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

Unbelievable

NY State of Mind

"Some are fortunate, some less fortunate..."

RAM Squad - Unfortunate

Last September Serena Williams prevailed as the champion of the US Open...what a difference a year can make.

Live and Learn

Everyone has an opinion on Serena Williams and the way she lost in the semi-final round of the US Open last weekend, however I don't have one per se...but I do have a few thoughts on the matter...

First and foremost I have a problem with the fact that Williams was eliminated from the match. As the reigning champ, both she and the fans deserved more. As a writer and spectator I felt cheated...no game/match/competition should end amidst such controversy.

Its tennis, and emotions run high...and this isn't the first outburst in a tourney....so why is everyone making it a big deal?

I don't know what is going to happen from here, but I trust that Serena learned a lesson from this fiasco, as did the WTA, and USTA. There will be more tournaments in the near future for her, and I expect nothing but the best from the most dominant woman in tennis. (Currently ranked no. 2)

Glory

Winner

"So if you gonna do it, do it just like this..."

Kanye West - Champion

The Williams sibling rivalry ended on Saturday with younger sister Serena defeating Venus in straight sets 7-6, (7-3), 6-2.

Sister to Sister

Serena is the no. 2 ranked player in the world, however she stands head and shoulders above the competition upon winning three of the last four Grand Slam titles. In a consolation for the no. 3 ranked Venus, she teamed up with her sister to win the doubles match against Australian duo Sam Stosur, and Rennae Stubbs 7-6, (7-4), 6-4.

The Williams sisters are as synonymous with the WTA as Derek Jeter is with the New York Yankees, and that ladies and gentlemen is saying a lot. To watch these women compete against each other is not only commonplace...it's an expected yearly event. Women's tennis, or shall I say, tennis in general is better off for having this first family of champions.

Photo: Professional Sport / S Wake

Illumination

Victory

Heart

Success

"Let you know girl, you're looking good...your outta sight..."

Earth, Wind, & Fire

Serena Williams shrugged off a slow start at the beginning of the week to win the Australian Open in a swift fashion.

Two Can Win

Serena defeated Dinara Safina 6-0, 6-3 early this morning for her 10th Grand Slam title. The win also returned her to top world rank at number 1. 

Her older sister Venus lost early in the women's singles tournament, but proved victorious in the doubles, as the Williams sisters continued their dominance on women's tennis.

I love tennis, and even though I'm not any good at it, the game brings me joy, and with Serena playing at such an immaculate level, I can aspire through her court prowess.

Serena and Venus are tennis icons, and great examples of true professionals to us all, and on behalf of GAME TIME, I salute them both!

Photos: Ezra Shaw, Scott Barbour, Mark Kolbe/Getty Images