The NBA Finals are upon us. First, a few thoughts on the conference finals series'. How overrated was Detroit this year? People were comparing them to the 1995-1996 Bulls, probably the best team ever. Sure, you've gotta love a squad with a blue collar mentality, loaded with all-stars. But reality caught up with the Pistons in the Eastern Finals. My favorite quote of the playoffs was Chauncey Billups after game 5 (a Pistons win to pull the series to 3-2, Miami), "All the pressure is on them now because they don't want to come back here (Detroit) for game 7." Are you serious? You stave off elimination and still have to win two in a row (including the then-impending game 6 in Miami) and the pressure is on the Heat? Money idiodic statement. (See also, Rasheed Wallace.) I also love how last year the Pistons wanted more respect, saying that Larry Brown got too much credit for their success. Then when they lose this year the undertones are that it was Flip Saunders' fault. I can't be sure, but I don't think Flip was the one who shot 39% for the series. I think that was Detroit's four all-stars and Tayshawn P. Is Saunders a great coach? Probably not. But players are the ones who win or lose games, especially come playoff time. And as for the Heat, I have to say I'm genuinely surprised to find them in the Finals. With their bad offseason moves (losing Eddie and Damon Jones, adding Antoine Walker) and a mid-season coaching change, I did not expect the Heat to make it out of the East. But Shaq is playing like it's the late-90's and D-Wade is just plain ridiculous. As for the West, the Mavericks outlasted the depleted but game Suns (oh, to have had Amare!) Dallas' depth was crucial and will continue to prove valuable against Miami. Dirk Nowitzki is a top 5 talent in the NBA and his offensive versatility is unsurpassed. I think that depth and with Dirk playing at an MVP-level will prove too much for the Heat. And as good as Shaq and Wade are, it seems like they're both always one play away from being on the shelf. The Mavs bench is better and I think their team is better. Look for Josh Howard to mitigate D-Wade's effectiveness and the platoon of Dampier and Diop to defend Shaq. I like Dallas in 6. (Shout to Rockhound and Ace.)
The World Cup starts this week. I'm normally not a huge soccer fan; that is, until the World Cup rolls around. Hey, it is the preeminent sporting event on the planet. And since it's in Germany, the games won't be on at 2:00 in the morning like in Japan/Korea last time. I see a final four of Brazil, England, France, and The Netherlands. Look for Brazil to beat the Netherlands in the final and for Ronaldo to become the all-time leader in Cup goals. And look for U.S.A. soccer to take a step back from their 2002 showing. They come close, but do not advance past pool play.
Michelle Wie, the precocious young female golfer from Hawaii, failed to qualify for the men's U.S. Open. I am all for her being given an opportunity to play with men if she's good enough (which she probably is, or eventually will be.) But I have a bold idea: win a women's tournament!!! It's not like she's dominated the LPGA tour and needs a new challenge. Win a few tournaments, surpass Annika Sorrenstam as the best female golfer, and then you can demand a spot with the fellers in the PGA, play the Masters', burn your bra, whatever.
New Bizniz hotness: "Quote of the Week"
"We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."-Benjamin Franklin.
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