This season reminds me of the fireworks on the 4th of July. It starts off slow, with some big explosions here and there. Gradually it speeds up, a few more big explosions. About two-thirds of the way through, you start to big explosions, until the final salvo where they hit with 50, 75, or 100 fireworks going off in a span of one minute. This is the NBA’s final salvo. And boy, oh boy we are in for a doozie! [Read more…]
Follow paulmbanksBoston Celtics vs. Miami Heat: everything you need to know
May 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Well, here is the Miami Heat for the second year in a row: the Eastern Conference Finals. All of us know how last year ended for the Heat: a 4-2 NBA Finals loss to Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks. Last year, the Heat beat the Boston Celtics in the second round of the NBA playoffs, 4-1. But it’s a new year and, probably, the last time the Boston’s “Big Three + Rondo” will ever be together. So what are we to expect from these two teams with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line? Let’s take a look.
Follow paulmbanksNBA Playoffs: Who in the hell are you, Dexter Pittman?
May 23, 2012 By 13 Comments
I am not a very happy man right now. I’m just not. I am not sour because the Indiana Pacers were blown off the floor by the Miami Heat tonight. Did you see Indiana’s offense? I watched about five minutes of the game and couldn’t take it. Miami is the better team, and it’s obvious. But I’m still upset and here’s why.
Follow paulmbanksIt’s finally time: Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat in Eastern Conference Semifinals
May 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment
This time three years ago, the Indiana Pacers had fallen so far out of the public eye, both nationally and in their own city, there was talk the franchise might soon be on the move.
Now, they’re about to be as relevant in sports nation as they can be — they’re playing a playoff series against the most polarizing team in the NBA — and maybe in American sports.
Fresh off a 4-1 opening-round victory against the Orlando Magic in which the Pacers gained back much of the lost connection with local fans, they carry the momentum of their first playoff series win in seven years into an Eastern Conference Semifinal matchup with the second-seeded Miami Heat.
Does Indy stand a chance?
Follow paulmbanksBradley Beal: The Next Ray Allen?
April 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment
NBA prospect Bradley Beal is earning some high praise, and he hasn’t even done anything to deserve it, yet. Beal is considered, by most NBA scouts and draft analysts, to be a top five pick in this year’s NBA draft.
The highly rated shooting guard from the University of Florida has drawn comparisons to current NBA players, most notably: Eric Gordon and Ray Allen. [Read more…]
Follow paulmbanksAre Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem and Company Enough Up Front for Miami?
May 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment
“Usually when you’re in touch with reality, it’s better for you.”
Those are the words of Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh, the lanky 6-11 All-Star who was the Heat’s only consistent weapon Sunday night.
“I think intensity always carries over. Your mindset, you always want to get mentally prepared in practice. That’s what it’s for, to really see yourself doing your job out there, because you have to see it before you do it,” Bosh continued.
Bosh is a great player, but if he is far and away the Heat’s best performer during the Eastern Conference Finals, then the Chicago Bulls will close them out in four or five games. He needs help from the backcourt, but that’s another story entirely. First he needs help on the glass. Chicago dominated Miami up front so badly, there was little left to say.
By Paul M. Banks
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