For me, being a casual fan is nonexistent. It's crazy to think that somebody could go one day without watching four whole episodes of SportsCenter back-to-back-to-back-to-back even though it's the same thing over and over again. I spend time at work looking up as many articles on ESPN as I possibly can. Being well-rounded is an important aspect of anyone's life, I just choose to be well-rounded when it comes to sports. I love my Detroit teams, and while I've gone through some terrible times with them (2008 Detroit Lions) I've had just as many great times (ala Miguel Cabrera 2012). So, as you begin reading this blog please understand the kind of person you're dealing with. I am very very passionate when it comes to sports. All sports, all teams, all aspects. Happy reading, I hope you enjoy.
It's that time of year again, a time when casual fans become diehards, and non-fans jump on the bandwagons. Why? Because it's playoff time.
The NHL Playoffs have been as up and down as your favorite roller coaster so far. Just ask the Toronto Maple Leafs how quickly they went up and back down. It was like they took a ride on the Top Thrill Dragster. They were on their way to the second round, and it seemed like 17 seconds later they were on their way home for the summer to work on their golf games, or whatever it is they do during the summer in Canada. (Side note: Do they have summers in Canada? Am I the only one who thinks of Canada as having a year round winter?) There have been some great games and some outstanding play. Starting with my favorite team, the Detroit Red Wings. They've given me heart attacks throughout the year. This was almost the first time in my life they didn't make the playoffs. But you know what almost counts in? Horseshoes and hand grenades. (And dancing, and golf, and drive-in movies.) And then they go and show everyone they can hang by taking out the 2 seed Ducks in 7 games. Jimmy Howard has been outstanding in these playoffs. He's done everything but stand on his head to keep his team in games. With a tough Blackhawks team coming after them tonight in another Game 7, it might be too much to ask of Jimmy to get the team through to the Conference Finals against the LA Kings. Almost every series has been enjoyable to fans though. The first round gave fans 17 chances to win a free t-shirt from ESPN's John Buccigross with the #bucciovertimechallenge (You can also just buy one of the shirts. All proceeds go to charity. Be a good person). 17 overtime games in one round... shear madness. Now that the Eastern Conference Finals are set, and the West will be tonight, we're that much closer to crowning another Stanley Cup champion. Is a repeat in the cards for the Kings, or will the Bruins, Penguins, Blackhawks, or Red Wings have something to say about it? One thing's for certain, fans are going to be entertained. Why? Because It's The Cup.
These NBA playoffs hadn't given much to generate a whole lot of interest from the casual NBA fan, that is until the Heat dropped games 2 and 4 against the Pacers. Any fan who has even the smallest interest in any NBA team besides the Heatles instantly becomes a fan of whoever LeBron & Co. happen to be playing in a series. Let's face it, the Boston Three Party was much more fun to watch than the Heat's Big 3. KG, Pierce, Allen, they all cared more about the integrity of the game than the entertainment value. Since they were first introduced, the Heatles made it known they had a passion for the theatrical with their antics in South Beach. Fireworks and flashing lights generated a full on beach party at which LeBron proclaimed "Not five. Not six. Not seven..." in reference to number of championships they were going to bring to Miami. From that moment, the Heat became Public Enemy Number One for every NBA fan out there. Seeing them lose in the Finals their first year together brought joy to fans everywhere, seeing them win in a lockout-shortened season last year brought out the excuses of how it didn't count because they didn't play a full year. I can't wait to hear what people come up with if they win it again this year.
But really, let's face it, LeBron's is the best player many young fans have ever seen, and maybe ever will see. He's ridiculous going to the basket. He can't be stopped. Unless you pull a Kirk Hinrich. He can back you down in the post and finish over you with the left hand. Just ask Paul George who got bullied all of game 3. He'll hit the pull up jumper in your eye, then drive right past you the next time down. Just as valuable as all of his offensive talent, is what he brings to the defensive side of the ball. He can poke it loose, play the passing lane, and block shots as well as, if not better than any small forward to ever play the game. Fans hate LeBron for having to go to a "Superteam" to win, but you can't hate on how he plays. He's the best there is right now in every facet of the game. If the Pacers can steal another game in Miami, it'd surprise me (and pretty much every other follower of the NBA). I think this Heat team's too good for the up-and-coming Pacers. But we'll see what happens.
In the West, San Antonio's already clinched their berth in the Finals. The Big Fundamental is looking to win his fifth NBA Championship. Are they too old to hang with the young guns either the Heat or Pacers will run out on the court in game 1 of the Finals? Many people seem to think so, but the way Parker and Duncan are playing right now it's like they're 8 years younger when they beat the Pistons in the 2005 Finals. They're gonna put up a fight, and I am excited to watch.
NBA Finals prediction - San Antonio steals game 1 or 2 in Miami, but the Heat takes all 3 in San Antonio to win their second straight championship in 5 games. I hope I'm wrong, I really do. I'd love to see the young Pacers or the old Spurs take out LeBron & Co. That'll make almost everyone happy, and we won't have to hear excuses as to why the Heat's championship shouldn't count.
Go Blue!
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