shooting Percentage in the Series Must Play in Game #1 for action. NBA.com is used for grading purposes. (1555) Under 48.5% -120 Tue@9:00p Competitor:(1554) Over 48.5% Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.33	win

Date placed: May 28, 2011 8:20a	Single #215496947 (Placed by Web) NBA Team Props (Prop) Moneyline Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks - Where will the Series be decided? (1020) American Airlines Arena, Miami -150 Thu@9:00p Competitor:(1021) American Airlines Center, Dallas Risk US$ 20.00 to win US$ 13.33	win
Date placed: May 28, 2011 8:19a	Single #215496937 (Placed by Web) NBA Team Props (Prop) Moneyline Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks - Exact Series Result (1006) Dallas Mavericks 4-2 29/4 Thu@9:00p Competitor:(1000) Miami Heat 4-0 Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 72.50	Win
Date placed: May 28, 2011 8:19a	Single #215496936 (Placed by Web) NBA Team Props (Prop) Moneyline Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks - Exact Series Result (1007) Dallas Mavericks 4-3 6/1 Thu@9:00p Competitor:(1000) Miami Heat 4-0 Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 60.00	lose
Date placed: May 28, 2011 8:16a	Single #215496852 (Placed by Web) NBA Team Props (Prop) Total Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks - Total Games in Series (1008) Over vs. (1009) Under Over 5½ (-225) Thu@9:00p Risk US$ 20.00 to win US$ 8.89	win
Date placed: May 28, 2011 8:11a	Single #215496799 (Placed by Web) NBA Team Props (Prop) Total Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks - How Manny games in the series will go to overtime? (1022) Over vs. (1023) Under Over ½ (+215) Thu@9:00p Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 21.50	lose
Date placed: May 28, 2011 8:05a	Single #215496723 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Total 2011 NBA Finals- Dirk Nowitzki - Average Points per Game in the Series Must Play in Game #1 for action. NBA.com is used for grading purposes. (1550) Over vs. (1551) Under Over 25½ (-115) Thu@9:00p Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70	win
Date placed: May 28, 2011 8:05a	Single #215496705 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Total 2011 NBA Finals- Chris Bosh - Average rebounds per game in series Must Play in Game #1 for action. NBA.com is used for grading purposes. (1546) Over vs. (1547) Under Under 8½ (-120) Thu@9:00p Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.33	win
Date placed: May 23, 2011 10:29a	Single #215201123 (Placed by Web) Basketball - Futures (Game) Moneyline Odds to win 2011 NBA Championship All wagers have action. (1052) Dallas Mavericks +200 Mon@9:00p Competitor:(1051) Chicago Bulls Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 20.00	win
Date placed: Apr 15, 2011 10:58a	Single #212073383 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Moneyline Odds to Win the 2011 NBA Finals MVP (The Bill Russell Trophy) All Wagers Have Action (1524) Field (Any Other Player) 35/1 Sat@1:00p Competitor:(1500) Amare Stoudemire (NYK) Risk US$ 2.00 to win US$ 70.00

NBA Finals Game 6 Results

2-3 -12.97

Date placed: Jun 12, 2011 9:33p Date settled: Jun 12, 2011 11:25p	Bodog Live #216495528 (Placed by Web) Which player will record more assists in the Second Half? Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (3rd Quarter 12:00) "[#6] L. James +0.5" -115 Sun@12:00a	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70
Date placed: Jun 12, 2011 6:38p Date settled: Jun 12, 2011 11:14p	Single #216479451 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Total (DAL vs MIA) - Tyson Chandler - Total Points and Rebounds Must Play for Action. (5942) Over vs. (5943) Under Over 19½ (-115) Sun@8:00p Final Scores Over 0 Under 13	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70
Date placed: Jun 12, 2011 6:34p Date settled: Jun 12, 2011 11:14p	Single #216479140 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Total (DAL vs MIA) - Shawn Marion - Total Points Must Play for Action. (5940) Over vs. (5941) Under Over 13½ (-105) Sun@8:00p Final Scores Over 0 Under 12	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 9.52

Date placed: Jun 10, 2011 4:11p Date settled: Jun 12, 2011 10:44p	Single #216284183 (Placed by Web) Basketball - NBA Lines (Game) Total NBA PLAYOFFS - CHAMPIONSHIP - Game #6 Best of Seven (2-3-2) Dallas leads the series 3-2 (711) Dallas Mavericks vs. (712) Miami Heat Under 187 Sun@8:00p Final Scores Dallas Mavericks 105 Miami Heat 95	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 9.09
Date placed: Jun 10, 2011 4:11p Date settled: Jun 12, 2011 10:44p	Single #216284182 (Placed by Web) Basketball - NBA Lines (Game) Point Spread NBA PLAYOFFS - CHAMPIONSHIP - Game #6 Best of Seven (2-3-2) Dallas leads the series 3-2 (711) Dallas Mavericks +6 (-120) Sun@8:00p Bought 0.5 points Final Scores Dallas Mavericks 105 Miami Heat 95	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.33

Internet Thuggin'

When asked about dissing Lebron James on facebook Deshawn Stevenson responded,

 "There’s like 37 people that are acting like me on Facebook.  I mean, if you look at me and look at all these tattoos, do you think I’d be sitting on the Internet and typing?" 

I don't even know why reporters would ask him this question.  Isn't it common knowledge everyone who is tatted up doesnt do nerdy stuff like sit on internet and type?

Really?

There is people who will hate Lebron no matter what he does, like Yahoos' Wojnarowski, but things like this do not help.  Wrong place and time... Especially when you still have the mysterious elbow injury in the not too distant past and have not been playing up to par in last two games.  Wade doing this is even worse.  He might have the most excuses/flops/complaints in the league, and not a couple hours after this he had a mysterious injury that led to him leaving the game.. twice.

NBA FInals Game 5 Results

3-3 -.06

Date placed: Jun 09, 2011 10:45p Date settled: Jun 10, 2011 12:00a	Bodog Live #216260384 (Placed by Web) Live Over/Under (208) Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (3rd Quarter 5:59) "Over 208" -120 Thu@12:00a	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 15.00 to win US$ 12.54
Date placed: Jun 09, 2011 10:25p Date settled: Jun 09, 2011 11:55p	Bodog Live #216259292 (Placed by Web) Which player will record more assists in the Second Half? Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (3rd Quarter 12:00) "[#6] L. James +0.5" -115 Thu@12:00a	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70
Date placed: Jun 09, 2011 4:54p Date settled: Jun 09, 2011 11:48p	Single #216227686 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Total (MIA vs DAL) - Dirk Nowitzki - Total Blocks Must Play for Action. (5876) Over vs. (5877) Under Over ½ (-120) Thu@9:00p Final Scores Over 0 Under 0	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.33
Date placed: Jun 09, 2011 4:53p Date settled: Jun 09, 2011 11:48p	Single #216227655 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Total (MIA vs DAL) - Shawn Marion - Total Points Must Play for Action. (5886) Over vs. (5887) Under Over 13½ (-115) Thu@9:00p Final Scores Over 0 Under 8	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70
Date placed: Jun 09, 2011 4:53p Date settled: Jun 09, 2011 11:48p	Single #216227654 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Total (MIA vs DAL) - Tyson Chandler - Total Points and Rebounds Must Play for Action. (5888) Over vs. (5889) Under Over 19½ (-115) Thu@9:00p Final Scores Over 20 Under 0	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70
Date placed: Jun 08, 2011 3:28p Date settled: Jun 09, 2011 11:46p	Single #216172459 (Placed by Web) Basketball - NBA Lines (Game) Total NBA PLAYOFFS - CHAMPIONSHIP - Game #5 Best of Seven (2-3-2) Series is tied 2-2 (709) Miami Heat vs. (710) Dallas Mavericks Under 185 (-115) Thu@9:00p Final Scores Miami Heat 103 Dallas Mavericks 112	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70

What to Watch For in Game 5

It will be very interesting what changes the coaches and players will make going into game 5.  The most obvious thing to watch for is how Lebron rebounds after scoring just 8 points in game 4. 
The other not so obvious changes I am looking forward to seeing is how much playing time Bibby gets, he has been atrocious on both ends of the floor.  He is not hitting open shots, the one thing that is really asked of him, and, as expected, Barea and any other Mav he is guarding is blowing by him easily.  Chalmers has severely outplayed him in every aspect of the game, and the Heat also have no problem having Lebron handle the 1 and have no point on the floor at all.  I think this is actually when they are at their best.  Wade/Lebron/Miller/Haslem/Bosh spreads the floor and provides great defense.

The second change I expect to see is Miami attack the rim and Tyson Chandler much more.  Chandler has been huge for the Mavs on both ends of the floor.  He is eating up offensive boards, averaging 6.6 in the last 3 games, his defensive presence is huge as he makes scoring at the basket in half court sets extremely hard, and he can make the other team pay on offense when his man lags off him.  This was enough reason to get him in foul trouble, something he has always been prone to doing his whole career, but with Haywood out the Heat need to add even more emphasis to this strategy.  The only person Mavs have now to back up Chandler is Mahinmi, who is not close to ready to play at this stage.  Every minute Mahinmi is forced to play is great for the Heat.  In the last 83 minutes Chandler only has 5 total fouls.  This needs to change for the Heats sake.  Lebron, whether he is making the basket or not, needs to be more aggressive and attack the body of Chandler and force the refs to blow the whistle.  

Nowtizki's Flu Game

While it wasn't exactly Jordan's Flu Game, this was another memorable game in what is turning into a historic playoffs for Dirk Nowtizki. It should never again be said that Dirk does not show up in big games or that he chokes in big situations (I have been guilty of this in the past, though my brother has not). Here are some random notes from game 4:

• Nowtizki missed a free throw. And yes, that is worth a bullet point. He is now 163/174 in the playoffs and 33/34 in the finals.
• Only six Dallas players scored last night. Funny that going into the series the main reason that people did pick Dallas was because they are so deep and have so many players who can put the ball in the basket.
• On the topic of teams being deep, all four of the Miami bench players who saw the floor finished with + in +/- and all five starters finished with -. What a big difference a semi-healthy Haslem and Mike Miller are. They went from having by far the worst bench in of all playoff teams to now having one of the deeper squads.
• Outside of Dwayne Wade, Mario Chalmers looked like the 2nd best Heat player on the floor yesterday. He was aggressive with the ball and attacked the paint instead of playing the perimeter, played great D and caused turnovers, and made good decisions which led to 6 assists in just 29 minutes. Since hitting the game tying 3 pointer with Kansas in the NCAA championship game, Chalmers has looked like he relishes the spotlight and big games. While I do love players like this and it is great to always have one on the the team, this leads to my next point.
• Chalmers will undoubtedly get the X-factor tag placed on his name and be overpaid this off season. I can't wait to see the contract offers he gets. We could name these type of contracts after James Posey.
• Lebron James had his lowest point total in a playoff game in his career. He ended up going 3/11 for 8 points. Yes, he had a very bad game and has not been playing amazing in the finals, but no, this is not proof of him choking and not performing in the clutch. Did we already forget how they got to the Finals? Besides this game Lebron has not played a bad Finals. Sorry he is not forcing shots when his teammate Dwayne Wade is being covered by the likes of Jason Terry and Jason Kidd. Last time I checked averaging 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 2.3 steals, and being an absolute menace on defense is a pretty good thing.
• The MVP of last nights game was Dallas's zone defense. Carlisle implemented it perfectly as he waited until the end of the game to use it. The Heat's offense looked lost and did not know how to respond. They were left taking contested jumpers with little time left on the shot clock and got no easy baskets at the rim. They went 1/9 in the final 7:23, and in a stretch of one minute between 5:16 and 4:18 left in the game had 3 of their 13 total turnovers. Also, wasn't it great when the Heat took a timeout and Dallas went back to man-man? This almost assuredly messed up the play that Spoelstra had just drawn up. Dallas went right back to the zone after that possession.
• Another part of the game Carlisle did a great job of controlling last night was only playing a 7 man rotation, but still getting players rest. Only Chandler was forced to play over 40 minutes as Haywood was obviously not up to the task.
• This can not entirely be Haywoods fault, but it is not too often you can see a player be on the court for just 3 minutes but have a -10 in +/-.
• I realize this oversimplifies basketball, but it really consists of three things: offense, defense, and rebounding. Please, do no confuse rebounding with defense. Kevin Love and Al Jefferson are perfect examples of players who excel at rebounding but are absolutely terrible at defense. It is hard to find examples of players who excel at defense but are horrible at rebounding, but as a team, that is just what Dallas is doing (the Celtics did this all the time). They are forcing Miami into hard shots and then turning to looking at the ball instead of finding somebody to box out. The only one who had an excuse last night was Nowitzki, who looked like he could hardly move and had to box out the extra athletic Joel Anthony. Dirk still ended up with 11 rebounds. If Dallas boxed out and kept Miami off the offensive boards it would not of been a close game. Wade, who led all guards in the regular season in offensive boards with 1.6 a game, is killing Dallas with easy put back dunks. He has gotten 3 a game so far in the Finals.
• I have to agree with Van Gundy, something NEEDS to be done about the flopping in the NBA. They need to start penalizing players and suspending them when they flop. Lebron James' flop in the first half, when he acted as if a NFL player had just hit him, led to 3 easy points via a tech on a Mavs coach and the two free throws. When the total difference in the last 3 games is 7 points, every point matters. You can't fault the players (except when Lebron is winking after flopping); at this point it is whatever it takes to win. If the ref is going to make the call, are you really not going to flop for the integrity of the game? The NBA needs to come down hard on this.
• What did Corey Brewer do to Carlisle? As Wade continues to abuse the Mavs, averaging 29.8 points while shooting .588 shooting, why not throw your best wing defender at him? I realize Carlisle wants to spread the floor, but at what cost? Especially when Barea is not hitting open 3s anyway. They could easily put Terry and Brewer in the back court at the same time. They could hide Terry, who Wade has been abusing, on whoever is playing point for the Heat and have Brewer cover Wade.

Finals Game 4 Results

5-2-1 +32.20

Date placed: Jun 07, 2011 10:31p Date settled: Jun 07, 2011 11:52p	Bodog Live #216148390 (Placed by Web) Which player will record more rebounds in the Second Half? Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (3rd Quarter 12:00) "[#6] T. Chandler -1.5 Reb" -125 Tue@12:00a	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.03
Date placed: Jun 07, 2011 10:30p Date settled: Jun 07, 2011 11:52p	Bodog Live #216148352 (Placed by Web) Which player will score the most points in the Second half? Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (3rd Quarter 12:00) "[#3] D. Wade" +235 Tue@12:00a	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 5.00 to win US$ 11.75
Date placed: Jun 07, 2011 10:28p Date settled: Jun 07, 2011 11:52p	Bodog Live #216148217 (Placed by Web) Which player will record more assists in the Second Half? Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (3rd Quarter 12:00) "[#6] L. James +0.5" -106 Tue@12:00a	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 22.00 to win US$ 20.72
Date placed: Jun 07, 2011 8:40p Date settled: Jun 07, 2011 10:18p	Bodog Live #216140645 (Placed by Web) Which player will score the most points in the First half? Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (1st Quarter 12:00) "[#3] D. Wade" +239 Tue@12:00a	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 5.00 to win US$ 11.96
Date placed: Jun 07, 2011 8:40p Date settled: Jun 07, 2011 10:18p	Bodog Live #216140644 (Placed by Web) Which player will record more assists in the First Half? Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (1st Quarter 12:00) "[#2] J. Kidd -0.5" -135 Tue@12:00a	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 20.00 to win US$ 14.81
Date placed: Jun 07, 2011 2:29p Date settled: Jun 07, 2011 11:46p	Single #216108656 (Placed by Web) Basketball - NBA Lines (Game) Point Spread NBA PLAYOFFS - CHAMPIONSHIP - Game #4 Best of Seven (2-3-2) Miami leads 2-1 (707) Miami Heat +3 (-115) Tue@9:00p Final Scores Miami Heat 83 Dallas Mavericks 86	Outcome: Push
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70
Date placed: Jun 07, 2011 2:29p Date settled: Jun 07, 2011 11:46p	Single #216108608 (Placed by Web) Basketball - NBA Lines (Game) Total NBA PLAYOFFS - CHAMPIONSHIP - Game #4 Best of Seven (2-3-2) Miami leads 2-1 (707) Miami Heat vs. (708) Dallas Mavericks Under 187 (-115) Tue@9:00p Final Scores Miami Heat 83 Dallas Mavericks 86	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70
Date placed: Jun 07, 2011 2:25p Date settled: Jun 07, 2011 11:54p	Single #216108392 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Total (MIA vs DAL) - Shawn Marion - Total Points Must Play for Action. (5812) Over vs. (5813) Under Over 12½ (-125) Tue@9:00p Final Scores Over 16 Under 0	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.00

NBA FInals Game 4 Bets

Date placed: Jun 07, 2011 2:29p	Single #216108656 (Placed by Web) Basketball - NBA Lines (Game) Point Spread NBA PLAYOFFS - CHAMPIONSHIP - Game #4 Best of Seven (2-3-2) Miami leads 2-1 (707) Miami Heat +3 (-115) Tue@9:00p Competitor:(708) Dallas Mavericks Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70
Date placed: Jun 07, 2011 2:29p	Single #216108608 (Placed by Web) Basketball - NBA Lines (Game) Total NBA PLAYOFFS - CHAMPIONSHIP - Game #4 Best of Seven (2-3-2) Miami leads 2-1 (707) Miami Heat vs. (708) Dallas Mavericks Under 187 (-115) Tue@9:00p Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70
Date placed: Jun 07, 2011 2:25p	Single #216108392 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Total (MIA vs DAL) - Shawn Marion - Total Points Must Play for Action. (5812) Over vs. (5813) Under Over 12½ (-125) Tue@9:00p Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.00

The Media's Idiocy Regarding LeBron, the Need for Brewer to Get Peja's Minutes, and Other Assorted Thoughts

Three games in and it's Miami 2, Dallas 1. Outside of Dallas' torrid stretch at the end of the fourth quarter in Game 2, Miami's defense has been the story. Some thoughts going forward:

• John Hollinger has a an interesting article regarding some moves that he believes the Mavs need to make. First, he recommends starting Jason Terry. I really don't care either way about this one--who starts doesn't matter all that much, as long as Terry gets his minutes. Second, however, he makes a very timely statement regarding the need to "shake up Dirk's minutes." Hollinger points out: "Dallas has played only 20 minutes without Dirk in the series, but in that time the Mavs are a staggering minus-31. At that rate, Dallas would lose a 48-minute game by 74 points. Basically, the Mavs are outplaying the Heat as long as Nowitzki plays, but they're getting killed in his few minutes of rest." The primary culprit for these terrible numbers? Peja Stojakovic. He's not hitting shots and getting absolutely toasted when he attempts to play something resembling defense. Like Hollinger, I believe Carlisle needs to show Peja the bench and give his minutes to Corey Brewer. In fact, Brewer should be getting run in the late minutes as well if Dallas is able to substitute offense/defense, as he's much better equipped than Jason Kidd to cover Dwayne Wade.
• I do like Carlisle's strategy of giving DeShawn Stevenson a quick hook at the beginning of the first and third quarters and replacing him with J. J. Barea. Doing so allows Barea to get his minutes against Mike Bibby.
• Speaking of which, Mike Bibby should probably start getting about 10 minutes a game. Much like Peja, he really isn't bringing anything to the table.
  
• The LeBron negativity emanating from the Skip Bayless wing of the journalism world is, put plainly, stupid. First of all, it ignores the first three rounds of the playoffs, in which LeBron's clutch shooting reached historic levels. Second, it ignores matchups. Jason Kidd cannot cover Dwyane Wade. He gives Wade about five feet of room all the way to the free throw line, allowing for easy and uncontested jumpers. And Wade dominates him on the block. Also, Tyson Chandler doesn't care to cover Chris Bosh; he would much rather stay around the rim. Therefore, Bosh can get an open jumper nearly whenever he wants. Third, it ignores LeBron's passing--he's had great assist numbers during Finals' fourth quarters. And fourth, it ignores defense. LeBron has continued to show that he is arguably the best perimeter defender in the NBA (it's between him, Andre Iguodala, and Tony Allen) by shutting down Jason Terry to such an extent that Dirk is calling JET out for his lack of clutch scoring. Apparently, when it comes to the media, little has changed in the last three months.
• The Mavs have shored up their defensive rebounding quite a bit since the first game, with Dirk in particular greatly improving his box outs.
• Udonis Haslem's jumper has been an effective weapon throughout his career. But man, is it ugly.
  
• Assuming Brendan Haywood is out, Chandler's play in light of an increased workload bears watching. Ian Mahinmi reminds me of Shelden Williams in last years' Finals--clearly not ready. If Chandler begins to struggle due to playing nearly 40 minutes a night, or if he gets in foul trouble and forces Mahinmi onto the floor, the Mavs will be in trouble.
• The Mavs have a tough road ahead, but the series is not over. Dallas needs to win the next two and then hope to steal one in Miami. Difficult, but quite possible.

• On a non-Finals note, there has been talk of a Monta Ellis for Andre Iguodola swap. If this deal happens, it would be a great day for Golden State, and a slide away from the playoffs for the 76ers.
  

Mark Jackson's First Coaching Stint

If you watch any games announced by the trifecta of Mark Jackson/Van Gundy/Mike Breen then you know Jackson preaches old school defense, not giving up easy points, and playing tough. He sure picked the right team to go to. Last year the Golden State Warriors gave up the 3rd most points in the NBA, had the 5th worst defensive rating, and their three franchise players--Curry, Ellis, and Lee--are also their three worst defenders. Although only one got in, all three of them were in serious consideration for the 2011 No Defense Team. The back court of Monte Ellis and Stephen Curry is not only undersized, but also unwilling to use the little size they do have to stay in front of defenders. David Lee, much like Kevin Love (not just because their both white 4s), does not have the physicality, or what seems like the desire, to bang down low unless it will result in a rebound or points. The only player in a Warrior uniform who seems to care at all on the defensive end is Ekpe Udoh, the 24 year old second year player out of Baylor.

While I am happy to see Mark Jackson out of the booth (anyone else sick of his slobber fests over Kobe Bryant and 'hand down man down' and 'momma there goes that man' type of sayings?), unless the Warriors make some major moves I don't see Mark Jackson lasting too long. The current group of players in Golden State simply won't buy into what he is preaching. Outside of Udoh, the only other Warriors who seem to fit the Mark Jackson mold is the Warriors fan base. Every home game is sold out and you will not find a more dedicated or loud home crowd. It is too bad they can't also take the court.

Finals Game 3 Results

2-3 -13.71

Date placed: Jun 05, 2011 9:26p Date settled: Jun 05, 2011 10:50p	Bodog Live #216043562 (Placed by Web) Which player will record more assists in the Second Half? Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (3rd Quarter 12:00) "[#6] L. James +1" -115 Sun@12:00a	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70
Date placed: Jun 05, 2011 7:51p Date settled: Jun 05, 2011 10:46p	Single #216036297 (Placed by Web) Basketball - NBA Lines (Game) Total NBA PLAYOFFS - CHAMPIONSHIP - Game #3 Best of Seven (2-3-2) Series is tied 1-1 (705) Miami Heat vs. (706) Dallas Mavericks Over 189 (-115) Sun@8:00p Final Scores Miami Heat 88 Dallas Mavericks 86	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70
Date placed: Jun 05, 2011 7:50p Date settled: Jun 05, 2011 9:17p	Bodog Live #216036062 (Placed by Web) Which player will record more assists in the First Half? Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (1st Quarter 12:00) "[#2] J. Kidd -0.5" -132 Sun@12:00a	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 7.59
Date placed: Jun 05, 2011 7:47p Date settled: Jun 05, 2011 11:06p	Single #216035732 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Total (MIA vs DAL) - Tyson Chandler - Total Points and Rebounds Must Play for Action. (5744) Over vs. (5745) Under Over 17½ (-135) Sun@8:00p Final Scores Over 0 Under 16	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 7.41
Date placed: Jun 05, 2011 7:47p Date settled: Jun 05, 2011 11:06p	Single #216035680 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Total (MIA vs DAL) - Shawn Marion - Total Points Must Play for Action. (5742) Over vs. (5743) Under Over 14 (-105) Sun@8:00p Final Scores Over 0 Under 10	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 9.52

Game 2 Bet Results

4-3-1 -5.90

Date placed: Jun 02, 2011 10:18p Date settled: Jun 02, 2011 11:51p	Bodog Live #215844855 (Placed by Web) Which player will record more assists in the Second Half? Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (3rd Quarter 12:00) "[#6] L. James +2" -115 Thu@12:00a	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70
Date placed: Jun 02, 2011 8:59p Date settled: Jun 02, 2011 10:15p	Bodog Live #215840360 (Placed by Web) Which player will record more assists in the First Half? Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (Pre-Game) "[#2] J. Kidd -1" -115 Thu@12:00a	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70
Date placed: Jun 02, 2011 8:59p Date settled: Jun 02, 2011 11:46p	Single #215840262 (Placed by Web) Basketball - NBA Lines (Game) Total NBA PLAYOFFS - CHAMPIONSHIP - Game #2 Best of Seven (2-3-2) Miami leads the series 1-0 (703) Dallas Mavericks vs. (704) Miami Heat Under 188 (-105) Thu@9:00p Final Scores Dallas Mavericks 95 Miami Heat 93	Outcome: Push
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 9.52
Date placed: Jun 02, 2011 1:26p Date settled: Jun 02, 2011 11:46p	Single #215809765 (Placed by Web) NBA Team Props (Prop) Total (DAL vs. MIA) - Alternate Game Total (5057) Over vs. (5058) Under Under 176½ (+250) Thu@9:00p Final Scores Over 95 Under 93	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 25.00
Date placed: Jun 02, 2011 1:23p Date settled: Jun 02, 2011 11:47p	Single #215809684 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Total (DAL vs MIA) - Dwyane Wade - Total Points Must Play for Action. (5670) Over vs. (5671) Under Under 24½ (-125) Thu@9:00p Final Scores Over 36 Under 0	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.00
Date placed: Jun 02, 2011 1:22p Date settled: Jun 02, 2011 11:47p	Single #215809634 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Total (DAL vs MIA) - Tyson Chandler - Total Points Must Play for Action. (5658) Over vs. (5659) Under Over 8½ (-115) Thu@9:00p Final Scores Over 13 Under 0	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70
Date placed: Jun 02, 2011 1:18p Date settled: Jun 02, 2011 11:48p	Single #215809494 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Total (DAL vs MIA) - Shawn Marion - Total Points Must Play for Action. (5650) Over vs. (5651) Under Over 11½ (-125) Thu@9:00p Final Scores Over 20 Under 0	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.00
Date placed: Jun 01, 2011 2:08p Date settled: Jun 02, 2011 11:46p	Single #215764199 (Placed by Web) Basketball - NBA Lines (Game) Total NBA PLAYOFFS - CHAMPIONSHIP - Game #2 Best of Seven (2-3-2) Miami leads the series 1-0 (703) Dallas Mavericks vs. (704) Miami Heat Under 186 Thu@9:00p Final Scores Dallas Mavericks 95 Miami Heat 93	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 20.00 to win US$ 18.18

NBA Finals Game 2 Bets

Date placed: Jun 02, 2011 1:26p	Single #215809765 (Placed by Web) NBA Team Props (Prop) Total (DAL vs. MIA) - Alternate Game Total (5057) Over vs. (5058) Under Under 176½ (+250) Thu@9:00p Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 25.00
Date placed: Jun 02, 2011 1:23p	Single #215809684 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Total (DAL vs MIA) - Dwyane Wade - Total Points Must Play for Action. (5670) Over vs. (5671) Under Under 24½ (-125) Thu@9:00p Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.00
Date placed: Jun 02, 2011 1:22p	Single #215809634 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Total (DAL vs MIA) - Tyson Chandler - Total Points Must Play for Action. (5658) Over vs. (5659) Under Over 8½ (-115) Thu@9:00p Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70

Date placed: Jun 02, 2011 1:18p	Single #215809494 (Placed by Web) NBA Player Props (Prop) Total (DAL vs MIA) - Shawn Marion - Total Points Must Play for Action. (5650) Over vs. (5651) Under Over 11½ (-125) Thu@9:00p Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.00
Date placed: Jun 01, 2011 2:08p	Single #215764199 (Placed by Web) Basketball - NBA Lines (Game) Total NBA PLAYOFFS - CHAMPIONSHIP - Game #2 Best of Seven (2-3-2) Miami leads the series 1-0 (703) Dallas Mavericks vs. (704) Miami Heat Under 186 Thu@9:00p Risk US$ 20.00 to win US$ 18.18

Final Game 1 Bets

1-4 -31.30

Date placed: May 31, 2011 10:19p Date settled: May 31, 2011 11:53p	Bodog Live #215739862 (Placed by Web) Which player will record more rebounds in the Second Half? Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (3rd Quarter 12:00) "[#6] T. Chandler + Reb" -115 Tue@12:00a	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70
Date placed: May 31, 2011 10:03p Date settled: May 31, 2011 11:56p	Bodog Live #215738870 (Placed by Web) Live Over/Under (172.5) Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (2nd Quarter 3:17) "Under 172.5" -106 Tue@12:00a	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 9.46
Date placed: May 31, 2011 8:38p Date settled: May 31, 2011 10:15p	Bodog Live #215731183 (Placed by Web) Which player will record more assists in the First Half? Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (1st Quarter 12:00) "[#2] J. Kidd +" -115 Tue@12:00a	Outcome: Win
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70
Date placed: May 31, 2011 8:37p Date settled: May 31, 2011 10:15p	Bodog Live #215731076 (Placed by Web) Which player will record more rebounds in the First Half? Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (1st Quarter 12:00) "[#6] T. Chandler + Reb" -115 Tue@12:00a	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70
Date placed: May 27, 2011 1:31p Date settled: May 31, 2011 11:46p	Single #215447851 (Placed by Web) Basketball - NBA Lines (Game) Total NBA PLAYOFFS - CHAMPIONSHIP - Game #1 Best of Seven (2-3-2) (701) Dallas Mavericks vs. (702) Miami Heat Over 186 (-115) Tue@9:00p Final Scores Dallas Mavericks 84 Miami Heat 92	Outcome: Loss
Risk US$ 10.00 to win US$ 8.70

Has Dallas' offense met its kryptonite?

Game 1 last night was a defensive struggle, much more reminiscent of the Heat's previous series against Chicago and Boston than Dallas' takedown of the Thunder. The Heat came away with the victory and now lead 1-0. Some thoughts:

• Dallas came out after halftime and immediately went on a run, going up by 8. Erik Spoelstra took a timeout and from that point on the game slowly, but surely, tilted in the Heat's favor.
• Dwyane Wade's reemergence in the second half was a big part of the Heat's success. During the first two quarters, he looked like he did in the last few games against the Bulls, shooting 3 of 10 with 3 turnovers. In the second half, however, he finally began to look more assertive and hit some good looks.
• Some of Wade's second half success can be explained by a look at who was defending him. Jason Kidd isn't a great matchup; Jason Terry is a terrible matchup.
• Dirk, as usual, got his points. He shot okay from the floor and went 12-12 from the line, leading to a pretty efficient night. The Heat defenders, Udonis Haslem in particular, really overloaded on Dirk's left shoulder in an attempt to take away his pet move, the one legged fallaway. In doing so, they allowed Dirk to drive the ball to his right with ease. Dirk figured this out as the game went on and routinely took the ball to the rim.
• The Heat quickly discovered that Jason Kidd will hit a wide-open three pointer. He likes to set his feet on these shots and take almost as much preparation time as he would for a free throw.
• Dallas' bench really struggled. The Heat often hedged on pick-and-rolls, and outside of one occasion J.J. Barea didn't have the clear path to the rim that he's become accustomed to the past few series. Jason Terry played well in the first half, but was shut down when the Heat put LeBron James on him in the second. And Peja Stojakovic wasn't hitting shots, and looked like a liability on the defensive end. To win, the Mavs are going to need a lot more from this crew. Also, if Peja isn't going to hit shots, the Mavs might as well play Corey Brewer.
• LeBron James' defense on Jason Terry was a key in the second half. However, in the first half he too often left Shawn Marion and allowed him easy looks. I don't know if he was doing ranging on his own or if the Heat's gameplan called for James to play a bit of a free safety role, but Marion was too active to be left alone.
• We had a Juwan Howard sighting. Very exciting.
• The Heat were routinely getting open corner threes when they moved the ball from side to side. By my count Chalmers hit three of them, Miller hit one, and LeBron hit one. Bibby missed a couple.
• Dallas' zone looked pretty effective when they went to it for a relatively long stretch in the second quarter. The Heat were shooting, and missing, a lot of jumpers. However, they were also crashing the glass as the Mavs were struggling to put a body on everyone. Defensive rebounding was an issue for Dallas throughout the game, but it was particularly problematic from the zone. Still, I would have liked to see Dallas mix in the zone more often during the second half, especially when they were otherwise forced into using Terry on Wade. When in the zone, Haywood extended his range up to the foul line, cutting off that usual hole. The Heat did have some success cutting along the baseline.
• If Chandler is going to cover Bosh, and therefore be dragged away from the hoop, Dirk is going to have to do a better job on the defensive glass.
• Loved Mike Miller's box out on Chandler in the fourth quarter.
  
• I didn't think that Wade or LeBron drove the ball to the hole as much as they should have. They both hit some jumpers, and LeBron continued to shoot well from three, but the scoring will come much more efficiently if and when they begin to drive more frequently.
• At the end of the first half, as well as during a late possession when the Heat were trying to run down the clock, LeBron dribbled beyond the three point line until the shot clock was at about 3 before making his move. He needs to go earlier. By letting the clock wind down so much, he's locking himself into shooting a long-range jumper.
• Game 2 is huge. It will be very difficult for Dallas to win three straight at home, so they would be in a real hole if they fall behind 2-0. Miami has a chance to really take control.