Why the Mavs Can't Win the Finals

By Dan Rodgers

My sincerest apologies for the month delay in posts. I had final exams, projects, and moved out of my apartment. This post is going to be about the Dallas Mavericks inability to "win" the NBA Finals.

While some of you may be thinking I'm crazy because Dallas won game two and they are the only team this post-season to win a game at Miami. Also, Dirk Nowitzki outscored the Heat 9-3 in the final three minutes of the game.

These things might lead you to believe Dallas has a very realistic chance of winning the 2010-2011 NBA Finals. I would most definitely agree with you, and I'll go as far as saying that I would much prefer to see Dallas win the series. However, if you noticed above, win is in quotes. This is because no matter what happens in the series, the focus will be on how the Heat performed.

If Miami wins, everyone will remember that the "Big 3" were able to capture a championship in their first season, and who was that team they beat? If Miami loses, everyone will remember that LeBron James blew it once again and what seemed to be a lock to win the finals couldn't prevail. Who beat them though?

Unfortunately for the Mavs, Miami has stolen so much of the spotlight that it is likely they will be the focus no matter the result.

I think Miami will win at least one championship during the time they have D-Wade, LBJ, and Chris Bosh. Hopefully it won't be this season. Enjoy the rest of the series.

Rodgers That

Nothing greater than a game seven

By Dan Rodgers

So, I was wrong about the end of the Lakers game on Tuesday night. I said L.A. would win by 9-14 points...they won by 22 points. Haha...nothing really to say about that.

I am 100 percent convinced that the Lakers will once again dominate on their home court; probably not to the extent of a 22 point victory though. I see the Lakers flirting with a double digit victory and depending if Boston decides to hit a couple last second three-pointers.

Kobe is almost a lock to win MVP, and a Lakers win will obviously cement that. He will also be only one championship away from MJ which would further the talk about who is the greatest of all time. However, that talk is for after the Lakers win tonight.

L.A. X-factor: Lamar Odom - Odom either shows up and adds to the Lakers success, or he doesn't show up and he is a primary factor for the Lakers struggles. He is a big player that can shoot from the outside, so any contribution he can make will be a big help to Kobe and the Lakers.
Boston X-factor: Big Baby (Glen) Davis/Rasheed Wallace - This combo is filling in for the injured Kendrick Perkins. Perkins was a big reason for Boston's rebounding success, and struggled in game six without him. Look for this duo to split time and play a deciding factor in the outcome of the game.

Predictions:

Rodgers - Lakers 91 Celtics 82

Leatherworld - Lakers 88 Celtics 80

Rodgers That

Kobe politely declines a game six loss

By Dan Rodgers

I wish I would have gotten this post out before the game started, so you could have heard me say that I would bet my house on the Lakers to cover the 6.5 spread... if I were a betting man that is.

If it's any consolation I talked to my friends about it?

Regardless, I'm pretty sure the whole world knew the Lakers wouldn't lay down in game six at home. Kobe put on a very impressive first half performance, but he got a ton of help from his teammates.

Kobe - 6/12 FG 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals

Artest - 4/8 FG 10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block

Gasol - 3/6 FG 7 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks

My favorite Uncle Ray is the only Celtic to do anything impressive in the first half (13 points). Unfortunately for the Celtics, Kendrick Perkins injured his knee in the beginning of the first quarter and will not return.

Look for Boston to have a better second half (couldn't be any worse I guess), but don't expect the Lakers to give in. However, one thing that might be a problem for L.A. is the fact that Derek Fisher just picked up his fourth foul at the start of the third quarter.

Watch for the Lakers to win from 9-14 points, and for Gasol and Kobe to each put up double digit points and rebounds. Also, the Celtics will probably have a poor 3pt shooting percentage because they will force them and Uncle Ray has been struggling.

Can't wait for game seven, go Lakers!

Rodgers That

Tied at two, the pressure builds

By Dan Rodgers

Today I worked outside, in the 90+ degree heat...and the NBA Finals are on tonight? It has never made sense to me why basketball is still being played in the summer, but I don't make the rules.

The Lakers and Celtics have alternated wins so far this series, L.A. winning games one and three and Boston taking two and four. The series stays in Boston for game five (currently in progress: L.A. - 22 Boston - 30 Q2), and then heads back to Los Angeles for the final two games.

This has been a fairly heated series between the NBA's two most historic franchises; however, the smallest margin of victory for either team has been seven. That is definitely surprising if you ask me. Many people thought the series was definitely in Boston's favor once they took a game in L.A., but the Lakers answered right back winning the first game in Boston.

I think game five is a must win for Boston because even though they already won one game in L.A. I don't think they can.

*Ron Artest just kind of hard foul on KG. Rondo nudged Artest who then flopped onto the ground to draw a technical foul. Smart play by Artest even though he looked stupid flopping. The announcers said it best, "That's a 112-pound guy (Rondo) putting his hand on a 280-pound guy (Artest)...he couldn't even pick him up if he tried!"

You've got to love that. L.A. battled back to take a one point lead, but then Pierce hit a three followed by a tip in by Gasol (he was fighting for a board and tipped it in for Boston) to give the Celtics a 41-37 lead with 2:42 left in the second.

This is just a quick shoutout to my boys from the U.S.A. who are fighting in South Africa in the FIFA World Cup. I'm not a soccer fan by any means, but I will always root for the the U.S. no matter the "sport".

World Cup: U.S.A. vs. Slovenia Friday 9:30 am

NBA Finals: Boston @ L.A. Tuesday 9:00 pm

**Game seven: Boston @ L.A. Thursday Thursday 9:00 pm

**If necessary

Game five update: Celtics 45 Lakers 39 HALF

Rodgers That

NBA Finals, just as I suspected

By Dan Rodgers

I told you so. Kobe is so far beyond anyone it amazes me. Well, maybe not considering it is something I am getting used to seeing. I'm writing this post during game two, so I'll include parts of that as well.

Let us keep track during the post. I'm starting and it's Lakers 21 Celtics 20.

Game one went exactly how I suspected Kobe owned; and Pau Gasol showed that he can play with the big boys (i.e. Garnett). Like I said in the previous post, the Lakers x-factor Gasol, would be the key to the Lakers dominating in the paint on both sides of the ball. He had 23 points and 14 rebounds, eight of them on the offensive end. He also added three blocks while managing to stay out of foul trouble.

Kobe added another 30-point performance, which he achieved on a three-pointer with three seconds left in the game. Kind of funny but understandable because the shot clock expired so he had to take a shot.

The Celtics shot a measely 1-10 from three-point land and got out rebounded by 11. Paul Pierce had a respectable game with 24 points and nine rebounds. No one else on the Celtics had a notable game. I know what you're thinking, not even Rajon Rondo did (13 pts 8 assists).

Update: Lakers 22 Celtics 29 End Q1

As for my other x-factor, clearly since above I said Kobe had 30, they didn't do their job. So, we'll see if anyone can do a better job covering number 24 tonight. I don't think they will, but hey...what do I know?

Rodgers That

Celtics @ Lakers...Need I Say More?

By Dan Rodgers

I know you're probably upset that no one wrote anything about the worst call in sports history last night, but I'm sure Dr. Jekyll will include it in his segment of Rounding the bases.

This is a quickie as I am going to see Get Him to the Greek. (Don't worry, it's free)

Game One:

Celtics @ Lakers 9:00 PM on ABC

This is a ridiculous rematch of the greatest player of my era (Kobe) against a franchise that owns the Lakers in the finals (Celtics hold 9-2 edge).

I don't think it will matter because Kobe is a hoss and wants payback after losing in 2008. I will review this game and go into more depth before game two. Enjoy watching Kobe, KG, and Uncle Ray.

L.A. X-Factor: Pau Gasol

Boston X-Factor: Whoever defends Kobe

All I know is that if I were a gambling man, I'd bet on the Lakers...

Rodgers That