First Round Thoughts

First of all, whoever in Detroit signed off on the Billups-Iverson trade should present themselves to the true-blue Pistons fans and humbly beg to commit seppuku.

The fans should refuse and drown them in Lake St. Clair.

Secondly, I really thought the Jazz were the best canadites in the Conference to make the Lakers have to work for their first round. Sadly, that did not happen. The league is dry-chafing its collective erection, trying not to make a mess before the NBA Finals Starring LeBron James and Kobe Bryant gets rolling.

Thirdly, I'm not at all happy that the Hornets got dismembered by the Nuggets. Not really. Those Nuggets are probably going to be facing my Mavs in the conference semis. I disagree with M. Moore's assertion that Chris Paul's going to get cut slack for this, though. This was supposed to be the year the Hornets swept out the Old Order of Suns, Mavs, and Spurs, leading the Western Conference to a happy place. Instead, led by CP3, they faceplanted. Fail.

I feel sorry for New Orleans, though, for the same reason my heart cries for Detroit. The mental and fiscal health of a major metro area is tied to sport. The respective failures of the Pistons and the Hornets drains hope and hard coin from cities that badly need both.

And finally, a little closer to home . . .

I'm not going to jinx it. I'm not. Suffice it to say, playoff time at the AAC is crazy. And no wonder Tim Duncan overacts fouls; when he's not overacting, he looks insane.
-BJ

Just In Time For The Playoffs . . . Kinda

Ahh . . . home internets!

No, I did not bail through the second half of the season then come back on board when the Mavs started to be worth a damn. And I got the ticket stubs to prove it, bitches.

So we're leading the series 3-1. I'm calling this as a Mavs in six -- I do not think the Spurs will allow themselves to be humiliated on their own floor -- with the confidence of having history on my side. However, the Mavs have been on the wrong side of the numbers before. Examples to cite are numerous and painful.

In one way, we're lucking out. Dirk's scoring is being effectively neutralized by San Antonio's defense and Jason Terry's (Sixth Man of the Motherfucking Year!!! congratulations Mr. Terry!) slumping . . . and we're winning anyway. Because other than the awesomeness that is Tony Parker and the Big Fundamental, the Spurs don't have much.

That's not going to be true going forward. I take nothing away from Josh Howard's might and majesty when I say he's not going to be enough as the Mavs try to make a serious push.
-BJ

Oh That's What A Total Meltdown Looks Like

Coach Popovich: Have mercy!
Mavs Nation: Um . . . nope.

-BJ

Hol-ee Shit

Yep, I'm still alive. Improbable as it seems.

Postseason = made. Fifty wins in nine straight years = done. Everybody healthy = more or less.

Playoff win on the road = mission accomplished.
-BJ

Drive-By Update

Hey guys.

Nope, I’m not dead. I’m not employed yet, either.

Thankfully, I’ve got a roommate that is working, so I have the luxury of a place to stay and reliable transportation. Dear Economy; you do not scare me. I grew up in a state that’s been in a perpetual recession since 1987. This too shall pass.

But anyway. Thumbnail update on my guys.

After some truly disgusting losses – I haven’t even looked at Basketbawful’s take on the Thunder game, and I have no intention of ever doing so, ever – The Boss comes out with some choice words. And the Mavs responded. Ho boy, they responded. My heart lay panting on the floor for most of the game.

One hopes the effect sticks. The leadership corps of the team has had choice words regarding effort and heart throughout this season. It’s got to be different when it comes from the guy who signs the paychecks. Because if that’s not enough of a fire under the balls, I have a hard time imagining what would work. A rebuke from God? Please it doesn’t come to that.

Hornets tonight. Kick ass, boys.
-BJ