Basketball from a fans perspective   

Published Monday through Friday

Bits n Pieces  

The Lakers certainly needed the 124-116 win over the Warriors on Saturday. They needed every one of the 56 points the elder LeBron James scored. He shot 52% from the floor (36% from 3) along with 10 rebounds and 3 assists.  At 20 years and 80 days LeBron became the youngest player in the NBA history with 50 or more points. The reason LeBron was referred to as elder is based on the period of this accomplishment. At 37 years and 65 days LeBron became the 4^th oldest NBA player in history to score 50+ points in a game.

Winning is not always rewarding this is proves it. The name Michael Fly might be unfamiliar to you, he was the coach of Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Meyers. Notice the statement read was, Fly has been fired as head coach despite the fact FGCU registered a 21-11 record (10-6 in the conference). There was no background impropriety that caused the school to terminate the coach. The AD confirmed the coach is out despite holding the post 11 years however they will not qualify for the NCAA tourney. They were eliminated in the ASUN tourney thus preventing them from further NCAA play. Fly registered a 55-59 record during his tenure, this offers proof even a winning record might not save your job.

Much has been written in this blog regarding the Nets Kyrie Irving, i.e., the fact he is a part-time player despite receiving the salary of a full-time player. Of course, by now you are aware of the ongoing drama regarding Irving’s refusal to become covid compliant. He is prohibited from play in NYC due to covid restrictions by the city administration. In the face of this issue, Irving a part-time player has appeared in 37 games (prior to publication). Anthony Davis the talented but often-injured Laker forward has also played in 37 games, the difference AD is a full-time player. Not much additional to add to this account except we might pose the question, who wins here, the Nets or Lakers?

Carolina Blue spoiled the party, the Tarheels beat Duke on Saturday night 94-81 but it was more than an ACC match. This would be the final game in Cameron Indoor Stadium for legendary Duke Coach K. The television camera caught several of his former players some in the NBA in attendance. As much as the Blue Devils wanted this win for their coach it was not to be. It’s difficult to figure out the future for Coach K., this we know his family is more important to him. He allowed those in attendance and a world-wide television audience to be aware of that fact. Coach K. arrived in 1980 at Duke and basketball was changed forever, good luck in the future coach.

On Sunday Jayson Tatum followed LeBron James performance with one of his own. His 54-point game led the Celtics to a 126 to 120 victory over Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant of the Nets. In 41 minutes on the floor Tatum was 16 for 30 along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists. There is a new candidate for “Beast of the East”, it’s the Celtics of Boston. After floundering about for much of the NBA season the Celtics are sprinting toward the finish line and playoffs. 

I thought it was just me

Time for me to rise up and stand behind the podium once again. A person I admire greatly discussing sports said, “I don’t listen to Stephen A. Smith, all he’s doing is giving you his opinion on a subject.” He is correct, has Smith ever provided you valuable information you didn’t know? We can debate the value provided however I believe you understand my intent. As for me it’s no problem if ESPN wants to pay Smith a gazillion dollars for his bombastic and pontificating style so, be it.

This statement by me, as he’s risen steadily in for me in the eyes of ESPN’s management, he’s become dimmer and dimmer for me. Apparently, I’m not alone in my observation but listen to this a moment. It’s okay for Smith to have an opinion on a myriad of sports subjects however must his opinion be mine. For me that’s the greatness in people each of us can have our own opinions, there is no requirement to be influenced by what Smith or any other members of the broadcast media have to say on a day-to-day basis.