Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Maya Moore and Lynx destroy Sparks - by Nick Hamilton
MINNEAPOLIS - Maya Moore and the Minnesota Lynx returned home off a disappointing loss Friday night in Los Angeles against the Sparks. Maya’s home debut was eagerly anticipated by the home fans at Target Center on Sunday afternoon.
Maya Moore didn't start off strong as she was 1 for 5 shooting and picked up two quick fouls to see only seven minutes of action. As the game progress, Lnyx guard Simone Augustus picked up the slack, scoring at will against a lack luster Sparks defense. Sparks forward Candace Parker started off slow as she had 3 points by the end of the first quarter.
The Minnesota Lynx carried a 12 point lead in the 2nd quarter, only to see it cut down to six, thanks to the two 3 pointers on their last two possessions and sharp plays of Kristi Toliver, Tina Thompson and a last second buzzer beater before the half by Ticha Penichero just inside the half court line. Minnesota’s Augustus lead all scorers with 15 points, yet Los Angeles only trailed 46-40 at the half.
The second half belonged to Maya Moore as she came out aggressive stealing the ball from the Sparks on their first possession of the third quarter, passed it to guard Lindsey Whalen for an easy lay-up. Key defensive stops against the Sparks, allowed Moore to hit back to back 3 pointers, forcing the Sparks to call a much needed time out.
Kristi Toliver who was the leading scorer with 13 points, Parker & Thompson who had 11 points each provided a spark for Los Angeles as the intensity began to rise. Yet it would not be enough to overcome the huge hole they dug, being out shot 24 to 10 in the third quarter by the Lynx. Sparks took another blow as guard Ticha Penicheiro fighting for a loose ball sustained an ankle injury and had to be helped off the court by her teammates.
The Lynx dominated the boards, out rebounding Los Angeles 44-28, and capitalizing on fast break points 18-2.
The fourth quarter provided no light for the Sparks as they found themselves getting a 23 point , capped off by a huge Maya Moore block of veteran Tina Thompson, that brought the Target Center to its feet in amazement and joy.
Los Angeles didn't quit going on a 7-0 run in the fourth quarter, but wasn't nearly enough to overcome the Lynx as the Sparks fall 96-84 to Minnesota. The Lynx had a balanced offense with six players in double figures, Simone Augustus finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds. Maya Moore had 16 points in her home debut.
After the game a victorious Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said simply, "it's about darn time we beat L.A.,"
When asked about how the Lynx played in this game verses last game Maya Moore responded “I was just wanting to make up for the way we ended (the first half). We knew we had to come out and be aggressive. I like how we responded today.”
Sparks Candace Parker said “Tough one to lose, back to the drawing board”.
Round II goes to Maya Moore, this wont be the last time we’ll see these two teams clash, they’ll have two more meetings and a possible playoff matchup.
I spoke with Sparks guard Ticha Penicheiro on Monday afternoon regarding her ankle and told me “I'm about to meet my trainer, its a little sore, but not too bad. I think I’ll be fine by this Friday.”
Next up for the Sparks, Friday night at Staples Center verses Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury.
CANDACE’S RETURN SPOILS MAYA’S DEBUT - By Nick Hamilton
LOS ANGELES - Entering a historic 15th season of WNBA basketball, in the electric atmosphere of Staples Center on opening night, fans anticipated seeing the debut of #1 draft pick Maya Moore and the return of Candice Parker. Los Angeles Sparks Candace Parker, sidelined last June with a shoulder injury, makes her return fresh off a season in Russia. Former UConn star Maya Moore can make the Minnesota Lynx a possible contender this season to go far into the playoffs.
From the opening tip, the Sparks and Lynx traded baskets like prize fighters trading blows with one another. After a nervous few minutes on the court, Minnesota’s Maya Moore hit her first shot [a 3 pointer] as an WNBA player. The Lynx began to take momentum as they pulled out to an early lead, with the Sparks turnovers and Deliosha Milton Jones’ early foul trouble. Maya Moore made a pretty scoop shot over Candace Parker, that amazed the Staples Center crowd.
The Sparks hung tough behind the aggressive play of Candace Parker. They had a balanced offensive attack, as Parker and other teammates Tina Thompson, Noelle Quinn, Natasha Lacy, and Ebony Hoffman ended the 1st quarter all tied up at 18.
Down by two points in the second quarter, Sparks rookie Jantel Lavender scored what would be her only two points of the game to tie the game at 20. The quarter belonged to Maya Moore and the Lynx as they out hustled and out shot the the Sparks taking a six point lead into half-time. Moore had 10 points for Minnesota, with the Sparks Parker lead all scorers with 13 points going into the break.
The beginning of the third quarter was not kind to the Sparks as poor shot selection and turnovers cost them dearly. As a result, Minnesota capitalized building a 10 point lead over Los Angeles with the sharp shooting of Maya Moore and court vision of Taj McWilliams-Franklin. The Sparks looked down right flat with no answer. After a much needed time out, the Sparks looked rejuvenated and more focused on the task at hand, winning the game.
Down 57-51, the Sparks Jenna O’Hea lead the comeback by hitting two big 3 pointers that starting an 8-0 run capped by a Candace Parker put back giving the Sparks the one point lead going into the fourth quarter.
Despite the lights out shooting of Maya Moore, the Sparks never looked back. Candace Parker was determined to get the first win in her house along with the Sparks bench who played incredible down the stretch. Veteran Tina Thompson was sensational at the free throw line, finishing the game 5/10 ,15 points, 4 rebounds. Moore guarded Parker a few times, yet we never really saw the match up between Parker guarding Moore.
The Sparks held on behind the brilliant play of Candace Parker, who had a double-double, 19 points, and 10 rebounds to win their first game of the season 82-74 spoiling the debut of Maya Moore.
“We didn't want her [Parker] to get into foul trouble, so we made sure Tina [Thompson], and other players guarded Maya” Coach Gillom responded, when asked why didn't we see more of Candace guarding Maya tonight.
I also spoke with Maya Moore and asked her how it felt to be on a WNBA court for the first time, she answered “ It was fun, it was a great experience, the environment was intense the crowd was great. It helps when you make your shots. Besides the loss, I thought it was great.” Moore was 7/17 from the field finishing with 21 points 4 assist and 4 rebounds.
On the other side of the ball, in the victory Sparks forward Candace Parker spoke about the comeback in the 3rd quarter “I think the 3rd quarter was important for us, we never stopped believing, we needed to lock down on defense and knock down shots and we did that. Our bench is what saved us, and won us this game”. I also asked about Maya Moore’s debut “I think she’s a phenomenal player, she’ll have long wonderful career in this league.”
The Sparks were 7/14 from 3-point range in the second half and never trailed in the fourth quarter.
The Lynx shot just 36 percent, while the Sparks made 53 percent of their shots.
The impact of Candace Parker was welcomed by not only teammates and coaches but also by the 13,589 at Staples Center and fans nationwide who witnessed the LA Sparks victory who are now 1-0, treating the fans to an impressive and intense basketball game.
Parker vs. Moore, round I goes to Parker tonight. Round II will be on Sunday, in Minnesota, as Maya Moore has an opportunity for redemption.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
L.A. SPARKS MEDIA DAY - 15TH EDITION "WE'RE READY"
Under sunny skies, at the historic St. Mary's academy in Inglewood, CA the debut of the new coaching staff that includes Joe "Jellybean" Bryant (father of NBA star Kobe Bryant) and the 2011 Sparks first round draft pick Jantel Lavender was eagerly anticipated along with the arrival of Candice Parker, and veterans Delisha Milton-Jones and Tina Thompson. The atmosphere in the building was very upbeat, energetic, and all of the Sparks team can agree on one thing, they know they have the talent and depth to compete and win a WNBA title this year.
I had an opportunity to speak with the rookie & first round draft pick center Jantel Lavender about this season and what she's looking forward to bring to this team "Just want to be the anchor of the defense, help out wherever I can. The training camps have been intense, but we are a team, when one girl may go down, some one like Candace [Parker] or Delisha will step right in and continue the play." I asked how she liked Southern California "I like it, I haven been to too many places yet, but I like it". Lavender is definitely going to be a defensive presence in the middle, where opposing offenses will have alter shots or even pass the ball, which will give the Sparks time to swarm on other teams offenses.
The healthy return of Sparks forward Candice Parker, fresh off a stint in Russia, was back and looking in the best shape of her basketball career. I asked her how special was it to be playing in the 15th season of the WNBA "I think its great, to have an opportunity to play basketball, fortunately my daughter will never know that there was never a WNBA, and I hope to keep it going for another 15 years and beyond". Her pre-game music ritual is playing Jay-Z, to which Candace knows all of his songs, even the remixes. She is definitely set on winning a WNBA championship this year, and is confident of the talent that they have have can get the job done.
The 12 year veteran Delisha Milton-Jones was excited and looked to be ready to play the season opener right now. I asked her how confident is she that the Sparks will bring a championship back to Los Angeles (who hasn't seen a championship since 2002) "I'm very confident in our team, last year I felt we had a championship caliber team, but we were plagued with injuries, but this year we're healthy, so no excuses". The look on Delisha's face was of pure excitement & joy as if she was envisioning her team winning the title already.
The multi-time champion and 15 year veteran Tina Thompson stopped by and I wanted to know what her goals were for this season "I think its important to no to have individual goals, if you're doing all the right things for your team, and playing together as a team, all the MVP awards, offensive & defensive awards will come. However when you're playing as a team, thats how you when championships. So for me I've never set my own goals just team goals, that's what's worked for me. Its all about a championship this year". Wondering who was the team the Sparks have to beat this season in order to have a strong chance of winning a championship, "there alot of good teams out there, but definitely Seattle, they're the defending champs". Tina along with the other players Ticha Penicheiro, Courtney Paris, Loree Moore, Natasha Lacy, and the rest of team echoed the same mentality, that this is our year.
If head coach Jennifer Gillom has anything to do with it, she's ready to take what she feels is her teams property, that WNBA trophy. Assistant coach Joe "Jellybean" Bryant preaches defense, which is going to be key according to him if they want to be successful this season and into the playoffs. "Its also about playing with confidence, a little bit of swagger, being a little cocky, but not disrespectful, that's what I try to instill in our players. One team, one mission".
It looks like the L.A. Sparks have their mission, and are ready for battle, their first test will be at Staples Center June 3rd as they take on the the number draft pick Maya Moore and the Minnesota Lynx. Media Day was a success, and much say the PR staff did an outstanding job, making the players accessible and this team I must say is the best I've seen in a long time. The teams in the WNBA better be equipped to handle the Sparks because they are coming with vengeance.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
DIRK DOIN WORK
DIRK DOIN' WORK -
By Nick Hamilton
In 2006 Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki was so close, up two games to none on Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat, until he was stunned four straight games and had to watch Miami win his championship. The next five years would prove to have many downs and few ups, however Dirk never stopped working on improving his game.
Now in 2011, Dirk may have an opportunity for a rematch in the NBA Finals against Miami, but he has to get through the playoffs successfully. After putting away the two time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, Dirk is determined to bring an NBA championship to the city of Dallas. As he continues his quest, his latest roadblock is Kevin Durant and the Thunder from Oklahoma City. In an electric atmosphere at American Airlines Center, the Thunder had no answer for Dirk, as he came out on fire hitting his first 10 of 11 shots. Though the Mavs came out a little sluggish, yet midway through the first quarter picked up their intensity on both ends of the floor and never really looked back. The late night shooting sessions paid off during their nine day break, because Dirk scored 21 points in the first half alone, sending a message that the he and the Mavs would not show signs of any lay off rust.
The second half proved no different, as Dirk continued right where he left off, Thunder forwards Nick Collison, Serge Ibaka, Kevin Durant, and James Harden tried to stop or slow down Nowitzki, but no success. Thunder coach Scott Brooks even through Kendrick Perkins to guard and he picked quick fouls. It wasn't all Dirk, Jason Terry was absolute lights out as he dropped 24 points off the bench along with the little big man JJ Berea who had a sensational night dropping 21 points. Game 1 belonged to Dirk as he put on a prime time performance dropping 48 points, 12-15 shooting from the field, and set a record passing Celtic guard Paul Pierce's record of 21 straight free throws made, going 24-24 from the free throw line.
Ironically the Thunder went to the line more than Dallas did during the game. However Dallas' defense was able to shut down a hot Russell Westbrook who came off a triple-double performance in Game 7 against Memphis, to only have 20 points, 3 assist, 3 rebounds. Kevin Durant had a big game dropping 40 points, 18-19 from the free throw line.
Dirk was asked about his MVP like performance "I was really looking to shoot early and was able to get my rhythm after the first couple of shots. I kept attacking and my teammates kept feeding me. I'm just glad we found a way to win."
Dallas dominated beating Oklahoma City 121-112, don't let the score fool you, it was a much more wide open game than it appears.
Kevin Durant had a positive spin on the loss "We can't get discouraged, he [Dirk] is going to get his shots with a hand in his face or not. We have to be ready."
How will Oklahoma City respond in Game 2, will Dirk come close to his performance in Game 1, will Westbrook need a triple-double to get the Thunder the split they need? Find out in the next episode of The Western Conference Finals Game 2 on Thursday.
*Editor's note Dallas lost Game 2, the Thunder held Dirk to just 29 points. Series is now tied 1-1 as they head back Oklahoma City on Saturday for Game 3. Will Dirk make a strong comeback in Game 3?*
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Can Lebron Take The Heat? By Nick Hamilton
After an emotional win against the Boston Celtics, have we all witnessed the evolution and maturity of Lebron James before our eyes? Yes, and it wasn't overnight, yet over the course of this season. James' maturity also showed after the game by shaking hands with various Celtic players as Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, notably Delonte West, and coach Doc Rivers. Lebron in a post game press conference gave a lot of credit to the Celtics, and their intense defense. Lebron realized that in order for him to win a championship, he would have to go through the Celtics. From that understanding, James having the right personnel gave him a greater chance of beating the Celtics, & knew Miami would be the right fit. After having an outstanding game which turned out to be an emotional series for him, Lebron has emerged as that elite clutch superstar many have stated he is, and some like myself have waited to see.
Although we must be careful not to crown him too soon, he has to make it up the mountain top to capture the brass ring of an NBA championship. And with the help of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and role players of the Heat, who are clicking on all cylinders, James finally seems to have the tools needed for him to accomplish that goal. Lebron in a post game press conference gave a lot of credit to the Celtics and how this road to a championship is far from over. Both Him & Wade said “just because we got past the Celtics, doesn't mean we still don't have a long way to go. And believe next year, teams like the Lakers and Celtics will be back stronger next season. Both franchises have what, 17 & 16 championships amongst them, and we [Miami] have one, so we have alot of work to do”. James also apologized for how "The Decision" took place saying "The way it panned out with all the friends and family and fans back home, I apologize for the way it happened. ... As much as I loved my teammates back in Cleveland, as much as I loved home, I knew I couldn't do it by myself against that [Boston] team".
Outside of the state of Ohio for the most part, there is some hatred for Lebron James. The biggest problem of I believe where "the hatred” came from is from the media, forcing him down many of our throats, instead of allowing us the choice to like Lebron or not. We were told how great he is and he is a dynamic, outstanding player. However greatness does come with winning. And correct me if I'm wrong, but in our modern day society, its about winning (awards, championships, etc.). Its been eight years and still no championship for Lebron. Now to fair to his credit, it took Michael Jordan seven years before he won his first title, so he’s still in that window, but the time has got to be now for James.
With the Los Angeles Lakers, Celtics, and Spurs out of the playoff picture, Lebron and the Heat have a greater chance of winning a title.
Can The King bring South Beach a ring? They have a tough series against MVP Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls on Sunday in Game 1 in Chicago.
Lebron’s legacy no doubt will continue to be defined throughout the the rest of the playoffs, can he deliver??
Friday, April 8, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
OPENING DAY - KERSHAW OUTLAST THE FREAK AT DODGER STADIUM
LOS ANGELES- On an unusual 92 degree day, this was perfect baseball weather, especially for Dodger Stadium and Opening Day. Two of MLB's young aces (Clayton Kershaw and Tim Lincecum aka "The Freak") took the mound as the long standing rivalry between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the World Champion San Francisco Giants showed no signs of cooling off.
Dodger pitcher Clayton Kershaw was on fire, striking out the four batters in the first two innings of play. Kershaw got himself into jam against Giants slugger Pat Burrell, however remained focused even when the count was 3-0, getting him out a few pitches later on a fly ball.
In the second inning Kershaw was unable to catch the throw by James Loney for a simple ground out play. Newest Dodger and former Giant Juan Uribe after making good on his Dodger debut, connected for a double, but then slid off the bag to be called out. James Loney grounded out at his first two at bats with runners in scoring position. But that was thanks to the outstanding pitching by Giants star Tim Lincecum, who was masterful with his throws, he looked like he hadn't missed a beat since their last victory that earned them a World Series last year.
After hitting a base hit earlier in the inning, Tim Lincecum got a little shaky as he walked Matt Kemp (which would turn out to be three times on the day). Next up Juan Uribe, who ended being hit by a pitch, that loaded the bases. Later on Giants Buster Posey who throw a ball trying to pick off Kemp got passed Giants third baseman Sandoval which allowed Kemp to make a play for home plate and score the first run of the game, 1-0 Dodgers.
Kershaw continued to pitch his way out of a tight in the fifth inning squeeze, that drew a double-play grounder after allowing a leadoff single in the sixth inning. Kershaw continued to be improssive as he threw about 13 more pitches, finishing him with a pitch count of 93. New Dodger manager Don Mattingly decided Kershaw had enough and in the eight inning brought in Kuo as mid level relief.
James Loney finally got an opportunity to drive in a run thanks to Kemp being walked earlier.
Kuo throw his first seven pitches as strikes, sitting down Giant hitters Freddie Sanchez, Andres Torres, and Aubury Huff to end the eighth inning.
Bring on the Dodger closer Johnathan Broxton who actually gave up a run to Pat Burrell, which cut the lead 2-1. Broxton settled down and ended the game on a ground out to first base. Dodgers beat the World Champion Giants 2-1.
Talking about the play that scored the first run for the Dodgers, Matt Kemp said "I saw his [Sandoval] reaction. I saw his eyes, and I knew the ball was coming. I'll take it". Kershaw had nine strike outs for the game.
Lincecum spoke about the loss "We made some key mental mistakes". "You win your first game, you won't go 0-162." said Dodger outfielder Tony Gwinn Jr.