ALLTHINGSBASKETBALL24/7
Jamel Newerls.
Junior Blog Writer for CRIZZYNATION.NET
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THE OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER LOSING STREAK
What’s up Basketball fans! I need answers, because right OKC is playing .500% Basketball. I’m totally confused at how they have been out played their last 3 games, great teams don’t lose 3 in the row! Through all that pure talent, I noticed a weakness. They are not discipline on the court, they just go there and just play, I don’t see a sense of cohesiveness when I watch OKC and this very disappointing at times when I watch teams like the Warriors with extreme chemistry. OKC when 0-3 right after starting 3-0. I will explain by the number why OKC are on a losing streak.
1. #OutScored The first three games OKC averaged almost 123 PTS per game. Their PPG average drop 23 PTS per game (100.33).
2. #OutHustled. The first three games OKC averaged 52.3 REB per game. Their REB average dropped by almost 5 (46.66).
3. #SharingTheRock. The first three games OKC averaged 24 AST per game. Their AST average dropped almost three (21.3).
OKC needs a veteran that will compose them and help them keep it together in crunch-time moments where making good decisions are crucial. Two of their leaders are gone from last year, Scott Brooks was fired after the season ended and Kendrick Perkins was traded for Enes Kanter and company. These moves were respected and understandable however, OKC needs to fill that Intangible void that they are missing right now. Good news is that it is very early in the season the OKC have five months to fix this problem before play-offs starts.
Empire VS. Power
For those who don’t know, Empire and Power are arguably the two best TV shows in urban culture right now. Both of the shows made huge splashes with their first seasons. Timbaland is the man behind the music on Empire, and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is the man behind the “Starz” on Power. They constantly crossroads because they attract the same viewers and for the past year, the big question has been, which one is better? I will officially give my opinion and answer this question, and the answer to this question depends on if you want reality, or if you just want to be entertained for 60 minutes of your life.
Empire is extremely commercial. I am not sure if it’s because of outside restrictions due to being on a local channel, or if that’s just how Lee Daniels decided to make the plot. First of all, anything goes on Empire. The first thing that threw me off about Empire was the people that was chosen to play certain roles. The part of Lucious Lyon’s prison mate, someone that is supposed strike fear in everyone with a reputation that rings bells all throughout the streets, they hired Chris Rock. Chris Rock? Someone that makes people laugh for a living, someone, that created a show of his childhood where he got robbed and bullied every day? Yeah, that’s the perfect guy. Then they decide to cast Andre Royo and Lucious Lyon’s lawyer. Andre Royo, who played “Bubbles” AKA the crack-head on “The Wire”. To me it all seems like a big joke. The way luscious got out of jail was extremely fake. “Thirsty Rollins” (Lucious’s Lawyer) arrived to court late with pictures of the judge partaking in Dominatrix. WTH? That has to be one of the least original ideas in Television history On Power, the characters are much more fitting to their role and the plot is much more authentic and original. Before Tommy got his case dismissed, it was a battle and it officially got dismissed was because Angela didn’t have a full sketch of the murder to prove that it was actually Tommy and the information she got on Tommy was through a manipulated minor under stress. Realistic situation right? The things that goes on in Empire is pure jokes, I can’t take it serious at all. Now I’m going to explain why power is the better show.
Power is the ultimate chess game, played out by the rules of the streets. Every episode leaves me feeling some type of way and not knowing what’s going to happen next. I wish Power had two seasons every year. In Power the characters are relatable, one of the main reasons is because everyone is vulnerable, and nobody is untouchable just like it is in real-life. Power which creates an array of possibilities and outcomes. The plot takes so many twist and turns that keeps me guessing what’s next. Empire’s plot is like “Rock, Papers, Scissors” compared to Power’s plot. No matter what happens Lucious is always going to do something to get an advantage and its getting too predictable and cheesy in season 2. Lucious plays by his own rules which is really corny to me, This Dude gets away with murder, and digs back up the body, then gets his case totally dismissed? You got people still on trial for taking their trash too early and this dude gets his case dismissed after digging up a dead body haha! wow! I can go on all day about the trash that I see on Empire but I will cut it short. Power is definitely the better show in my eyes #RealRecognizeReal.
The Perfect Fire and Ice Duo
What's up Basketball fans! Finally! There is nothing that I am more excited to see than watching Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook play together once again. All last year, all we could do is speculate. Speculate about the kind of show that these two players are capable of putting on when healthy and in-sync. This year, we will see both of them on the court at the same time with the common goal of winning a championship. All year they will be locked in and focused on only Basketball. Just imagine the kind of historical performances we can witness when we you two superstars with complimentary styles of play locked in with one another.
Russell Westbrook (The Fire) has a consistent Intense-Enraged style of play. He plays strong, and explosive. Russell Westbrook game will set the tone of every OKC game. He will force opposing defenses to take cover as he relentlessly drives down the lane. The Fire that Russell Westbrook plays with will overwhelm his opposing match up. Defenses will have no choice but to focus majority of their attention on containing him. That’s only the beginning, to end the game you have (The Ice) cold assassin, Kevin Durant.
Kevin Durant is a ice cold clutch performer. He is going to make it rain with every shot attempt (52% Career AVG) he is going to hit those important ice breaking shots to carry his team. His offense versatility is going to keep the defense slipping and sliding with every possession. The two of them together gives the Oklahoma City thunder an excellent offense every night. The question is will it be Fire or Ice? What makes them extremely deadly is the fact that they now have the support cast to play of off them therefore opposing defenses can't just focus on Durant and Westbrook and dare their role players to make a shot. OKC now have, sharp shooters, post players, and floor generals that will make the defense pay for their mistakes. One word to describe this year's OKC team? #Talented. Mark my words NBA fans, we will see an historical Durant-Westbrook duo performance for years to come. to come. #FireandIce.
2K Sports is "All IN" With NBA2K16
What's up basketball fans! I have been an extreme advocate of the 2k-Lifestyle ever since Sega Dreamcast, ever since 2k sports elevated the realistic experience of video gaming with extremely beautiful graphics. Every year they have added something different and never becoming complacent after arguably being the best Basketball game on the market. 2k Sports is still doing the same thing 15+ years later. 2k sports is preparing NBA 2k16 to be one of the greatest games of all-time. Real-life authenticity is their foundation, and they have continued to build on that foundation by adding various real-life team offenses like the "Triangle Offense" and exciting game modes. This year, 2k sports brought on board some heavy hitters for their production team. They have added one of the greatest directors of all-time, Spike Lee. Having Spike Lee take creative control over "My Player" mode which is one of the game's flagship modes is definitely a power moves. Who else is better to be in charge of creating a captivating story line that individuals from any walk of life can feel and relate to? Spike Lee has the perfect and perspective for the job. It's not over though, they also brought in DJ Mustard, DJ Khaled, and DJ Premier to help produce the music soundtrack, wow! 2k Sports is playing no games with this one. We have been asking for a soundtrack that gets us amped to play ball, I think we will get it with these three on the job. Last but not least, 2k sports are making it possible to play college teams, wow. The production and thought behind NBA 2k16 is making it highly anticipated. I can't wait to see how all of it will come together. For all the Ladies, you can’t go wrong with getting this game for your man this up coming October.
Doc Rivers signs the Clipper-Killer:
What's up Basketball fans! *Clap Hands* Well-played Doc, We'll played. The competition for Western Conference championship is stiff. You’ve got LaMarcus Aldridge and the Spurs, Kevin Durant and OKC, and now the LA Clippers just signed 6'9 forward Josh Smith. Wow! Josh smith is known for playing a major hand in making the Clippers choke on their 3-1 lead versus the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference semi-finals last year. Josh Smith and company went off in Game 6! Hitting a bunch of 3's and stopping the Clippers 8 times to come back from a 15pt deficit. The Clippers just became best friends with their Western Conference nightmare. #SmartMove by Doc Rivers because he do not want another brutal come back from behind beat down. On the other side coin, it really will be lob city, in LA! Josh Smith adds to the Clippers fast break tempo and he is not a liability defensively. You can sub him in for Deandre Jordan when teams tries to deploy the “Hack-A-Shaq” on him. Even though Josh Smith doesn’t shoot lights from the line, historically he shoots 63% from the free-throw line, I would take that over Deandre Jordans’s 41%. The Clippers will be hard to guard next year because of their versatility on both ends of the floor however, I am still going with OKC to win it all next year but it definitely won't be easy. Kevin Durant needs to be on his “A” game. They have filled every hole efficiently and effectively #EnesKanter. I believe that Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook perfectly complement each other. Once they find that Balance, we could witness the run of a legendary dynamic duo. I can’t wait for next season.
The PLAYER VS The SYSTEM
The Player or The System What's up Basketball fans! More than ever, the league has been impacted by two Hall of Fame coaches, Phil Jackson and Greg Popovich. Along with Red Arbach and Pat Riley, these coaches are known for their diabolical offensive systems that they imposed on the league. There two systems have a combined 16 championship, some franchises have a rough time winning just one! So Basketball fans, if you had to choose, the best system or the best player, which one is the better option if you want to win a championship?
Jroze_sob's Take:
I am definitely going with "Michael Jordan" over "Phil Jackson". All systems have at some point in time, especially in a long play-off run. When a fail, it is the players that make plays to score the basket. That is why the draft is based of top talent as far as and not the systems. The greatest player of all-time is also the one on one player of all-time because the ability to score at will, trumphs any defense. I'm not saying that systems doesn't go a long way in the sport that is strategic heavy.
Joe Johnson you are NEXT!
What’s up Basketball fans! The NBA Gods has answered my prayers! The painful and over-payed relationship that my Brooklyn Nets has had with Deron Williams has ended. Anybody that knows me, knows that I washed my hands with Deron Williams 2 years ago and if it was up to me, Deron would be authorized to pay back 65% of his contract back to the Nets franchise. As Nets fan I was bamboozled! Hoodwinked! Lead astray! Believe it or not, Deron William was considered one of the top Point Guards in the league at one point. Even better than Chris Paul! And now look at him, SMH. He was getting paid max dollars and producing minimum numbers, 13pts and 6 assist per game, ridiculous. I knew this day would come, I just wish that it came sooner, good luck in the D-League, D-Will. Mark Cuban please do not waste your Shark Tank money on D-Will.
He is poised, he is consistent, he is Russ Smith:
What's up Basketball fans! The Memphis Grizzles has won the 2015 NBA Orlando Summer League with a 2 OT 75-73 win over the Orlando Magic! Starting Point Guard, Russ Smith led the way with 15pts and 9 AST. Russ Smith has really made his presence felt in this year’s NBA Summer League, showing that he is a Point Guard that can give quality, and productive minutes in the NBA. He showed that he has the ability control the pace of a game and effectively facilitate an Offense. But most importantly, showing a high IQ when running the "Pick and Roll". Russ Smith averaged 14.8 points shot 50% from the field (which is the Magical percentage for most Guards) while dishing out 6.2 assist a game. His stats line is really tough to argue with Summer League or not. Throughout the entire Summer League, Russ consistently made the perfect decision to get his teammates the ball or call his own number. Russ Smith has everything it takes to be a valued Point Guard in the NBA. I definitely believe that once Russ gets his big chance, he will own his opportunity. His performances showed that he do not cheat the process of becoming a great Point Guard. Keep it up. #GoodLuckRuss. #YouKnowHowBrooklynDo!
Question of the Day:
What team in the Western Conference will replace the Portland Trailblazers in the 2016 NBA Playoffs. From what I see, the Trailblazers are done. They lost Nicholas Batum, Wes Matthews, Aaron Afflalo, Robin Lopez and some guy named LaMarcus Aldridge. Rebuilding is staring Rip City right in the face, so who is going to replace the Trailblazers in the Western Conference Playoff picture?! Let us not take the cop-out and say OKC
Kashean Alston: From Brooklyn, NY to Gorizia, Italy
What's up Basketball fans! Growing up, where I am from, everybody played Basketball. It was what we did all day. It was just something that came natural to everybody. It's a park on nearly every corner in Brooklyn. Basketball was one of the main reasons why the summertime was always highly anticipated. Every park had their own Basketball tournament and some ballers had some real talent. But as people grow up they get caught up in the streets and other distractions and they give up on their craft. For those who don't give up on their craft and keep fighting to use their talent for a living, I respect you. I'm shouting out one of my close friends for doing just that, Kashean Alston.
Kashean played ball his entire his life and always found a way to incorporate Basketball as a major aspect in his life. I called him #Mr.20and10 because of his ability to score and rebound when he played for our college Basketball team. After a remarkable Basketball career throughout college, filled with recognition and awards, Kashean confidently took his talents from Brooklyn, NY to Gorizia, Italy to compete in the "Basketball Summer Jam" for a contract to play overseas (June 25th- July 5th). Team managers and scouts are attracted to this event to see and hire hungry and talented players like Kashean Alston. Kashean always kept himself prepared for this opportunity because he knew that this tournament was his next step. He worked for it and made it happen. Kashean had an exceptional showing in Italy averaging 26ppg in the showcase tournament in Italy, going up against professional athletes. Unevitably, he was selected to participate in the All-Star game. After an incredible experience, He is back home now and is still pushing himself to get better each and every day. #HardWorking and #Humble. #BestOfLuck.
Kashean Alston: 6'4 Forward from Brooklyn, New York
NBA BALLER CREDIT REPORT: Point Guard Edition
What’s up Basketball fans! The NBA Baller Credit Report was such a big hit. I got some requests to do PT.2 version of it. So I said to myself why not run a credit check on the top 5 players of the most talented and competitive positon in the NBA right now; Point Guards. After deciding who is the top 5 players at that position, this will be fun!
*Credit scale that is always being utilized: 300-850
Step Curry- 701 (Great)
Total Accounts- 1 (Excellent)
GSW- 2009-Present
Open Accounts- 1 (Fair)
Win the Western Conference without Point Guard from opposing teams being injured.
Balances- None (Great)
Already captured a championship
Delinquent Accounts- None (Good)
Has never left current team
Derogatory Remarks- (Fair)
Defensive liability
Easy road to NBA championship due opposing teams injuries
Russell Westbrook- 669 (Good)
Total accounts- 1 (Good)
OKC 2008- Present
Open Accounts- 4 (Poor)
Become a consistent three point threat
Become a floor general
Raise Field Goal percentage
Needs to make teammates better
Balances- (Fair)
NBA championship
All-NBA 1st team
Delinquent Accounts (Good)
None
Derogatory Remarks (Poor)
Turnover Machine
Plays out of control
Forces bad shots
Has an extremely weird fashion sense
John Wall- 610 (Poor)
Total Accounts- 1 (Good)
Open accounts- (Fair)
Get a Jump-Shot
Make it to the Conference finals
Balances- (Fair)
NBA championship
All-NBA 3rd team
Delinquent accounts- (Good)
None- Has never left current team
Derogatory Remarks-
Can’t shoot
Very inconsistent
Lost to Hawks in 2015 Eastern Conference Semi- Finals (Lost lead and Series)
Kyrie Irving- 643 (Fair)
Total Accounts- 1 (Good)
CLE (2011-Present)
Open Accounts- (Fair)
Become a floor general
Stay healthy
Delinquent Accounts- (Good)
None (Has never left current team)
(
Derogatory Remarks- (Fair)
Not a leader
Injury prone
Chris Paul – 655 (Fair)
Total Accounts – 2 (Good)
NOK/NOH (2005-2011)
LAC (2011-Present)
Open accounts- (Poor)
Conference Finals appearance
NBA finals appearance
Balances- (Fair)
1 Championship ring
Delinquent accounts (Good)
None
Derogatory Remarks – (Poor)
Gave up a 3-1 lead vs Rockets in 2015 NBA playoffs (Semi-Conference finals)
Hard on teammates but can’t back it up with equity (NBA Rings)
NBA Ballers Credit Report
What’s up basketball fans! If you are an American, you know how important your personal credit score/ credit history is when you are trying to buy a house, car, or just simply take out a loan. Your personal credit is a strong indicator of the type of person you are when it comes to business transactions. With that being said NBA fans, is it possible to breakdown a NBA player in terms of their “NBA credit report”? In this blog I am going to breakdown Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Carmelo Anthony “NBA credit report”.
*Credit scale that is being utilized
300-850
Chris Paul – 655 (fair)
Total Accounts – 2 (Great)
NOK/NOH (2005-2011)
LAC (2011-Present)
Open accounts- (Very Poor)
Conference Finals appearance
NBA finals appearance
Balances- (Fair)
1 Championship ring
Delinquent accounts (Great)
None
Derogatory remarks – (Very Poor)
Gave up a 3-1 lead vs Rockets in 2015 NBA playoffs (Semi-Conference finals)
Hard on teammates but can’t back it up with equity (NBA Rings)
Kobe Bryant – 749 (Excellent)
Total Accounts – (Excellent)
LAL (1996 – Present)
Open Accounts – (Great)
None
Balances- (Excelllent)
None (although he might say he owed a 6th ring)
Delinquent Accounts (Great)
None
Derogatory remarks- (Fair)
Got swept by Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs (2010)
Lost twice in the finals (Pistons, Celtics)
LeBron James- 685 (Pretty Good)
Total Accounts – Fair
CLE (2003-2010)
MIA (2010-2014)
CLE (2014-present)
Open accounts - Fair
Get a consistent jump shot
Make Free-Throws at higher percentage
Balances – (Fair)
1 CLE Championship
Delinquent Accounts – (Poor)
CLE (2010)
MIA (2014)
Derogatory Remarks – Poor
No Clutch gene
Not loyalty to him team
Lost 4 times in NBA finals
Carmelo Anthony – 604 (Fair)
Total accounts - (Good)
DEN (2003-2011)
NYK (2011- 2015)
Open Accounts – (Very Poor)
Make it to Conference Finals
Make it to NBA Finals
Balances – (Fair)
1 NBA championship
Delinquent accounts- Good
None
Derogatory Remarks- Very Poor
Only made it out the first round of the Playoffs twice in his career.
Not a great leader
Do not like to play defense
Ball-Movement stopper
Not a superstar in the NBA
NBA Finals Game 6 Thoughts
What's up basketball fans! Im so annoyed, frustrated and dissapointed. Emotions that I have been far too familar with as it pertains to me being a Basketball fan. In game 6, LeBron James did not play with a level of desperation I expected him to play with. I know he was tired from his previous performance, but I needed him to leave it all on the court, he played defeated. He did not play with confidence. Where was that confidence that he confirmed he had because he is the best player in the world. The Cavs biggest mistake was to allow themselves to down by a sizable margin going into the 4th quarter. But! Let the Steph Curry bandwagon begin! Starting with Adam Silver and the NBA! Steph Curry and company will be every where. No, not the Warriors, his daughter, his family, that do not even touch the Harwood. Oh and NBA 2k16? You can book it, Steph Curry will be ungaurdable. Anytime he does a crossover, there will be a glitch stopping you from recovering. Period. Aye Spike Lee make sure you tell LeBron's side of the story. The Lone Cavalier. The Basketball Gods obviously missed the memo that one of its kind needed some help.
NBA Finals Game 5 Thoughts
i'm feeling all types of ways. Upset, dissapointed, and depressed. I was expecting the Cavs to leave Oracle arena with a 3-2 lead but instead they let Warriors run all over them. It was a close game through out and I fear that the Cavs do not have the pure talent to defeat the Warriors and if Steph Curry wins a championship before Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony, I will lose it. Metaphorically speaking, this like LeBron James having a street fight with five grown men, with only children there to help him. Right now, I would make Kevin love suite up and let the chips where they may. If the Cavs go on to lose this series. This will be a long and painful off-season for Lebron. Not just because he lost, but because of the frustion of him knowing that he was on the virtually by himself. One of the main reasons why he left Cleveland back in 2010.
NBA Finals Game 5 Predictions
What’s up Basketball fans! All the LeBron haters are on cloud nine after that game 4 lost. The Cavaliers were clearly gassed throughout the entire game, LeBron James did not have enough in him to take over the game when his teammates was struggling but no excuses. Shout out to SteveKerr making the necessary adjustments to win the game, now it’s the Cavs turn. Having two and a half days of rest, the Cavs will re-gain their physical-energetic edge that we all have seen in games two and three. Lebron James and the Cavaliers will come out with aggression, execution, and go up big on the Dubs in early in the game. Matthew Dellavedova will pick up where left off with locking-up Steph Curry and beating everyone to loose balls. Shumpert and JR Smith will combine for 25 points and 3 steals shooting at least 45% from the field. Triston Thompson will continue to grab every rebound that comes down, Timothy Mosgov will build on the mismatch that was exploited by coach Blatt in game 4. Tristian and Timothy will both get close to a double-double. The warriors will wake up, and will step it up a notch and make a late run. Hitting a couple threes, forcing a turnover or two to cut the lead and get back into the game however, it will not be enough to defend their home court. The Cavs will win 105-98 and go back to #TheLand with a 3-2 lead behind LeBron James’s triple-double.
NBA Finals Game 3
As a basketball mind, game 3 reminded me a key reason why if you look better on paper and by the numbers you can still be out matched. The Cavaliers made up their minds to be ultra-physical, and when someone is beating you down, you can focus on your game. The Cavs are showing that they want it bad, I mean real bad. Thus is the only way you can defeat the Warriors. The Cavs have to deny Steph Curry the ball, practically try and delete him from the play. Steph Curry only needs half of an inch of room to attempt a 3pt shot which is one of the most game changing shots in Basketball.
NBA Finals Game 2
I can't help but think.... I can't help but think that it is supposed to be Kevin Durant and the Thunder in the Finals facing LeBron for the NBA championship. I believe that the Warriors could not hold a candle to OKC's explosive well balanced yet explosive offense. Furthermore, I believe that Russell Westbrook has the unforgiving motor and mentality to contain Steph Curry.
NBA Finals Game 1
Game one take aways Although the Cavs have lost game one of the NBA Finals last night, my hat definitely goes of to them. From tip-off, Triston Thompson made his presence felt crashing the glass, Kyrie got himself going after starting of struggling (finishing with & 6 assist and 2 blocks), and LeBron James showed that he is a true leader by taking control of the game very early in the game while his teammates was trying to find their rhythm. The Cavaliers played great man to man defense throughout this game, they need to keep this up to have an at stealing game two on road which I believe they can
