The New York Knicks put the pedal to the medal in the 1st quarter on Wednesday. This was the last time the Knicks would play on the road in New Jersey as the Nets will move to Brooklyn next season.
Carmelo Anthony, who has dominated of late, continued his dominance with a huge 21 point 1st quarter. He was 8 for 10 in the first quarter and put up 33 points in the game.
With Baron Davis currently ill with the flu, veteran Mike Bibby had to step up his game. Bibby who has been criticized for being washed up all season, did a great job facilitating the ball around the offense. Bibby had 8 points as well as 8 assists in Wednesday's action.
The Knicks fans poured in for their last game in New Jersey and this became evident as Anthony stepped to the foul line in the 4th quarter. Chants of "MVP" poured through the stadium and Carmelo was flattered about the chants. In regards to this Anthony said, "It felt good, but I'm not the MVP. It felt good, though, just to be here in Jersey, on the road, just to see all those Knicks uniforms in the stands, the Knicks fans out there. It was a great Knicks atmosphere out there tonight."
The Knicks will head to Cleveland Friday where it is rumored that Amare Stoudemire may make his much-anticipated return to the court as he gets ready for post-season play. The Knicks are now 33-29 and are 1 game up on the 8th seed Philadelphia 76ers.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Senators pull out OT Victory to tie series at 2.
The 8-seed Senators went down in an early 2-0 hole against the Rangers. The New York Rangers could not keep their foot on the gas as the Senators slowly creeped back.
Sergei Gonchar tied it when he slammed the puck at Lundqvist during a power play with 2:10 remaining in the second period. A big part of the Rangers defensive strategy is to block shots in front of Lundqvist. Lundqvist got a piece of the puck but that did not stop the puck which squirted by to tie the score at 2.
Goaltender Craig Anderson stopped his last 27 shots including two in overtime. That was all the saves Kyle Turris would need. Turris knocked in the walk-off goal at 2:42 to give a 3-2 victory that evened the best-of-seven series at 2-2.
Center Jason Spezza, who got hurt and had to rest for some of the 2nd period had nothing but praise to say about Turris. "He's been great for us ever since he's been here," Spezza said. "He's given us extra depth through the middle that's so valuable in this League. That's a heck of a shot and a huge goal for us. Now we're playing a 2-of-3. We're in a good spot and excited to be in this."
And excited they should be. After being down 2-1 in the series, and 2-0 score in Game 4, the momentum seems to be shifting. Game 5 will be a huge game in this 1 vs. 8 matchup.
Sergei Gonchar tied it when he slammed the puck at Lundqvist during a power play with 2:10 remaining in the second period. A big part of the Rangers defensive strategy is to block shots in front of Lundqvist. Lundqvist got a piece of the puck but that did not stop the puck which squirted by to tie the score at 2.
Goaltender Craig Anderson stopped his last 27 shots including two in overtime. That was all the saves Kyle Turris would need. Turris knocked in the walk-off goal at 2:42 to give a 3-2 victory that evened the best-of-seven series at 2-2.
Center Jason Spezza, who got hurt and had to rest for some of the 2nd period had nothing but praise to say about Turris. "He's been great for us ever since he's been here," Spezza said. "He's given us extra depth through the middle that's so valuable in this League. That's a heck of a shot and a huge goal for us. Now we're playing a 2-of-3. We're in a good spot and excited to be in this."
And excited they should be. After being down 2-1 in the series, and 2-0 score in Game 4, the momentum seems to be shifting. Game 5 will be a huge game in this 1 vs. 8 matchup.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Red Sox Lester outdueled by Romero
Ricky Romero and the Blue Jays were able to bail out another win against a struggling Red Sox offense. Romero went 8 and 1/3 innings which included a point in the game where he retired 17 straight Red Sox batters. Romero who has found himself on the short-end of plenty of games against the Red Sox so far in his career, slayed the dragon this time around.
Both teams only produced 3 hits a piece, as Red Sox ace Jon Lester also pitched an 8 inning complete game. With 3 runs allowed, the Red Sox struggled to get Lester the runs necessary to stage a comback after going down 2-1 in the 3rd inning.The Jays took a 2 run lead on a 2-run single by Yunel Escobar. Rajai Davis later added to this with a triple in the 8th inning which lead to an insurance 3rd run.
Out of the Red Sox top 6 batters, on Jacoby Ellsbury had a hit. The Red Sox 2, 3, 4, and 5 hitters combined for an anemic 0-15 with 10 batters left on base. The Red Sox producers are going to need to capitalize on opportunities when facing an ace like Romero.
The Red Sox now moved to 1-5 on the season and with the Boston media, everyone knows that if they don't start to win soon, the panic will kick in. Bobby Valentine and the Red Sox will be put to the test early to see how they can battle adversity.
The Red Sox who started off with a 6 game road trip head home to play the Rays who currently sit atop the AL East. The Jays will attempt to build off this 2-game winning streak when the 3-3 Orioles come to Toronto for 3 game series.
Both teams only produced 3 hits a piece, as Red Sox ace Jon Lester also pitched an 8 inning complete game. With 3 runs allowed, the Red Sox struggled to get Lester the runs necessary to stage a comback after going down 2-1 in the 3rd inning.The Jays took a 2 run lead on a 2-run single by Yunel Escobar. Rajai Davis later added to this with a triple in the 8th inning which lead to an insurance 3rd run.
Out of the Red Sox top 6 batters, on Jacoby Ellsbury had a hit. The Red Sox 2, 3, 4, and 5 hitters combined for an anemic 0-15 with 10 batters left on base. The Red Sox producers are going to need to capitalize on opportunities when facing an ace like Romero.
The Red Sox now moved to 1-5 on the season and with the Boston media, everyone knows that if they don't start to win soon, the panic will kick in. Bobby Valentine and the Red Sox will be put to the test early to see how they can battle adversity.
The Red Sox who started off with a 6 game road trip head home to play the Rays who currently sit atop the AL East. The Jays will attempt to build off this 2-game winning streak when the 3-3 Orioles come to Toronto for 3 game series.
Mets drop 2nd straight without David Wright
Stephen Strasburg and the Nationals were too much for the New York Mets again on Wednesday.
The Nationals were able to defeat the Mets 4-0 as Stephen Strasburg threw 6 shutout innings against a Wright-less Mets line-up. Strasburg allowed 2 hits while striking out 9 batters. Wright, who fractured his right pinky finger sliding back to the bag on Monday, was out of the line-up for the second straight day.
After starting off 4-0, the New York Mets have quickly dropped to 4-2 without Wright. The Mets struggled to get baserunners and when they were able to get runners on base they could not capitalize.
After a rocky start for both starting pitchers Strasburg and Johan Santana, the pitch counts seemed high from the first inning. The Nationals were the team who capitalized on the slow starts when Mark DeRosa scored on a wild pitch in the first inning to go up 1-0 and that would seemingly be all they needed.
Now the Mets and Nationals are tied atop the NL East at 4-2. The Nationals who started off with 6 games on the road seem to be primed for this season and hope to take advantage of an NL East which seems to be mostly in transition may it be getting older or getting younger. The Mets look to get healthy as the Mets need David Wright to split up all the left-handed bats in their line-up.
The Nationals now head home to Washington to play the Reds at Nationals Park, while the Mets head to play the Phillies on the road on Friday.
The Nationals were able to defeat the Mets 4-0 as Stephen Strasburg threw 6 shutout innings against a Wright-less Mets line-up. Strasburg allowed 2 hits while striking out 9 batters. Wright, who fractured his right pinky finger sliding back to the bag on Monday, was out of the line-up for the second straight day.
After starting off 4-0, the New York Mets have quickly dropped to 4-2 without Wright. The Mets struggled to get baserunners and when they were able to get runners on base they could not capitalize.
After a rocky start for both starting pitchers Strasburg and Johan Santana, the pitch counts seemed high from the first inning. The Nationals were the team who capitalized on the slow starts when Mark DeRosa scored on a wild pitch in the first inning to go up 1-0 and that would seemingly be all they needed.
Now the Mets and Nationals are tied atop the NL East at 4-2. The Nationals who started off with 6 games on the road seem to be primed for this season and hope to take advantage of an NL East which seems to be mostly in transition may it be getting older or getting younger. The Mets look to get healthy as the Mets need David Wright to split up all the left-handed bats in their line-up.
The Nationals now head home to Washington to play the Reds at Nationals Park, while the Mets head to play the Phillies on the road on Friday.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Knicks win 3rd straight 108-86
The Knicks were missing Amare Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin again on Wednesday night but that didn't stop Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler from dominating the Magic.
Carmelo stepped up in a much needed way. Anthony who put up 25 points in the first 3 quarters of play, gave the Knicks a big lead and some much needed rest in the 4th quarter. Anthony sat out the final quarter as he is still battling a groin injury that has effected him in a major way, the last week.
But Anthony is throwing the pain away and fighting through it to help the Knicks push through this difficult stretch run. "It's been a rocky season for us. A lot has been going on, a lot happened, but right now with the coaching change, we've been playing extremely well. We've been really locked in," Anthony stated after the big win in regards to the head coaching change and the injuries to Stoudemire and Lin.
Rookie Iman Shumpert also contributed big with a career high in points with 25. Shumpert was strong from the field including a 4-10 night from behind the three point line. After the game Shumpert said, "They're double-teaming 'Melo and I haven't been shooting the ball much and I do shoot it, I haven't been shooting it well so they are leaving me open. I am going to get more shots and I have to step into it with confidence and knock them down."
It was a big win for the Knicks who now sit 2 and a half games ahead of the 9th place Milwaukee Bucks for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks go to Atlanta on Friday for another big game with a playoff team.
Carmelo stepped up in a much needed way. Anthony who put up 25 points in the first 3 quarters of play, gave the Knicks a big lead and some much needed rest in the 4th quarter. Anthony sat out the final quarter as he is still battling a groin injury that has effected him in a major way, the last week.
But Anthony is throwing the pain away and fighting through it to help the Knicks push through this difficult stretch run. "It's been a rocky season for us. A lot has been going on, a lot happened, but right now with the coaching change, we've been playing extremely well. We've been really locked in," Anthony stated after the big win in regards to the head coaching change and the injuries to Stoudemire and Lin.
Rookie Iman Shumpert also contributed big with a career high in points with 25. Shumpert was strong from the field including a 4-10 night from behind the three point line. After the game Shumpert said, "They're double-teaming 'Melo and I haven't been shooting the ball much and I do shoot it, I haven't been shooting it well so they are leaving me open. I am going to get more shots and I have to step into it with confidence and knock them down."
It was a big win for the Knicks who now sit 2 and a half games ahead of the 9th place Milwaukee Bucks for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks go to Atlanta on Friday for another big game with a playoff team.
At 34, Ochocinco takes Paycut to Stay
Chad Ochocinco may be changing his last name back to Johnson, but his team is not changing. It was reported that Ochocinco agreed to take a $2 Million paycut to stay in New England.
Ochocinco, who the Patriots acquired last off-season to be the Patriots deep threat to make the offense more dynamic, but Ochocinco struggled. Ochocinco who had only 15 catches for 276 yards and a touchdown, denied rumors he would take a paycut on Twitter.
Ochocinco later swallowed his pride and stated he wants to earn his worth in New England. According to Ochocinco's agent, Ochocinco said, "he has un-finished business in New England" and wants a full off-season to work on learning the in-depth playbook. Ochocinco had trouble catching on to the offense as he could not work on the offense throughout the NFL Lockout that occurred leaving him less time to adapt.
With New England bringing in a deep threat in Brandon Lloyd, Anthony Gonzalez, and former Patriot Donte Stallworth, Ochocinco is in a very deep competition to make the team. But the Patriots must want to give Chad a full off-season to claim his worth to the team.
If there's one thing that has to be earned through all this, it's that Ochocinco is sticking to his word. He wants to win and wants to help the Patriots at any cost.
Ochocinco, who the Patriots acquired last off-season to be the Patriots deep threat to make the offense more dynamic, but Ochocinco struggled. Ochocinco who had only 15 catches for 276 yards and a touchdown, denied rumors he would take a paycut on Twitter.
Ochocinco later swallowed his pride and stated he wants to earn his worth in New England. According to Ochocinco's agent, Ochocinco said, "he has un-finished business in New England" and wants a full off-season to work on learning the in-depth playbook. Ochocinco had trouble catching on to the offense as he could not work on the offense throughout the NFL Lockout that occurred leaving him less time to adapt.
With New England bringing in a deep threat in Brandon Lloyd, Anthony Gonzalez, and former Patriot Donte Stallworth, Ochocinco is in a very deep competition to make the team. But the Patriots must want to give Chad a full off-season to claim his worth to the team.
If there's one thing that has to be earned through all this, it's that Ochocinco is sticking to his word. He wants to win and wants to help the Patriots at any cost.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
New York Jets acquire Tebow
The New York Jets did what they have done best of late, try to create buzz. The Jets acquired Tim Tebow who had a great stretch run in last season leading the Broncos to the playoffs. Tebow then upset the Steelers in the first round of the playoffs before being ousted by the Patriots. Tebow mostly known for his "Tebowmania", is ready to bring his talents to the east coast.
Tebow said that he was looking forward to playing for the Jets and that he was thankful they have faith in him as a player. Tebow who was acquired to run the "Wildcat" offense in New York that Offensive Coordinator Tony Sparano ran in Miami.
What the Jets don't seem to see, (or maybe they do), is the idea that this could cause even more craze than needed. Many sports broadcasters feel that this is a mess waiting to happen. Many analysts and fans believe that this could just be a move for media buzz and money.
But I guess we will see what happens when Sanchez throws his first interception in the pre-season. The crowd will chant for Tebow. Will the media, the hype, and the fans be able to force Sanchez out of town and Tebow into the spotlight as it did to Kyle Orton and the Broncos. Only time will tell.
Tebow said that he was looking forward to playing for the Jets and that he was thankful they have faith in him as a player. Tebow who was acquired to run the "Wildcat" offense in New York that Offensive Coordinator Tony Sparano ran in Miami.
What the Jets don't seem to see, (or maybe they do), is the idea that this could cause even more craze than needed. Many sports broadcasters feel that this is a mess waiting to happen. Many analysts and fans believe that this could just be a move for media buzz and money.
But I guess we will see what happens when Sanchez throws his first interception in the pre-season. The crowd will chant for Tebow. Will the media, the hype, and the fans be able to force Sanchez out of town and Tebow into the spotlight as it did to Kyle Orton and the Broncos. Only time will tell.
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