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

Post Season - Miami Heat

"Funny how my old highs is suddenly my new lows..."


J. Cole - Grew up Fast

The Miami Heat are on a mission for a second championship in their franchise's history, but it's LeBron James that wants to be first in line to hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Memories

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

Kanye West - Gotta Have It

The NBA in my opinion has the best all-star game out of all the major sports...as much as I love baseball, the MLB is close second when it comes to overall presentation.

Nostalgia

As a child I can recall watching the all-star game for two very specific reasons: the first was because I was such a fan of the professional game, and I wanted nothing more than to cheer for the likes of Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, and Reggie Miller. The other point about the game was that Jordan would always wear his new sneakers, so I kept a keen watch on what he was wearing.

Every February Nike would release the new Jordan sneaker. Everyone around the globe anticipated what the new shoe would look like. Once the shoe made it's debut, you would wait an entire calendar year for the next one. Between the man who wore them, and the exclusivity of the footwear...the Jordan sneakers took on a life of their own. 

Fast forward to the present day, and it's safe to say that one man, and one shoe changed the industry, and sports culture forever.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: AXG

Magical

"I'mma need a day off, I think I'll call Ferris up..."


Kanye West - Gotta Have It

Things have been very interesting around the NBA the past 2-weeks, as the Heat, and Thunder continue to win...while Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin is getting on the job training.


Consistency


It's the All-Star break and while 90-percent of the league is enjoying the much needed time off...the other 10-percent have arrived in Orlando ready for the 61st midseason classic. I am currently watching the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge high above the court in section 202 of the Amway Center...however what's more important is what will happen from the moment this weekend ends, and the second half of the season begins?


Will the Lakers make a trade, where will Dwight Howard go, are the Clippers for real, and can the 76ers get their groove back?


The month of March is around the corner and the answers to these questions and many others will soon be revealed.


Words: @axgilbert


Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Counterattack

"Legend in 2-games like I'm Pee Wee Kirkland..."


Pusha T - Grindin'


The Mavericks evened the series at 1, in a Game 2 that the Heat would like to soon forget.
At the conclusion of the first match, I wrote that the pressure would be on Miami to tighten up the series and go up 2-0, however the only thing the road team wants to do in these situations is to steal a game, and go back to their building with the home court advantage.


Never say Never


Despite 36-points, 5-rebounds, and 6-assists from Dwyane Wade, and 20-points with 8-rebounds from LeBron James...the Mavs were able to overcome the barrage and some costly turnovers for a 95-93 victory.


This proved to be a much more exciting game, as Dirk Nowitziki provided some late game heroics scoring all his team's points down the stretch. Shawn Marion and Jason Terry added 20 and 16-points respectively to keep Dallas within striking distance as the Heat surged to a double digit lead.


The game was sealed on a left-handed Nowitziki lay-up, nonetheless...the Mavericks won the rebounding battle, and out scored Miami's bench 23-11.


Sunday is the pivotal swing game, and just like before...the onus is on Miami to prove themselves and take charge.


Words: @axgilbert


Picture: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Hunger

"And I've been waiting for this moment, for all my life..."


Phil Collins - In the Air Tonight


The Miami Heat made the most of their return trip to the Finals, defending their home court 92-84.


Teamwork


The Heat put together a total offensive and defensive effort, as LeBron James led with 24-points, and 9-rebounds, while Dwyane Wade added 22-points, 10-rebounds, and 6-assists...but it was their second unit that surprised the Mavericks, as Mario Chalmers played 27 crucial minutes...providing Miami with 12-points off the bench.


Game 1 means everything and nothing...it sets the table, and jumpstarts the series. However it's the visiting franchise that has everything to gain and nothing to lose. All you can ask for as the road team is a split, and flight back to their place with the home court advantage.


Even with the victory, the pressure remains on the Heat to take care of business on Thursday and go to Dallas with a 2-0 lead. 


Tonight the difference was LeBron James, and like the saying goes...heavy is the head that wears the crown...James answered the call, and he now stands 3-wins from a date with NBA history.


Game 2 on Thursday should be a much better game, and you can expect to witness an all out battle.


Words: @axgilbert


Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

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

Above and Beyond

"We're chillin' like a villain..."

Andre 3000 - Da Art of Storytellin', Pt. 1

Sports have long been the metaphor to our lives...like a mirror sharing our reflection, athletics are much more than winning and losing. This summer LeBron R. James, made a decision to play in South Florida...and everything from that moment changed forever...or has it?

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 Alchemist

"Taking out this time, to give you a piece of my mind..."

Mary J. Blige - Can't Knock the Hustle

There is nothing new under the sun...so when the hysteria of the NBA's free agency period reached a boiling point last Thursday, I didn't speculate on what would happen.

Internationally Known

For every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction, according to Sir Isaac Newton and his laws of motion...this being the case, the announcement or shall I say the decision tomorrow evening from Lebron James will not only get a worldwide reaction...it will undoubtedly change the state of professional basketball.

33-years ago Dr. J made the switch from the ABA to the NBA, earlier this decade MJ donned a Wizards uniform, and more recently Kobe flirted with the possibility of playing for the Clippers, and Bulls. In each scenario the Earth continued to turn...as it will most certainly be business as usual tomorrow...yet in still with each high profile case, it becomes big news throughout the industry and pop culture.

The question is will LBJ leave or will he seek greener pastures in another city? Personally I would love for him to finish his career in Cleveland, however James must do what's best for his family and career. As a sports fan, there is a lot to be said about a person that plays their entire career with one team (Derek Jeter)...yet in still this is life and as much as we try to control it...opportunities arise, and things change like the seasons.

LeBron James will play well in any uniform...the bottom line revolves around championships, and money. What I find most intriguing about this, is the fact that the press conference is being held in Connecticut, and James has been tweeting today with random facts...I don't get it, however by this time tomorrow, it should all make sense.

Photo: Webster Riddick

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

Final Fantasy

"I helped the game, it ain't help me..."

Jadakiss - Made You Look Remix

The two premier players in the league matched up against conference foes today, and walked away with a new number in the loss column.

Endurance

The Celtics defeated the Cavaliers, and the Spurs traveled to the Staples Center and outplayed the Lakers. Since the games ended a few hours ago...everyone is up in arms about the losses, however in the grand scheme of things it means nothing. Of course any team would like to continue winning as they head into the playoffs, however with so few games remaining in the regular season...this is a time to make the necessary adjustments, and get a few key players some rest before the games begin to really count.

I received a text from my homeboy Vince during the Lakers game, and he informed me how much they underachieve as a team, and that the Celtics are going to win the title. Let's just say that I don't agree with him, however if the Lake Show do in fact play less then their potential, then I'm curious to see how they perform once Bynum returns from injury, and the team is back at full staff.

I don't have all the answers and the playoffs are right around the corner...nevertheless I have to give respect to Los Angeles as the reigning champs, and in the Eastern Conference...I feel that it is going to be either Orlando or Cleveland. Both teams are evenly matched, with the Magic having an advantage at the guard and center positions, and the Cavs have LeBron James...enough said!

The season is a marathon not a sprint...while the playoffs are win or go home.

Photo: Brian Babineau/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

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

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