by Gabrielle E. Utsey

“There’s NBA players on every team.” Charles Barkley

It’s the playoffs, so we all know that it’s win or go home and that every team is going to have to dig deep if they want to be crowned the champions. As a fan, your mind is already set on the perfect scenario that’s going to get your team to the big dance.  But there is one rule we all must remember, expect the unexpected when it comes to the 2012 NBA playoffs. To be honest, I was expecting the L.A. Clippers to put an end to their series with Memphis sooner rather than later. I was not expecting the Grizzlies to force this series to seven games.

I didn’t follow the Grizzlies through the regular season I merely listened to the grumbles I heard about them being a team to watch. The joke is on me for not taking the Grizzlies as seriously as I should have.  Fearless, aggressive and all about the hustle, the Grizzlies actually blew me away by their play. These boys were hungry. Tony Allen, Zach Randolph, Mike Conely, Marc Gasol, O.J. Mayo and playmaker Rudy Gay were key components in keeping them in this series against the Clippers. I couldn’t keep my eyes off Randolph or Gay for fear I would miss something. Randolph is the epitome of aggressive and he always seemed to be in the right place at the right time on offensive rebounds, getting Grizzlies those garbage points. When it comes to Gay, he’s just an all around solid player that you can depend on night after night to be the backbone for the Griz and when he’s hot, he’s on fire. When he gets into a rhythm he will shoot your eyes out. You want the ball in his hands to close it out in those final seconds. I received a rude awakening from the Grizzlies. Those boys can ball and next season I will be paying a lot more attention to them.

For the most part, the Clippers had a good season. I was impressed that with the late addition of Chris Paul during the regular season they were able to pull it together and look like a serious contender. However, it was apparent during the regular season that the Clippers needed a boost, which still seems to be the case going into the playoffs. Yes, CP3 is an amazing asset for the Clippers and he has brought “Lob City” and some to Los Angeles, but what the Clippers are missing at this crucial point in the season  is leadership, not to mention experience. You’re missing about a 15 point average per game, around 4 assists and 14 years in this league with Chauncey Billups out with an Achilles injury. So, where do you turn? Clippers had to rely on their bench. Stepping up were Mo Williams, Kenyon Martin, Reggie Evans, Eric Bledsoe and Randy Foye. They all came up huge for the Clippers during the series, filling in some of those gaps Billups left. With all that said, they have played solid basketball, but with CP3 (hip) and Blake Griffin (knee sprain) not being one hundred percent going into the next round against the Spurs…I am nervous. I may be covering my eyes, watching in between the slits of my fingers as Clipper go head to head with seasoned, hot handed Spurs.

There’s a reason we love the NBA Playoffs. It tends to be more dramatic than the regular season, and of course, the stakes are higher. We see amazing comebacks, clutch shots, hard fouls, and the stuff that stars are made of. Last week’s Perspective predicted the Grizzles-Clippers series to be a thriller, and so far it is living up to the bill. Despite a 27-point deficit in the second half of game 1, Chris Paul convinced coach Vinny Del Negro to give him one more chance to make it a game, a decision that ended in a one-point victory for the Clips in stunning fashion. They stole home court advantage in the series and set a playoffs record in the meantime. Granted, there were tremendous shots made by Nick Young, Eric Bledsoe – even some clutch free throws from Blake Griffin (can’t help but think of Shaq saying “I make ‘em when they count”). But we all could see that the other team from LA got back in that game behind the competitive edge provided by their feisty 6-foot point guard in CP3. That, my friends, is the spirit of professional sports, exemplifying sheer will power and determination. The man simply refused to give in to the impossible odds in front of him.

The Thunder Rolled. (Ronald Martinez)

Game 2 saw Memphis rise to the challenge, overcoming a double-digit early Clips lead to make it a series. But in game 3, with just over four minutes to go and the Clippers down six, Chris showed offense, defense, and the third phase of the game: clutchness. He simply would not be denied and wanted it more than even his opponent. The NBA regular season has heroes; the postseason has superheroes. Ladies and gentlemen, whatever the Clippers’ fate is for this playoff run, Christopher Paul is a Superhero. Get that man a cape!

Also notable around the Association:

Oklahoma City Thunder seems to have made gradual steps in each of their seasons since the franchise’s change of name/venue. Logically, the pattern would suggest at least a Finals appearance if not victory in 2012. So far, with a clean sweep of the defending champion Dallas Mavericks, they are on their way!

If Chris Paul and the Clippers are resilient, MVP candidate Tony Parker and the San Antonio Spurs can be identified by another ‘R’ word: relentless. They are using the Utah Jazz for target practice to put the entire league on notice. When healthy, the Spurs are not to be overlooked. I look for ‘Captain Jack’ Stephen Jackson, a familiar face from championship run past, to help provide even more depth for an already robust rotation. Both the Spurs and Thunder look to present a host of problems to the Miami Heat, who seem to have been coronated in the East thanks in part to injuries to the likes of Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard.

Boy, I cannot wait until June, but I am also very much enjoying the ride there!

Naledi Semela with The Arkitekt’s Perspective

NBA Playoffs Round 1

Are you ready?

The abbreviated regular season is officially over and now it’s time for the playoffs. We will have some marquee matchups, some exciting finishes, and hopefully some shocking upsets. Here I’ll try to tell you what to what for in the first round and what you may want to skip.

Best player matchups

1. LeBron James (MIA) versus Carmelo Anthony (NYK). This may seem like a mismatch to the casual fan. LeBron is likely going to be named league MVP for the third time in his still young career. Carmelo has had limited playoff success, having found several first round exits from the Western Conference Playoffs in Denver and one last year with the Knicks. Both are terrific scorers; James is the better defender. Both have viable second options should they have to work too hard containing the other in Dwyane Wade and Amar’e Stoudamire. I’m giving the Heat the advantage with home court in a possible game 7 (my personal projection), but look for this to be a tremendous and dramatic series.

Mavs vs. Thunder

2. Kevin Durant (OKC) versus Dirk Nowitski (DAL). Okay, so the two may not spend much time defending one another. Serge Ibaka will likely be one of several Thunder players charged with getting a hand in the champ’s face, and let’s face it: there’s no way Rick Carlisle will pin the Mavericks’ hopes on the Big German trying to keep up with KD on defense. The thing that fascinates me about these two scoring machines is that they might literally be two of the top five jump shooters in the league and, oh yeah, they both have seven-foot wingspans. Durant stands at least 6’11’’ and Dirk is 7’0’’. Nobody will be looking to block their three point attempts so look for both to make it rain in the playoffs, with the Thunder overcoming the reigning NBA champions.

Best Highlights

For this category, is there any question? Must-See BG is heading to Memphis. Then Rudy Gay and co will visit Lob City! This will be a track meet, hopefully for seven games. I just can’t wait to stay up late and see the alley-oops, the block parties, the posters, the crossovers. It may not end up being the best show of fundamental basketball, given Blake’s inability to post up and the Grizzlies’ style on the perimeter, but I expect a high-scoring, high octane series here, with the victor unclear. The Grizzlies are deep, talented, and coming of age, but Chris Paul is a competitive force of nature.

 Most Unwatchable

Sorry, but Utah in the playoffs? Who even plays there anymore? Oh, it’s Devin Harris and Paul Milsap? Well, at least they’re playing an exciting team right? Oh, it’s the San Antonio Spurs? Don’t get me wrong; the Spurs have rediscovered offensive basketball and Tony Parker is playing maybe his best basketball ever, but the Spurs are traditionally a ratings repellent and given their match-up against a team that honestly has no business in the playoffs and has no All-Stars to boot, this may be the series you miss and catch up on all the work you’ve been avoiding while you watch the Knicks and Heat. Just saying.

First Round Predictions

East:

• Bulls def Sixers in 6.
• Heat def Knicks in 7.  =-(
• Celtics def Hawks in 6.
• Pacers def Magic in 5.

West:

• Spurs def Jazz in 4.
• Thunder def Mavs in 5.
• Clippers def Grizzlies in 7.
• Lakers def Nuggets in 6.

Naledi Semela with The Arkitekt’s Perspective

RGIII and Luck - Photograph: Adam Hunger/Reuters

The first round of the NFL draft ended in near record speed – just about 3 hours. It felt like a whirlwind date. The first two picks were just like the picture. Andrew Luck of Stanford was the #1 pick for the Indianapolis Colts and the Robert Griffin III went 2nd to the Washington Redskins. That’s when things started to get interesting. The trades started flying and shifting.

Then there was a surprise gift! The Cleveland Browns moved up one spot but gave the Minnesota Vikings a lot for it. They selected RB Trent Richardson, the running back that Browns legend Jim Brown referred to as “ordinary.” According to the Vikes, there was a competitive offer for the 3rd pick, but the Browns put it all out there and beat it. Later on the Browns would select 28 year-old Quarterback Brandon Weeden at #22. Colt McCoy was at home on a roller coaster – first the gift of a solid RB then the man who would take his job as starter. Tough. Larry Fitzgerald didn’t want to be alone so he suggested that the team give him a receiving friend and he got one: Michael Floyd, WR from Notre Dame. Fast and strong, he should have fun flying with the Cardinals.

Dallas and New England Move Up the Board

Then a few picks the stars came out. The Dallas Cowboys moved up #6 to take a solid defensive back Morris Claiburne out of LSU. With tears and deference, Claiburne thanked Jerry Jones and Coach Garrett while promising to push even hard, be even better. The two working class cities – Pittsburgh and Detroit – took the players that should be solid for the next decade, putting on their hard hats and keeping order. The Steelers took David DeCastro from Stanford while Detroit snapped up Reilly Reiff from Iowa. Both players will have immediate impact – especially for Pittsburgh who could have used DeCastro last year in that playoff game against the Broncos.

Coach Belichick in a suit moves up the board. Michael Dwyer/AP

Coach Belichick dressed up for our draft night opting to wear a suit. And then he actually chose to pay full price moving up the board to #22 to take DE Chandler Jones. I want to know what that kid did at Syracuse because ultimate player-GM Coach Hoodie is tight with his picks. [What got into Belichick?]

Seattle Shocker Pick

The ultimate shock of the night was the Seattle Seahawks daring pick of Bruce Irvin at #15. Irvin has a bad, bad reputation and was part of some unsavory acts as a young teen so much that his mother put him out of the house. No one doubts his on-field ability but the off-the-field antics could keep Pete Carroll very busy (or climbing the Space Needle.)

When we all woke up in the morning, the fallout continued as current players wondered what the Friday Night moves meant for them. Were they real? Will fans lives forever be changed because of the magic of Draft Date night?

I don’t know. I’m the girl with the team home alone (Raiders have no pick until Round 3.)

What an incredibly busy week! The NFL Draft, NHL Playoffs and wrap-up of the NBA regular season. How on earth can a fan choose?

DC Bounces Boston Bruins

Joel Ward, Washington Capitals

 Joel Ward’s overtime goal put the Washington Capitals up 2-1 for a 1st round series win. In November, who would have dreamed that the Caps would be able to knock off the defending Stanley Cup Champion Bruins on hostile ice? The team fired its coach, brought in a new manager and battled its way into the playoffs. Since 1998, the Caps have been labeled classic overachievers, but maybe that changes this year. It was a tightly contested match with enough nail biters to fund the entire DC manicure market. “It was the first time in NHL history that a playoff series had seven games determined by one goal. Four of the games went to overtime, and two others were decided with less than two minutes left in regulation.” (ESPN) For more info: Caps-Bruins Match Recap

Metta World Peace Comments on Suspension

Metta World Peace

MWP decides to speak on the last week’s crazy situation calling his wild swing the result of “erratic passion.” The NBA world waited for David Stern’s final say on the punishment for LA Laker Metta World Peace‘s vicious elbow to Oklahoma City’s James Hardin’s head which resulted in Hardin’s concussion. Stern settled on seven (7) games which could have a serious impact on the Lakers 1st round. On Wednesday, Artest addressed the situation, paying particular attention to the flurry of comments from former NBA’ers. Magic Johnson first proclaimed his embarrassment and later suggested that MWP get some help. Larry Bird thought that the 7-game suspension wasn’t nearly enough, suggesting that the former Ron Artest be tossed out of the league for at least a year. What we do know for sure is that MWP had better make sure that he has elbow room before dunking or pulling down a rebound in Round 2 of the playoffs – if the Lakers make it that far. [Metta World Peace Responds]

Calvin Johnson Voted Madden ’13 Cover Man

Calvin Johnson

The race for the cover came down to two sports mega-personalities: Calvin “Megatron” Johnson of the Detroit Lions and Cam Newton, QB of the Charlotte Panthers. An estimated 651,000 votes were cast in the final contest. The EA Sports game is the Super Bowl of gaming since its first release in 1988. Some players shied away from the honor due to the legend of the Madden Curse, which holds that the cover player will suffer a possible devastating injury during the season. Fans have campaigned against their favorite players cover candidacy. Johnson is thrilled and says that he’s not worried in the least. Last year’s winner Peyton Hillis declared that he didn’t believe in such a thing but has since changed his mind following a horrific 2012 season. Let’s hope for the Lions fans that the curse stops here. [ESPN Story on Johnson Win]

 The $2 Billion Magic Man Bid Wins

Must Be Magic!

$2 billion. Yes, that’s billion with a “b.” Magic, Stan Kasten and the super Team hit it all the way out of the park in their monumental bid for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Few sports stars mean more to a city than Magic means to the LA. This Announcement makes us fans remember his shattering declaration of his HIV diagnosis and rejoice in the fact that he’s still here today. The largest U.S. price for a professional franchise was the $1.1 billion price tag on the Miami Dolphins. Now that the price is doubled, this is truly changing the game. Of note also is the fact that you have an African-American owner in MLB who will be certain to have his hands in the baseball cookie jar. Go Magic. Go Magic.

On Broadway: Tebow Takes the Town

Tebow Listens In

Beneath that school boy smile is a shrewd businessman. Tim Tebow ranks #5 on the Davie Brown Index, which measures marketability. New York can etch that in stone – just look at Broadway Joe Namath. When releasing him to the hottest business market in the world, Broncos GM John Elway said Tebow could “marry his daughter.” What an endorsement! Does that mean he can play QB for him? Not at all. He still needs to work on the timing, accuracy and release on the field but he worked that presser like a NY pro. It’s going to be interesting to see how it all plays out during the season – will Tebow keep the love of the city or will he fall prey to disgruntled fans? What if he doesn’t get on the field – what do the fans do then? I’m sure that young Tim has an idea of how to manage it.

Good to Be #1: Chalk Up the Women’s Bracket

Stanford Women Head to Final 4 (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)

All four #1 seeds in the NCAA Women’s Tourney.  Stanford takes on Baylor while Notre Dame takes on UConn. Each of the teams is worthy of the title but of course I’m puling the school by the bay. Stanford won the nerd-on-nerd battle against Duke to make it to its 4^th Final Four. Nnemkadi Ogwumike is excited as she and the Cardinal get to take on the Phenom Brittney Griner and her unbeaten Baylor Lady Bears. Should be some great basketball!

Mewelde Moore Football and Cheerleading Camp

It’ll be a busy weekend for the The Mewelde Moore Knowledge First Foundation.  On Saturday March 17th, The Pittsburgh Steeler running back is set to host the Annual Football and Cheerleading Camp in Baton Rouge, LA. In its third year, the camp is open to boys ages 9 – 17 and young girls ages 6 – 14.  In addition to football and cheerleading skills, the fun-filled camp also focuses on life skills development.

The following Monday, the Foundation will hold its Inaugural Golf Tournament to benefit youth and to support the American Diabetes Association. Foursomes will take the scenic Oaks at Sherwood Golf Course at 10:00 a.m. for a day competition that is sure to delight both the players and gallery alike.

[For info, visit the Mewelde Moore Knowledge First Foundation Website]

Mewelde Moore is standout NFL running back drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2004. Moore left the Vikings and signed a 3-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2008. A graduate of Tulane University and Belaire High School, the Baton Rouge native consistently gives back to the community and causes that will provide better educational, health and life alternatives for underserved communities.

What a day yesterday! The NCAA Tourney gets off to an exciting start.  Shaka Smart is back and we’re ready to see how far he takes the Rams. The controversy hit early with some tough missed calls. The Peyton Manning soap opera continues.

UPDATE! March Madness UPSET! #12 Norfolk State takes down the heavily favored #2 Missouri. Brackets are ripped across the U.S.

VCU Rams Coach Shaka Smart

 Shaka Smart! He’s trying on the Cinderella slippers! SFChronicle.com

VCU was ranked 12th in South Regional of the NCAA Tourney. There’s always that 5-12 upset game so I’m sure that Wichita State was not happy when they saw that they drew VCU. They have the rest of the summer to think about it. The VCU Rams defeated No. 5 seed Wichita State 62-59.

San Francisco Signs Rock Cartwright (MercuryNews.com)

At the end of last season, the SF 49ers were hot, hot, HOT! Harbaugh II was on the sideline – with his demonstrative self – and pushing his team deep into the playoffs. While he’s so opposite the stoic, mellow sideline presence of Bill Walsh, he did remind us all of Coach Walsh’s determination to win. Fans loved it. Now we’ll see how these free agent moves help move the team along this fall.

Derek Fisher: What He Really Meant to the Lakers (ESPN.com)

It’s going to be hard as hell to replace the player that the teammates called “El Presidenté”. The best line in the article was this: “Clichéd as it may sound, Fisher’s strength has never been found in the numbers.” In this particular case, it’s easy to identify what Fisher adds to the Lakers. We’re sure going to miss him.

Six to Watch: Young Players Ready for Stardom (USAToday.com)

Baseball is almost here! I can’t wait for hot dogs and the seventh inning stretch. We painfully watched as the Texas Rangers lost their second World Series in a row. Uncle Ron Washington led his team to the pinnacle only to be rattled in Game 6 and dismantled in Game 7. But here are some pics of new talent to give us new hope.

Players leaving. Players staying. Coaches getting fired. The past few days have been nuts so let’s get into it!

Why?! The Lakers Trade Derek Fisher to the Houston Rockets (LATimes.com)

I just don’t understand. Sure, Fisher is old. But he’s also a wise player who has more respect than anyone on that new coaching staff. What happens in the Lakers locker room when it’s left to Kobe Bryant to galvanize the team? I certainly don’t want to see it.

 The $100 Million Dollar Man: Mario Williams Bills Contract (Sportingnews.com) 

Mario - The New Rich Bill

Mario Williams signs the richest deal for a defensive player in NFL history. He was money for the Texans and everyone knew he would be paid handsomely this year. But his $100 million, 6-year deal with a guaranteed $50 million makes sure that he and his family will be extra comfortable in the Buffalo Bills blue. For a team that was growing by leaps and bounds on the offense, this gives them the same Stevie Johnson swagger on the other side of the ball.

Dwight Howard Stays with the Magic (USAToday.com)

Dwight Howard decides to stay in Orlando. Sounds like he never really wanted to leave – he just wants to win. He apologized for the “circus” and says that he received bad advice. Really? All of this could have been avoided had he said that at the beginning of the year. Perhaps the Magic would have made solid choices by the deadline to help him move Orlando into position as a real contender.

Rondo stays put! Celtics will give away one of the big three. (Sportingnews.com)

For the past month, pundits and experts wondered where Rajon Rondo would land. Talk of his personality causing disorder in the Celtics locker room seems to have faded. Coach Doc Rivers called Rondo the smartest player he’s ever coached. Rondo responded with killer games. Now who leaves – Garnett, Allen or Pierce – if anyone?

List of trades approaching the deadline (CNNsi.com)

There’s so much happening, we can’t add them all. But you can find them at the link above. Keep an eye out to see if your team gets any better.