LOS ANGELES – Still crazy after all these years…. There was a time when the Lakers were just a good NBA team, like their romantic underdogs in the ‘60s with Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, and the Showtime teams that threw off the Celtics’ dominance in the ‘80s. Then came Shaq, Kobe and, a few years later, Phil, and nothing was the same for years…. Besides the feud that broke up their dynasty with three titles when Shaq was shipped to Miami as
Even after a five-game first-round playoff series win over New York, questions remain as to whether this Heat team is title material.
Mark Titus and I have three things in common. One, we both write about basketball much better than we play it. Two, we both rely on sarcasm as the basis for our attempts at humor. Three, we both are fascinatingly enthralled by “trillions.” Titus is the author of Don’t Put Me in, Coach, a wonderful inside look at big-time college basketball through the cockeyed view of a benchwarmer. On the inside flap is a review from former Boston Globe columnist Leigh Montville that begins, “If
TEL AVIV — With the announcement of this year’s early entry candidates for the NBA draft, now is a good time to take a look at this season’s international crop. There are no clear cut stars coming from abroad in this year’s draft, but there are a few names that have a good chance to be solid contributors to teams down the line. (Click here to reach Tommy Dee’s column on 5 Hidden Gems among the Americans who ar entering the draft
ISTANBUL — It’s a city so massive that it spans two continents, and even the taxi drivers have to stop and ask for directions. The five daily calls to prayer give Istanbul a conservative soundtrack, while folks who flock to Istiklal Street by the thousands soak up a nightlife that dares even the most adventurous party-goers to keep up. Venders hawk you through the halls of the Grand Bazaar, clamoring for your business in whichever language you’re willing to bargain; still,
NEW YORK — On Sunday in Madison Square Garden, the Knicks trailed the Heat by 11 points with less than 20 minutes remaining in not only Game 4—but possibly their season. It was at that point that they got a spirited effort and a much-needed energy jolt from the man that was once the leader of their renaissance. Finally, Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony won a playoff game. And in some ways, it was fitting. Before the series began, I made the
If you live in an area other than Dallas, Texas, you probably are not aware that if the Mavericks had brought back their team of a year ago, they would have won their second consecutive NBA title. Yes, that is correct. Add Tyson Chandler, J.J. Barea and DeShawn Stevenson to the Mavericks roster, and instead of being swept by Oklahoma City in the first round, the Mavericks would have won in six games at the most, maybe five like last year and,
PHILADELPHIA—First off, this isn’t hockey. The No. 8 just seed isn’t supposed to beat No. 1—the way the Philadelphia 76ers are on the verge of doing to the Cbicago Bulls—after grinding out an 89-82 win Suday to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. One more “W’’ would make them only the fifth team in NBA history to pull off such an upset, something which happens regularly on ice. The difference basically is there’s may be goaltending in hoops, but no goaltenders to swat