NBA Finals Preview

For the first time since 1998 the NBA Finals with not feature Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan or Shaq, and while this is a rematch of the 2006 NBA Finals, many of the players on both teams Shaq included have changed. For a lot of people Dallas reaching the Finals is a huge surprise, this was supposed the be the year the Lakers 3-Peated afterall, there was a huge buzz in the NBA about the Thunder being a team that could knock off the Lakers, with little thought given towards the Mavs, and why would anyone fear the Mavs, since blowing a 2-0 Series lead in the 2006 Finals against the Heat, the Mavs have had nothing but early exits in the playoffs, losing in the 1st or 2nd round every year since. 

And then there is the Miami Heat, they are supposed to be here, anything less than a championship this season would be considered a failure, ever since the "Big 3" came together they have become the team to beat, while earlier in the season the Heat had several rough patches, they've come together in the playoffs, losing just 3 games so far.

So how do the teams stack up against each other, lets look at the positions.

Center: Joel Anthony vs. Tyson Chandler

Neither of these players are huge scorers, but the advantage here has got to go to Tyson Chandler, Chandler is the difference maker in this Dallas team from previous years, his defense, rebounding, and gritty play have turned what many people thought was a "soft" team into a more physical threat, and Chandler's defense is going to be crucial inside to keep Wade and James out of the paint.

Advantage: Dallas

Power Forward: Chris Bosh vs. Dirk Nowitzki

This is the most exciting match-up to look forward to. While much of this year was spent criticizing the play of Chris Bosh, something clicked for him in the post-season, he had a couple of 30 point performances in the Eastern Conference Finals, and got the better of 2 premier Power Forwards all ready in Kevin Garnett and Carlos Boozer, could he make a 3rd in Nowitzki? Nowitzki has been far and away the best player of the playoffs thus far, putting up 40+ points a couple of times in the Western Conference Finals, including bringing his Mavs back from down 15 in Game 4. Neither of these guys defend well or even like to play defense, I think this is going to be an entertaining, high-scoring matchup. Both are premier players at this position.

Advantage: Dallas (slightly)

Small Forward: LeBron James vs. Shawn Marion

The matchup on the other hand isn't even close. Shawn Marion is a pesky defender and can at times be an explosive scorer, but this is LBJ's matchup, James will be able to defend Marion because of his size and strength, and because of his size and strength should be able to score on Marion pretty easy, James has been the Heat's clutch performer thus far, and has found the range from 3 as of late. The only thing Marion has going for him is that he has 6 fouls to use, and the potential psychological advantage, James is going to be on the biggest stage of his life, and could crumble, but I don't think that'll happen.

Advantage: Miami

Shooting Guard: Dwyane Wade vs. DeShawn Stevenson

DeShawn Stevenson is the starting 2 guard in title only, he starts the game merely so Jason Terry can still come off the bench, and if Dallas has any chance of winning this series Terry is going to have to come in the game at about the 10 minute mark of the 1st quarter and play the rest of the half. Stevenson is a solid defender, and occasionally can hit a wide open 3, but this ain't even close Dwayne Wade has this matchup all day, even if you believe that he's been injured this entire playoff run as he claims. We all know what Wade can do, and he should be able to dominate this matchup, even though I have a feeling he'll see more Jason Terry, and late game I'm sure Jason Kidd will be defending him. 

Advantage: Miami

Point Guard: Mike Bibby vs. Jason Kidd

2 crafty veterans, Bibby and Kidd are probably delighted to see each other after their last series' were Bibby was trying to keep up with MVP Derrick Rose, and Kidd was doing the same with Russell Westbrook. Both of these guys are similar type players, both run the offense well, Kidd of course does it better, and James likes to run the show for the Heat, both players can hit from 3, but I think the key is, Kidd is a better defender, and late game as I said before, it won't be surprising to see Kidd on Wade or even James. And after the job Kidd did against Kobe and Durant both players should be a little worried.

Advantage : Dallas

Bench: Jason Terry, J.J. Barea, Brendan Haywood and Peja Stojakovic vs. Udonis Haslem, James Jones, Mike Miller and Mario Chalmers

This one isn't even close, the Mavs bench is just ridiculous, and they've stepped it up in the post season to a whole new level. Haywood's size could present big problems in the paint for James and Wade, if Peja's hot shooting continues he'll be a big problem, Barea seems to be able to get to the cup anytime he wants, and Miami's bigs aren't nearly as talented as the Lakers or Thunders, and then there is former 6th Man of the Year Jason Terry, who's bench play has been spectacular this post season. Miami's bench is not nearly as skilled or deep. Haslem came up big in the last series, but the key off the bench for Miami is James Jones and Mike Miller, they are streaky 3-Point shooters, if they can get hot and stay hot from behind the arch, the bench of Miami could surprise the Mavs.

Advantage: Dallas

In Conclusion:

If you just looked at the match-ups you would assume that this is Dallas' series to lose, and with the talent Dallas has on the bench, at PG, PF, and Center, Dallas has a chance. I think Nowitzki will play his heart out, because he knows this could be his last chance to get back to the Finals. But as many advantages as the Mavs have, they don't have Lebron James and Dwyane Wade, 2 of the best players in the world. If they play up to their potential and don't let the spot-light overwhelm them I like their chances. I think every game will be close and decided in the last couple of minutes, as someone that doesn't like Lebron James and his Heat I'd like to see the Mavs win, but I think the winner will be....

Miami Heat in 5

The New Kevin Durant "KD III"

I just got the new Kevin Durant sneaker, the KDIII, and let me be clear, this shoe is Awesome. I've been a  big fan of the Kobe Zoom 5 and 6's the last couple of years, but decided to switch it up just a little bit, Kevin Durant is one of my very favorite players in the NBA, because I don't care how hot the shoe is, if I don't like the player, I won't wear his shoe. I've said before, the way KD handles himself at such a young age, he's a better person than he is a ballplayer, and thats really saying something.

Secondly the shoe itself is sweet, pretty much no matter how much I like a player if his shoe isn't great looking then I wouldn't want to buy it either.

I went with the KDIII's because like I said earlier, I wanted to switch it up a little, I've been wearing nothing but Kobe's of late, I like the player and I like the sneaker so its a perfect fit. The shoe itself feels great, its a hightop unlike the Kobe's, but unlike the Lebron's still manages to be very light, which is something I like a lot in my sneakers, also unlike the Lebron's the KDIII's are not a big bulky shoe, I've never cared for bulky shoes too much.

The edition I went with is the one pictured above, it is called the "Redskin's Edition" Durant is from the metro DC area and with this shoe is showing his love to his hometown, the Redskin color scheme doesn't really match the Thunder's colors, which are a Varsity Blue, Black and White, but I really liked the Red and Yellow out of all the colors currently available, most of the current KDIII's are some form of Varsity Blue, Black, and White, which are all nice, but the Red and Yellow really standout to me, and look like no other shoe I have in my collection.

The Hangover Part II

After a lot of trepidation and a little bit of excitement, I went to see Hangover II , the trepidation was over the fact that based on all the early reviews, commercials and trailers Hangover II seemed to be nothing more than a carbon copy of the original, just set in a different location. The little bit of excitement was based merely off of the fact that the first movie was just so funny, I would dare say the funniest comedy of the last 5 years, and since coming out just 2 years ago, The Hangover had become the modern template of R-Rated Comedies.

While the formula is in fact the same, the jokes and situations are not, while I will admit there were times in the movie that I knew exactly what would happen next because of the original, it was easy to dismiss such concerns because the movie was really funny.

I've decided that when I review movies on this thing I will avoid the synopsis of the movie, that is a really popular trick in movie reviews, which is just filler as most people know what movies are about anyways,

There was a lot to like, the performances by Cooper, Helms and Galifianakis were very strong, as they played the characters everyone liked from the original, there is a tendency to highlight what audiences liked the first time around, both from a writing standpoint and performance which comes across more annoying than anything else, the actors did good work in playing these characters and not turning them into imitations. There were some very funny and unexpected points in the movie which I enjoyed, namely a very funny cameo and an incident that Stu gets into.

While the first movie was fresh and original, this one wasn't, by virtue of the fact that a lot of this movie had a been-there-done-that kind of feel, but the change in location, the new situations, and the fresh jokes have made this a very quality sequel, and actually have me hoping for a 3rd movie in the series, which when is the last time anyone wanted a 3rd movie in a comedy series, I'm pretty positive no one was really hoping for a 3rd American Pie movie...but we got it, hopefully after the success we'll get the Hangover Part III, for now Hangover II was a very good movie.

Grade B+

My Favorite NBA Players

Two things about me, I love list, I love making lists, I love reading lists and saying they are wrong. I also love the NBA, I feel the way about the NBA that most Americans feel about the NFL. So after those two things here is a list of my 20 Favorite NBA Players in order from 20 to 1. One huge exemption is Miami Heat forward Lebron James, keep in mind these are my 20 favorite players that I enjoy watching, I respect James' game and ability, but I do not enjoy watching him play, similar to the Celtic's Paul Pierce, I get no joy out of watching them play, so after all of that here is the list.

20. Amar'e Stoudemire (New York Knicks)

If there was any doubt about what type of player Stoudamire was he quickly answered them in his first season with the Knicks, so many of his critics said his success was a byproduct of having a great point guard in Steve Nash, and not of his own doing. But Stoudamire proved all the experts wrong putting up MVP type numbers much of his first season in New York, he is an excellent low post player, and has solid range.

19. John Wall (Washington Wizards)

The best word to describe John Wall is explosive. This guy has unbelievable speed, and has the ability to go coast to coast quicker than anybody else I've seen in the NBA. That combined with a solid scoring ability, and good court vision make him fun to watch, but after just one season in the NBA and the Wizards building their franchise around him, makes you wonder just how much better will this kid get.

18. Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)

No player had a more obvious turn around this past season than Russell Westbrook, he firmly became the number 2 option to Kevin Durant, and made his first All-Star Game, and 2nd Team All-NBA. With a great overall game, passing, scoring, rebounding, Westbrook is a triple-double threat every time he steps on the floor. He has the ability to be what ever his team needs from him on any given night, a pass first point guard or a shoot first guard. Westbrook would be a no-doubt 1st option on most teams, it just tells you how good the Thunder's first option is.

17. Zach Randolph (Memphis Grizzlies)

I'm still not sure how a guy who consistently averages a double-double year after year can "fly under the radar" but Z-Bo found a way. Some blame his poor attitude, but whatever the case, Z-Bo came into his own this season with the injury of Grizzles star Rudy Gay, and put his team on his back carrying them all the way to Game 7 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals. The playoffs were a showcase for his skills, a dominate low-post scorer, a very solid outside shooter, a clutch performer, and a tenacious rebounder.

16. Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves)

The cool thing to me about Kevin Love is he reminds me of some of my favorite power forwards growing up, like Charles Oakley or Anthony Mason, there is nothing pretty about Love's game, he grabs rebounds and scores from in close, which is pretty much the definition of what a Power Forward is supposed to do.

15. Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs)

And then there's Tim Duncan, the man who along with Kevin Garnett changed what the Power Forward position could be, taking mid-range jumpers, relying on his Center to be the physical presence in the low post, playing "soft" which really never happened at that position before. Duncan however is a gifted scored, he pretty much has the patent on the Bank Shot, and can score at ease. He is a brilliant passer as well, as well a solid rebounder. His game may not always be "sexy" but its hard to argue that there has been a better Power Forward over the last 10 years.

14. Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic)

There is nothing "soft" at all about the game of Dwight Howard, by far the best defensive player in the NBA, by far the best shot blocker, by far one of the best low post scorers in the game. Howard plays stellar ball at both ends of the floor, and has the ability to go for 50 on any given night. As a player that sees a lot of double teams, he is a brilliant passer. The scary thing is he hasn't even reached his peak yet, Dwight Howard is going to be a force for years to come.

13. Carlos Boozer (Chicago Bulls)

I've always been a huge fan of the under-sized "Big Man" and Carlos Boozer is that. What he lacks in height he makes up with scrappy tenacity, going after every loose ball as if his life depended on it. A solid inside scorer, and I think even better when he shoots from mid-range, Boozer plays the way you wish every "Big Man" would play, very though, very physical.

12. Deron Williams (New Jersey Nets)

Deron Williams is maybe the perfect point guard for any team. He can score, has a great jump-shot, he is arguably the best passer in the game, has blazing fast speed, and can run a offense in the fast break or half court. 

11.Tyreke Evans (Sacramento Kings)

The shooting guard position was made for guys like Evans, he has great scoring abilities, and can score in any way, inside, outside, and he has the courage where he feels like no shot is out side of his range. For such a young player, just 2 years in the NBA, Evans has already proven he has a great "clutch jean" and is a gifted closer for an up and coming Kings team.

9. Monta Ellis (Golden State Warriors)

I truly believe if any current NBA player could break Wilt Chamberlin's record of 100 points in a single game, its Monta Ellis. Ellis is an explosive scorer, while its not uncommon for him to have a 12 point game on 2 for 20 shooting, he is just as capable of scoring 60 points the very next night. He has the right amount of selfishness and the right amount of skill were its not hard to imagine him going off one night and breaking Wilt's record. And with a little bit of consistency Ellis will emerge as an Elite NBA talent.

8. LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland Trail Blazers)

I really enjoy the game of LaMarcus Aldridge, he plays one of the best low-post games in the game today. My favorite thing about his game, is that he is aware of what his game is, too often players play outside of themselves, Aldridge does not have that problem, he is a low-post scorer and plays as such, he is a great low-post scorer and a very good offensive and defensive rebounder. I think he is poised to become the leader of his Blazers team with Brandon Roy still a mystery, and the sky is the only limit for him. 

7. Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks)

There are a lot of gifted scorers in the NBA, there are great shooters, and within reason you can teach a player how to score, or how to shoot. One thing you can't teach is How to Be Clutch, Melo is Clutch, he is fearless and has no problem taking the final shot of the game, he is confident with every final shot that it will go in. That combined with being one of the very best scorers in the game and one of the most entertaining players running the fast-break makes him a must-wash, its a good think that he's in New York now, where everyone will be watching for years to come.

6. Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets)

Chris Paul is the best "true" point guard in the NBA, he is what a point guard should be, pass first, shoot second type of PG. He is more concerned with getting the other players on his team to score than he is with getting his own shot. When you combine that with his speed, his passing which is best in the game as far as I'm concerned, and the fact that this guy can actually shoot, you've got one of the best players in the game.

5. Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat)

I do not like the Miami Heat, I've never liked the Heat, and since the "Big Three" has come together its even easier to Hate the Heat. The thing is thought, Wade can flat out play, he can score any which way, inside, outside, drive to the hole, from the free throw line, there are any number of ways Wade can score on you. He is also to me atleast "King of the Impossible Shot" I have seen this guy make more shots he has no business even taking, let alone making.

4. Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)

Like his commercial said "Fast Don't Lie" and one thing Rose knows about is Fast. There is no limit to how many ways Rose can score on an opponent, he can easily blow by almost every defender to get to the cup, and has improved his range so much this season that he is an excellent 3 Point Shooter, which would be enough, but he is a great passer, a solid defender, and excels in running the Bulls offense, and oh yeah, he is very, very quick.

3. Rajon Rondo (Boston Celtics)

Rajon Rondo is not the best Point Guard in the NBA, with the talent at that position right now he probably doesn't even rank in the Top 5. So why is he my 3rd favorite player to watch? I've never seen a player like him, while most Celtics fans would cringe hearing this, he is the Derek Jeter of the NBA, Captain Intangibles, he can and does do everything his team needs from him, he is an excellent passer, at 6'1 he is the best rebounder on his team, he can blow by defenders and drive to the rim at ease, almost anytime he wants it seems. He can give his team whatever they are lacking on any given night...except for free-throw shooting.

2. Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Kevin Durant is the best scorer in the NBA, he can come at you in many different ways, he can make 3's he can post-up, he can drive the line, he can just score, and he is great at it. Two NBA Scoring Titles prove that. The thing about KD is he almost makes it look to easy, so easy in fact, that he is impossible to defend, if you put someone that can actually match up with his 6'10 size, he'll fly by them, if you put a smaller but quicker defender on him, he'll shoot over them all day. This guy can beat you in so many ways, you are looking at a future NBA Champ, and a Future MVP. 

1. Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)

There is no question Kobe Bryant is my favorite player in the NBA, and as much as I like KD or Rondo, or D. Rose...its not even close, Kobe to me is "The Great One". Kobe is an amazing scorer, we all know that, in recent years he has become a great team player, leading the Lakers in assists that past couple of years. He is an excellent rebounder, a lock-down defender, and the best closer in the NBA, you could make the argument, and I will, he is the best closer of all-time. He also has more drive, more passion for the game than any player in the game, he takes every lose like he just lost Game 7 of the Finals. He has the ability to play through great pain, and not just play, but play outstanding ball. Kobe unlike Lebron never claimed to be the next Jordan, he is very content with being Kobe Bryant, and with 5 NBA championships, 2 Finals MVPs, a regular season MVP, and numerous other awards, he should be.

Welcome to 300 Thoughts and Running

Well you did it, you have just stumbled on what I'm pretty sure is the greatest Blog on all of the Internet, and that really takes a lot for me to admit, because I'm ever so humble.

First thing, the Blog title is 300 Thoughts and Running, which I basically stole from one of my favorite diss songs of all time, Game's "300 Bars and Running" a nearly 15 minute long diss about 50 Cent, G-Unit, and even Mr. Untouchable himself Jay-Z. Clearly I don't have 300 thoughts just yet, but check back often as knowing me, I will update often.

So why start blogging 10 years after the whole blogging boom. Well a couple of reasons, I tried video blogging on youtube, and then I realize, I'm a fidgety dude, I was getting motion sickness watching my own video blogs, watching my head move all over the place. Plus a great thing about the written word vs. video blogging, is I can express things much better and with greater focus writing it down, then I ever could on a video, its clear watching those youtube videos that I am not a performer, far from it. I do however have strong opinions on a number of different subjects, sports, movies, television shows, music, even sneakers,  I do like sharing my thoughts on matters, however this will be a light blog, by which I mean, very rarely will I deal with heavy subjects, or start talking politics and religion.

So visit often, I plan to update this thing all the time, and if one article doesn't interest you, there's a better than good chance the next will.

Thanks for visiting, and please check back often