I'd Love to Say It
lebron james
Turnaround would be more than saving grace for LeBron James
LeBron isn’t buried yet. As bad as it’s been — as he’s been — LeBron James can still survive this. With two fourth quarters to go in these NBA Finals, redemption is very much a possibility. Even if his latest 12 minutes were flimsy yet again. Even if he wilted with the Heat’s four-point lead … Continue reading
NBA Finals Game 5: Different Dallas team emerges in win
This changes everything. Last night’s 112-103 win sits Dallas down with destiny, the first time in franchise history it’s one away from a title. And being the first game-winner to go back-to-back has its perks, like the Mavericks 3-2 series lead. You warm to that unfamiliarity pretty quick. But those, by themselves, aren’t it. Other … Continue reading
NBA Finals Game 4: Mavs make win tougher than need be
A blunderous 48th minute should to bury you. Miscues and misfires and mismatches usually spell the formula for a sleepless, laying-with-your-eyes-open night. Despite an overcomplicated closing minute in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, the Mavericks survived and prevailed, 86-83, and renewed the series, now at two games apiece. But all things considered, two … Continue reading
NBA Finals Game 3: Don’t blame Dirk for Mavs loss
Culpability has its bounds. Stars, even in humbling team defeats, sometimes get off scot-free. This wasn’t on Dirk Nowitzki. That’s as meaningful as pocket lint to Dirk, who won’t forgive himself for the 88-86 loss at the American Airlines Center, given a pass or not. But it’s truth, and should be as circulated as the … Continue reading
NBA Finals Game 2: Mavs show what it takes to win — too much
It’s widely rumored that Dirk Nowitzki hasn’t seen a single frame of game film from the Mavs 2006 Finals flop. So the story goes, the collapse was unbearable enough the first time. Hope he sticks to his self-preservation strategies this time around. Even after a win, 95-93. Even stealing a game at American Airlines Arena … Continue reading
NBA Finals Game 1: Miami win read like sweep of Mavs
Put a fork in it. The Mavericks, all but a T-bone from Lone Star Steakhouse, are done. Sorry Mavs fans: your order, and this run, is up. The Heat might’ve entered better on paper, but before Game 1, the first glimpse of the teams and match-ups and psyches as they are now, was just talk … Continue reading
Only in 2011 Finals, 2012 season, is Dirk’s legacy written
Sweeping the Lakers wet the mix. Steamrolling the Thunder poured it. But Dirk Nowitzki’s place in history is far from cemented. Not yet, with so much left unsettled. What if the wheels come off? What if the Finals proves too shiny a stage — the second time? What if he’s beaten and flustered and negated … Continue reading
Lakers losing if they’re looking at Mike Brown
L.A. needs luster, the Lakers bluster. Neither describe Mike Brown, the rumored object of Jerry Buss’ intrigue as the likely replacement for Phil Jackson. You’ve got to be kidding. Mike Brown, more a people pleaser than wunderkid. Mike Brown, not the best defensive mind available. At 41, the former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach has the … Continue reading
ECF Game 4: No one to blame in Bulls loss
Hurts so much more when there’s no one to blame, doesn’t it? The Bulls’ 101-93 overtime loss might be more bearable, if heads rolled. The 3-1 deficit might sting less, if pointed fingers flew. But they won’t. You can try. You can burn Tom Thibodeau for not subbing more. You can scathe general manager Gar … Continue reading
Eastern Conference Finals Game 3: Bulls break series toughness streak
Physicality has been Eastern Conference Finals operative term. Spoon-feeding ferocity was common, boxing cliches bountiful. The intensity was on sale, and people were buying. Customers should be repeaters after Game 3, the whole single side of it. Problem for Chicago is the lone lane didn’t run its way. Not last night, in a 96-85 loss. … Continue reading
Matty Hammond
Frat boy-turned-media man, chiming in and stirring the pot. Love this job.
I'd Love to Say It 