I know. You don't have to tell me. You don't have to comment saying I told you so or an emphatic happy face. I know we lost. I knew we would win the last game, and I knew we would lose this game because of one thing: Avery Johnson's comments. When Johnson said that the Warriors had the pressure, he was as wrong as could be. Why would they have the pressure? They're not the team that's about to get shown up. The Mavs faced the pressure more than any team in these playoffs. This all could've been avoided, as many of you know, had the Mavericks actually beaten the Warriors in the last game of the season. The Mavs rested ALL their starters and let the Warriors easily beat them, giving the Warriors the 8th seed. Had the Mavs won, we wouldn't be sitting here, me typing and you reading. Anyway, here is my rant. There are big changes to come in big D. Mark Cuban is pissed. It's highly likely and plausible that he sells the team this offseason. This loss is easily worse than the loss to the Heat last year. I don't care what you say. Yes, last year was the championship. But at least we showed something last year. What did we show this year? That we have a half-ass MVP, that we can't play defense worth crap, and that our star player thinks the meaning of "drive in the paint" thinks driving in a car through wet paint. Clearly, we had a worse showing this year. Here is what I compare Dirk to: Brad Lidge. For those of you who don't know who he is, go look it up. For those of you who do, you totally understand what I mean. Lidge gave up that HR to Albert Pujols in game 1. Ever since then, he's ever been the same. Last year in the finals, Dirk missed those 2 key free throws in game 3. Ever since then, he hasn't been the same in big game situations. How does the probably MVP shoot 2-13 with 8 points? He had more rebounds (10) than points, after shooting 50% in the regular season. Dirk took so many outside, contested jumpers, something he learned wouldn't work in games 3 and 4. In game 5, he actually drove the lane towards the end, and what happened? We won. He won. This time, he didn't drive the lane until the 3rd quarter! Disgusting. Another thing that pissed me off. In the press conference, Dirk said two things that should get him traded. One, he said that he felt "sorry for the organization". Why? Why does the organization need your sympathy? It's not like they did anything wrong. The players make the organziation. This was your fault. The biggest thing that he said that really got my blood boiling was when one of the reporters questioned Dirk and said "What is the biggest thing the Mavs need?". Dirk responded with "we need a low post presence". A low post presence? Dirk, you stood at the three point line this ENTIRE SERIES! You were supposed to be the low post presence in these games. You were the tallest guy on the court, and you stood around looking to take jumpers, which clearly didn't fall. Shame on you, Dirk. Shame on you.
What other big changes are in store? As I said, a sale is not out of the question. Some trades here and there are bound to happen. I would not be surprised to see the city of Dallas ask Dirk to be traded. MVP? No. Steve Nash is an MVP. Kobe Bryant (as much as I hate to say it) is an MVP. Dirk is NOT an MVP. Jason Terry? I hope he stays. Stack BETTER stay. Howard is a lock to stay. Everyone else on this team is bait, even Devin Harris. I could possibly see Terry being traded, thus allowing Harris to assume the starting role. Harris did show some signs of shooting life towards the end of the game, so thats a good thing. I'm actually kind of scared about this offseason. It's gonna get ugly. Again, shame on you, Dirk. Shame on you.
You have to tip your hats to the Warriors. Baron Davis played a hell of a game after getting injured. Steven Jackson is just sick. Sure, he has an attitude problem, but damn, that kid can ball. Montae Ellis is going to be a star. Matt Barnes, the journey ugly tattoo man is a beast. And how about Don Nelson? Coming back to coach in August, the last coach to lead the Warriors to a playoff win, beats the team he oh so hates. Did you see the hugs that he shared with Davis and Jackson as the game was over? That's how you know you have a good team. Chemistry, happiness, things like that. Shame on you, Dirk.
As for my happiness, that comes from the Red Sox winning again, this time off a Manny HR in the 8th inning. He's so good.
My predictions for the rest of the NBA:
Nets beat the Raptors, Bulls beat the Heat, Nets beat the Cavs, Bulls beat the Nets.
Suns beat the Spurs, Rockets beat the Jazz and the Warriors, Suns beat the Rockets.
Suns beat the Bulls. Nash is Finals MVP.
Shame on you, Dirk Nowitzki. Shame on you.
-Shahnavaz Makhani
Friday, May 4, 2007
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
The Team Players Have Captured My Heart
So, as I sit here at the PCL (which is a library on the UT campus), I contemplate writing for today. It is a true fact that I do have two tests tomorrow, both of which can sigificantly raise my GPA. One of them is computer science, which, up until 3 minutes ago, I had no idea how to do. The other is philosophy, an entirely essay based test, on which my grades have risen for each exam I have taken. So, am I worred? You're damn right I am.
The title of this post is directed towards, as the title reads, the "team players". Now, you might ask yourself, who are these team players that you speak of? Every team has at least one. But why do you choose to bring about this topic today, on the eve of two of the hardest tests of your freshman year? Because, my friends, two of my favorite teams have been involved in this "team player" idea. The New England Patriots, with Mr. Team Player, Mr. America, Mr. I'm-so-good-looking-even-men-want-me, Mr. Tom Brady, and, of course, the Dallas Mavericks. We'll get to the Patriots later, because I'm sure many people (the 2 that read this) have never felt their eye lids open so widely when they read "Dallas Mavericks". No, I am not talking about a 7-foot, half-ass MVP by the name of Dirk Now-I-Can't-Shoot-In-The-Playoffs. I'm talking about Jason Terry and Jerry Stackhouse. Two players brought in by Don Nelson. The trade of Jerry Stackhouse was highly criticized, not only by me, but by experts as well! Giving up the 6th man of the year (Antwaan Jamison) for a player who was deemed as a problematic, streaky shooter? You gotta be kidding me! And yes, I do understand that Jamison is now starting, putting up 20 and 5 a game. But look at what Stack has done. Accepting the role of 6th man, he has come off the bench and put up monster numbers. If it wasn't for Leandro Barbosa, Stack would EASILY be the 6th man of the year. No questions asked. During this series against the Warriors, Stack has put up somewhere around 20 a game. Thats ridiculous. Dirk hasn't passed 23 yet. Stack is driving inside, moving around, getting open. You can see the passion on his face when he plays. I'm telling you right now. This Mavericks team goes as Jerry Stackhouse goes. If he doesn't have a good game tonight, say goodbye to the playoffs and hello to your home and speculation of trades, firings, and selling of the team. Another key player, as I mentioned before, is none other tha Jason Terry. After spending a few years with the crappy ass Atlanta Hawks, Don Nelson brought in Jet to be one of the leaders of this team. He's done all that and more. Jet plays with that same passion, that same fire that Stack does. The Jet knows when he's hot and when he's not. He knows when/where to pass the ball, he knows how to make the smart decisions. Stack and Jet have been the most consistent players on this team during this playoff walk (yes, I said walk, not run). Hopefully, they show up tonight.
I'm predicting the game. I don't want to, but to hell with it, I might as well. Mavs win, just because Dirk is pissed that Avery talked shit about him, Avery is pissed that Dirk is bitching, Stack and Jet will bring it (whatever it may be), and the game is in Dallas. Mavs win, 104-98.
This next section will be short because, as I said, I do have two tests tomorrow. Tom Brady has always been one of my favorite players. People think I like him just because he won a Super Bowl and because he plays in Boston. While those are contributing factors, those aren't the main reasons. I loved what Brady did for the Pats when Drew Bledsoe went down. Being a 6th round pick, he came in and showed people that he was worth so much more. The turning point where I realized that he was in fact my favorite player was in the offseason of the 2002-2003 campaign after the Pats had won the Super Bowl. Mr. Clutch (Tom Brady), when he was offered literally the same contract that Peyton Manning was given (somewhere in the range of 7 years, $100 million), Brady turned it down, took a smaller raise, and told Patriots management to re-sign players so that they can keep the Super Bowl team together and win it again. Sure enough, thats what they did. But then, as the story goes, Pats management became retarded, let Deion Branch walk away, and then we sucked. Reche Caldwell as a starting receiver? How about not. However, that all changed on Sunday, when the Patriots traded for Randy Moss. The Patriots threw A LOT of money around this offseason, signing highly coveted Adelius Thomas from Baltimore, Kelly Washington from Cincinnati, trading for Wes Welker from Miami, and now this, trading for Randy Moss. And how did they get Moss? Tom Brady resctructured his contract. He did it again. For the good of the team, Tom Brady let some money go so they could win another championship. That is why he is my favorite player. Bam.
-Shahnavaz Makhani
The title of this post is directed towards, as the title reads, the "team players". Now, you might ask yourself, who are these team players that you speak of? Every team has at least one. But why do you choose to bring about this topic today, on the eve of two of the hardest tests of your freshman year? Because, my friends, two of my favorite teams have been involved in this "team player" idea. The New England Patriots, with Mr. Team Player, Mr. America, Mr. I'm-so-good-looking-even-men-want-me, Mr. Tom Brady, and, of course, the Dallas Mavericks. We'll get to the Patriots later, because I'm sure many people (the 2 that read this) have never felt their eye lids open so widely when they read "Dallas Mavericks". No, I am not talking about a 7-foot, half-ass MVP by the name of Dirk Now-I-Can't-Shoot-In-The-Playoffs. I'm talking about Jason Terry and Jerry Stackhouse. Two players brought in by Don Nelson. The trade of Jerry Stackhouse was highly criticized, not only by me, but by experts as well! Giving up the 6th man of the year (Antwaan Jamison) for a player who was deemed as a problematic, streaky shooter? You gotta be kidding me! And yes, I do understand that Jamison is now starting, putting up 20 and 5 a game. But look at what Stack has done. Accepting the role of 6th man, he has come off the bench and put up monster numbers. If it wasn't for Leandro Barbosa, Stack would EASILY be the 6th man of the year. No questions asked. During this series against the Warriors, Stack has put up somewhere around 20 a game. Thats ridiculous. Dirk hasn't passed 23 yet. Stack is driving inside, moving around, getting open. You can see the passion on his face when he plays. I'm telling you right now. This Mavericks team goes as Jerry Stackhouse goes. If he doesn't have a good game tonight, say goodbye to the playoffs and hello to your home and speculation of trades, firings, and selling of the team. Another key player, as I mentioned before, is none other tha Jason Terry. After spending a few years with the crappy ass Atlanta Hawks, Don Nelson brought in Jet to be one of the leaders of this team. He's done all that and more. Jet plays with that same passion, that same fire that Stack does. The Jet knows when he's hot and when he's not. He knows when/where to pass the ball, he knows how to make the smart decisions. Stack and Jet have been the most consistent players on this team during this playoff walk (yes, I said walk, not run). Hopefully, they show up tonight.
I'm predicting the game. I don't want to, but to hell with it, I might as well. Mavs win, just because Dirk is pissed that Avery talked shit about him, Avery is pissed that Dirk is bitching, Stack and Jet will bring it (whatever it may be), and the game is in Dallas. Mavs win, 104-98.
This next section will be short because, as I said, I do have two tests tomorrow. Tom Brady has always been one of my favorite players. People think I like him just because he won a Super Bowl and because he plays in Boston. While those are contributing factors, those aren't the main reasons. I loved what Brady did for the Pats when Drew Bledsoe went down. Being a 6th round pick, he came in and showed people that he was worth so much more. The turning point where I realized that he was in fact my favorite player was in the offseason of the 2002-2003 campaign after the Pats had won the Super Bowl. Mr. Clutch (Tom Brady), when he was offered literally the same contract that Peyton Manning was given (somewhere in the range of 7 years, $100 million), Brady turned it down, took a smaller raise, and told Patriots management to re-sign players so that they can keep the Super Bowl team together and win it again. Sure enough, thats what they did. But then, as the story goes, Pats management became retarded, let Deion Branch walk away, and then we sucked. Reche Caldwell as a starting receiver? How about not. However, that all changed on Sunday, when the Patriots traded for Randy Moss. The Patriots threw A LOT of money around this offseason, signing highly coveted Adelius Thomas from Baltimore, Kelly Washington from Cincinnati, trading for Wes Welker from Miami, and now this, trading for Randy Moss. And how did they get Moss? Tom Brady resctructured his contract. He did it again. For the good of the team, Tom Brady let some money go so they could win another championship. That is why he is my favorite player. Bam.
-Shahnavaz Makhani
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Resurrection Weekend
Finally, I have returned. Yes, I do understand that it'd had been over a month since my last post. I kind of felt discouraged to continue on, considering the lack of viewers I was getting. However, I've realized that people don't listen to me much in person anyway when I talk about sports, so I'll just jot down everything here and hope for the best. I felt that his was the most opportune time to resurrect the blog, due to the past week of major sporting events in all three of my favorite sports: the NFL draft, the NBA playoffs, and, of course, the Yankees vs. Red Sox.
NFL Draft:
Seriously. How can you not think this was one of the most eventful drafts in the past 10 years? Sure, the Eagles fan booing the selection of Donovaan McNabb over Ricky Williams was bad. And the Vikings missing their pick was hilarious. But this draft had all that drama rolled into two days of wow. Thats as best as I can describe it. Wow. I applaud the Dallas Cowboys for not taking an unproven Dwayne Jarret, who earlier in the week said that he was better than Calvin Johnson. That's about as accurate as me saying that I can beat Kobe in basketball. Not true. At all. I applaud them for taking Anthony Spencer, who, right away, can take over Greg Ellis' position as an OLB opposite DeMarcus Ware. Talk about a scary defensive core. I also heavily applaud the Cleveland Browns. Not only for taking a Joe Thomas, but also for trading with the Cowboys to take Brady Quinn. The Browns did their homework. They took Thomas with the mindset that no other team, other than Miami, would take a quarterback. The Browns also realized that Miami was still hinging on getting Trent Green either today or later on this week, therefore passing on Brady Quinn. Probably the smartest thing they did was trade right in front of Kansas City, who could've easily taken Brady Quinn. They let him slip past all these teams that didn't need a quarterback, and selected him just in time before some teams who probably would've selected him (KC, Baltimore, Chicago) did. Not only that, but it also makes for one hell of a headline. The Browns get two players who could play together for probably the next 10 years, and Quinn gets to play for his hometown team. I have to applaud the Minnesota Vikings for taking Adrian Peterson and Sidney Rice. This proves that they have some trust in Tavarias Jackson, that he wasn't just some bogus pick last year. Peterson is a beast. I would know, I've seen him play against UT. The biggest winner, not just in the draft, but in the entire offseason, was the Patriots. Talk about spending money, something they were criticised for last year. They got Adelius Thomas, Wes Welker, Kelley Washington, selected Brandon Merriweather to replace Rodney Harrison in a year, and not only that, but they got Randy Moss in a trade FOR A 4TH ROUND PICK. Super Bowl, here we come. Other highly notable winners: the 49ers (Patrick Willis out of Mississippi, trading for Darrell Jackson) and the Titans (Chris Henry out of Arizona, two recievers in late rounds, Michael Griffin out of Texas!). Now I know who I'm playing with in Madden '08.
The loser in this draft is clearly and by far the Washington Redskins. Not just because I have an immense hatred for them, as I am from the city of Dallas. But they addressed NO needs in this draft. I think my brother could've picked better players then they did. You suck, Dan Snyder. You suck.
NBA Playoffs:
So I'm sitting here, anxiously awaiting for the Mavs game to start in about half an hour. Yes, I know we're down two to one. Yes, I know Golden State is way too athletic for us. And yes, I know that Don Nelson was the coach of the Mavs. But let me ask you this: the Mavs could've made history this season by winning 73 games, something they were on pace to do. But they didn't. What makes you think they want to make history by being the first number 1 seed to be beaten by a number 8 seed in 15 years? Nothing. Dallas wins the series in 6. Mark my words.
Chicago beat Miami. Dwayne Wade averaged 6 FT's a game. Sweet action. I'm calling a Bulls/Pistons upset.
Vince Carter is getting revenge on his old team. TJ Ford is showing why he went to UT. Unfortunately, I have the Nets winning this one. Vince can outplay anyone on that team. Sorry, Canada.
I won't even talk about the Phoenix/Lakers series. Okay, I will a little bit. Kobe is outmatched. Steve Nash is disgusting, and I mean that in the most amazing way. He's too damn good. He makes everyone around him better. He looks like a freaking MVP. He's playing like one. If only he hadn't left Dallas...
Yanks-Sox:
Oh my, oh my, oh my. What happened to this "feared" Yankees lineup? They can put up 14 on other teams, but only manage half that on my Sox? Finally, our pitching steps up and shuts them down, along with run support. Rivera can't close out games, Torre's job is on the line, and my Sox are in first place. Ortiz is hitting well, Manny says he'll play out the two years of his contract, JD Drew is everything we've asked for, and Dice-K is lights out. How about hitting 4 home runs in a row last Sunday night against the Yanks? Manny said before the game that he was going to break out of his slump. He always has his best games against the damn Yankees. He led off that homer bash with a HUGE shot over the Green Monster. Go to youtube or something and look it up. Look at the glory on his face. Look at how damn happy he is. He knows that ball is gone as soon as it left his bat. Just like I know that the Sox will win the World Series again this year.
Okay, so that's my rant. I've promised myself that I will update this everyday with something new here and there. Stay tuned.
-Shahnavaz Makhani
NFL Draft:
Seriously. How can you not think this was one of the most eventful drafts in the past 10 years? Sure, the Eagles fan booing the selection of Donovaan McNabb over Ricky Williams was bad. And the Vikings missing their pick was hilarious. But this draft had all that drama rolled into two days of wow. Thats as best as I can describe it. Wow. I applaud the Dallas Cowboys for not taking an unproven Dwayne Jarret, who earlier in the week said that he was better than Calvin Johnson. That's about as accurate as me saying that I can beat Kobe in basketball. Not true. At all. I applaud them for taking Anthony Spencer, who, right away, can take over Greg Ellis' position as an OLB opposite DeMarcus Ware. Talk about a scary defensive core. I also heavily applaud the Cleveland Browns. Not only for taking a Joe Thomas, but also for trading with the Cowboys to take Brady Quinn. The Browns did their homework. They took Thomas with the mindset that no other team, other than Miami, would take a quarterback. The Browns also realized that Miami was still hinging on getting Trent Green either today or later on this week, therefore passing on Brady Quinn. Probably the smartest thing they did was trade right in front of Kansas City, who could've easily taken Brady Quinn. They let him slip past all these teams that didn't need a quarterback, and selected him just in time before some teams who probably would've selected him (KC, Baltimore, Chicago) did. Not only that, but it also makes for one hell of a headline. The Browns get two players who could play together for probably the next 10 years, and Quinn gets to play for his hometown team. I have to applaud the Minnesota Vikings for taking Adrian Peterson and Sidney Rice. This proves that they have some trust in Tavarias Jackson, that he wasn't just some bogus pick last year. Peterson is a beast. I would know, I've seen him play against UT. The biggest winner, not just in the draft, but in the entire offseason, was the Patriots. Talk about spending money, something they were criticised for last year. They got Adelius Thomas, Wes Welker, Kelley Washington, selected Brandon Merriweather to replace Rodney Harrison in a year, and not only that, but they got Randy Moss in a trade FOR A 4TH ROUND PICK. Super Bowl, here we come. Other highly notable winners: the 49ers (Patrick Willis out of Mississippi, trading for Darrell Jackson) and the Titans (Chris Henry out of Arizona, two recievers in late rounds, Michael Griffin out of Texas!). Now I know who I'm playing with in Madden '08.
The loser in this draft is clearly and by far the Washington Redskins. Not just because I have an immense hatred for them, as I am from the city of Dallas. But they addressed NO needs in this draft. I think my brother could've picked better players then they did. You suck, Dan Snyder. You suck.
NBA Playoffs:
So I'm sitting here, anxiously awaiting for the Mavs game to start in about half an hour. Yes, I know we're down two to one. Yes, I know Golden State is way too athletic for us. And yes, I know that Don Nelson was the coach of the Mavs. But let me ask you this: the Mavs could've made history this season by winning 73 games, something they were on pace to do. But they didn't. What makes you think they want to make history by being the first number 1 seed to be beaten by a number 8 seed in 15 years? Nothing. Dallas wins the series in 6. Mark my words.
Chicago beat Miami. Dwayne Wade averaged 6 FT's a game. Sweet action. I'm calling a Bulls/Pistons upset.
Vince Carter is getting revenge on his old team. TJ Ford is showing why he went to UT. Unfortunately, I have the Nets winning this one. Vince can outplay anyone on that team. Sorry, Canada.
I won't even talk about the Phoenix/Lakers series. Okay, I will a little bit. Kobe is outmatched. Steve Nash is disgusting, and I mean that in the most amazing way. He's too damn good. He makes everyone around him better. He looks like a freaking MVP. He's playing like one. If only he hadn't left Dallas...
Yanks-Sox:
Oh my, oh my, oh my. What happened to this "feared" Yankees lineup? They can put up 14 on other teams, but only manage half that on my Sox? Finally, our pitching steps up and shuts them down, along with run support. Rivera can't close out games, Torre's job is on the line, and my Sox are in first place. Ortiz is hitting well, Manny says he'll play out the two years of his contract, JD Drew is everything we've asked for, and Dice-K is lights out. How about hitting 4 home runs in a row last Sunday night against the Yanks? Manny said before the game that he was going to break out of his slump. He always has his best games against the damn Yankees. He led off that homer bash with a HUGE shot over the Green Monster. Go to youtube or something and look it up. Look at the glory on his face. Look at how damn happy he is. He knows that ball is gone as soon as it left his bat. Just like I know that the Sox will win the World Series again this year.
Okay, so that's my rant. I've promised myself that I will update this everyday with something new here and there. Stay tuned.
-Shahnavaz Makhani
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