Miami Heat Becomes the First Five Seed to Make the NBA Finals in NBA History

Miami Heat made history yesterday, becoming the first #5 seed in NBA history to make the NBA Finals.

The Miami Heat face their most formidable challenge of the playoffs, going against a LeBron James lead team and a dominant player in Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers. 

LeBron James accounted for two of three championships in Miami history; it’s a perfect storyline to play against the team. He won his first NBA championship and went against his former Head Coach Erik Spoelstra. 

Miami Heat lives for the underdog title and love taking down teams no one expected them to beat, such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics.

If you think the Los Angeles Lakers will have an easy walk into a championship win, you haven’t watched the Miami Heat play this year; they play gritty and with a chip on their shoulder. 

Jimmy Butler is the epitome of what the culture is with the Miami Heat a hardworking and leave it all on the court type player. Butler has been averaging 20.7 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game, 4.5 assists per game, and 1.9 steals per game. Butler will need to average a little more then 20 points if he wants the Heat to pull the major upset over the Lakers. 

The young nucleus for the Heat has been the main reason for their late playoff run. Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson have played phenomenal. 

Tyler Herro has been a huge boost off the bench and will be a significant factor in the NBA Finals due to the scarcity of depth to the Lakers bench. Andre Iguodala will be another key off the bench; they need his championship pedigree to have the young guys ready for the bright lights since he is the only one on the team with championship pedigree outside of Udonis Harlem, but he doesn’t play. This is Igudola's sixth straight NBA Finals. 

Bam Adebayo has played phenomenal in the playoffs finishing last night game with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists in an elimination game. He will need to come close to those numbers as he prepares to go up against the best Power Forward in the league in Anthony Davis.

The Heat's wildcard is Goran Dragic; if he plays in the NBA Finals as he did in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Lakers, who are suspect at best at the guard position, the Heat will give the Lakers all they can handle. 

Game 1 will be this Wednesday at 9 PM ET on ABC. 

I predict the series to go seven games, with the Los Angles Lakers winning the 2020 NBA Finals. 

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NBA Christmas Games Breakdown and Predictions

Today there will be five NBA games being played and broadcasted on TV today. The  Boston Celtics vs. the Toronto Raptors tip-off the NBA Christmas games at 12 noon ET. Next, the Milwaukee Bucks will play the Philadelphia 76ers at 2:30 PM ET. Houston Rockets will play the Golden State Warriors at 6 PM ET. The battle of the West will be played at 8 PM ET between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers. The final game will be between the New Orleans Pelicans vs the Denver Nuggets at 10:30 PM.

Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors
Both teams are playing well above expectations thus far this season. Everyone thought the Raptors would take several steps backward, once Kawhi left LA in the summer for free agency. People also thought the Celtics would take a step back when Kyrie Irving left for Brooklyn in the summer for free agency.

But with the addition of Kemba Walker in free agency, the Celtics looks stronger than they did with Kyrie Irving. Jayson Tatum turned back to the star we saw when Kyrie Irving & Gordon Hayward went down with injuries and took LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals. Jayson Tatum is currently averaging 21.6 points per game and 7.1 rebounds per game this season. Kemba Walker is averaging 22.6 points per game and 5.4 assists per game this season.

On the other side, Pascal Siakam continues to show the world last season was not a fluke. Siakam has even improved his numbers from last year. He currently averages 25.1 points per game, 8 rebounds per game, and one block per game. Kyle Lowry is also averaging 20.7 points per game and 7.6 assists per game.

However, the Toronto Raptors don't have Marc Gasol today who is still recovering from a left hamstring injury. My predictions are the Boston Celtics will continue their win streak to four straight as they beat the Toronto Raptors 100-90.

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers

This game will be the battle of the East today, both teams were projected to be in the Eastern Conference Finals this year before the season started. The Bucks have lived up to those predictions, however, the 76ers have not.

The Philadelphia 76ers are still trying to figure out the chemistry with new players being added in the offseason such as Josh Richardson, Al Horford, and rookie Matisse Thybulle.

Ben Simmons is still afraid to shoot three-point shots or a jump shot at all, which has had teams play a 2-3 zone, yes you read that right teams are playing 2-3 zone in the NBA. Ben Simmons currently is averaging 14.4 points per game, 8.5 assists per game, and 7 rebounds per game this season.

Joel Embiid is still being consistent, he currently averages 23 points per game, 12.6 rebounds per game,  and 1.4 blocks per game this season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has shown he has been in the lab this summer perfecting his craft, he currently is shooting 34 percent from the three-point line. Giannis currently averages 31.0 points per game, 12.9 rebounds per game, and 5.6 assists per game this season. Khris Middleton currently averages 18 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game. Milwaukee has one of the deepest bench scoring-wise in the NBA they average an eighth best with 41.9 points per game.

My prediction is the Philadelphia 76ers will beat the Milwaukee Bucks 110-101.

Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors

There isn't that much to say here a talented Houston Rockets plays against a banged-up Golden State Warriors teams.

This might be the time to pop in a Christmas movie to watch with the family to kill time. James Harden and Russell Westbrook will give the Warriors guards nightmares tonight. James Harden averages 38.6 points per game and 7.4 assists per game this season. Russell Westbrook averages 23.9 points per game, 8 rebounds per game, 7.2 assists per game this season.

Surprisingly the Golden State Warriors are on a two-game win streak but it ends tonight. D'Angelo Russell averages 22.4 points per game and 6.2 assists per game. Rookie Eric Paschall has been a pleasant surprise for the Warriors, he currently averages 15.2 points per gamed 4.8 rebounds per game this season. Alec Burks has averaged 15.9 points per game and 4.5 rebounds per game.

Houston Rockets will beat the Golden State Warriors 117-90.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Both teams players and fans have had this date marked on their calendar since the 2019-20 NBA schedule was released.

This is the battle of the West game. This is a statement game for both teams tonight.

LeBron James, Anthony Davis wants to show the Clippers they still run LA. Clippers want to show the NBA they're the team to beat in the West if you want to make it to the NBA Finals.

LeBron James and Anthony are banged up but they're expected to play tonight.

LeBron James averages 25.8 points per game, 10.6 assists per game, and 7.5 rebounds per game this season. Anthony Davis averages 27.9 points per game, 9.4 rebounds per game, and 2.7 blocks per game this season.

Kawhi Leonard averages 25.5 points per game, 7.8 rebounds per game,  5.1 assists per game, and 1.8 steals per game this season. Paul George averages 24.2 points per game, 5.8 rebounds per game, and 1.8 steals per game this season. Lou Williams averages 19.5 points per game and 6.1 assists per game this season. Montrezl Harrell averages 19 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game, and 1.2 blocks per game this season. Also, you can't forget about Patrick Beverley who averages 7.9 points per game, 6 rebounds per game, and 1.4 steals per game this season. Patrick Beverley is the heart and soul of the Clippers defense he irritates the opposing team's top scorers each game.

The Clippers bench averages 51.3 points per game which is a league-best, whereas the Lakers bench averages 34.3 points per game.

My prediction is the Clippers will beat the Lakers 107-101.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Denver Nuggets

This game might have held some weight if Zion Williams was playing but unfortunately, he isn't. Honestly, this game wouldn't have been close game even if Zion was playing the Nuggets are just too strong.

Jamal Murray averages 17.8 points per game this season. Nikola Jokic averaged 17.4 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, 6.9 assists per game, and 1 steal per game this season. Will Barton averages 14.6 points per game, 7.0 rebounds per game, and 1.2 steals per game this season. Paul Millsap averages 12.9 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game this season. Gary Harris averages 11.2 points per game this season. Jerami Grant averages 9.6 points per game this season.

Brandon Ingram one of the few bright spots for the Pelicans this season averages 25 points per game, and 7.1 rebounds per game this season. Another bright spot for the Pelicans is Jrue Holiday, he averages 19.7 points per game, 6.5 assists per game, and 1.7 steals per game this season. JJ Redick averages 15.9 points per game this season. Josh Hart averages 11.1 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game and 1 steal per game this season.

New Orleans Pelicans bench averages 36.9 points per game. Denver Nuggets bench averages 34.8 points per game.

Denver Nuggets will beat the New Orleans Pelicans 120-102.

Rich Paul Rule

Yesterday, the NCAA created a new rule that a a ports agent targeting college athletes attempting to go professional must have at least a bachelors degree. As everyone knows Rich Paul a big-time Sports Agent and a childhood friend of LeBron James.

The NCAA pulled yet another power play, that wasn't necessary. Sports agents profession started back in 1925, where Red Grange hired an agent to negotiate his professional football contract. Now all of sudden in 2019, the NCAA wants to issue a rule that a Sports Agent must have a bachelors degree to contact potential professional athletes. It sounds like the NCAA is afraid of Rich Paul and is trying to keep Paul as far away from the NCAA as possible.

The real reason the Rich Paul Rule was created, is because these so-called "knowledgeable agents" who have law degrees are being out-hustled by an agent, with no educational background and they simply can not take it. NCAA is afraid of Rich Paul because he doesn't believe star college players shouldn't have to go to college and waste a year playing if they're NBA ready. Imagine how much money the NCAA will lose if athletes were allowed to declare for the NBA out of high school again.

Some notable young players that have recently left college and declared for the NBA and hired Rich Paul as their agent  are Darius Garland (Vanderbilt), Miles Bridges (Michigan State), Montrezl Harrell (Louisville), Darius Bazley (New Balance Internship never went to college), Ben Simmons (LSU), and Dejounte Murray (Washington).

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Dysfunction in the Land

Rumors are going around that Kyrie Irving wants out of Cleveland and wants to get traded to a team where he's the only superstar. He is tired of being in LeBron James shadow.

Some might find it odd since the Cleveland Cavaliers have been to the finals three straight years. But, anyone that has some common sense knows sometimes you want your own shine and don't want to share it with anyone.

In all honesty, the only way the Cavaliers trade Kyrie is if they get a trade that blows their mind.

We will soon see if Kyrie gets his wish and the Cavs trade him.

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He already has one ring, he is arguably the best point guard in the league. We saw what Russell Westbrook did when he had his own team last year; we can only imagine what Kyrie would do if he got the chance.

Teams Bidding for Derrick Rose in NBA Free Agency

After leaving the New York Knicks for free agency, Derrick Rose is still looking for a new home for the upcoming 2018 season.

Once again, Derrick Rose was unable to finish a full season with another torn meniscus knee injury. Rose played 64 games for the Knicks during the 2016-17 season. Derrick Rose averaged 18.0 points per game, 4.4 assists per game, and 3.8 rebounds per game. With those kinds of stats, Rose would have been signed with an NBA team in free agency awhile ago, but due to those injuries teams are hesitant to take a risk on him.

The Milwaukee Bucks was one of the first teams to meet with Derrick Rose in free agency. The Bucks have a nice young core, and with Derrick Rose only being 28 he would fit nicely. Also, he would raise their stock to make a push in a weak Eastern Conference. Jason Kidd will mold Derrick Rose back to his old self before he got injured. They will get a huge upgrade at the point guard position, no disrespect to Malcolm Brogdon but he's still learning and growing. Rose has playoff experience and can share his knowledge with Bucks future superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The next team to go after him was the Cleveland Cavaliers. This might be the best fit for Rose if he is willing to play the shooting guard and share the back court with Kyrie Irving. But, this will only work if Rose is willing to drop his pride and not get mad when he doesn't have the ball as much since LeBron James and Kyrie Irving are both ball dominant players. If Derrick Rose isn't worried about taking a pay cut, he has an instant shot at making it to the NBA Finals and competing for a championship ring.

The last team to go after Derrick Rose in free agency was the Los Angeles Lakers. This is pretty strange since they just drafted Lonzo Ball and have Jordan Clarkson coming off the bench. But, you know the Lakers like to do anything that brings them attention. The only way Derrick Rose goes there is if they offer an immense contract.

We will soon see where Derrick Rose signs.

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The Golden State Warriors Rout the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game One

Last night game one of the NBA Finals was everything we expected and then some.

The first quarter was a dunk fest. One of the most impressive dunks of the game, was when LeBron James dunked on JaVale McGee. At the end of the first quarter, the Golden State Warriors led 35-30. You would think it was going to be a close game.

In the second quarter, the Warriors slowly started to pull away. The tandem of Steph Curry & Kevin Durant continued to torment the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, & Kevin Love did all they could to counter the Warriors dominance.

In the third quarter, the Warriors stopped throwing jabs to the Cavs. The Warriors started throwing haymakers that were connecting. Steph Curry & Kevin Durant made three-point shot after three-point shot. Even Draymond Green chimed in with a three-point shot of his own. At the end of third quarter, the Warriors lead the Cavaliers 93-72.

In the fourth quarter, both teams knew this game was over and had their bench players in the game. The Warriors went on to win game one of the NBA Finals 113-91.

The Golden Warriors had a lot of positive spots in game one. Kevin Durant finished with 38 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Steph Curry finished with 28 points, ten assists, six rebounds, and three steals. Even through foul trouble, Draymond Green finished with nine points and 11 rebounds. Even Zaza Pachulia finished with eight points and six rebounds. Anytime Klay Thompson struggles shooting the ball and only finishes with six points and the Warriors still win by 22. The Cavaliers are in deep trouble.

Although the Cavs played horrible last night, they did have a few bright spots. LeBron James finished with 28 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks. Kyrie Irving finished with 24 points. Kevin Love finished with 15 points, 21 rebounds, and three blocks. Tristan Thompson was nonexistent finishing with zero points and four rebounds. Tristan must play better if the Cavs want to have a shot of beating the Warriors.

The Cleveland Cavaliers finished with 20 turnovers, whereas the Golden State Warriors finished with only four turnovers. Turnovers were a key to Golden State's rout of the Cavs.

Game two will take place on Sunday, June 4, at 8 PM ET on ESPN at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif.
 
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2017 NBA Finals Preview

 Today starts the 2017 NBA Finals, a rematch between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. Last year the Warriors blew a 3-1 lead to the Cavaliers. 

This past off season the Warriors signed, superstar small forward, Kevin Durant to replace the horrific shooting of Harrison Barnes in last year's NBA Finals. The signing of Kevin Durant turned the Warriors team from a great team to a juggernaut. 

The Cavs and Warriors played twice against each other this season. The Cavs won the first game on Christmas Day, in Cleveland, on a game-winner jumper by Kyrie Irving 109-108. In the second game, the Warriors gave the Cavaliers a reality check beating them 126-91 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Ca.

The key to the Cavaliers winning the NBA Finals is winning game one tonight to set the tone. Also, LeBron can't be passive at all this whole series he needs to be aggressive at all times. Kyrie just needs to continue to be Kyrie. The wildcard for the Cavaliers, if they want to upset the Warriors in the series, is which Kevin Love will show up the Minnesota Kevin Love, or the stand around and watch Kyrie and LeBron do all the work, Kevin Love. Iman Shumpert must find a way to at least slowdown Klay Thompson. Last but not least, the Cavaliers need their shooters, JR Smith, Kyle Korver & Channing Frye to knock down their three-point shots. 

The keys to the Golden State Warriors winning this NBA Finals is, Kevin Durant just needs to play better than Harrison Barnes did last year. Steph Curry just needs to be Steph Curry. Draymond Green needs to continue to be the energy guy, do the dirty work on the rebounds, score, and pile up assists. Klay Thompson needs to play every game this NBA Finals like he played game five of last year's NBA Finals. The last key for the Golden State Warriors to win the NBA Finals is their bench must give them production. Everyone else just needs to just needs to play their role and play it well. 

The 2017 NBA Finals starts tonight 9 PM ET on ABC. Saying this series will be exciting is an understatement.


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Cleveland Cavaliers Send the Toronto Raptors Home Early

The Toronto Raptors were playing an elimination game win or go home. The Raptors played today's game accordingly, they took control of the game for the first ten minutes of the game leading the Cleveland Cavaliers 26-17. But, the Cavaliers quickly answered back to end the first quarter tied 28 -28.

The second quarter is where the Cavs were able to create some distance from the Raptors. Kyle Korver was a key contributor to the Cavs second quarter run, Korver scored 16 points in the second quarter. Korver scoring outburst leads to the Cavs leading the Raptors 61-49 at the half.


In the third quarter, the Raptors showed the Cavaliers; they weren't going home easily. DeMar DeRozan found a way to get his shot off even with the constant double teams. Serge Ibaka hit several key jumpers in the third quarter to keep the Raptors in striking distance. Norman Powell even helped by hitting a few jumpers of his own. P.J. Tucker defense kept the Raptors in containment. At the end of the third quarter, the Cavs lead the Raptors 85-80.

In the fourth quarter, Kyrie Irving made it be known that the Raptors season was ending today and there would be no game five. Kyrie Irving scored the Cavs last 11 points from the six-minute mark to the two-minute mark.

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors 109-102. The Cleveland Cavaliers will face the winner of the Boston Celtics-Washington Wizards series in the Eastern Conference Finals.


LeBron James finished with 35 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Kyrie Irving finished with 27 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and four steals. Kyle Korver finished with 18 points and five rebounds off the bench. Channing Frye finished with ten points off the bench.

Serge Ibaka finished with 23 points. DeMar DeRozan finished with 22 points, eights assists, and four rebounds. Cory Joseph finished with 20 points, playoff career-high 12 assists, and six rebounds. P.J. Tucker finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and four steals. Norman Powell finished with ten points off the bench.

We will soon see how the Raptors front office operates this off season, to either keep the core group or shake things up, and go after other free agents this summer.