In the words of Jay-Z "What More Can I Say" Kevin Durant has proven to all why he deserves to be the leagues MVP. His clutch shooting all season not including the shots he has made throughout the playoffs have been instrumental to get his team to the Western Conference Finals against the Spurs. Kevin has been scrutinized from time to time for not being reliable. I'm not sure what game the critics have been watching but he has shown up big when needed. I know that Kevin along with the other superstars in the league are game changers and the media pushes them to the front of their teams as the best, however they still need a supporting cast to win. In the game six victory over the Clippers Durant finished with 39 points. I don't see unreliable in that number. Durant has played in 12 elimination games up to this point and in each game proven why he is a MVP caliber player. Durants total stats in those 12 elimination games are 30.0 point, 9.5 rebounds, 3.6 assist, 46.1% from the field, 42.1 from the three point line and 85.5% from the free throw line. The Thunder were 8-4 during this playoff run. Again i have to ask where do you see unreliable in those numbers? Kevin proves each night why he won the title of league MVP and does not attack the media or anyone for their criticism about his game play.
Kevin Durant from what I believe to be true hasn't been in the news for anything negative, never asked for a trade or complained about his team. I know he has had issues with players it goes with the sport and the competitive nature of the sport and sports in general. Kevin stated in his MVP speech that he has bumped heads with teammates but that was out of sheer willingness to win and wanting to get better. A silent assassin that doesn't talk trash verbally but does talk trash with his play. A native of Maryland PG to be exact and I love that there's a league MVP from the state that I grew up in and I see more to come for Durant. He doesn't have a championship yet which I know is on the Thunders to do list, but he does own the 2013/2014 league MVP and that alone should put him in the talks with Lebron, Wade and the other superstar players as a great NBA player. I definitely see Durant as a great face for the league and for his team. The question now is will he have enough super powers to get his team back to the finals and win? STAY TUNED
So.......as I watched the pay per view card last Saturday and finally got to see Broner in real action and not the videos from websites of the glitz and glamour I wasn't really impressed. To me if your going to speak as If you're the best in the business you have to show that you're the best in the business. Molina was no where near the caliber fighter of Maidana and he was able to do his antics and get away with it.
The Maidana fight exposed Broners non-defensive side of boxing and showed that when you have a legit opponent you need to focus in on the task at hand. Broner tries to display flashes of Mayweather by how he acts outside of the ring but even in the midst of flashing cash, cars and his expensive lifestyle Mayweather shows his work ethic and backs up his talk with all opponents. Does Broner have the talent? Yes Does he needs to reverse his style of boxing by producing and actually fighting before bragging? Yes. While watching some of Mayweathers showtime videos after the Broner vs. Maidana fight him and his uncle stated that Broner need to focus more on his craft than partying and doing videos for the public to see.
Saturdays post fight interview was a colorful one that everyone probably figured it would be. After a longggggg week of hearing all the details from the Donald Sterling incident and athletes backing the Clippers players for justice for them Broner comes along and in my eyes throws a speed bump in the mix. To me it seems that African-Americans put caps on other races for be racially bias to our culture but feel that we can open the flood gates on other races and not be scrutinized. I know the time period of slavery was devastating but other races have had some pretty major situations throughout history and in the present. When Broner began going through his chant and stated who he could beat "Afri-cans and he beat the F*^% out of a Mexi-can" it made me wonder if he could handle being amongst the champions that proceed him such as Mayweather and many more. I don't believe Broner understand that it's more than just flashing money, cars, girls and clothes but once he decided to step in the spotlight that he's in all rules change. If other races have to make sure they think before speaking why shouldn't he? or other African-American athletes?
Organized slavery or just a person stuck in the past? or as it has shown in the past few years peoples views coming to surface? Donald from what the stories have portrayed didn't play the game right when it came to now ex-girlfriend the much younger V. Stiviano. You never suppose to have pillow talk with a girlfriend, wife, lover or mistress and turn around and leave them or wrong them in any way. Sterling made the ultimate mistake by lashing out at Stiviano his ex about who she associates with because of their racial orientation. The one thing you can not do once you have open your mouth to someone in a negative fashion is take it back as Sterling is trying to do. Especially against an ex that has hours and hours of audio of you speaking badly about other races. Since this has surfaced more information about Sterlings not so happy attitude to people of different backgrounds have surfaced also. A few years back Sterling settled on a few housing law suits that were filed against him in regards to not wanting to rent to African Americans or Latinos in his apartment buildings. So with this outburst made by Sterling to Stiviano raise the stakes because of the business level that the Clippers hold? With the Clippers being an NBA franchise and Magic Johnson being a huge celebrity in sports and business mogul seen in a picture by Sterling with Stiviano to cause this uproar, does this put his tirade above the past racial incidents?
The Clippers which is a predominately African-American team now have to deal with the mental and emotional issues that will come with having a boss that doesn't like them because of their race. To me this is similar to being on plantations with out the physical abuse and harsh conditions. The truth about this situation is he has felt this way for years the only hiccup was him talking to much and being with a woman that has a game plan to cash in. The fact of the matter is his family knew of his views and did not say anything until Sterlings ex-girlfriend decided to ignite this bomb. So my question does the family being the wife and son in law feel the same way and didn't want to be included in his racist ways to protect themselves from media scrutiny? or were they afraid to come forward with their thoughts and concerns about Sterlings points of view? It was great to see other teams in the NBA showing support for the Clippers and what they are going through. The thing that we have to do is weed out more men and women like Sterling because this isn't the first time something like this has happen in the work place.
The verdict was handed down to Sterling yesterday and to clarify because the NBA is a privately own company Sterlings 1st amendment was not compromised in any way. He is banned for life from the NBA, fined 2.5 million dollars which some would say is pocket change for a billionaire. A major blow to Sterling would be the lost of sponsorship from several major companies, return of funds from certain charities and organizations which would say fine give me my money back. The return of charitable funds say in so many ways that even though we need your money we don't want it in this fashion which shows that people in the U.S. do believe in equal rights and is a slap in the face for Sterling. This could of proved to be an uplifting point for the Clippers because after the announcement they took a 3-2 lead over the Golden State Warriors. Momentum is a dangerous thing for a team that's pushing through controversy.
Well well well!! The Wizards came in and took a spot in the 2014 playoffs and in the race for the championship. The Wizards have been building and changing players to get the franchise back to the years of the 80s and 90s. I have to be honest I couldn't believe it when I googled searched the eastern conference playoffs and they were a seed in the playoff and the number 5 seed in which they finished the regular season strong to earn that seeding. A pretty good team but in my eyes not close to be a playoff team the Wizards proved me wrong in a major way with two victories against a strong Bulls team to head back to D.C. to try and continue their charge against the Bulls. Browsing through some of the online sports editorials before the two teams squared off with one another just as I did the Wizards were seen as easy prey for the Bulls to push pass to make their championship run easier than starting off with the Heat or Pacers. However, even as a former athlete myself you can't dictate victory by printed sheets of paper you actually have to play the game and prove that your the better team.
Home advantage starting the playoffs is an excellent position to hold, however the key to maintaining momentum is to WIN as Coach Herm Edwards say. The Wizards took their number 5 seeding on the road to a ruckus crowd and quiet the naysayers, the crowd and myself and said we are a contender and we will not lose based off what commentators think. The Wizards just as other teams in all sports that have had losing seasons prior to post season runs will ignite their city and bring the bandwagon riders to the surface and will fill seats for the rest of the playoffs and for the next season. The underdog has it easy because their expectations of winning is limited. The ability to knock off a winning team gives value to a team that doesn't have the backing of the public. So with that said I apologize for doubting the Wizards and they definitely proved me wrong and hopefully can prove others wrong by eliminating the Bulls from the playoffs early and continuing their road the championship.
In collegiate sports it gets no better then what the UCONN Women's & Men's basketball teams did just a few days ago back to back. The UCONN men's team had to follow up a 2013 season that had them banned from postseason play and the lost of their general in Coach Calhoun. The men's team started with a preseason ranking of #14 and counted out. Along comes Coach Ollie a role player and staple in the NBA during his career to take over where a legend left off. Coach Ollie who was hand picked by Coach Calhoun believed that Coach Ollie was the one to take his place two years ago. Ollie being his former player wasn't the only reason that Calhoun wanted him to be his successor, but he believed that Coach Ollie had the attitude to take the head coaches spot. Coach Ollie played under Calhoun in the early 90's and even after he left UCONN he would come back to the community during the NBA preseason and stay connected to the UCONN basketball program and Calhoun loved that. Coach Ollie and senior star guard Napier added another notch on the belt of the UCONN basketball history with adding a fourth title in 25 years. The factor I believe that boosts UCONNS success is their huge alumni backing and that Coach Calhoun keeps it as the saying go "All in the Family" far as his coaching staff.
Napier and the UCONN Huskies came out with an harassing defense and forced the Wildcats to basic top of the key passing basketball. The Wildcat freshmen look out of sink and intimidated at the beginning of the first half. Even with Kentucky's push towards the end of the first half it still wasn't enough to hold off Napier and the Huskies fire. UCONN took advantage of Kentucky with their All-American big man Randle playing limited minutes due to cramps and even with Randle coming alive in the last minute of the second half it wasn't enough to beat UCONN. Napier stated that Coach Ollie told the team two years ago that it will be a two year process and he wasn't lying. In two years Coach Ollie along with Napier took the Huskies from a low tournament seed to number one to quiet the doubters. Napier showing he's a true leader finished with 22 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 assist in the NCAA finals that's how you show out for your final collegiate game and as the leader of your team.
Coach Geno Auriemma and the women huskies in one word phenomenal. That's how i sum up a back to back season for the women Huskie basketball team. Coach Auriemma has the recipe for success and he has fed it to his ladies to dominate the NCAA women's league again. The Lady Huskies bruised and dominated the Notre Dame Ladies with a score of 79-58, with a 40-0 regular season record an astonishing 13-0 championship record. That's a crazy crazy run for Coach Auriemma and the Lady Huskies. The Lady Huskies with their victory passed the great Pat Summit and the Lady Vols for championships with 9 and is the first team to win a championship against another undefeated team in women's and men's sports.
If you look at both the men's and women's teams both coaches know how to recruit and how to keep that machine rolling with high quality parts. It's the fifth time that the Lady Huskies have won a championship with a perfect record and just the eighth championship in history with a perfect record. These ladies made history and deserves major recognition for their accomplishments. I truly believer with what these ladies did will boost the WNBA to higher heights because of what they have done and still accomplishing. I believe that the ladies are making a move to become a premier gender in the game of basketball and it has to do with their no quit attitude, play to the end mentality, team oriented drive to championship and to take the I factor out of their mind state to win. I DEFINITELY SAY HAIL LADY HUSKIES AND COACH AURIEMMA. You can't deny them the crown to be able to finish 40-0 in the regular season and breeze through the tourney to dominate the national championship game that's AWESOME!!!!
The point, a innovator and just plain ole' him. Allen Iverson stepped on the scene and kicked the door in when he was drafted by the 76ers as their number 1 pick in the 1996 draft. Iverson didn't just bring his crossover, he brought a attitude that someone his size shouldn't of had in the eyes of many. A.I. came with the Frank Sinatra "I did it my way" mentality and he wasn't backing down from it. He took an historic league and put an hip hop/urban feel to it and to much surprise kids from all backgrounds and races latched on. From his baggy shorts, tattoos and braids he made it okay to be who you wanted to be because he made it signature on a hugeeeeee stage called the NBA.
From having the top selling jersey, shoes and sought after name in advertising he was pulling on the reigns of Jordan and more. Iverson fame prompted kids and some adults to wear tattoo sleeves that portrayed the same tattoos he had on his body. I believe Iversons message was no matter how I dress, look off the court I will dominate and prove I was the right pick once the lights go on. A midst controversy off the court and some in the locker room Iverson has proven why the position of point guard will forever be seen different. In his career Iverson has captured signature accolades. He has 11 all-star game appearances, 1997 NBA rookie of the year, 2001 League MVP, 4 time NBA scoring champion, 2004 Olympian, 3 time all NBA first team, 2 time NBA all-star game MVP, averaged 26.7 points per game which is major for a point guard and took a sub par 76ers team to the finals in 2001 against the Lakers. Whew! how can you forget all of that in his career. That's very big for a little big man.
In October of 2013 Thee Point retired. After last playing in 2010 across seas he decided to hang it up. In March during the halftime of 76ers game the franchise retired Iversons jersey and honored him as one of the greats in team history. You have to close your eyes and think of the history of the 76ers and the players that have played for the organization. Iversons number 3 jersey will hang in the rafters with Mo Cheeks, Wilt Chamberlain, Charles Barkley and Julius "Dr. J" Irving, what better company to have than those great players.
What better way to display such a great player than through film. Just yesterday as I scrolled through my Instagram feed I ran across a posting by Iverson and I clicked the like button. I decided to browse through his photos and saw a poster for a documentary on the point guard and wondered if it was an old posting and to my surprise it wasn't. On April 27th the life of one of the best guards in NBA history will be placed in a documentary movie entitled Iverson. It gets no sweeter than that, a great way to close out the chapter of NBA player and to allow the world to see his life in it's entirety and not what the press wanted us to see for their own gratification. So just as the Spartans idolized King Leonidas, I say HAIL THE ANSWER MR. ALLEN IVERSON to his career and what he did to change the outlook of sports all over.
Some stated that Serena was coming to the end of her career but she proved all of her doubters wrong in Miami at the Sony open against Li Na. After 15 years of running wild in the sport of tennis she proved once again that she is a force. Her victory in Miami makes her grand total at the Sony open seven titles and counting. Serena fell in a 5-2 hole against Li Na, but sparked a surge to win the last 11 out of the 12 games. If that isn't Jordan like I don't know what is. To have been a force year after year in a sport that you must rely solely on your skills, athleticism and dedication to your craft that puts her atop with other greats in the sports and that goes for men as well. Williams not only balances her glamorous life and sports life well, she also proves a great role model for all aspiring young girls in the sport of tennis. Williams has also shown her domination on the court in the Olympics. Serena has claimed Gold in the 2000, 2008 and two Gold medals a single and doubles in the 2012 London Olympics.
What's next to do for Williams? In her career so far including a 2013 US OPEN championship she has totaled 56 singles championships and 22 doubles championships you would think what else can she do to capitalize on the sport of tennis. Serena is setting her self for a great after tennis career which includes ties with the Miami Dolphins and you have think a sports commentator for tennis. Serena has become a international Icon by her play on the court and how she handles her self off the court. Serena is the poster woman for young girls, young ladies and women on how to carry yourself in a male driven society and reign supreme. I know the stardom is displayed more in the public eye, however Serena Williams shows her heart of Gold through her Serena Williams foundation that helps kids and families that have been affected by violent crimes through their assistance programs. Her foundation also help young kids achieve their goals through education funding and grants. Well there you have it she dominants on the court, in the corporate world and also in the community that's what you call a complete game! Check out her foundation and see what great things she does serenawilliams.com/foundation/
