Popular entertainer Frank Sinatra died ten years ago last Friday and one of the many hit songs that he had was the hit 'High Hopes'. The reason I mention this is in respect to San Antonio's resounding win last night that levelled the Western Conference semi final series between they and the New Orleans Hornets. Tied at three games apiece it now leaves us with a seventh game decider which in all probability ought to favor the Spurs even though it's being played in New Orleans..
Chris Paul of the Hornets faces off against his Spurs' counterpart Tony Parker in the seminal sixth game played at the AT &T Center in San Antonio last night. picture courtesy of NBAE /Getty Images/Garrett W Ellwood............
For many of the Spurs' fans it were as if the stars once again were in alignment as the San Antonio came together for an emphatic win against a team that has been filled with a great deal of exuberance for much of this playoff series. They've given the Spurs all that they can handle and so much more ! The Spurs' 99-80 win once again emphasizes why you can never count this team out even when they stare real and imaginable adversities in the face. And as much I'd like to think that we're now in the driver's seat at this juncture. I won't take anything for granted until the final whistle is blown at the end of the fourth quarter of that seventh game . And then I can look to the results that states that they've indeed secured the victory needed to earn a berth in the Western Conference Finals.
Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs tries to evade the defensive play of the Hornets' Tyson Chandler. picture courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ D Clarke Evans ..............
Much of the Spurs' success last night was predicated on the willingness of coach Greg Popovich to make adjustments with his roster and getting players involved from the start. And it certainly helped that the Spurs' big three of Duncan , Ginobili and Parker may well have played their best and most productive game together in the series thus far. The team's play on both ends of the floor was its usual self in terms of them being able to negate the effectiveness of the Hornets' most productive offensive weapons in Chris Paul and David West.
Tony Parker doing what he does best and that's splitting a defense for the layup. Watching are teammates Tim Duncan and Bruce Bowen with the lone defender being Chris Paul of the Hornets. picture courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ D Clarke Evans .....
The Hornets in storming out to a 2-0 lead gave the Spurs cause for concern is this series as they more than supplanted in the minds of many that this series would be the Spurs' for the taking. In a game of wits between two highly disciplined coaches in Greg Popovich and Byron Scott. It has become something of a chess match between two Grand Masters trying to outplay each other in terms of strategies. The youthful exuberance of the Hornets matched against the overwhelming experience of the Spurs. Thus far the series has gone back and forth for which no quarter is being given by either party. For sheer excitement alone this may well be the best playoff series in the conference thus far. Though others might have differing opinions on the matter.
David West of the Hornets shows his determination in trying to get around Tim Duncan of the Spurs. picture courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ D Clarke Evans ............
At this juncture it'd be fair to say that the Spurs and their fans are happy that the series has been levelled. But I for one would rather have seen this series ended in a timely fashion. But that isn't always possible in the overly contentious Western Conference. The margins of competitiveness between the top teams are so slim that on any given day we'll either see those teams raise their level of play. Or we'll actually see them put up a real stinker . And their fans are left wondering what went wrong . Or from the very fact that they may well have underestimated an opponent. This often happens and it'll no doubt continue to happen as the postseason unfolds come what may.
Manu Ginobili of the Spurs splits the defensive play of Morris Petersen and David West of the Hornets with a pass. picture courtesy of Getty Images/ Ronald Martinez ...................
This NBA season being what it is , has been one of excitement and renewed faith in a number of teams that'd fallen on hard times . The Lakers are back to their best with a team that's filled self confidence. Though it can be said that the task facing them in terms of the Utah Jazz isn't an easy one. The Jazz are a team that just doesn't seem to want to go away and some might say they're akin to being a thorn that's been stuck in the claw of the Lakers at this juncture.
Tyson Chandler and Chris Paul of the Hornets on the bench during the closing minutes of the fourth quarter of game 6 of their Western Conference semi final game against the Spurs. picture courtesy of AP/Photo/Matt Slocum ..............
Over in the Eastern Conference the Detroit Pistons having resolutely dispatched the Orlando Magic await the winners of the Cleveland Cavaliers , Boston Celtics' series. And at best even though the Celtics possess a 3-2 lead in this best of seven series. It can be said they've yet to really find their rhythm in the series. The Celtics' triumvirate of Garnett , Allen and Pierce have yet to resemble their famed predecssors Bird , Parish and McHale in terms of determination. And being winless on the road this postseason has left some wondering if their regular season play was nothing more than an aberration at best. In the postseason however a win , is a win, no matter how one obtains it. So it'd be presumptuous to count the Celtics out as of yet.
Parker , Ginobili and Duncan are seated on the bench during the fourth quarter of last night's game. picture courtesy of AP/Photo/Matt Slocum ............
LeBron James of the Cavaliers for his part may well have proven that he doesn't need his Mom to necessarily fight his battles for him. But I'd say that she's shown a lot more spirit than some of his teammates thus far in her support. Other than Delonte West at times we've seen very little in terms of real determination being shown by some of his teammates. One expects him to rise to the occasion and hopefully his teammates'll follow his lead. The one man circus that is LeBron James will want to put on a show but the expense can be unbearable to watch when the supporting cast isn't always there for that final curtain call.
Peja Stojackovic of the Hornets takes a shot over the outstretched arms of Bruce Bowen of the Spurs. picture courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images /D Clarke Evans .........
This series between the Spurs and Hornets entertaining as it has been will ultimately come to an end with one these teams going home disappointed. Their season having been filled with highs and lows. Their ultimate prize has been from the onset to play in the NBA championship finals. The conference finals being what they are determines nothing more than having bragging rights within the conference once you've prevailed there. At this juncture I'd like to think for all of the inconsistency shown by the Spurs they've still got something to show their fans and to the rest of the league. Especially to the naysayers who may have written them off once they were thought to be under the hammer of the Hornets.
On a collision course Chris Paul of the Hornets and the Spurs' Robert Horry. picture courtesy of AP/Photo/Matt Slocum ...........
Often at times it's not how you start but how you finish that counts. But it certainly helps your cause if you don't place yourself in a position where you've got to scrap for everything just to survive. Having survived the onslaught though it's best to secure the victory rather than taking it for granted that it'll come to you gift wrapped. In the NBA that's not how things are done at all !
Manchester United wins its 10th Premier League title in sixteen years and once again proves their dominance within domestic soccer in the UK. For coach Alex Ferguson it now puts him at extreme heights within the game domestically. He's the most successful coach in all of British soccer. And his accomplishments ought to be lauded. Having been a fan of the game since my birth I've grown up within the UK and saw the likes of Leeds United , Liverpool , Arsenal , Chelsea dominate the scene. But now one has come close to achieving what this sporting behemoth has done within soccer. People may well say that the success of Glasgow Celtic is comparable. But to my mind the soccer in Scotland is nowhere as competitive as it is to its compatriot south of the border.
Paul Scholes of Manchester United and Wilson Palacios of Wigan contest a loose ball during the final Premiership game of the season. picture courtesy of getty images/ Alex Livesey ............
United proved themselves more than equal to the task in defeating Wigan Athletic to secure the win and guarantee the formality of claiming the Premiere League trophy. After a long and arduous season this was the culmination of it all. The winning of the Premiereship and the chance to say that they're the champions of English soccer. The players themselves will no doubt feel pleased with their accomplishments. And for some it'll be an unprecedented event. Stalwarts like Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs whose service to the club has been a long and tenured one the winning of another trophy won't seem like any of the others that they've already won before. But for them no doubt the taste of victory becomes even sweeter each time it's repeated.
Cristiano Ronaldo scores from the penalty spot on the way to ensuring Manchester United's 2-0 victory over their Premiereship rival. picture courtesy of getty images/ Alex Livesey ..........
And for all of the success that the team has known it can never become any drearier for the franchise no matter how it is achieved. As to what their dominance tells you about the state of the sport in the country. It suggests that the status quo remains as it always has been. When there's a dominant force within a sport that's when the interest is at its most heightened with regard to the sense of awareness by the fans. United's fans are ravenous they come when it comes to success. There are legions of them across the world and they come in all nationalities.
A victorious coach Alex Ferguson acknowledges the applause of the crowd having just won the Premiership for the tenth time during his illustrious career. He's brought in excess of twenty trophies to the United faithful in his career. pictures courtesy of Reuters UK .............
As a Chelsea fan I for one am hoping that we're able to acquit ourselves well when we come face to face in the finals of the Champions League. Europe's most prestigious club tournament will pit us against Manchester United for the trophy that both teams have won before. And it goes without saying I'm hoping that we'll prove to be victorious in that endeavor. This will not only place the champions of the Premiereship against the runners up but also some might say the the two best club sides in Europe without a doubt. Both teams are ladened with stars that've made themselves known throughout the game. And each in their own way are out to prove that they represent the best that the game has to offer. United's dominance of the game domestically only goes so far. But it's on the international stage where they feel that they can really make their presence felt. Just as it is with any other sport that seeks to gain notoriety internationally.
United and England defender Rio Ferdinand holds aloft the Premiereship trophy for the fans and press alike. picture courtesy of Empirepics/ Reuters ..........
As I've alluded to before the Champions League final will be a daunting task for Chelsea as a team. United will start off as favorites for the title but it's certainly not an unaccustomed position that we'll find ourselves in. With the style of play that the team is capable of they're more than likely to give United the challenge it seeks. We're not without talented players ourselves and the experience of the team will no doubt bear this out. However if we're at a disadvantage it is from the fact as manager of the team Avram Grant is unaccustomed to the sort of pressure envisaged.
Chelsea midlfielder Michael Ballack during the final game of the season played against Bolton that ensued in a 1-1 draw which enabled United to become champions of the Barclay Premiership League. picture courtesy of /AFP/Getty Images ...................
The game itself will bring a vast array of fans worldwide for one of the more spectacular highlights of the European sport's season. That inofitself is bound to bring out the most curious of fans albeit if it will be the first time viewing the spectacle of European soccer at its best. Enjoy the spectacle as it unfolds as it will bring out the very best that the teams will have to offer and a whole more than one is accustomed to seeing.
It says much as to the praise being heaped upon the Boston Celtics during the regualar season. They were by far the best team in the NBA during the 82 game season . But their postseason play does nothing to suggest that what was evident has manifested itself in the postseason. if anyting the've been a caricature of that highly entertaining team that many were in awe during the regular season.
Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics look on as minutes wind down during the closing moments of the fourth quarter of the team's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 108-84 loss was the team's most lopsided in postseason play thus far. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jesse D Garrabant..
Suffering a humiliating lopsided loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers would suggest the hype over the Celtics was exaggerated. They've yet to win away from home during the postseason. And that in of itself ought to suggest that this team is far from where their coach Glen 'Doc' Rivers thinks that they ought to be at this juncture. The great teams that've won championships have known how to win big at home as well as away from home. That's something that has been evading this Boston Celtics' team this postseason. Problems started with their first round series with the Atlanta Hawks and though they ended up winning the series 4-3. It was felt that they took their first round opponents far too lightly. In the Eastern Conference semi finals series it'd would appear that they've still not learnt from their mistakes.
LeBron James looks to make a pass whilst evading the defensive play of two Celtics' players. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jesse D Garrabant .......
Though the Celtics now lead the seven game series 2-1 they've yet to post an away from home victory this postseason. That most certainly isn't what is expected from an allegedly great team. But then in this day and age how does one equate greatness , winning ? At home the team would appear to be invincible but away from the TD Bankone Center in Boston they're as susceptible to being defeated as they come. It were as if two differing teams were stepping out unto the court at home and then away from home. That now has to be a perplexing situation for the Boston Celtics' fan who are now seeing their team play somewhat inconsistently during the postseason. Their triumvirate of stars notwithstanding this team can't seem to find an identity that feel comfortable with this postseason.
Cletics' point guard Rajon Rondo gets the better of Cavaliers' defender Ben Wallace. picture courtesy of ap/photos/ Mark Duncan ............
Garnett , Allen and Pierce have led the team with authority in the regular season but it'd appear that the postseason seems to have left them somewhat lacking in part. Defensively last night they were unable to keep James or his teammate Delonte West in check as they had their way with this team. And James himself would show some of his defensive prowess on several occasions. It was a complete nightmare for the Doc Rivers' coached team that seemed very ill disciplined and completely out of touch in the atmospshere of Cleveland's home arena and fans. It were as if they were somehow intimidated by this all ? The great teams know how to win be it at home or on the road. But at this juncture it seems to be that the Celtics prefer to learn this particular the hard way during the postseason.
Cavaliers' fans show their raucous approval having just defeated the Boston Celtics in game 3 of their Eastern Conference semi finals series. The Celtics though still lead the series 2-1 in the best of seven series. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ David Liam Kyle ...........
The Cavaliers for theit part are out to prove as Eastern Conference champions that last season's appearance in the NBA finals wasn't a fluke. And although they succumbed to the stellar play of the San Antonio Spurs in a four game sweep in the Finals itself. It can be said that this time around the team want to prove to the league that they'r e back and as a legitimate contender for the title itself. James and teammate Delonte West more than held their own against the Celtics. West if anything was imposing and his play was beyond what many may have thought West capable of. But then again those who've witnessed his maturation would certainly know what he's capable when given the chance to show his undoubted skills.
Delonte West of the Cleveland Cavaliers attempts to shoot over the outsretched arms of defender Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics. West led all scorers with 21 points 7 rebounds, 5 assissts. And he complemented James and his teammates his consummate allround play. picture courtesy of getty images/ Greg Shamus ..............
It was an allround effort from the team and though they still behind 2-1 in the series. It can be said that it gives the Cavaliers renewed confidence against the Boston Celtics. And for the Celtics for the second time during the postseason their presence and authority once again comes into question. They underestimated a previous foe and were found wanting only to show that they could acquit themselves . But they were pushed closer to the limits than they'd like to have been . This time around with the Cavaliers it's a chance that they can ill afford to have repeated . Second chances when given ought to be readily accepted and taken. Not doing so tends to have its consequences for a team .
West and teammate Wally Szcerbiak celebrate the culmination of a play against the Celtics in the third quarter of game three played at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Oh. picture courtesy of getty images/ Gregory Shamus ..............
The anticipation for the Cavaliers' fans must be high at this juncture. But it can be said if Cleveland is pull equal in the series and even win the series outright. Then they'll have to prove themselves the equal of their more experienced opponents in terms of roster play and prowess. We've seen the glimpses of potential as to both team's play. But they've both yet been able to maintain that consistency over a prolonged period . If either are able to do that then we may well see the makings of classic series unfold. And that at the end of day is all the fan can ask for. At least amongst the purists of the game .
It never ceases to amaze me the arrogance of athletes let alone celebritiess once they come to the fore and a part of the public domain . Upon her historical win at Motegi Japan in an IRL race Danica Patrick became an overnight sensation. Albeit that she'd had a modicum of success to a varying degree within the discipline of IRL.
Members tend to the innjured Charles 'Chuck' Buckman who was struck by Danica Patrick's vehicle upon her entering pit lane having just come off the track after testing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Buckman suffered a concussion and severe contusions. He's being kept under close observation having been listed in stable condition. picture courtesy of ap/photos/ Tom Strickland .....
The sport's popularity has taken something of a major hit over the years once the split between it and the CART series took place. But since their re-emergence as a merged entity . It was felt that the open wheel discipline's profile would be again raised. And with Patrick's win at Motegi that was most definitely the case. And with IRL's most popular event on the calendar upon us . What took place today most certainly has placed the sport within the spotlight in an unenviable position.
Tony Kanaan leads teammate Danica Patrick whilst in practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, In. picture courtesy of ap/photos/ A J Mast .......
Upon ending a practice session Patrick in her Andretti Green Racing Dallara Honda entered pit lane at a speed that one could attest would be far in exccess of what'd be expected under the conditions rendered. It culminated in an accident that could've been avoided had Patrick not been negligent in her responsibility as a driver. Her hitting pit chief mechanic Charles 'Chuck' Buckman the crew chief to Brazlian driver Mario Moraes of Dale Coyne Racing. Patrick's response if nothing else was scripted and showed very little remorse for an accident that could've been easily avoided had she not been so negligent.
Patrick leaves pit lane after having struck a Dale Coyne Racing employee prior. Practice sessions were taking place for the Indianapolis 500 which takes place on the 25th May. picture courtesy of ap/photos/ Tom Strickland.......
It can be said Patrick as the IRL's most popular driver can ill afford be seen as a pariah at this juncture. But her actions after this incident would indicate that she's of the belief that she can do no wrong in the eyes of the public or the hierarchy of IRL. Albeit that at times she's also been viewed as one the sport's most outspoken personalities. Even being critical of her peers in some instances. Her tempered remorse patently scripted to show emotion certainly doesn't show how calculating Patrick can be. But at the end of the day it'll be about what the fans think of her and not the hierarchy of IRL. As to what her teammates and the rest of her peers may well think of her is open to debate at this juncture.
Former Indianapolis 500 champion Mario Andretti and his son Michael Andretti owner of the Andretti Green Racing team. picture courtesy of ap/photo/ Tom Strickland .....
Patrick's ambition is no doubt to be the best driver and champion within the open wheel racing discipline in North America. Her popularity , ambition and talent is without question. But her temperament may well be the one thing that'll either assist her in fulfilling her ambition or deflating that ambition. That choice is up to her and her alone. But her temperament had better be curbed if she's to avoid another incident of this nature either on or off the track. The seriousness of this incident shouldn't be lost on her or any of the other competitors within the sport at this juncture. It could easily have been one of them but then they're not the ones who are now in the spotlight and said to be face of the sport as it looks to the future.
Two time Indy 500 winner Helio Catroneves signs autographs for fans at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race itself will be held on the 25th of May at the famed track. picture courtesy of ap/photo/Darron Cummings ..........
As to what that'll portend for the sport one can only hope that it will be something that thrusts it to the heights where it can be viewed with the same esteem held by its more popular rival NASCAR. Certainly now at this moment in time Patrick's actions may not make that a foregone conclusion. Image is everything as they say or it's nothing at all !
Much has been made of the woes of the San Antonio Spurs and the fact that they've been outplayed in the first two games of their Western Conference semi final series against the New Orleans Hornets. And like any other troubled Spurs' fan I was none too pleased with their output and display in those first two games.
Manu Ginobili of the Spurs gets a helping hand from teammates Michael Finley and Fabrice Oberto. Inset also is Tim Duncan showing his approval. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ nathaniel s butler .............
The lack of cohesion and communication was there plainly for all to see . And the fact that we couldn't contain the Hornets' All Star point guard Chris Paul was worrisome to say the least. However last night was a return to the tried and trusted way of the Spurs that many of the fans of the NBA have come to know from this franchise. They played with great efficiency and imagination. And above all their players stepped up and played with stealth and guile. None more so than two of foreign born players Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. Who between them for the vast majority of the scoring for the team last night.
Tony Parker of the Spurs goes to the basket evading Mario Ely and David West of the Hornets. Parker shared the brunt of the Spurs' offensive output alongside teammate Manu Ginobili in scoring. He ended the game with 31 points and 11 assists. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/nathaniel s butler ............
The game three win over the Hornets was decisive and in many ways and it showed that the team is back on track. That 110-99 effort if nothing else showed that in times of adversity this team can turn it around when called upon. One can only hope that this portends of things to come in the series. Still facing a 2-1 deficit they've got to win the next two games to be played in San Antonio in order to make sure of real
