The Beginning

"Now once upon a time, not too long ago..." - Jay-Z - 99 Problems

I've always had a passion for basketball. My older brother introduced me to the game, as he would often bring me to the playground while he would hoop for hours. Since I was younger and didn't understand the game...I was drawn to it by default. 

You always want what you can't have.

Solace

Once I learned the basic fundamentals, I never looked back. The sport has taken me far, as it continues to challenge and teach me about hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

Recently I was on Twitter congratulating the Lakers on a victory...when none other than Andre Iguodala wrote me back saying that I should learn to cheer for my hometown Philadelphia 76ers. I was surprised to say the least, and I defended myself by saying that I'm a Kobe fan...who is also a native of west Philly. Nevertheless, in the days following that exchange, I felt bad for not being a big advocate of the Sixers. 

Iguodala had a valid point, and today as we texted one another a Merry Christmas I thanked him for speaking his mind.

I'm always going to cheer for Bryant, but it's about time I pay closer attention to the home team in the Wells Fargo Center.

Words: @axgilbert

Picture: Associated Press

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

Thin Line

"First they love me, then they hate me, then they love me again..."


Jay-Z - Meet the Parents


Last week the Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-106 to win their second championship in franchise history.


Destiny's Child


When the topic is LeBron James, people either hate or love him. This wasn't always the case...when he first entered the league in '03, he was praised as the boy who would be king, and now he has become a polarizing figure that has everyone choosing sides including members of the media.


Journalists are supposed to be biased...leaving their personal opinions at the press room door. James isn't the first athlete to have everyone turn against him, take Muhammad Ali for instance, he wasn't appreciated for who he was until he had been retired and away from the sport he helped to make great.


The facts are that LeBron R. James is the League and Finals MVP, and accolades aside, he has removed the albatross from around his neck. He has been on a path to acquire a championship, and now that he has tasted success at that level, he will only want more. 


It's a cycle that goes unquenched, and for basketball fans the time is now to buckle up and enjoy the next few years.


He should only be measured on what he does in between the lines of a basketball court. He's a professional athlete, so fans and the media alike should stick to the script and not worry about his personal life. We all make mistakes, he just makes his in front of the world, while most people do things anonymously.


Unfortunately perception is reality, but it's not always the truth.


Words: @axgilbert


Photo: Webster Riddick

Ring King

"Ain't that like LeBron James..."


Kanye West - Gotta Have It






Words: @axgilbert


Photo: Associated Press

Hometown

"First they love you, then they hate you, then they love you again."


Jay-Z - Meet the Parents


There are certain teams in sports that no matter what they do, or where they play,  people will find ways to dislike them. For example, the New York Yankees, New England Patriots, Duke Blue Devils, and the Los Angeles Lakers.


History


The Philadelphia 76ers hosted the Lakers tonight at the Wells Fargo Center. There are many story lines in this match up, as both teams were seeking to add another victory, however the most compelling fact of the contest was that Kobe Bryant needed 24-points to eclipse former teammate Shaquille O'Neal and move into 5th-place on the NBA's career scoring list.


Much has been made about where Kobe was born or where he is from, and as trivial as that sounds, in Philadelphia it's been a hot topic of discussion throughout his career. What's interesting is that he has had a few meaningful games as a Laker in South Philly...from his clinching a second NBA title, to his first All-Star MVP...these are benchmarks that have helped to define him.


Bryant always seems as if he is on a mission, and tonight was no different as he finished the 1st quarter with 14-points, 2-rebounds, and a steal. With little over 5-minutes left in the second period, he made good on an attempt moving him into 5th place. He finished with 28-points, giving him 28, 601-points overall.


Kobe was candid after the game in saying, "it feels good, it's a tremendous honor...it's a lot of work that we put in to get to this point...I think when players retire, you start kinda thinking about your career and your accomplishments and things of that sort, but when you're going through it and you're playing during the season, all you're thinking about is winning the next game and trying to make some noise in June."


Just to prove a point, I asked him about playing in Philly and how special it has been in his career, to which he answered, "it becomes more significant the older I get in terms of coming back here playing...I don't have many more of these games left."


Bryant took his place in history tonight and the Sixers handled the rest winning 95-90 with a strong effort from Lou Williams down the stretch.


When it is all said and done Kobe is only concerned with championships, as his hunt for number 6 continues.


Words: @axgilbert


Photo: Noah Zuares/AcesHoops.com

Return to Glory

"I wish I could give you this feeling, I'm planking on a million..."

Jay-Z - Gotta Have It

The NFL playoffs have begun and the NFC Divisional game yesterday proved something that I witnessed on Sunday, October 2, 2011.

Business as usual

When I was child all of my friends either cheered for the hometown team, or the San Francisco 49ers, and the reason is simple...as kids growing up on the east coast it was easy to see the greatness of the franchise that had players like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Roger Craig, Steve Young, Ronnie Lott, John Taylor, and Deion Sanders.

The 49ers played the Philadelphia Eagles this season, and once the dust settled, it was evident that this team had plenty of fight, and a never quit attitude. On Saturday afternoon they proved to the world their legitimacy in an intense 36-32 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

San Francisco was able to keep their composure on offense, defense, and special teams, in a game that had several lead changes, and 5 costly turnovers by the Saints. Nevertheless, Drew Brees completed a touchdown pass with 1:37 to go in the 4th quarter, setting the stage for Alex Smith to throw the winning 14-yard touchdown to Vernon Davis with 9 seconds left.

The 49ers are back in the NFC Championship game, and from here, anything they accomplish shouldn't take anyone by surprise. 

In the meantime, we'll wait and see.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Associated Press

28,000 and counting

"Trying to escape my trouble..."

Jay-Z - Politics As Usual

The 66-game shortened NBA season is a week old, but it's too early to do an in depth analysis. There have been some major changes in Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York, however the new year will certainly bring excitement, and surprise in the upcoming months.

Consistency

On New Year's Eve the Lakers outlasted the Nuggets 92-89 as Andrew Bynum returned to the lineup after sitting out 4-games due to a suspension that carried over from the playoffs. He played well scoring 29-points while securing 13-rebounds, Derek Fisher made the ultimate hustle play that saved the game and could have more than likely set the tone for the season.

With all the changes to the Lakers; Coach Mike Brown, Metta World Peace, and the Lamar Odom trade to Dallas, one thing has remained the same, and that is Kobe Bryant. Just when it seems that his reign as one of the best players in the league will come to a close, he continues to move forward, playing through injury, change, and milestones.

Sunday night in the second game of a back-to-back against the Nuggets he struggled early and never shook off the shooting woes as Denver won 99-90, finishing the game on an 11-0 run.

Bryant entered the contest needing only 4-points to become the youngest player to reach the 28K plateau, which he achieved on a free-throw at the 10:43 mark of the 3rd quarter. He now stands at 6th in all-time scoring, and will need 584-points to eclipse the next closest player, Shaquille O'Neal.

The saga continues tonight as the Lakers host the Rockets at the Staples Center. 

Words: @axgilbert

Picture: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The Takeover

"If Jeezy's paying LeBron, I'm paying Dwyane Wade..."


Jay-Z - Empire State of Mind


Game 3 is vital to any best of 7 series...especially when it's knotted at 1-1. This third match is what's usually called a "swing" game, as the winner will typically go on to win it all.


Momentum


Turnovers from Dallas led to Miami's signature transition fast break offense, while the Heat set the tone early with a superb 1st half from Dwyane Wade. There were however some lapses in their team defense, which allowed the Mavericks to make a strong 3rd quarter run, eventually tying the contest at 57, with 4:36 to go in the stanza...cutting a once 13-point deficit.


Mario Chalmers has been a constant thorn in the Mavs' side, with great play on both ends of the court along with some timely 3-point shots. 


There's a saying in sports that states, it's not how you start, it's how you finish. Tonight, Wade was consistent throughout, with 29-points, and 11-rebounds, giving the Heat an 88-86 win, and a 2-1 advantage. 


Miami did what they were supposed to do, and now the pressure is on Dallas to win at home, and get back in this matchup or face imminent elimination.


Game 4 is set for Tuesday, at 8:30pm EST.


Words: @axgilbert


Picture: Ronald Martinez

Acknowledgement

"Pound for pound, I'm the best to ever come around here..."

Jay-Z - What More Can I say

For the second time in his career, the City of Philadelphia honored the accomplishments of light heavyweight champion, Bernard Hopkins.

Native Son

Yesterday Philadelphia's mayor Michael Nutter hosted the Executioner, at the famed Rocky statue for his recent victory over Jean Pascal. With the win, he became the oldest person (age 46) in the sport to achieve a world title, surpassing George Forman who had previously held that distinction.

The champion addressed a crowd of boxing fans, and well wishers from his old neighborhood by saying, "I dealt myself a bad hand, or life dealt me a bad hand...however you want to put it, but I played my Jacks, like they were Aces..."

His career is that of which legends are told, nonetheless, it's not over until Hopkins says so, which isn't at least another 4-years away.

With his savvy and craftsmanship in the ring...the best is still yet to be seen.

Words and Pictures: @axgilbert

Heart

"Every time I hit the ground, I bounce up like round ball..."


Jay-Z - Heart of the city (Ain't No Love)


Last night the Celtics outlasted the Heat 97-81, however it wasn't the score that impressed the most...it was the desire and leadership from Boston's point guard.


Hardcore


Rajon Rondo dislocated his left elbow after a collision with Dwyane Wade...and while he writhed with anguish as he was taken to the training room, no one knew what would ensue upon his return.


Rondo appeared on the Celtics bench by the end of the 3rd quarter, and he soon after began the final period on the court with his mates. I've seen games where an athlete lead their team to victory on sheer will, and Saturday was no different. Playing in pure pain...the one-armed guard worked relentlessly, when others would have folded and accepted defeat.


Today we celebrate mother's worldwide...and if Boston wins more games in this series, it will be the heroics of Rajon Rondo that will remain in the echos of basketball history.








Photo: Elsa/Getty Images

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

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

Kobe Clutch

"And I'm sick of explaining this..."

Jay-Z - Streets Is Talking

The Lakers hosted the Raptors last night...the game was fairly average, that is until the 4th quarter.

March Madness

I had a long day on Tuesday, and part of that was because I couldn't sleep on Monday night...nevertheless at 10:30PM EST the only thing I wanted to do was unwind and watch the Lake Show. Everyone knows that the best players around the league bring out their best at the end to ensure a victory, and no one does that better than Kobe Bryant.

Prior to his shot with 1.9 seconds to go...he knocked down 6-game winning baskets this season, and with the score knotted at 107, after a Chris Bosh 3-pointer...Bryant wanted the ball and pressure to win the game in regulation. With a calm that comes from practice and confidence, he eluded two defenders and launched his seventh game winner from the right baseline.

Much has been made about the Lakers recent 3-game losing streak, however what matters is their 47-18 record and how they finish out the regular season.

Like I often write...it's not how you start...it's how you finish.

Photo: Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images

Return of the Man

"I emerged from it all without a stain on my shirt..."

Jay-Z - Guess Who's Back

Tonight the Lakers are in Texas to build upon their already successful season.

Repetition

Last night Kobe Bryant returned from an ankle injury that sidelined him for 5 games, and 18-days...however once the contest began he regained his the form that has made him so impressive year in and year out.

The Lake Show struggled against the upstart Grizzlies, nevertheless Bryant stayed confident in his abilities, making a series of baskets including the game winner to outlast the home team.

Since the beginning of the season he has connected on five game winning shots including...Miami, Milwaukee, Chicago, Sacramento, and now Memphis.

He has a particular feel and love for moments like these that will continue to amaze and confuse alike.

The best thing about Kobe sitting out is that his team went 4-1 without him, and he was able to rest not only his ankle but also his other nagging injuries, so come playoff time the team should be in good shape to defend their title.

Photo: Joe Murphy

Flashpoint

"I'm paying Dwyane Wade..."

Jay-Z - D.O.A.

There is something to be said about a person that is at the peak of their career, yet they stay humble, and work even harder as if they were an intern trying to break into the corporate world.

Through the Fire

Dwyane Wade was an afterthought to LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony leading into the NBA draft several years ago, as LeBron was the most coveted prep player since Kevin Garnett, while Anthony led 'Cuse to their first national championship. And once the dust settled in June, it was James that was selected first, Darko next, followed by Carmelo third...in what became the LeBron/Melo draft.

However it was Miami with the 5th pick that walked away the big winner in 2003 by selecting Wade, an over achieving guard from the Midwest. Three-years later the Heat captured the NBA title behind his stellar playmaking, heart, and free-throws.

On Sunday, Flash helped the East All-Stars defeat the West with 28-points...and with that he corralled the MVP honors. Last night the Heat were in town to square off against the 76ers, and afterward I spoke with him about perseverance and success.

Here is the final score on our court side conversation:

AXG: As a basketball player you have been overlooked a lot, how do you feel about that?

Wade: "It just makes you work hard...it just makes you appreciate success when you get it...it makes you appreciate your whole journey. I feel like, no matter how high I go, I feel like I have to always continue to prove myself, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

AXG: Talk about the All-Star MVP award.

Wade: "It felt good man...first of all to be a part of that game...to be a part of the historical event that went on, and to be able to hoist that MVP trophy above my head really felt good. I enjoyed it!"

AXG: You are sometimes the forgotten name among the superstars, why is that?

Wade: "You know what...it drives me, and of course hopefully until I am done playing this game I will continue to shut people up, or continue to prove myself. All I ask for in this game is respect, and when it is not given, I go out and I try to take it. Like I keep saying...it's fine, everything in life happens for a reason, so I will continue to keep going."

AXG: What do your All-Star peers think about you?

Wade: "Melo had a great game...if the West would have won he would have been MVP, and you know me and LeBron we both had good games. At the end of the game we all came together you know me, Melo, LeBron, CP...you know group hug, because we're all close, and it's a relationship outside of basketball...so just as well as I was happy for LeBron when he won his two [All-Star] MVP's I was right there, and I know that he felt the same way."

AXG: What does the '03 draft class mean to you?

Wade: "It's always going to be part of a conversation that you're going to have to mention '03. When you talk about the great drafts, there were some great drafts, and people will always argue over who was the best draft class, but you would never say that without mentioning '03, and that's a good thing to be a part of."

Photo: Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

Inspiration

"Before Steve Jobs, made the iPod..."

Jay-Z - The Prelude

Thursday I watched a movie entitled BIG with Tom Hanks...whereas he goes from being a child to age 30, and while he became successful at a toy company as a product line manager...all he wanted in the end was to be a kid again.

Innocence

The film made me think of my youth and how I really enjoyed competing and playing sports...now my main concerns are the responsibilities of life after college, and paying bills. When I write and travel to arenas for interviews, I find it as an opportunity to escape...sometimes losing myself in the game, and my work.

I got my start as a journalist with SLAM Magazine in '03, and my favorite subject has always been Kobe Bryant. Aside from the fact that he is the best in the league...what I admire most about him is his drive, determination, and the fact that I know him and his family from our days growing up in Philadelphia. It's not everyday that you meet someone that grows up to become and accomplish what he has done in the wide world of sports.

Last season I covered the 61-point game in the Garden, and the NBA Finals, so this year I'm looking forward to even more memories and inspiration.

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

27

Champions

"My career's illustrious..."

Jay-Z - Success

Last season the Phillies won the championship...what a difference a year makes...

Empire State of Mind

The New York Yankees defeated the Philadelphia Phillies Wednesday night 7-3, in 6 games. This was my first World Series, and words cannot begin to describe the feelings of excitement I felt by sharing the field with the best baseball teams in the league.

I'll be sure to write a full version of this story, but right now I have to go so I can soak this in. Baseball is one of my favorite sports, and I feel blessed to have a career in journalism to cover these moments in history.

Photo: Getty Images

Mr. November

2,722

"Catch me at the X with OG at a Yankee game..."

Jay-Z - Empire State of Mind

I started watching baseball in 1995, and the team that helped me to understand the nuances of the game is the New York Yankees. My favorite player then and now is none other than Derek Jeter.

Consistent

Today is always tricky, as it wasn't that long ago when the nation was brought to tears from the tragedy that marred people worldwide on September 11, 2001. The troubles of that morning were soothed by the play of the Yankees, as they competed for the World Series title that year...and even though they lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks, they provided enough hope and positivity to capture the hearts and minds of Gotham City.

The catalyst to much of the team's success is Jeter, as he entered the game tonight standing 1-hit away from becoming the all-time Yankee hits leader, to surpass the incomparable Lou Gehrig. After striking out in the first inning...he opened the bottom of the 3rd with a single down the right field line for hit number 2,722.

Baseball is a numbers game, and tonight...Derek Jeter is numero uno.

Dreams

24/7

"I can get you BET and TRL too..."

Jay Z - Encore

Today is September 1, 2009...on the surface it indicates the end of the summer months, however for me it signifies a new beginning.

Sign of the Times

The writing industry changes on a daily basis, and as a journalist...I also work as an agent of change and consistency. With that said, I am now officially a correspondent for BET.com. This is a step of maturation...as I'm growing and learning everyday. You can expect the same in-depth coverage on BET as GAME TIME, however with a media conglomerate such as VIACOM, I trust that more doors of opportunity will open because of the heightened exposure from working as a national writer.

On Thursday, I'm going to sit down with Philadelphia Phillies infielder Jimmy Rollins...stay tuned, and as always...thank you for support AXG and my work.