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

Blue Magic

Showmanship

Power

"Slick like a gato..."

Jay-Z - Can't Knock the Hustle (Featuring Mary J. Blige)

Cleveland had yet to be tested in these 2009 NBA Playoffs, and as Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals began, it looked as if nothing had changed but the faces on the visiting team.

Statement

This game was a tale of two halves, as LeBron James and the Cavaliers jumped out to a 15-point lead at halftime, out playing the Magic during the first 24 minutes. The most amazing thing of the first half however was a Magic moment, as Dwight Howard threw down a serious dunk...breaking the shot clock clean off the backboard. 

In the 3rd and 4th quarters Orlando seemed to wear down the home team in a basketball battle of attrition. Cleveland mirrored Denver's Game 1, in that LeBron James carried his team with 49 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds in a loss...like Carmelo Anthony's 39 in a futile effort.

The Magic used all of their weapons to get the 107-106 victory, handing the Cavs their 3rd home loss of the year.

Dwight Howard had 30 points, and 13 boards...Rashard Lewis added 22 points with his biggest shot...a 3-pointer with 31.6 seconds to go, pulling his team ahead 104-103. Hedo Turkoglu rounded out the balanced attack with 15 points, and 14 assists.

Game 2 is Friday night in Cleveland.