Halftime Hype

Yes, it's that time of year again. NCAA March Madness has begun - as well as the dog days of the NBA season, as exhibited by their play (Phoenix 152-114 victory over Minnesota the lone exception). After tens of grueling games, tiresome road trips, and hours of practice, NBA players probably want a spring break right about now. For the multi-dimensional basketball fan, March is the bittersweet month when the up-and-coming superstars give 110% and the current pros are left hovering around 85%. Have no fear though, the NBA playoffs commence in about a month (April 17), with plenty of entertaining college action to serve as amusement until then.

Since the beginning of the last century, theologians and uneducated fans have made a big deal out of the NCAA's "playoffs," otherwise referred to as "March Madness." While it is a showcase of entertaining basketball games, it's cornered around miraculousness as opposed to true talent. Some might argue that "hey, they're just college kids. They're still developing their atheletic abilities." And I agree with that. Which is why I believe NBA playoffs > March Madness. Indeed, the true madness starts in April.



To further emphasize my point, take this comparison: Would you rather eat fruit before its ripe or wait until it's fully grown to enjoy the juicy citrus? The NBA playoffs are the delicious, ripe orange. But I'm still aware of the lingering opposition who may claim that "Upsets rarely ever happen in the NBA. It's way more fun seeing underdogs turn into gods in the NCAA tourney." And I can't refute that. However, I am predicting at least one major upset this year...

Western Conference Playoff Upset (2009 edition)

#2 Denver vs. #7 New Orleans - Don't get me wrong - I have a great deal of respect for the Denver Nuggets. They have completely rebuilt themselves and found a reliable point guard - who, I guess you could say, has elevated them to "elite" status. Whether or not they'll remain in that position is questionable. That said, there's no way the Nuggets will have an answer for Chris Paul & Co. I strongly oppose the people who constantly over-hype CP3 as a young basketball god. In fact, I believe Deron Williams is a better player than him. But NO's weapons can outplay Denver's tattoo artists - on most days, anyway. Even though Ronnie Brewer has been silently assassinating opposing teams throughout the season and Carlos Boozer is always a threat - think about the flip side; the Hornets have an All-Star and determined player in David West and a deadly shooter (if he is able to find a rhythm) in Peja. Then of course there's the PG match-up between the well-season Chauncy Billups and the striving star, Chris Paul. CP3's quickness and leadership have proved to be essential in all of the Hornets victories. I'm counting on him to outrun Billups on the break. Then again, I trust Billups' experience with the Pistons has made him wiser and that Billups will have the edge in decision-making, which will likely result in fewer turnovers (compared to CP3). The PG verdict: Chris Paul's speed will prevail over Billups' playoff expertise. And I'm looking forward to seeing Carmelo Anthony vs. David West. Obviously, Carmelo is the better player, but just like Ron Artest, his judgement down the stretch is not to be trusted. The big X-factor will be Tyson Chandler. How many minutes he plays - and how much or how little he produces in those minutes - will make the difference in this potential upset. I, personally, am confidant that Chandler (as well as most other centers in the NBA) can dominate against the drug-fueled Chris "Birdman" Andersen. For Denver, the x-factor from the beginning of the season has always been J.R. Smith. On some nights, he plays exceptional basketball as he lights the scoreboard and creates some great posters in the process. On other nights, he hurts the team more than he assists them, by playing selfishly with the bench and missing easy oppurtunities. The final verdict: the Hornets have enough jazz on their roster to not only outclass, but outplay the Nuggets.

By the way, from the posts written up to this point it may appear that this blog has a Western Conference bias - which is why my next post will either be an exclusive analysis of an Eastern Conference playoff match-up or a spotlight on a certain team.
So stay tuned!

Dope Jam of the Day

Disco Club - Black Eyed Peas - This song may be old but I hadn't heard it until I put my iPod on shuffle this week. The intro is majestic in the modern-sense. This song possesses the full extent of the Black Eyed Peas' genuine swagger : fresh, catchy rhymes that are a joy to listen to, clear and smooth vocals that give more meaning to the lyrics, a Middle-Eastern influence that makes the song, um...fun, to dance to (particularly if you're with a b/g-friend), and the grandest horns you'll ever hear in rap. For some reason, the song reminds me of "Don't Cha" by the PussyCat Dolls, except with much more vocal variety. I was really amazed to hear the vocal clarity of will.i.am, the slick rhyming of Taboo, and who knew Fergie sang so well back in the day? Listen to it by clicking here and click on the track thats 3:50.