Old School

"Give him an old face..."

Jay-Z - Streets is Talking

By now most people have seen the new Pepsi Max campaign, starring current Rookie of the Year Kyrie Ivring. For those of you like my sister that live under a rock...allow me to tell you how entertaining it is. It is by far one of the best commercials that I've seen in quite sometime, and I used to work for an advertising agency...but you don't have to take my word for it.

Future Star

Irving has an intriguing story of family unity, success, and sadness. In him, the Cavaliers franchise will have something to celebrate, and soon. Cleveland selected Dion Waiters last week in the draft, and I have a feeling that Waiters and Irving will complement one another's game very well.

Until the season begins, it would be nice to see if Kyrie's Uncle Drew shows up at some playgrounds and courts around the country to get buckets!

Stay tuned sports fans.

Words and picture: @axgilbert

The Return

"Really though I'm LeBron...really don't got my mind..."


J. Cole - Reflection Eternal


The Finals begin on Tuesday in south Florida...and this could prove to be one of the more evenly matched championships in recent years.


Tipping Point


The Mavericks and Heat  have similarities...from star power, to having dynamic duos...not too mention an undying hunger to be crowned NBA champions.


Before I can give my opinion on how I see things, I'd first like to tackle the distain that people have with LeBron Raymone James. Last summer, we all know that he decided to take his talents to south beach...well it appears that things have worked out nicely for the young man, and still the general public continues to show their displeasure.


I've heard it all, but at the end of the day James honored his contract with the Cavaliers, and he felt that he had to move on to capture a title. The NBA is a business, and one of it's top employees choose to play elsewhere. No harm, no foul...so let's move on.


As for the Finals, I believe this can easily go 6 or 7 games...due to the matchup problems each team offers. Dwyane Wade will be hampered with a troublesome shoulder, however he will play. Everyone is nursing some type of injury this time of year, and while the Dirk versus LeBron chatter will begin, it's the Dallas bench that could turn the tide in the series.


I don't want to give the trophy to one team or the other...I prefer to let the teams play, and give an analysis from there. If I had to choose...I'd say, advantage Dallas because of their depth, and rebounding.


Words: @axgilbert


Photo: Mike Ehrmann

Faith

"I'm super fly, I'm super high, you gettin' yours...I'm gettin' mine..."

Rick Ross - Super High

I haven't been myself lately...anyone that knows me...understands exactly what I mean, on paper I'm sure I look great...I'm a college graduate with job, and bright future. However I haven't been up to par...best way I can explain it...I'm starting to mirror a certain team in South Florida.

Goodfellas

I think Jay-Z said it best, when he stated..."it was all good just a week ago"...now things haven't spiraled to the point of no return, but if you check your twitter time line, or read the your ESPN app regularly, then you would think the Miami Heat had lost their glass slipper, and turned into a pumpkin at midnight.

Currently they are playing less than advertised with 15 games in the books (8 wins, 7 losses), however when a team like this is assembled in the free agency fashion it was...you need time for it to coagulate.

Every great team has a superstar or two (Lakers), and the Heat have that...what they lack is the experience of playing together, front court defense, and health. In these times of 24-hour instant access, I believe that the average, fly-by-night, bandwagon, fan doesn't have the patience to wait for DWade and company to fulfill the championship promises.

Miami is stuck in neutral, and with 67-games to go...things can change for the better...the Heat's biggest concern is not when they turn things around...it's the more established teams in the East, like Orlando, and Boston.

This is not the year LeBron makes good on his quest for the title...that day is still a little further down the road. Until that time comes, games like James' return to Cleveland will have to do for highlights, and headlines of this season.

Have faith everyone, Rome wasn't built in a day.

Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Checkmate

"Jay's favorite line...dog in due time..."

Kanye West - Touch the Sky

LeBron James shook up the sports world last week when he announced that he was taking his talents to South Beach. Since then the media and and general public have been giving him the Kobe treatment.

Control

Heavy is the head that wears the crown...

-William Shakespeare

LeBron James is a professional athlete and he has done what was best for him and his family. My first job upon my graduation from Temple University was with the National Basketball Association...when I was laid off due to an economic downturn...my heart was in pain, and I felt betrayed, however at the end of the day it was a business move.

When I look at the circumstances of James' decision...the similarities are familiar. I can understand the way people felt when he choose not to return to Cleveland, because whenever emotions are involved...the vision can become cloudy...yet this wasn't about the fans, or loyalty to his adopted home, it was strictly business. If the Cavs would have traded him to another team last February, it would have been merely the way things are done in professional sports. So there shouldn't be any hoopla when the athlete takes the reigns for once.

The NBA rookies of 2003 are as heralded as the '84, and '96 classes, so with James, Wade, and Bosh on the same squad...it's Xbox come true. Imagine Bryant, Nash, and Ray Allen, or Jordan, Barkley, and Olajuwon together against the league...the possibilities would be endless.

I see nothing wrong with this move to Florida. When A-Rod won the AL MVP award with the Rangers...he was a great player with tons of individual awards, but what truly burned his competitive fire was the quest for a World Series ring, which he captured last October. He is currently about to reach the 600 home run milestone, and now as a champion he can revel in the accolades. It has nothing to do with the Yankees being Derek Jeter's team...it has everything to do with the reason why all athletes play.

Only time will tell if this new star alignment will earn multiple championships...right now as things are, the Celtics, Magic, Thunder, and Lakers can prove to be a thorn in Miami's side, but until next June arrives, we'll all just have to watch and wait.

Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images

The Tipping Point

"I'm young, and I'm black..."

Jay-Z - 99 Problems

The Celtics have a possibility of 2-games to advance into the Eastern Conference Finals, while the Cavaliers are merely taking it one game at a time...

Win or go home

The Boston/Cleveland series is a unique mix of playoff basketball and Catch 22 politics. If the Cavs win, then that's exactly what they were melded together to do...however if Celtics emerge victorious, then it will be a total failure by LeBron and the James gang.

I usually watch the games while I surf on Twitter. By the intermission of Game 5...fans, and naysayers formed a united front in bashing LeBron James. I content on texting my friend Ariana the score after each quarter (she's a Celtics fan), nevertheless it was interesting to see...how fickle people are.

In my opinion the Cavs played poorly, yet the other side of that coin proves how well the C's competed, and just how good they are. The real story is, the maturation of Rajon Rondo, and a healthy all-star supporting cast. When Boston won their 17th championship in '08, Rondo was a decent guard playing with a veteran laden core, now he is a veteran point guard leading his peers.

Sometimes things fall apart, while other times everything works together accordingly...in the case of the very storied Boston Celtics, their plan has been working, and the secret ingredient of Rondo is no longer a mystery based on potential...he's an integral cog toward another title.

So will the Celtics win in 6, or do they try again? If this goes the distance, then it's anybody's game. If the Cavs fail, it's because they either struggled way too much, or they just didn't have enough to get it done...regardless of those facts the better team always wins.

Boston has everything to gain, and nothing to lose.

Photo: David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images

Outstanding

"I'm the blueprint, I'm like the map for 'em..."

Jay-Z - A Star Is Born

Last year LeBron James won his first league MVP, and this year the celebration had a familiar ring to it, with the reigning King adding another trophy to his basketball resume.

Stepping Stone

The media have spoken...as it is evident that the best player in the league is LeBron R. James, however if you speak with him, he'll tell you that he couldn't have accomplished winning back to back MVP's without his team, and family. He'll also mention that he would like to win as many NBA titles as possible...so much so that it literally drives him to play no matter the situation.

Coincidentally he is playing with an elbow injury that could potentially alter his championship dreams. The Cavs/Celtics series is a match up of really good, veteran laden teams, and while LeBron's elbow adds a new wrinkle, I expect this one to go the 7-game distance. That's just my opinion, because I feel that the Celtics are a much better team than they get credit for. Nevertheless, this story is about the MVP...as James is the current face of the NBA, now and for years to come. In the past I would often say that the league is in good hands once Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, and Tim Duncan retire, however the changing of the guard happened a lot sooner than I thought...the change is very good.

LeBron is a stand up guy, and has always treated me with respect. I look forward to watching his success and legend build...and as the questions arise, of will he stay in Cleveland or go...I understand that basketball is a business and he will do whatever is best for him, his family, and brand.

Congratulations Bron Bron!

Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Focused

"The Lakers beat the SuperSonics..."

Ice Cube - It Was A Good Day

As a child, whenever I had a bad day, I'd go to the park and shoot hoops until I felt better. Now as an adult...I still play make those lonely trips to the playground, however...sometimes I'll run a few miles, or even write.

Habitual

The NBA playoffs officially kicked off last weekend...with the Cavs, and Magic playing exactly as expected, while the Trailblazers continued to amaze and win despite their injuries. Nonetheless, it was the Los Angeles Lakers that had all eyes on them. The Lake Show are the rock stars of the league, and reigning champs or not, the light always shines brightest in the city of angels.

After defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 87-79, everyone questioned the Lakers play and poor shooting from Kobe. For some reason a lot of people felt compelled to call and text me...my response is simply this...it's the playoffs and all wins are good wins.

I expect Los Angeles to win the series, and move on to the second round. The Thunder will benefit greatly from their playoff experience, and next year they will be better, stronger, and faster...until then...keep your eyes on Orlando, Cleveland, and the Lake Show, because things are about to get exciting.

It's a marathon, not a sprint...first team to 16 wins, captures the crown.

Photo: Evan Gole/NBAE via Getty Images

Ubiquitous

"They never leave, they're here to stay..."

Mos Def - History

Nobody remembers who came in second place...so when you talk about the 2009 NBA Finals, the Orlando Magic have become can afterthought.

Definition

If the season ended today, many people would pencil in the Lakers and Cavaliers in a highly anticipated Kobe versus LeBron, Nike Most Valuable Puppets championship...however basketball like everything else in life has no guarantee.

The Magic with a pillar in Dwight Howard and floor general in Jameer Nelson have the components to make return trip to the promise land. Atlanta, Boston, and Cleveland are playing well, and because of that fact, the reining conference champions are left without their proper respect.

I asked a few of the Magic players what their thoughts were on the topic:

AXG: What's the state of this team?

Dwight Howard: It's a different team from last year for one...and now we're starting to gel together, so the biggest difference from last year's team is that last year we had all been together for a long time so we had great chemistry, and now we're just trying to learn to play with each other.

AXG: Where is the love and respect for this team?

Dwight Howard: We are still the only people who believe in us. There are still people that think we won't get as far as we did last year, but our main concern is finishing out the regular season strong without any injuries. I don't think they respect us...we still have to get that respect from people. We are the defending Eastern Conference champs and you let everybody else tell it...it's like we didn't even win it. We understand that, we are just going to continue to work on our game, and come playoff time we're going to be ready.

AXG: Jameer...you and Dwight sat and watched the Lakers celebrate the championship last year...can you speak on that?

Jameer Nelson: I did it with him...he wanted me to stay out there to soak it in...because you don't want anyone to celebrate on your home court, and we don't want that feeling anymore. What we did was try to soak it in, and use that as motivation.

AXG: How will that help your team as you make this run into the playoffs?

Jameer Nelson: Well we know the feeling...and we don't want that again, so like I told the guys earlier...each time we step on the court, it's a different experience and it prepares you for another game, and another situation similar to it.

AXG: Can you explain your last meeting against the Lakers, and Kobe Bryant specifically?

Matt Barnes: With great players like that you have to make them work. I think a lot of attention came to it because it was the Lakers and they [Magic] played each other in the Finals last year. I just thought it was a physical game...back and forth and the fact that it was Kobe and someone was standing up to him...everyone made a big deal about it, but you have to really make someone like him work. He's the greatest player in the world and you can't let him have the mental advantage over you as well. So I tried to stay in it and make him take as many shots as possible to get his points.

AXG: What do you bring to this team?

Matt Barnes: I'm trying to change the mentality around here. You know word on the street and around the league was that Orlando was soft, and it's nothing that one person is going to change, I think it's a team overhaul and mentality that you're not just going to come into our house and push us around. I think the team has taken to that and that's a good thing to roll with.

Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Imagaes

Varsity Blues

"It's not how you start...it's how you finish..."

The playoffs are right around the corner and with some recent erratic play, a few Eastern Conference teams seem ill prepared for the championship hunt.

Green with Envy

The Celtics and Cavaliers played earlier, and while they didn't match up against one another...they both lost their respective contests. If the playoffs started today, the Eastern Conference favorites range from Boston, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Orlando...however only one can win.

LeBron James has emerged to repeat as the league's MVP, but I am sure he would much rather have a championship trophy. With or without the Cavs' trade, it's in my opinion that they are a very tough club, and once the regular season is over...they will be a team that no one wants to play.

Boston on the other hand appeared to be a clear cut contender at the start, as they added Rasheed Wallace to an already proven winning roster, however I'm not sure that defensively they can hang with the likes of their post season nemesis Atlanta, not too mention the Chicago Bulls.

Atlanta has several weapons in Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, Al Horford, Josh Smith, and Jamal Crawford off the bench. What is tricky about playing the Hawks is that they are youthful enough to run you out the building, and now they have enough experience to close out a series.

As for my sister's team...the Magic had what it takes last year...obviously as they won the east and played in their first NBA Finals. They did it with dominance from Dwight Howard in the front court, and finesse from Hedo Turkoglu at point forward, and Rashad Lewis on the perimeter. Their inability to resign Turkoglu may prove costly in the long run, but basketball is a business, and they must adapt to newcomers Vince Carter, Matt Barnes, and Jason Williams.

In the Western Conference I believe the last two teams standing will be the Nuggets and Lakers...and I don't want to go any further than that, but I do know that if and when these teams play, it's going to be nothing less than spectacular.

The questions will soon play into answers and then the focus will switch to the free agency class of 2010, and World Championship Games.

I love this game!

Photo: Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

Respect Due

"That blue and yellow, yeah that's the Carmelo jag..."

Nicki Minaj - Up Out My Face

"Melo had a great game...if the West would have won, he would have been MVP..." - Dwyane Wade

Super Official

On Sunday the NBA hosted the All-Star game, however last night the Cavs matched up with the visiting Nuggets, for an entertaining duel between best friends.

Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James will forever be linked not only through basketball, but also because of their mutual respect and bond. The league is driven by stars and team dynasties, so when Kobe and LeBron get the international advertisements, and continue to do the impossible...they tend to overshadow their peers. However there are special players throughout the association, and one such person is Carmelo Anthony.

He has been given the nickname Captain America from his breakout play with Team USA, and ability to score as well as defend, making Anthony one of the best. At 6'8", 230lbs he moves like a guard, with Usain Bolt like speed.

In Cleveland, he and the Nuggets needed an extra 5-minutes playing into overtime to outlast the Cavaliers 118-116. Carmelo had 40-points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 blocks, while James counted with a triple-double (43-points, 15 assists, 13 boards), but it was Anthony's jump shot with 1.9 remaining that delivered the win.

One thing is true, in that after everything is said and done...there will be nothing left to say or do.

Photo: David Liam/NBAE via Getty Images

Destiny's Child

"I know your hunger kid..."

Nas - You Can't Stop Us Now

"When you train for something your whole life...you're pretty much ready for it..."

- Serena Williams

Preparation

Here on the east coast our basketball world has a left coast bias...as in if the Lakers aren't involved...then we don't see or hear too much about. So the headlines today are about the Nets' 48th loss, and naturally, the Lake Show and their winning streak without Kobe...it's even gotten to the point that the experts are saying the team is better without Bryant. Nevertheless, the Warriors hosted the Clippers last night, and while that may or may not move you...it was a foreshadowing of Stephen Curry's future.

There are several things I enjoy about him...from his God fearing family of athletes, to his nonchalant calm in dire moments of a big game...he is going to become one of the great ones. In my own selfish way, I wish that he was drafted by the Knicks so the world could witness what I'm talking about.

In a conversation with LeBron last season he raved about Curry, saying how much time and effort he puts into his craft. In an interesting twist, James isn't the only basketball prodigy born in Akron. Stephen was welcomed to this Earth by way of the Ohio town, when his father Dell played for the neighboring Cavaliers...he was later selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the '88 expansion draft.

Dell enjoyed a good career in the league as he passed down the skills to his children...and his wife Sonya was a standout colligate volleyball player, so it's safe to say that the blessings come from both sides.

Against the Clips Stephen registered his first triple-double with 36-points (five 3-pointers in the 1st quarter), 13 assists, and 10 boards en route to a Warriors 132-102 win. The more things change...the more they stay the same, and for the Curry family that is a very good thing!

Photo: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images

A-Team

"You ain't met no dudes spit it cold as me..."

Eight Ball - Stay Fly

Sunday was a great day for all things sports, however nothing shined brighter than three NBA superstars.

Three Times Dope

The Super Bowl is a week away, and the NFL prepared for the world's greatest sporting event by having the best of the best play yesterday in the Pro Bowl. The AFC defeated the NFC 41-34, but it was the heroics of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant that stole the show, as they played in their respective games, leading the Lakers, Cavs, and Thunder to victory with highlights and flair that only they could provide.

I'll keep this short and sweet. It is in my opinion that Bryant is the standard to which basketball players should be measured, followed by King James, and in a few more years the debate will evolve from Kobe and LeBron to LeBron and KD. If the powers that be used some forward thinking...the Kevin Durant MVP puppet commercial would debut during the upcoming All-Star Weekend.

Kobe sealed the Lake Show's win with seconds to go in the 4th quarter on a jump shot over Ray Allen. Meanwhile LeBron outscored the visiting Los Angeles Clippers in the first quarter, with his 23, and their collective 20-points. He had four three-pointers in that first stanza, which led to a 114-89 win. Last but most certainly not least the Thunder earned their 26th W, with Durant scoring at will, finishing the game with a season high 45-points against Golden State.

These are good times for the NBA...well for most teams...the Nets lost once again, this time to the visiting 76ers. Andre Iguodala paced Philadelphia with 14-points, 9 boards, 4 assists, and 3 steals. The Nets record is now a lowly 4-42. As for the Sixers there is a lot of trade talk and rumors swirling around the team, and the latest involves Iguodala going to Cleveland to join the James Gang...

Stay tuned sports fans.

Photos: Kobe Bryant - Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE, Kevin Durant - Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE, LeBron James - David Liam Kyle/NBAE

Time Out with LeBron James

"Cross-over, slam dunk...Rucker Park with the flow..."

Jay-Z - Flow

The Cleveland Cavs and the James Gang are beginning to pick up steam...just in time for the new year...

Teamwork

I ventured to the Wachovia Center on Wednesday night to see how the Sixers have adjusted to life with AI, and while their record doesn't show it...the 76ers are playing well enough to win. The Cavaliers were in town...and for 3-quarters the game was close, but in the end LeBron made several big shots including 2 three-pointers that broke the home team's back.

My friend Michael Tillery and I spoke with 'Bron and Mo Williams after the game, and the rest is his-story...

Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Mr. Do It All

Chosen

"They tried to box me in like Cassius..."

Common - The Game

The Cavs made some moves via free agency, and the NBA Draft this summer, however after 2-games they are sans victories.

The League

The NBA's regular season is 82-games deep, so what are my thoughts on Cleveland and their addition of Shaq, Jamario Moon, and Anthony Parker? Well I'd have to revisit the top of this sentence and say that 2-games don't make a season.

In basketball the saying goes, it's not how you start...it's how you finish, and while the Orlando Magic jumped all over the 76ers case last night, and the Celtics look amazing with Rasheed Wallace...I firmly believe that the James Gang are down (this week), but they are far from out.

It's going to be an interesting season, and I have my first interview with LeBron on November 18th...which is more than enough time for the Cavs to right the ship.

James is a New York Yankees fan, and I look for him to mirror the resiliency and calm that the Bronx Bombers have, as they all know that it isn't over until it's over.

Photo: David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images

The Last King of Akron

Calm before the storm

"You're messing with this joker, but you need a KING..."

Kanye West - Magic Man

The "Dream" Finals with LeBron James pitted against Kobe Bryant failed to come to fruition, so instead of moving forward on the series that begins this Thursday...many members of the media have decided to harp on the what happened last week...when LeBron, after losing to the Magic, walked off the court without congratulating his competition.

Pain

So what do I think or feel about this "so-called" situation...well I will say that I cannot wait to get to my assigned seat at the Finals so I can do what I do best, and that is stick to the script. If I were LBJ, and lost, I'm not sure what I would do? Let's give this man some credit for playing hard and giving his best to his team and the game of basketball. 

It is easy to throw stones at him, but the pain that night was so deep that the best thing he could do was to do nothing at all. Top tier athletes dedicate their lives to the sport they excel in. As a journalist I run 2-miles per day to stay in top shape for my 4 TV appearances a year, and if I arrived at the TV studio and the producer decided they didn't need me, I'd do my best to mask my feelings. I'd be upset, but it would be best not to say anything to save myself from making a mistake.

I'm not making excuses for anyone. I can only be responsible for my actions, however I can understand what happened. And to all you highly paid, out of shape, unprofessional media experts, I'll see you in my thoughts during my workouts...we are all ordinary people...even LeBron James.

Senioritis

Anxious

Eager

"But what can I do...I gotta stay true, cause deep down I'm still a G..."

Trey Songz - Can't Help But Wait

The media has everyone looking forward to a Kobe versus LeBron showdown, however unless "they" know about something I don't...then the conference finals determine who will play for the 'chip, and we still have a long way to go before June 4th.

Growth

When I was in the 12th grade, one of my teachers made a comment about senioritis. Until that day I had never heard that term...in fact I thought it was something lame that he made up, as I went through my entire final year of high school not knowing what the word meant. 

This morning my gears were turning about the eastern and western conference finals, and while the Cavaliers are down in their series against Orlando, and the Lake Show are going back and forth with Denver, it seems to me that LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony have this thing called senioritis...

So I can't write a story about a word that my English teacher made up...and I cannot use something that never knew the meaning of it can I...so the first thing I did was Google the word, and what I found was interesting.

Read about it here: Senioritis

In a nutshell, it is used when students work so hard to get the point of graduation, and then they coast, because they understand that things will be over very soon. Now don't get me wrong, LeBron and Carmelo are playing VERY well, however they are so close but so far to winning the NBA Finals. Are they coasting, and going through the motions...NO they are not. 

So where does my theory make sense...well their respective teams are going through the motions. Nothing against the Lakers or Magic, but each team hosts an Olympic superstar and it is collectively that the series and championship will be won as a team. 

The Lakers experienced poor team play and senioritis last year against the Celtics...and now they are playing to get back to the big stage of the Finals. As Yogi Berra once proclaimed..."it ain't over 'til it's over..." Anyone can win either series and play for the title...yes you read that correctly.

Tonight the Cavs/Magic series resumes in Cleveland. Game time is 8:30PM EST, and I don't make predictions...I just watch the games.

Gold Standard

The Future

Excellence

"It's new, it's out of the ordinary, it's rather extraordinary..."

The Fresh Prince - Brand New Funk

The Eastern and Western Conference Finals are some of the best games of pro basketball that I've "witnessed" in a good while. The teams are so evenly matched, and I know the fact that the Fantastic 4...or should I say, leaders of this new school, competed last summer to win a gold medal...has everything to do with everything I see today.

World Renown

I don't find it interesting to see the four teams standing within the NBA Playoffs...bring out the best in each other night in and night out. I covered the association last season, and the biggest difference in Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwight Howard is their Olympic experience. They, as well as their respective teams have reaped the benefits, so I decided to test my theory...and made a few phone calls.

Below is the score on my Olympic conversations with LeBron, and Dwight...how convenient that I get these interviews just in time for the Orlando/Cleveland series...

Talk about August 24, 2008:

LeBron: "It was such a journey to get to the point that we got to on the 24th of August...it was an unbelievable feeling for me...to fulfill a dream and accomplish it the way that we did, and the fashion that we did...going out dominating the field, and then having a test at the end...and being able to win the game. It definitely was a dream come true, and a lot of people set out dreams and don't get an opportunity to conquer them, and I was one of the few...I mean including myself and the other 11 guys, and the coaching staff, did a great job of preparing ourselves. We brought back the number 1 prize, and it was big...really big!"

Talk about the Olympic experience:

Dwight: "All of us were always together everyday...going to the gym, and then to McDonald's...that was the biggest thing...that was the highlight of the day, after a hard day at practice we would go to McDonald's and chill. That whole experience just brought us closer...it was just all about basketball. It was about life and developing friendships that last forever. I think me and Carlos, and Chris Bosh really bonded...we talk a lot everyday, we're always emailing each other, and checking up on one another, and we need that. We have people going through the same stuff we're going through, and it makes it a lot better."

MVP - Most Valuable Points

Jubilation

"We can do it real big, bigger than you've ever done it..."

Drake - Best I Ever Had

The Eastern and Western Conference Finals are some of the best games of this year...and what I like best is that each team boasts a key member of the 2008 Olympic team.

Full 48

The Cleveland Cavaliers outlasted the Orlando Magic 96-95, however just like the Lakers in their first game against Denver...the Lake Show won, but they really should have taken a loss. 

The Cavs blew another big lead, and the Magic were about to win 95-93 to go up 2-0 in the series...however after Hedo Turkoglu all but closed the door on Cleveland, LeBron James sank his only 3-pointer of the game with 1 second left in the 4th quarter.

If this were a baseball game, then James hit the walk-off homerun, as the venue now switches to Florida for Game 3 on Sunday.

He are a few key points from tonight:

The Magic have too many weapons (Howard, Turkoglu, Lewis, Pietrus, and Lee), and if they play their game...they can actually win this series.

Hedo Turkoglu has been playing at the point guard position...in Game 1 he had 14 assists, tonight he had 4 assists, with 21 points.

Orlando split the first 2 games in Cleveland, that's all you can ask from a road team.

Cleveland plays extremely well, and they have to learn to finish Orlando out...as tonight's game will show, both teams have to play for the full 48 minutes.

Mo Williams seemed to find his stride, so expect the guard play from the Cavs to get better in Game 3.

Photo: Tony Dejak/AP Photo

Fantastic 4

Focus

Desire

"It's time to chase your dreams..."

Afrika Bambaataa - Planet Rock

The NBA is down to the Conference Finals, as the winners will advance to play for the ultimate prize...an NBA championship.

2nd Season

The Los Angeles Lakers will matchup against the Denver Nuggets, while the Cavs play host to the Magic. I find it interesting that a lot of "experts" and media outlets alike are already pitting the Lake Show against Cleveland for the title bout, but I wouldn't pencil anything in just yet, as the Nuggets are more than deserving to vie for the Western Conference crown with the likes of Carmelo Anthony, and Chauncey Billups.

A Kobe/LeBron series would be the best thing since people started slicing bread, but as Herman Edwards once said, "you play to win the game"...and in this case...the teams have yet to take the floor. However, I promise you that these series will be just as entertaining as the games in the first round. Remember the Chicago/Boston cliffhangers...well prepare to turn off your cell phone, and put the children to sleep, because you do not want to miss Kobe and Carmelo, or LeBron against the Magic.

I'd like to go out on a limb and make a prediction, but that's not my style. A few keys to each upcoming game...Trevor Ariza's defense on Carmelo for the Lakers, and the point guard battle...Mo Williams, and Rafer Alston will determine more than Game 1.

I love this game!