UNANSWERED PRAYERS

CONCERN FOR STERN

Be afraid David, be very afraid.   I say this because last night the worst possible thing happened for the NBA.  The Orlando Magic got thrashed.  David Stern is so wishing he could have some controversy now. Wishing Lebron James' back was just a little bit stronger and he could've carried the Cavs into the Finals.  Wishing that Ron Artest could be here to say something crazy, anything that would bring some life to these Finals.  Nobody, not even Laker fans  wanted to see an execution like that last night.  Stern is wishing he had some years back.  Wishing for a Dennis Rodman or anybody, who could go out there and at least try to guard Kobe Bryant.  Don't shut him down he's thinking, but at least keep it interesting.  

NOT GOING TO GET IT DONE

I don't like bringing religion into my blogs but this is a must.  I'm not liking the way things are sounding right now for the Orlando Magic.  I was watching ESPN this morning and I always pay attention to the interviews.  I always like to see what the mood of the players look like, especially after they lose.  I heard things like Mike Pietrus saying "You just have to hope he misses" or you hear Dwight Howard say things like "You just have to pray" when trying to stop Kobe Bryant.  That, if you're an Orlando Magic fan, should worry you.  Sorry ladies and gentleman but God has much bigger things to worry about then the result of some basketball game.  Prayer is not going to help you in this series.  You have to devise some to of plan to try and stop this guy.  It takes effort, it takes determination and it takes heart.  And even with all these things you still may not get it done.  One thing I know for sure is praying and hoping never gets it done in sports.   If both sides pray, one side is still going to win and the other side is still going to lose.  That's the facts.  Get off your knees and play some damn defense!   

HAPPY TO BE HERE

I'm sorry but I have to kill the Orlando Magic today for their performance yesterday.   The Magic look like kids at their first night club when they turn 21.  They look like they're just happy to be inside.  Dwight Howard said that "Nobody's upset or angry that we lost." Really?  You're not upset that you only scored one basket in your first game of the NBA Finals.  Not the right attitude Dwight.   You should be embarrassed.  You should be upset that you put in a performance like that.  You should be upset that Kobe scored the 4th most points in  a Game 1 of the NBA Finals.  It's not good enough just to be there and take in the scenery.  You have to be hungry.  You have to act like you may never get there again.  I say this because the probabilities of that happening are very high.  

FOCUSED

You know it's almost scary how focused the Lakers all seem to be.  And it starts with #24.  I've seen this up close but not quite this intense.  He is on a mission.  We questioned how he would play yesterday, whether shooting or passing and he came out and started blasting any and everyone he saw.  The guy will not rest until he wins his 4th championship ring.  We all know that for the last few years the title has been elusive for Mr. Bryant.  The rest of the Lakers look just as focused.  Pao Gasol saying that "this is just one game, we can't let up."  Bryant even said "The best thing we can do with this game is just forget about it."  His face never cracked a smile.  If I was an Orlando Magic player, I wouldn't watch any TV.  The focus of the Lakers can be scary.  It's like watching a horror movie and hearing that music.  You know what's coming. 

FULL NELSON

This was one of my favorite moves when I was little  You had to be into wrestling to understand this.  I must ask this, are we getting the full Nelson?  Because if not then he shouldn't be out there.   I'm wrestling back and forth with the decision of Stan Van Gundy to play Jameer Nelson so many minutes.   Is he better than Rafer Alston, of course.  But how many games in a row can he play well?  He hasn't played for over 4 months. How is this going to affect Rafer Alston's play?  Alston has done a good job for the Magic and has had some stellar games. But sitting the whole 2nd quarter doesn't help with a player's confidence or keeping a veteran player warm.  Nelson, surprised me and actually looked really good last night for a guy who has been out so long.  Not sure about this decision at this point in the season.  But, I do think the guy's a good player, even though he went to St. Joseph's in Philadelphia.  I went to Villanova and everyone knows they hate us and we hate them.

JUST SAYING

Ok, I know its kind of early to be thinking like this, but the way the Magic just laid down yesterday has me thinking.  Don't tell me you didn't think it a little after what you saw.  The Magic looked outclassed. They looked as if they showed up at a black tie affair with jeans and a hoody on.  This is the NBA Finals and you can get embarrassed.  A broom is used for removing dust and the Orlando Magic looked a little dusty yesterday.  And I say this, if the Magic are not going to come to play then let's just get it over with quick.  Nobody wants to watch them get drug up and down the floor like the Sixers in 2001.  Don't even use a dust pan.  Just sweep them right on out the door and let's move on.