Spurs clinch NBA Finals!

Spurs take care of Jazz in 4 games

It was a historic night for the Spurs on Wednesday as they defeated the Utah Jazz by a 109-84 blowout at San Antonio. They wrapped the series 4-1 as Tim Duncan and Tony Parker both scored 21 points. The star point guard also dished out 5 assists and snagged 5 boards. I knew the Spurs will take the series, but I thought it would be pushed to at least 6 games. San Antonio was in full control and was destined to advance to the NBA Finals, making this their 4th trip since 1998.

Despite going up short in the Western conference championship the Jazz have a real talented guard in Deron Williams who's on the verge of busting out as one of the NBA's best young stars. He did everything he could to keep his team afloat in the playoffs and showcased great all-around performances against the Golden State Warriors in the second round. This diverse, young team has nothing to be ashamed of since they played with a lot of tenacity and shook things up in the West.

Now the Spurs have time to rest and recuperate awaiting the winner of the Cavs, Pistons series. I know most people are expecting Detroit to win in 6 or 7 games, but I have a feeling Cleveland is go to pull out a shocker. If they win tonight, making it three consecutive wins it's going to be tough to stop them. I agree Lebron James will have to up his scoring output. Then again for them to success it's going to take all-out team effort. Plus they must cut down on turnovers and force the issue with tighter defense. I'd like to see a Spurs vs. Cavaliers match-up in the Finals...Lebron could make history, giving the franchise a championship title they'd yearned for in many years. Kick butt and good luck Cavs!

AP Photo/ Mark Duncan

Lebron and Cavs wrap up win at home, trail in series 2-1

Last night at Quicken Loans Arena it was the Lebron James' show. He took over late and sealed the 88-82 victory for the Cavaliers. It was a tight game the entire 48 minutes of regulation. Cleveland was fortunate to pull out this gut-buster and not be down 3-0 against Detroit. Lebron's teammates made several nice plays on both ends of the court. Rookie guard, Daniel Gibson came up with key defensive stops and interfered with the Pistons' offensive game plans.

Finishing big with 32 points, Lebron was only a rebound and assist away from capturing a triple-double. His slashing drives to the basket combined with his lighting first step were too powerful for Detroit. They couldn't shut down his maneuvers to the hoop so they had no choice but to foul him. The superstar forward played 46 minutes and kept his team in the game from the first half. Big Z and Sasha Pavlovic completed solid secondary performances, combining for 29 points. Ilgauskas snagged 9 boards adding a blocked shot.

It's clear the Cavs have to play aggressive in Game 4 and be relentless on D. Lebron voiced every intention of being the team leader and go-to-guy down the stretch to keep his team alive. Forward Drew Gooden and Donyell Marshall need to get their act together. One has trouble going strong at the basket and the other shoots way too threes! I expect the deficiencies in their games to change soon. Otherwise their playing time will be cut down further. I feel Cleveland can win the next 2 games. They've definitely got the energy and support from the home crowd and that always plays a big factor. Lebron do what you do best....gooooo Cavs!

Yanks' Giambi clears the air about steriod and amphetamines use

Well, look who's being questioned about using illegal performance enhancing drugs again. Jason Giambi is out to set the record straight about past allegations...or at least when his lawyers and agent allow him to speak or advise him to utter more than a yes/no response. His failed amphetamines test has draw much attention as the Yankees first baseman was scheduled to have a meeting in the commissioner's office Wednesday. According to baseball officials Jason has already admitted to using substances to boost his performance. Whether steroids evidence surfaces or not, who knows.

I'd like to see a professional baseball player admit to his wrongs and accept the projected punishment like a man. This way as a person everyone will at least respect him. Too many other superstars' careers lay in the shadows of controversy and secrecy. Obviously, not all players will admit to breaking the rules or cheating. The best thing MLB can do is acknowledge these lingering problems, investigate as they've continued to do, take corrective action, and don't allow franchises to reward those who cheat with hefty salaries or bonuses.

If this case with Giambi is handled carefully and a suspension is upheld maybe other Major Leaguers will have the courage to come forth and announce illegal drug use...then again FAT chance of that happening! Besides it's about time rich owners like George Steinbreiner stop pampering and spoiling their players. (Also, what's with this lousy cheapskate only donating $1 million to Virginia Tech?) I have a feeling anyway, a few salaries on the roster will drop after this season. This summer I don't want to hear about any freak accidents involving syringes during games or cases involving corked bats or touched up baseballs. Let the Great American Past time be clean and live on in all it's glory!

NBA Playoff Atmosphere: what to expect in both conference series

What emotion and excitement the NBA's elite have displayed in the playoffs. The Suns, Spurs series got intense and somewhat gruesome when Steve Nash's got hit and his nose started bleeding. The Goldens State, Utah series had it's moments, although I found it short-lived and disappointing (maybe next year Warriors...remember you upset the Mavs, what other motivation to succeed can exist?)

The Bulls vs. Pistons matchup could have gone either way. In my view Chicago didn't have enough experienced veterans to lead the charge. Gordon and Hinrich's scoring wasn't near enough for their survival. With the Eastern and Western Conference championship series underway history is on the verge on being made. I believe with right amount of pressure and energy on offense the Cavs can pull out the stops and shock Detroit. Lebron James when in the zone is unstoppable! He's got the quickest step, best ball control, and versatility of any forward in the NBA.

I'm pulling for Cleveland to take the series in 7 games. The veterans, Larry Hughes, Eric Snow and Zydrunas Ilgauskas will have to step their game up a notch and deliver with big plays. The big man is averaging 14 ppg, slightly better than his season average. Hughes has fined-tuned a couple 20-plus point efforts, leading to Cavalier wins. He needs to just keep this up. The veteran point guard, Snow averages 4 steals for the season, but his defensive skills will be most handy in this upcoming series starting tonight. Lebron James will draw many double and triple teams from the Pistons and his court vision with his ability to find the open man will be his greatest strength.

In the West the young Utah Jazz took the competition by surprise. Now they have their hands full with Spurs. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker will be the key players in the series. If they don't produce or execute the team will have to rely more on the bench, consisting of guys like Michael Finley and Robert Horry. The Jazz can match their opponent's range of offensive firepower, but can hold them on the boards I think. With Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur in the middle that's possible. In the end I feel though San Antonio will prevail as the better team and win the series in 6 games. For one, Utah hasn't won at San Antonio since 1989 and the Spurs have too good of a defensive lineup. Good luck to all 4 Playoff Final hopefuls as the basketball action continues to heat up.

MLB scores rundown

Wednesday's MLB action showed the White Sox getting the best of the struggling Yankees, winning 3-5 in one game of a doubleheader. New York then bounced back in Game 2 to gain a 8-1 victory. Abreu, Posado, and Melky Cabrera hit homers for the Yanks as the Sox's John Danks collected his second win behind Paul Konerko's homerun and the lineup's 9 hits. Minnesota suffered a 7-1 loss to Cleveland as C.C. Sabathia moved to 6-1 as Trot Nixon drove in 3 runs.

In the NL the Nats brushed off the Braves 6-4. Ryan Zimmerman launched his 3rd homerun of the season. Cole Hamels lead the Phillies over the Brewers 6-2, going deep in the game and recording 11 strikeouts. Aaron Rowand (6) and J.J. Hardy (13) homered. The Marlins pushed past the Pirates 4-3. Florida improves to 18-22 and were aided in the win from big doubles from Miguel Cabrera and Willingham. The Cubs had no answers for the Mets as they fell 8-1 at Shea in good pitcher performance from Jorge Sosa (3-0). No one hit for the cycle or hit two grand slams in a game so nothing spectacular happened or out of the ordinary.

Lebron's Cavs inching closer to East Finals

Up 3-1 the Cleveland Cavaliers are a game away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. They haven't accomplished this feat in 15 years. Despite their lead in the series Cleveland can't get cocky or underestimate the potent veteran-oriented New Jersey Nets. Lead by All-Stars, Vince Carter and Jason Kidd they could go on a resurgent run and make a comeback. These guys have no quit in them either and will battle until the final seconds.

Lebron James took over in Game 4 in New Jersey with a 30-point performance, adding 9 rebounds and 7 assists. If not for veteran guard Eric Snow's timely defensive stop on Vince Carter with under 10 seconds left in the game Cleveland may have not squeaked by, 87-85. The game would've most likely went into OT. The Cavs will have the home fans fully behind them when they return for Game 5.

The alternative scoring options in Larry Hughes and Sasha Pavlovic had worked well for the young team. They've must continue to be consistent and relieve Lebron from offensive duties. Staying focused and not trying to relax or get 'soft' is most important for the Cavs. Getting out to an early lead and carrying it through halftime will be a big advantage. They get feed off the energy and emotion from the crowd, which also play a big part too. Go Cavs!

Warriors and Davis create buzz at home, slam Jazz

Baron Davis had the place in an uproar in Game 3 of the Western playoff series after an empathetic, energetic-jolted dunk over Utah's Andrei Kirilenko in a 125-105 finale. Check out the dunk here. From the get-go the Warriors had the game in the palm of their hand. It was pretty much a must win for GS. The small lineup wreaked havoc on the visitors, who felt pressure all night and couldn't match Golden State's speed and intensity. They broke over 90 points by the end of the 3rd quarter...wow!

Much of the attention Friday night was on Baron Davis who made acrobatic play after play at the basket. The star point guard clearly had fun despite picking up a technical and finished with 32 points, 9 assists, 6 steals, and 4 rebounds. He gave his team breathing move, helping position the series at 2-1. Winning 3 games will a daunting challenge, although I know this GS team is more than capable.

Jason Richardson complimented his teammate, scoring 25 points and providing a major boost late. Al Harrington also played well with 15 points while coming up with big defensive plays at crucial moments. The series is only starting to heat up and I can't wait for BD to explode for over 40 points and dazzle the crowd once again. The series may go to 7 games. My money is on GS!

Yankees concerned about players getting too drunk in clubhouse

Everyone is wondering why the New York Yankees are off to such a sluggish start and playing unlike the usual League's Elite. The esteemed organization has placed a ban on booze in the Yankees' and visitors clubhouse. Wow, this franchise is now blaming alcohol for their insufficient play on the field. Gee, I wonder how long the prohibition will last? This comes at a time when Roger Clemens returns to his old team. Somehow the 44-year-old will get blamed for a random incident behind closed doors such as allegedly supplying his teammates with horse pills and ecstasy mixed together in tequila shots.

Distractions like this are only going to cause the Yankees more problems and effect their play. One night A-Rod comes out swinging hard at the plate and the next game he stumbles on his way to the plate then topples to the ground. The sames goes for Derek Jeter too. On a sure double play the shortstop will pause then proceed to throw the baseball a good 50 feet from second base. Who knows what guys like Jason Giambi might do...go on a rampage, throwing crap everything after a heated exchange between the home plate umpire after a called strike 3.

At current New York is 14-16, only 1 game ahead of the Devil Rays. Tonight they face the Rangers at Yankee Stadium. The beer will only be flowing in the stands as I know the unruly fans will let their team from the Bronx hear it if they fail to produce. I can only imagine the trash talk which will ensue as well as the off-color signs in attendance. Still Roger Clemens should receive a warm reception...well until the hecklers turn their hostility on the rest of the team.

NBA playoffs recap

So far the first round of the NBA playoffs has shown to shocking. Already the Wizards, Heat, and Lakers are eliminated. I didn't expect for Miami to get sweep 4-0, they're the defending Champs! Everyone wants to know what freaking happened? Well, Wade was not healthy for one and no one else on the team made up for the lack of scoring. The defense wasn't great either except for Alonzo Mourning. The Wizards series was unfortunate and was pretty much predetermined. Without Butler and Arenas it was evident Washington was going to struggle big time. They still put up a fight.

The basketball environment and playoff action are getting tense in the West. Last night the Suns knocked out the Lakers. Kobe obviously couldn't do it alone as his team failed to counter the array of offensive weapons in the Suns lineup. Hey, I pulled for the Lakers, but they were all against tough odds. The most astounding news is how the Golden State Warriors are one game away from advancing to the 2nd round. They're up 3-2 on the Mavericks and have really caused the organization and owner Mark Cuban to fret. Too much complaining to refs is going on in this series from both sides.

Baron Davis only continues to look better from each passing game. He's put together a few 30-point, 10-plus assist performance showcases in the series. He proves to be the heart and the soul of this energetic, determined Warriors team. I can't wait to catch part of Game 6. It will be adverse conditions as they Warriors will try to pull out the complete upset in Dallas. Best wishes to them, go get 'em BD and company!

Mets' fan proves to be real idiot with no consideration.

This week a Mets fan was arrested and removed from Shea Stadium for shining a flashlight at Braves' players while sitting behind home plate. Shortstop Edgar Renteria noticed the bright light and informed an umpire during the game. Now the stupid fan has been convicted and sentenced to 15 days in jail. These types of creeps are always looming in sports arena. Could it really be worth jail time and being regarded as a complete jackass to pull a stunt like this? The 40-year-old Brooklyn native responded knew he was wrong and pleaded guilty in court.

Not only will this bozo receive jail time, but is banned from Shea Stadium for 3 YEARS! That's showing him New York! Now all Shea Stadium has to worry about is the usual showering on the field with litter, the random fights breaking out in the stands, fans nearly committing suicide by jumping from the upper deck to catch a foul ball, and the occasional streaker running loose on the field. Looks like the Mets organization has everything under control...or at least for now.

I think this fan who wanted to be a hindrance to the game and players should have his picture displayed on posters around the ballpark, with a banned stamped mark up top which underneaths reads, "If the Mets make it to the World Series within 3 years this scumbag sure as hell won't be invited!" People need to know when enough is enough and not be allowed to give away with this crappy behavior at sporting events. The security who escorted the Brooklyn man was the stadium could have gave him a taste of his own medicine by beaming the high-powered flashlight into his eyes then clocking him over the head with it.