Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Stockton Sends Jazz to first finals: 15 years ago tonight

On this night in 1997, The Utah Jazz were playing the Houston Rockets at the Compaq Center in Houston in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals. The Jazz came in leading the series 3-2 after a hard fought physical Game five which the Jazz beat the Rockets 95-90. The Rockets had a 100-92 lead with 2:30 left. John Stockton scored the next 8 points. After a Rocket miss, the Jazz called for time. John Stockton hit a three point from the left of the top of the key to send the Jazz to their first finals.

Friday, May 11, 2012

NBA Playoff Moments of the last 20 years

I've been a basketball fan my entire life and I have seen some outstanding playoff moments over the years. The Celtics sweeping the Pacers in 1992, thanks to the heroics of Point Guard Jeff Bagley in Game 2. The Knicks and Bulls going to seven games in 1992, one of two times Michael Jordan would ever play in a Game 7 in his six year title run. The Bullets (now the Wizards) giving the Bulls all the can handle in a hard fought 3 game series in 1997, the Knicks and Heat starting a four year playoff run in 1997, with "the fight" in Game 5. It's been twenty years since Larry Bird last played. John Stockton sending the Jazz to their first NBA Finals. The Celtics making the Eastern Finals in 2002, under the leadership of former UD Coach Jim O'Brien. The Lakers and Kings playing in a seven game series for the Ages in 2002. The Golden State Warriors pulling off the biggest upset in the history of the NBA Playoffs, defeating the defending Western Conference Champion Dallas Mavericks in 2007. Lebron James leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in 2007.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Luke's surprise teams from 2011-12 seasons

I am a die-hard Cincinnati Bengals fan as most of you know. This year, people were comparing the Bengals to the 2007 Miami Dolphins and 2008 Detroit Lions. The Bengals surprised everyone this year. Led by Andy Dalton, AJ Green and Jerome Simpson, the Bengals finished 9-7 and made the playoffs as a 6 seed. If you would have told me before last years NFL season that the Cincinnat Bengals would have entered Week 17 with something to play for, a meaningful game or a chance to go to the playoffs, I would have LMAO.


Another Cincinnati team that surprised me, was the Xavier Musketeers. This team was primed for a big year. Tu Holloway, Mark Lyons, Kenny Frease, they were stocked with talent. Then came the Cincinnati game and we all know what happened. The Flyers arch-rival began to self-destruct. Chris Mack rallied his team. The Musketeers made the A 10 Championship game as the 3 seed for the first time since the days of Stanley Burrell, Josh Duncan, Justin Doleman, Justin Cage and then Head Coach Sean Miller ( who was in his second season). The Musketeers were beaten by a surprising St. Bona team led by Andrew Nicholson. Xavier made the tournament as a 10 seed beating Notre Dame, Leigh before bowing out to 3rd seed Baylor.

As a die-hard UD fan, I was happy for Xavier that they made it as far as they did, considering what they went through. They may have had guys on the team who acted like they were bigger than the game itself (to me, that is true) but Xavier is a first class basketball program and Chris Mack is a outstanding Coach and did a awesome job with this years Xavier squad.

My favorite College Bball team, Dayton had a good season, considering what they had. First year for a new coach, new system. Won the Old Spice tournament, beat the likes of Alabama, Ole Miss, Minnesota, Wake Forest, Xavier by 15, Temple on their home court. I'm gonna miss Chris Johnson, Paul Williams, Luke Fabriuzus and Josh Parker.