1. The Twins got rolled 11-0 by the hapless Orioles. I only watched half of this one because it was apparent very early that the Twins had no shot, but from what I saw Pavano was all over the place. That's bad for anybody unless you're a guy like Carlos Marmol who throws 99mph and has no idea where it's going but nobody can hit it anyway, but for Pavano to miss his spots means it's going to be a rough night. Not only by falling behind in counts and walking guys (3 walks and just 60% strikes) but because when he misses by a little bit his 89mph fastball goes from a well placed tough to hit pitch to an easy to drive pitch, and Pavano was run after four and two-thirds after allowing 8 hits and 7 runs. Naturally, the Twins were unable to score, a consistent problem not helped by the absence of Mauer, Morneau, and Delmoney from the lineup.
Maybe the most discouraging part of last night's festivities, however, was Joe Nathan getting rocked again, giving up a couple of hits and a 3-run home run to Vlad Guerrero in his inning of work, which means he's now given up 7 runs in his last three times out, with at least two runs coming in each game. It's pretty clear he's not all the way back from injury, and his fastball is clocked consistently 2-3 miles per hour slower than it was in his prime, making him essentially Nick Blackburn but who doesn't know how to pitch like he has a noodle arm. I don't know what you do with him - could he do a minor league assignment? - but he's not good right now, and he just needs more time. I guess we'll have to rely on Cappsy. Get ready for some brutal emotional swings, fans.
2. Carmelo Anthony could almost do it himself but Jared Jeffries and Bill Walker fucked it all up. Chauncey Billups is out with an injury and Amare Stoudamire was only able to play a half before getting knocked out due to back spasms, and the Knicks opponent was the Celtics one of the best defensive teams in the league. The stage was set for Melo to channel Bernard King and elevate the Knicks to victory and he damn near pulled it off, scoring 42 points and grabbing 17 rebounds (and dishing 6 assists). Unfortunately Bill Walker couldn't hit a shot all game, going 0-11 from the floor, and eventually Boston realized Carmelo had no help and they started double-teaming him before he even had the ball. Remarkable. This defensive strategy resulted in Jared Jeffries having to make a play on the two biggest possessions of the game for the Knicks, and you can imagine how that went. If you're imagining it was like watching Gardy try to figure out a Rubik's Cube, you're not far off.
3. Sticking with the NBA, I thought ESPN said Atlanta had the guys to stop Dwight Howard? In fact, I know they did because in my preview on here I said Atlanta couldn't deal with Howard and Snacks emailed me to say that ESPN said that the Hawks' Jason Collins and Zaza Pachulia would be able to handle him. Wrong, idiots. 33 points and 19 rebounds last night in the Magic's Game 2 win following up his 46-19 in game 1 - a Magic loss. It's actually interesting because it's become clear that Atlanta is simply going to single cover Howard - and let him destroy them - and concentrate all their defensive efforts on shutting down Orlando's jumpshooters, which is basically the entire rest of the team.
That strategy worked brilliantly in Game 1, the Hawks big win, with Jameer Nelson the only non-Howard player to have a good shooting game with Gilbert Arenas, Hedo Turkoglu, JJ Redick, Ryan Anderson, and Jason Richardson shooting a combined 2-14 from three. In Game 2 it almost worked again with Orlando shooting 5-23 from three as a team but this time the Magic played good enough defense to get the win. What seemed to be a boring series in the beginning has suddenly become interesting based on the Hawks' strategy. Or at least as interesting as any series involving the boring as hell Hawks could ever be.
4. Josh Johnson is unhittable. Maybe it's because he's in the NL, or maybe it's because he's on a small market team, or maybe it's simply because nobody cares about the Marlins, but Josh Johnson is one of the best pitchers in baseball and I'm not sure how many people know it. Last night he tossed seven scoreless innings against Pittsburgh, allowing just two hits and striking out nine, and the only notable thing about it was how un-notable it really was - this is the norm for this nerd. His season stats are now at 3-0 with a 1.00 ERA, a WHIP of 0.59, and a strikeout per inning. Looking at his career arc it reads like a big-time pitcher - good rookie year (5th in ROY), two injury plagued seasons, then a comeback year where he was an all-star, followed last year by his 2.30 ERA and fifth place finish in the Cy Young balloting. The guy may look like a slightly less nerdy Davis Love III, but he's an absolute super star. I wonder if he'll end up on the Yankees or the Red Sox.
5. Penn State is going to be even worse than you thought. Not that there was a whole lot of optimistic feelings towards Penn State's 2011-2012 basketball season with Talor Battle, Jeff Brooks, Andrew Jones, and David Jackson all graduating (that's four of their top five scorers and top four rebounders), but one of the few rays of hope has now been crushed with the news that Taran Buie is transferring/has been kicked out. It's not a surprise given that Buie was suspended from the team twice for various violations, but it's still a kick in the junk since he was one of the highest rated recruits in many, many years at Penn State. Not to mention this leaves them with Tim Frazier and a bunch of guys who never played, and it's not like either Jones or Jackson should have been hard to beat out for playing time since they are severely flawed players, so those guys coming back are probably even worse than Colton Iverson (for reals). Should be fun to watch a team whose only good player's #1 skill is distributing the basketball play with a bunch of teammates who couldn't score on a date with your sister.
6. The Vikings schedule (if there's a season) was announced last night. But let's be honest, if you get excited about this you are a retard, and you're probably a big fan of mayo sandwiches, think Nickelback and Hinder "fuckin' rock", consider Borat to be quality cinema, and name Olive Garden as your favorite "fancy" restaurant.
Showing posts with label Carmelo Anthony. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carmelo Anthony. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Monday, November 2, 2009
Week In Review - 11/2/09
Thank the lord basketball is back, am I right fellas? Honestly, I was getting a little tired of writing about football all the time, with all it's cover 2s and zone blitzes and drop kicks and statues of liberties. I don't even know what most of that means, but all I know is I'm damn glad to be watching a little roundball again.
And speaking of Roundball, it sounds a lot like we may be getting some bad news from the U and Joel Maturi about Trevor Mbakwe today. I don't want to get too much into it until the details all come out, but if what I think is about to happen does happen, this is just a horrible, horrible decision at best, and irresponsible and ruins someone's future at worst. I am sure I'll get more into that later today when the everything is official. [NOTE: It's official. Post coming shortly]
WHO WAS AWESOME
1. Adam Weber. It's hard to evaluate the team's overall performance, since there are plenty of awesome things you can point to, but just as many sucky ones, but there's no doubt Weber impressed in Saturday night's big 42-34 win over the Spartans. In his first full game without the next Wes Welker, Weber went 19-31 for a career high 416 yards and five scores, including two sixty-ish yarders to Duane Bennett, one of which was of the "immaculate reception" variety. Weber seemed to choose Tow-Arnett as his new favorite receiver, and he caught 8 of the 19 completions the Gophers recorded for the game, but overall the ball was spread out, with six different Gophers making a catch. I don't know if this is a step back in the right direction, or a good game against a forgiving defense, but for one week at least, Weber was certainly awesome.
2. Carmelo Anthony. Tearing. It. Up. Like Zack Morris at a high school prom. He's completely out of control. In the Nuggets' three games this year (all wins) he's put down 30, 41, and 42 points. As impressive as that is, he has shot 50, 53, and 58% in those three games from the floor, with overall shooting percentages of 54% from the floor, 43% from three, and 88% from the free throw line. Oh, and he's also averaging 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals, all of which would be career highs other than the rebounds (would be second best). Want more? He's also turning it over just two times per game, which, yes, would be a career best. His 2003 draftmates Lebron and Wade may have had more success, and Lebron has an MVP while Wade has a championship, but Anthony looks like a whole different player. I'm declaring this the Year of the Melo.
3. Boston Celtics. It seems the reports that the Celtics were too old or fading weren't exactly true. Ok, so those might have been just eminating from my head and not the national media, but the point is that the C's went 4-0 here on opening week, and in impressive fashion at that. The four wins were over title contender Cleveland, playoff teams Chicago and New Orleans, and a complete ass-stomping of doormat Charlotte. As per usual, they did it with good defense (opponents FG% ranged from 31 to 42%) and a balanced scoring attack, with three different leading scorers and eight different players hitting double-digits in the four games. KG looks like maybe he did hit a wall, and is maybe not quite the same player, but he's smart enough and still good enough (and tall enough) to play a good complimentary role. If nothing else, that win over Cleveland let's all y'all know - the Celtics are a title contender.
4. Jonny Flynn. Looking very, very promising so far, leading the Wolves in scoring in their first two games with 17 and 18, including a big run in the fourth quarter of their first game (and only win) against New Jersey. Now, he's not exactly the best distributor yet, with just three assists per game (which sadly leads the team), and turns it over a bit too much, which is typical for a rookie, but his overall play has been a delight. He leads the team in scoring (15.3), as well as free throws both made and attempted (14-16). He's proving difficult to guard, gets to the paint, and draws a lot of fouls. Once his shot further develops and he becomes a better passer, he's going to be a star. Sorry Rubio, point guard spots taken.
5. Percy Harvin. Did you know that Brad Childress regularly ends special teams practice by having Percy return kicks with no blockers against the regular kickoff team - and he scores nearly 80% of the time? Did you know Percy once raced Secretariat, and won by five and a half lengths? Did you know Percy can catch a bullet fired out of a .357 Magnum between his fingers - from three feet? Did you know Percy can get to a Donkey Kong kill screen every time? Did you know Percy once knocked up your girlfriend just by winking at her?
WHO SUCKED
1. Charlotte Bobcats. While reading up for the coming NBA season, I saw more than one preview that mentioned the Bobcats would be much improved this year. Then the season started, and they lost by thirty to the Celtics. Then they only beat the craptastic Knicks by two and needed two overtimes to do it - at home, so I decided to actually look at their team and figure out if they were good or bad, and trust me - they're bad. Not only did they shoot under 38% in both games, including a 31% failure against Boston, but there is nobody on this roster. Ray Felton is solid, but behind him the only intriguing prospect is D.J. Augustin, and he plays the same position. They are starting Gerald Wallace and Stephen Graham, and Vladimir Radmanovic is their seventh man. This isn't an improving young team, this is a crappy team who can't even say it has a bright future, whoever is in charge has destroyed this team.
2. Michigan. You probably pay more attention than I do, so you probably know that Michigan sucks in the conference season, but I didn't, so it's news to me. I remember them coming out in the non-conference season and going 3-0 with a nice win over Notre Dame, and then nothing, but according to the standings they have gone just 2-4 since then, including what could only be called an embarrassing loss to Illinois on Saturday by the count of 38-13 - ouch. Basically, other than Notre Dame their wins this year are over Indiana, Delaware State, Western Michigan, and Eastern Michigan. It seems the reports that Wolverine football is back might have been a bit premature - just like you last night, from what I hear.
3. Brad Lidge. Christ, I don't even know where to start with this fucking guy. First of all, if it's your job to cover third, cover third. Secondly, don't hit a guy who has like, one hit in the entire world series. Thirdly, don't get hit around by the next couple of guys as if you were Phil Humber when you're supposed to be an elite closer, to the point where the only reason you even got out of the inning is because Posada got tossed trying to go to second. Look, you were known as "shaky" this year already, but this is unforgiveable. I thought the whole Blanton starting thing was a huge mistake by Manuel, and they really needed to copy New York and go to a three man rotation, but they got a good effort out of Blanton and were right in the game at 4-4. Enter Lidge, who is a walking implosion. You just can't do that. We can go ahead and give the rings to the stupid Yankees now if you want. I give up.
Screw you Philllies.
4. Corey Maggette. Started the season with a 3-14 shooting performance, and then followed it up going 2-7, all of which adds up to a 5-21 start and a 24% shooting percentage - worst in the NBA amongst qualified players. And, just so you're aware, he also has twice as many turnovers as assists thus far. Way to go Corey! I always thought Magette would be better than he ended up being. But I'm kind of an idiot, so no big shocker.
5. NCAA Fascists. FREE DEZ BRYANT! FREE DEZ BRYANT! FREE DEZ BRYANT! Who's with me? FREE DEZ BRYANT! FREE DEZ BRYANT!! FREE.....
Now who is ready for some NCAA Basketball (even if it's just exhibition games)? I can't wait.
And speaking of Roundball, it sounds a lot like we may be getting some bad news from the U and Joel Maturi about Trevor Mbakwe today. I don't want to get too much into it until the details all come out, but if what I think is about to happen does happen, this is just a horrible, horrible decision at best, and irresponsible and ruins someone's future at worst. I am sure I'll get more into that later today when the everything is official. [NOTE: It's official. Post coming shortly]
WHO WAS AWESOME
1. Adam Weber. It's hard to evaluate the team's overall performance, since there are plenty of awesome things you can point to, but just as many sucky ones, but there's no doubt Weber impressed in Saturday night's big 42-34 win over the Spartans. In his first full game without the next Wes Welker, Weber went 19-31 for a career high 416 yards and five scores, including two sixty-ish yarders to Duane Bennett, one of which was of the "immaculate reception" variety. Weber seemed to choose Tow-Arnett as his new favorite receiver, and he caught 8 of the 19 completions the Gophers recorded for the game, but overall the ball was spread out, with six different Gophers making a catch. I don't know if this is a step back in the right direction, or a good game against a forgiving defense, but for one week at least, Weber was certainly awesome.
2. Carmelo Anthony. Tearing. It. Up. Like Zack Morris at a high school prom. He's completely out of control. In the Nuggets' three games this year (all wins) he's put down 30, 41, and 42 points. As impressive as that is, he has shot 50, 53, and 58% in those three games from the floor, with overall shooting percentages of 54% from the floor, 43% from three, and 88% from the free throw line. Oh, and he's also averaging 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals, all of which would be career highs other than the rebounds (would be second best). Want more? He's also turning it over just two times per game, which, yes, would be a career best. His 2003 draftmates Lebron and Wade may have had more success, and Lebron has an MVP while Wade has a championship, but Anthony looks like a whole different player. I'm declaring this the Year of the Melo.
3. Boston Celtics. It seems the reports that the Celtics were too old or fading weren't exactly true. Ok, so those might have been just eminating from my head and not the national media, but the point is that the C's went 4-0 here on opening week, and in impressive fashion at that. The four wins were over title contender Cleveland, playoff teams Chicago and New Orleans, and a complete ass-stomping of doormat Charlotte. As per usual, they did it with good defense (opponents FG% ranged from 31 to 42%) and a balanced scoring attack, with three different leading scorers and eight different players hitting double-digits in the four games. KG looks like maybe he did hit a wall, and is maybe not quite the same player, but he's smart enough and still good enough (and tall enough) to play a good complimentary role. If nothing else, that win over Cleveland let's all y'all know - the Celtics are a title contender.
4. Jonny Flynn. Looking very, very promising so far, leading the Wolves in scoring in their first two games with 17 and 18, including a big run in the fourth quarter of their first game (and only win) against New Jersey. Now, he's not exactly the best distributor yet, with just three assists per game (which sadly leads the team), and turns it over a bit too much, which is typical for a rookie, but his overall play has been a delight. He leads the team in scoring (15.3), as well as free throws both made and attempted (14-16). He's proving difficult to guard, gets to the paint, and draws a lot of fouls. Once his shot further develops and he becomes a better passer, he's going to be a star. Sorry Rubio, point guard spots taken.
5. Percy Harvin. Did you know that Brad Childress regularly ends special teams practice by having Percy return kicks with no blockers against the regular kickoff team - and he scores nearly 80% of the time? Did you know Percy once raced Secretariat, and won by five and a half lengths? Did you know Percy can catch a bullet fired out of a .357 Magnum between his fingers - from three feet? Did you know Percy can get to a Donkey Kong kill screen every time? Did you know Percy once knocked up your girlfriend just by winking at her?
WHO SUCKED
1. Charlotte Bobcats. While reading up for the coming NBA season, I saw more than one preview that mentioned the Bobcats would be much improved this year. Then the season started, and they lost by thirty to the Celtics. Then they only beat the craptastic Knicks by two and needed two overtimes to do it - at home, so I decided to actually look at their team and figure out if they were good or bad, and trust me - they're bad. Not only did they shoot under 38% in both games, including a 31% failure against Boston, but there is nobody on this roster. Ray Felton is solid, but behind him the only intriguing prospect is D.J. Augustin, and he plays the same position. They are starting Gerald Wallace and Stephen Graham, and Vladimir Radmanovic is their seventh man. This isn't an improving young team, this is a crappy team who can't even say it has a bright future, whoever is in charge has destroyed this team.
2. Michigan. You probably pay more attention than I do, so you probably know that Michigan sucks in the conference season, but I didn't, so it's news to me. I remember them coming out in the non-conference season and going 3-0 with a nice win over Notre Dame, and then nothing, but according to the standings they have gone just 2-4 since then, including what could only be called an embarrassing loss to Illinois on Saturday by the count of 38-13 - ouch. Basically, other than Notre Dame their wins this year are over Indiana, Delaware State, Western Michigan, and Eastern Michigan. It seems the reports that Wolverine football is back might have been a bit premature - just like you last night, from what I hear.
3. Brad Lidge. Christ, I don't even know where to start with this fucking guy. First of all, if it's your job to cover third, cover third. Secondly, don't hit a guy who has like, one hit in the entire world series. Thirdly, don't get hit around by the next couple of guys as if you were Phil Humber when you're supposed to be an elite closer, to the point where the only reason you even got out of the inning is because Posada got tossed trying to go to second. Look, you were known as "shaky" this year already, but this is unforgiveable. I thought the whole Blanton starting thing was a huge mistake by Manuel, and they really needed to copy New York and go to a three man rotation, but they got a good effort out of Blanton and were right in the game at 4-4. Enter Lidge, who is a walking implosion. You just can't do that. We can go ahead and give the rings to the stupid Yankees now if you want. I give up.
Screw you Philllies.
4. Corey Maggette. Started the season with a 3-14 shooting performance, and then followed it up going 2-7, all of which adds up to a 5-21 start and a 24% shooting percentage - worst in the NBA amongst qualified players. And, just so you're aware, he also has twice as many turnovers as assists thus far. Way to go Corey! I always thought Magette would be better than he ended up being. But I'm kind of an idiot, so no big shocker.
5. NCAA Fascists. FREE DEZ BRYANT! FREE DEZ BRYANT! FREE DEZ BRYANT! Who's with me? FREE DEZ BRYANT! FREE DEZ BRYANT!! FREE.....
Now who is ready for some NCAA Basketball (even if it's just exhibition games)? I can't wait.
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