When I got an editors job at the Clarion this year, I begged anybody who would listen for a blog. I told them I wanted to write about the NBA because it was my favorite sport and after a month, I was granted my request. My NBA blog started out strong. I made predictions, recapped opening night and shared some of my not-so-agreeable thoughts on the sport.
But for some reason I lost interest in the NBA this season. Last year I watched a minimum of two games per week, but this year I went two months without watching a complete game. I wrote a column explaining how my lack of interest in the NBA might somehow be related to my disappointment with the NBA 2K10 video game, because it seems like whichever sport has the best game is the one I watched most.
I finally made a breakthrough last Thursday, Feb. 11, when I watched the Cavaliers take out the Orlando Magic 115-106. While watching the game I couldn’t understand why I got so tired of it. There were breakaway dunks, behind the back passes and everything else I used to love to watch. I was happy to see the Cavs finally beat the Magic after getting embarrassed in the Eastern Conference Finals last year by Orlando. LeBron James looked great and I was impressed with how much forward J.J. Hickson has improved.
After this breakthrough, I made it a point to watch the All-Star game on Sunday, Feb. 16, and again I wasn’t disappointed. For me, the highlights of that game were: Dwight Howard making a three-point-shot, a monster dunk by Chris Bosh in the first half and Carmelo Anthony’s near air ball to finish the game. It was a bit anti-climatic with all the foul calls at the end of the game, but what can you do.
I managed to catch the second half of Suns at Grizzlies last night, Feb. 18, and was surprised to see Memphis has a decent team. Former Ohio State guard Mike Conley looked great directing the Memphis’ offense and Grizzlies center Marc Gasol seems much improved.
You might say I also used the game to scout Suns forward Amar’e Stoudemire as well. Cleveland is rumored to be interested in trading for the big man and after watching him play, I am all for it. Stoudemire isn’t a great defensive player, doesn’t rebound well for his size and shoots way too many jumpers, but he does put the ball in the hoop and it’s my opinion that he would be twice as effective with LeBron on his team, dishing the rock.
I’m back on the NBA wagon for now, I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not, and I’ll definitely be updating my blog more frequently. I’m going to try to post once a week, but I’m not making any promises because finals are approaching and I need time to study.
Game of the week: Denver Nuggets at Cleveland Cavaliers, Thursday (Feb. 20), TNT, 8:00p.m..