Celtics vs. Lakers title showdown, a classic confrontration

The sky hook was a key highlight of the Lakers, Celtics battles for the NBA titles in the 60-80's. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar started the tradition then it was Magic Johnson taking the daring athletic shot into the teeth of the Lakers' defense. The 1-on-1 matchups made the championship series great. Such encounters included Russell vs. Chamberlain, McHale vs. Kareem, Bird vs. Magic, plus John Havlecik and Jerry West being key star performers making outstanding plays in route to an NBA title. The tense overtime games, sights, and legends are became part of basketball championship history.

Shaping up for another rematch from decades ago the Lakers have already advanced to the NBA Finals as the Celtics are up 3-2 on the Pistons awaiting their chance at destiny. With a win tonight they could start a new dynasty, adding to a new chapter in the Lakers and Celtics long-time rivalry. The two main stars which will come forth in the potential Finals clash will none other than Kobe Byrant and Paul Pierce. Sorry KG, I know you helped turn the franchise around this year, but you will be part of the supporting cast though will make significant contributions. The same goes for Paul Gasol for Los Angeles. His size alone and ability to score inside won't take the spotlight off the superstar running the show. I have to admit guard Jordan Farmar is a heck of a player, adds so much energy off the bench, but based reserves off the bench Boston has more depth and experience.

Bringing up the matchup between these two teams I have to mention Lamar Odom and Ray Allen. Two of the best veteran scorers in the league, which play second keel to the top players on their teams. Allen shoots over 34% from beyond the arc and is an valuable guy to have on the free-throw line during crunch time. The Laker power forward Odom is a threat from the inside and tends to slip the ball to teammates on the inside and catch defenders by suprise by dishing off while in the lane. With such a powerful, equally talented showcase this anticipated Finals showdown will be a coin toss. If I had to bet on one team it would be the Celtics. Their starting 5 I feel exceed the scoring averages of the Lakers. Plus Boston is such a driven, strong-willed team at home I think the fans could summon the ghost of Bill Russell and Bob Cousy to pull of a historic comeback win.

Avery Johnson out of a coaches box and straight into a Nissan

What is it with former sports players and car dealerships? The attraction seems inevitable. For ex- Mavericks coach Avery Johnson it's becoming a new investment venture. After being fired as the Mavericks lost in the first round of the Western conference playoffs Johnson has since started his own Nissan dealership in Northern Texas. Refusing to wait around for any coaching position the former NBA guard came up with a smart business plan to take advantage one of Americans greatest weaknesses: cars. There is no quicker way to sucker people out of their money than to sell cars.

I have to give Avery kudos for this endeavor. Sure he's only around 5' 7 and never dunked a basketball in his life yet that doesn't mean he can't be one hell of a salesman. For all I know he could sell manure to a Texas farmers (especially in Crawford to anybody like Ole' not-headed W). Good to see Mark Cuban couldn't take the stride out of Avery's step. Starting the Nissan business is a way to say, in your face douchebag! I think Avery will do a fine job with his natural enthusiasm, good natured attitude, and southern accent. Avery Johnson could shoot a promo with a cowbody hat on claiming he's slashing prices left and right. After customers arrive on the lot he'd then be able to stick it to them on charging high prices for add-on features.

The following is an example of how a commercial would go:

"Hey there, this is Avery Johnson. I invite everyone to my Nissan dealership for our grand opening! Brand new makes and models are available. We'll deliver imports to your home or office. Bad credit, no credit no problem. We have short-term and long-term low financing. If you don't cash now that's a problem. Whether you're looking for a family, economy, or off-roadster we've got it all and special discounts to boot. Plus we do trade-ins on all brands even those that are broken down. So y'all come on down to Johnson's Nissan and check out these great deals while inventory is fully stocked. We guarantee customer satisfaction, saddling you in right with a new ride partner!"

D-Rays making noise, take over first place in AL East

Of all the teams in MLB I would have never expected the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to jump out to such a hot start. This low-tier team is putting the Yankees and Orioles to shame. Sunday a comeback was in the works as the Rays' finished with a dramatic outcome against Baltimore. Evan Longoria hit a game-winning RBI double to center scoring Carlos Pena. Starting pitcher James Shields pitched 8 innings, yielding 3 earned runs on 8 hits and a walk. Putting a 2 spot on the scoreboard in the 6th from an RBI single by Melvin Mora then a solo homer by Aubrey Huff the Orioles tied the game at 4. The D-Rays got to the Orioles bullpen in the 9th while Troy Percival nabbed his first win of the season.

I'm impressed to see such an underdog team standing tall in a fierce division. Having a 30-20 record coming into Memorial Day is quite an improvement. In the past Tampa Bay would already be considered out of any race and on pace to finish with one of the worst records in baseball. Not this year though because those D-Rays aren't stinking up the field instead they're playing with heart while quietly gaining momentum as the rest of MLB overlooks them. After last night Carlos Pena has 10 homeruns while outfielder Carl Crawford continues to connect at the plate. If Tampa Bay actually gets 20 games over .500 people will faint or have a arrhythmic stroke from the utter shock. Forget about the heckling and being the laughingstock of the AL because the D-Rays are on a roll. AL East you better recognize b*tches!

Mike Piazza, love or hate him but he's bound for the Hall

To announce I've ever been a Mets or Dodgers fan would be a lie. Both franchises have rich history and can boost championship glory. They couldn't stake their achievement without great players. The argument over whether retired slugger Mike Piazza will head into the Hall of Fame as a Met or a Dodger on his plaque to me is irrelevant. He will be revered as one of the best catchers of all-time and have a spot reserved in Cooperstown. His career numbers prove his HOF material: 427 Homeruns, 2127 Hits, 1335 RBIs, and .308 batting average.

Some fans think Piazza complained too much as a member of the Mets. His inefficiency with throwing runners out then moving to first base due to the problems with his knees was reason enough to get mad at the All-Star slugger and consider him 'washed up'. From a defensive standpoint Piazza was never the same after leaving the Dodgers. That didn't mean he became a terrible first baseman. He still hit for power and had clutch hits with his run with the Mets during the playoffs. His stints with the Marlins, Padres, and Athletics didn't along him to utilize his full strengths and attributes. As a DH he didn't show quite the production as the bat speed slowed down yet I'm sure the younger guys around him learned how to play the game with class.

As a Mike Piazza supporter the 16-year career didn't seem long enough. At 39 I'm sure he's most concerned about his family and his health after giving baseball some of his best seasons. To force him into a position he's uncomfortable with like trying to play third base wouldn't never worked. I just can't imagine 'Pepperoni' Piazza (old reference) diving for a lead drive or ground ball down the third base line. All he'd come up with most likely was a face full of dirt and a sore groin. He was a true catcher and knew his limitations on the field, which I respect. So why fight over what team he belongs to when he gets his call to the Hall. Remembering him as a Baseball Great should be enough.

David Ortiz slugs two homers in Red Sox 11-7 win

The big man is back in a groove for the Boston Red Sox. Displaying his power stroke in the Red Sox's 11-7 rout of the Brewers Sunday David Ortiz delivered with the clutch hits. He walloped 2 homeruns and drove in 4 runs. In an ever growing competitive AL East the heavy hitter puts Boston in first behind the hot Devil Rays. Given ample run support yesterday Josh Beckett turned in his 5th win despite giving up 4 homeruns. A 27-19 record to their credit the Red Sox aim to draw a comfortable lead over the rivaled Yankees.

With Manny Ramirez hitting .305 with 8 homeruns and 27 RBIs as part of the 1-2 punch in the middle of the order Big Pappi should continue to see good pitches in the zone. Whether it's over the green monster or the short fence in right field at Fenway the veteran slugger will hammer the ball. With May not over yet things are only beginning to heat up for the Bo Sox. Due up for them this week are the Royals and Athletics. Watch the ball soar when Ortiz gets locked in and rips AL pitching. Take control the AL East Red Sox!

President Bush never needs to be asked baseball questions again

With the economy still stuck in a recession the only true delight for many Americans during the spring and summer is the great National Past time. One of the quickest ways to ruin this joy is by interviewing George W. Bush about hypothetically starting a baseball team with the best position hitter and pitcher in the game today. First of all, the former Texas governor did own a team, the Rangers in which he f**ked up things so bad draining the team's payroll by making poor financial decisions. What makes anyone think this dimwit can manage a baseball club much less lead a horse to water? American men have seen what has happened to our country over the past 8 years and realize baseball may be their last treasured memory.

Okay, suppose somebody was crazy enough to allow Bush to run a baseball team again. His top choice for infielder/hitter is the Phillies' Chase Utley. The second baseman hits for power and shows solid defensive ability, but of all the great players in the game now Utley came to mind. Not thinking big-name again Bush responded by saying he'd go with the Blue Jays' Roy Halladay as the best pitcher. The most annoying part about the stupid interview was he was told he had the Yankees payroll at his dispense. Forget about any star power like David Ortiz, A-Rod, Ryan Howard, or Ken Griffey Jr. this dumbass wouldn't have the foggiest idea how many players to put in the starting lineup or rotation.

Even having any pitcher available and he wants....geez a terrorist ought to pummel him to death with a Louisville slugger while watching the game in the luxury box. The least that could happen for such idiotic answers would be for Bush to get drilled with a lead drive foul ball and catch it on camera. There is no better way to signify his lack of intelligence even when it comes to baseball. I think his head is spinning enough when it comes to handling national issues reiterated by the media. Imagine him in a press conference after a game, trying to explain why his team has lost 20 games in a row and he struggles to pronounce two Mexican ball players' names which are almost identical. He'd be on the verge of sh*tting himself! Let's make it easy for all of us and put on lid on asking Bush any more baseball questions.

Hornets' David West racks up career best against Spurs

Going back to New Orleans with the series tied 2-2 the Hornets didn't want to make any excuses. They knew their performance in Game 4 was lackluster and inexcusable. Taking the loss the hardest was All-Star forward David West. He felt everybody on the team didn't give it their best effort. Last night it was West who set the example and stole the spotlight, showcasing a career best 38 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks. How incredible is that for a guy who had a bad back? Just imagine what he can do when 100%. The Spurs held control in the first half clamping on to a small lead until the 3rd quarter.

Chris Paul dazzled the home crowd once again feeding teammates and hitting big baskets in the clutch. His 22 points and 14 assists sent the San Antonio defense into a frenzy, unable to find a strategy to stop him. He helped the Hornets build a double-digit lead into the 4th quarter in route to the stunning 101-79 victory. Much credit to the Hornets' defense has to go to Tyson Chandler who guarded Tim Duncan, forcing him to 5-of-18 shooting despite hauling in 23 rebounds. No one else in the Spurs starting lineup had more than 20 points.

Almost setting the new franchise record, David West was 2 points away from breaking Glen Rice's mark of 39. All those who underestimated this young team have only energized their play in the playoffs. A Lakers, Hornets Western Finals duel may be in the works. With the Hornets up 3-2 heading back on the road with the one-two punch of Paul and West I believe franchise history is on the verge of being made. Go Hornets! Woooooooooo!

Cavs, Celtics series heating up

With the Boston Celtics up 2-1 on the Cavaliers this Eastern conference second round series is about to explode. Cleveland fans are gearing up for Showtime at Quicken Loans arena. Nobody can count out the Cavs and Lebron James until the last whistle. Although the superstar didn't have a record breaking performance in Game 3 his teammates spread out the scoring to carry them to a win. Don't expect Lebron to have another similar off-night because when he gets hot no one can stop him. Getting Big Z and Delonte West involved early sure takes less focus off him. Plus when veteran, Wally Szczerbiak can spark the offense with a 16-point effort and Daniel Gibson is knocking down threes the opposition is in trouble.

To the Cavs favor in the series the Celtics are 0-4 in the playoffs on the road this year, struggling to pull out the stops at crunch time. The Eastern conference league leaders know that Lebron's 5-of-16 shooting was only a faze and his 30 ppg average proves it doesn't happen often. I've got to think Lebron will ignite the Cleveland crowd and put on a another all-around showcase. It could be Jordan-isk or just simply a Lebron James earth shattering performance. Doc Rivers better have one heck of a game plan to shut down his cerebral attack tonight. Even the up the series, Go Cavs!

D-Rays on the attack, look out AL East

With the steady meltdown by the Yankees one team is finding the will to fight in an intimidating AL East division. Thanks in part to Toronto for saying so long to veteran slugger, Frank Thomas and the Orioles being distracted by the Miguel Tejada 'playing dumb' about his age interview guess who pulled into the driver's seat? The Tampa Bay Devil Rays refuse to be a whooping boy for the AL in 08, quietly gaining ground in their division. Sure the odds are against them with no real high market players on the roster, but usually they're around 10 games under .500 this early in the season. That's right the D-Rays have the 5th best record in the AL at 17-16, currently in second place in the AL East.

Scott Kazmir, the ace in the rotation is back from injury though lost his first start 7-3 against Boston on May 4. I think he's a key guy which will have a big influence on the Ray's success in 2008. Signing Eric Hinske added another clutch hitter to the lineup as he's already totaled 7 homeruns with 16 RBIs. Carl Crawford, the speedy defensive outfielder was another good investment to keep around. He's been pretty potent with the bat in last 2 seasons producing 24 triples, 157 RBIs while batting over .300. The D-Rays already have proven they can beat the Yankees. With rising star B.J. Upton being productive (.824 OBS, 33 runs) overall the offense is there. It's the starting pitching rather that will have to keep them in games.

The franchise struggled since it's expansion debut in 1998. A club record low is losses was set in 2002 at 55-106. Yes, quite a few grim years in Tampa Bay. History is about to change though. Off to a good pace in a intensely, dominated division the biggest threat before them is the Red Sox. They use to come apart by the steams now it's the Yankees. Turmoil, controversy, and injuries does that to a team even the richest in baseball. Oh snap! Watch out New York those D-Rays are on the prowl and ready to attack!

Papa John's owes Lebron apology, not just pizza

At sporting events concession stands wouldn't be the same without pizza. Fans just gotta have it. Cleveland fans, however may be staying away from one particular pizza chain. In the recent Cavaliers, Wizards playoff series, unbeknownest to me Pappa John's was running a promotion with T-shirts. Washington fans at the Verizon Center brought these T-shirts from vendors with full intention on taunting Lebron James. Since the Cavs superstar got fouled so much and complained (legitimate argument) about it to the refs some bitter a-hole decided to come with a brand of T-shirts embroidered with 'Cry Baby' on the front. The jeering and mocking didn't have much an effect as the Cavaliers cruised to a 105-88 victory in Game 6, advancing to the second round.

Obviously, someone in Washington D.C. was up to this lousy marketing ploy to riff Lebron. Now, in Ohio Pappa John's is offering pizzas to fans for 23 cents each in honor of James' jersey number (That's right time to kiss some ass). I can't imagine the hate mail and threats over the phone they've received. Forget about just the prank calls from teenagers. I'm surprised enraged Cavs fans haven't torched any of the Ohio locations or so it has yet to be reported. Check out what the fans have to say about the company's marketing blunder: click here.

Oh, by the way what is the worldwide chain going to say or admit to Lebron James? A public apology is in order, and it better be sweet and straight to the point. Don't even think about offering him a year's worth of pizza either. Those thin ass slices never have enough sauce or toppings, which means the flavor sucks! Plus the Jalapeno peppers make me want to gag, ugh! I have a good mind just for the hell of it to order 50 large specialty pizzas under a fake name and phone number no longer in service and say it's for a birthday party. Then arrive there an hour later, claiming I only wanted 1 large pizza, get irate when a manager tries to charge me for the 50 before taking off without paying for anything while the Papa's John staff stands there with their thumbs up their asses. Knowing how Old Papa is already screwed due to bad business and promotion I'd probably settle for announcing I'm a Lebron James supporter and will no longer buy their distasteful product again.

King James ready to throw down, ends series with impact performance

Lead by example, that's what Lebron James has in mind to take care of the Wizards. He knows setting the tone is up to him. Cleveland and Washington have exchanged more than words in this heated, feisty first round Eastern conference playoff bout. Up 3-2 the Cavaliers look intent on ending the series on the road. With the personal rivalries, egos, and tension thrown in the mix it's shaped up to be an emotional contest which maby be another nail-biter. After two blowouts in the series, one by each team Washington composed themselves to pull out a stunning 88-87 victory.

The Wizards' Darius Songalia was suspended for slapping Lebron in the face during that game and will sit out Game 6. Too much trash talk has took away from the magnitude of this series. I expect Lebron to have to be fouled often and have plenty of chances at the free-throw line to help his team win. Big Z, Daniel Gibson, and Delonte West have looked sharp with crisp scoring games as the team captain has made them better by getting them involved when great passes off double teams.

Illgauskas has shot 53% in the series as Gibson hit 46% on three-pointers. Plus don't forget about Delonte's game-winning shot in Game 4. Washington's bigs have the pressure on them, realizing their team is down 3-2, but they plan on letting their combined efforts on the court speak louder than words tonight. It's still going to be a battle as the Wizards strive to even up the series. Foul trouble could be a big factor for both teams. I think it's going to be quite the proverbial gut buster!