The Super Friends

Strength

Will

Style

"I had to lose myself, so I can love you better..."

Lauryn Hill - Lose Myself

I'm in Florida for the NBA Finals, and while it looks a little like Southern California...things are somewhat different, yet the same.

Superman

The Amway Arena is a welcome change of venue for the Orlando Magic as they...like the Poison Clan have won at home, while losing on the road. These are my first of any NBA championship series so I too had to shake off the pregame jitters. It was quite surprising as I've been writing for a few years, but once I was able to soak everything in, the game began and Kobe Bryant put on a 1st quarter show.

Blue Magic had an excellent game from start to finish aside from their inability to stop turning the ball over, however they were able to play a great swarming defense to cause a few key turnovers, including one on Bryant in the waning seconds. In the end they outlasted the Lake Show 108-104. 

LA leads 2 game to 1...

My keys to the Magic's Game 3 win are as follows:

• Orlando playing at home (They are a great team overall, but nothing beats playing at home)
• Play and composure of Skip to my Lou...says Alston, "The league is a make-and-miss league - first two games I'm missing...I look horrible. Tonight I'm making, I look good. That's what this league is about. It's a make-and-miss league."
• Magic offense highlighted by 4 players in double figures, none with less than 18 points
• Total team defense, described by Kobe as "They threw the whole kitchen sink, and they did a great job staying on my body. They brought help from the weak side, simple as that."

Today at the media availability after the Lakers practice/Magic shoot around, I was able to catch up with Bryant, and Odom, as well Jameer Nelson, and Courtney Lee. I noticed that the teams were extremely loose and comfortable, and have forgotten about the previous 3 games, as they focus on tomorrow and Game 4.

I spoke to everyone in the designated media areas, except for Kobe who I saw along with legendary trainer Tim Grover in the hallway adjacent to the court. The first thing he said was that he saw me last night, but he didn't have an opportunity to say hello. Coincidentally, as I typed that sentence above Dwight Howard walked past the media work room, and politely said hello and waved.

I'm really loving it here...

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!

Speed Limit

Speed

Power

"I used to run base like Juan Pierre...now I run the bass, high hat and the snare..."

Jay-Z - Deja Vu

Growing up where I did in Philadelphia...the only sports that mattered were basketball, football, and track. It wasn't until I moved to NYC that I was introduced to baseball. My cousin Donald lived in Queens, so naturally he was a Mets fan, so I decided to cheer for the Yankees.

History

The city that never sleeps is known for basketball, and its legendary point guards like Tiny Archibald, Kenny Anderson, Stephon Marbury, and Rafer Alson...however for those of you that don't know...it's more of a baseball town than anything else. It was once the home of three major teams and now it has two with the Yankees and Mets...nevertheless I learned everything I know about the game in the Empire State

In today's news Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Carl Crawford stole 6 bases against American League foe, the Boston Red Sox...tying an AL record, while breaking his previous club record of 4. He currently leads the major leagues with 17 stolen bases. The amazing feat helped to lead the Rays over the Sox 5-3, giving Tampa the weekend series 2-1.

I'm not only happy for him, but I understand that he accomplished something extremely rare, and in my eyes I'm proud that he is an African American baseball player, as the black ball players have been on the decline in recent years. 

At one point in this country the sport was a way for black Americans to earn a living, entertain one another, and share one another's pride and history...nowadays a lot of that is lost. And as we approach the dog days of June, July, and August...tune into to our national pastime...you just might enjoy it.