My Thoughts on the NBA Finals

 The 2011 NBA Finals - Part 1

Nearly eleven months ago the most sought after free agent in the history of the NBA uttered the following phrase: “This fall, I’m going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat” and singlehandedly altered the NBA landscape for the next decade. LeBron James’ decision to join superstar and personal friend Dwyane Wade and perennial All Star Chris Bosh, who had committed to the Heat the day before, was universally lambasted. James was instantly labeled narcissistic, self-absorbed, and his popularity plummeted faster than a hot air balloon that had exhausted all of its fuel. The decision dominated sports talk radio and television for the weeks following the announcement. Even MJ chimed in, stating "There's no way, with hindsight, I would've ever called up Larry [Bird], called up Magic [Johnson] and said, 'Hey, look, let's get together and play on one team,'" Aside from the direct shots at LeBron’s disposition, there was also a prevailing thought that the experiment was doomed to fail for basketball reasons. Some of the reasons cited included: a lack of size; a lack of depth; questions about Chris Bosh’s ability to fit in; an expected lack of cohesion between James and Wade. 

Today, LeBron James and the Heat have reached the NBA Finals, four wins away from the ultimate prize, the reason that LeBron, Wade, and Bosh joined forces in Miami. The season didn’t go exactly as planned. Despite looking unstoppable at times, (including a stretch from late November to mid-January where they won twenty-one of twenty-two games,) the Heat struggled enough to humor the skeptics who pointed to the same issues they had identified in the summer for Miami’s playoff downfall. The expected decline was never to come: the Heat eased past the 76ers in five, beat up a suddenly old and fragile Celtics team in five, and rebounded from a game 1 blowout to beat the MVP and the Chicago Bulls in five. At the center of the Heat’s success? LeBron James. Through Miami’s fifteen playoff games LeBron is averaging 26 PPG, 8.9 RPG, and 5.5 APG and his defense has been impressive. According to NBA Stats Cube, 47% of James shot attempts have come from inside the paint which opens up the floor for Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Miami’s role players. Bosh, who was criticized incessantly for his perceived struggles, has been excellent thus far, even though his role in the offense is to vacillate from free throw line extended to free throw line extended and take open mid-range jumpers. The biggest difference from Miami’s regular season squad and their Finals team is that they are finally healthy. Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller have joined the big three to form Miami’s crunch time five and have solidified Miami’s depth and elevated Miami to another level.

Standing in Miami’s are the Dallas Mavericks, the antithesis of Heat basketball. Led by the nearly unguardable Dirk Nowitzki, whose only interest is exacting revenge for the title that got away (Nowitzki and the Mavericks blew a 2-0 lead to the Heat in the 2006 NBA Finals), the Mavericks play a team brand of basketball which appeals to the basketball purists. Nowitzki’s playoff performances have been nothing short of spectacular; he enters the Finals averaging 28.4 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 2.7 APG all while shooting with unprecedented efficiency: 52% from the field (140/271), 52% from beyond the arc (16/31), and 93% from the free throw line (130/140).  Nowitzki poses a serious matchup problem for Miami and he needs to have a big series for Dallas to seriously contend. Thirty-eight year old point guard Jason Kidd returns to the Finals for the first time since carrying the Nets to consecutive Finals in 2001-2002 and 2002-2003. A vintage series from Kidd is a necessity if the Mavericks expect to beat the Heat. The stunning fact about Kidd is how he influences the game without the need for shots. According to NBA Stats Cube, a whopping 62% of Kidd’s shot attempts these playoffs have been three pointers from above the break (he’s shooting 36% from three,) but for the Mavericks, Kidd’s shooting comes as an added bonus. He’s averaged 7.7 APG and 2.2 SPG in Dallas’ fifteen playoff games and his veteran leadership has been invaluable.

Mavericks and Heat has the potential to be a classic series. The Mavericks are the clear underdog, but they have an advantage in the low post, they shoot more efficiently from beyond the arc, and they have Dirk Nowitzki. The Heat are possibly on the verge of becoming the NBA’s next dynasty, but the first one is always considered the hardest one to attain. It’s hard for me to pick against the Heat, I think they will win the title at home in game six.

New York Red Bulls at Vancouver Whitecaps, May 28th 2011

 Live Event #10

Empire Field

My second visit to Empire Field was for a beautiful Saturday afternoon match between the last place Whitecaps and the New York Red Bulls. The disappointment of the day was the absence of former Arsenal and Barcelona star Thierry Henry, who was held back with a swollen right knee. Many fans had purchased tickets solely because of Henry’s presence and even though he wouldn’t be playing, every seat was filled. Since their thrilling opening day win against Toronto FC, the Whitecaps have been incapable to add another game in the win column in league action; adding that elusive victory against the Red Bulls would be a challenge.  

The Whitecaps enjoyed an energetic start. They had a goal disallowed for offside and continued to press hard and test the Red Bulls defence. In the 24th minute midfielder Camilo won a penalty and Whitecaps star Eric Hassli put Vancouver up 1-0 from the spot. Following the goal, New York began to find their legs and came close a few times before Englishman Luke Rodgers equalized from just outside the six yard box. The goal shifted the momentum in New York’s favor and they finished the first half vigorously. The second half was equally as entertaining; there were dynamic chances at both ends but neither team could secure the winning goal. The addition of the Whitecaps to the Vancouver sports scene has been nothing but positive. The support is superb and as Grant Wahl recently documented in his article “A Pacific Passion Play” from the May 23rd issue of Sports Illustrated, there is a real passion for soccer in the Pacific Northwest. That being said, it is impossible to compare the MLS to the majority of the football being played overseas. 

New York Red Bulls at Vancouver Whitecaps

The difference between the quality of play in the MLS and in top flight European football is staggering. The most visible difference: the passing. Short passes and sustained attacks built through the heart of the midfield are noticeably absent from MLS play; the majority of the scoring chances created are from long balls sent down the wing or from set pieces. Eric Hassli, Vancouver’s designated player, is easily identifiable on the field because of his superior technical ability. His ball control far exceeds that of his teammates which makes him a valuable player. The game also lacks the general pace of the English Premier League and feels much more disjointed. It is highly unlikely that Major League Soccer will ever challenge, let alone surpass, top flight European football, but there is still room to grow. Clubs have found success in the Pacific Northwest, the rivalry between the Portland Timbers and the Seattle Sounders has the substance to establish itself as the league’s first real marquee matchup, an essential concept for an aspiring sports league. As a proud native of the proposed Republic of Cascadia (no matter where I live I will always identify myself with the Pacific Northwest), it’s wonderful to recognize the importance of the Timbers, Sounders, and Whitecaps to the success of Major League Soccer.

San Jose Sharks at Vancouver Canucks, May 15th 2011

Live Event #9

Rogers Arena

Playoffs. Apart from sudden death overtime, there is no other word in sport that conjures up such a wide range of emotions within the mind of a sports fan. The actual gameplay doesn’t change but the stakes are infinitely raised. Mistakes are heavily scrutinized, leaving little room for error. It is a stage for the unknown to become heroes and for the stars to become messiahs. Besides the magical Stanley Cup run of 1994, the Canucks haven’t provided many happy playoff memories during their forty year history; unfortunate bounces, blown leads, and general disappointment have never ceased to plague the franchise. This season has always felt different. Injuries that would have previously crippled the Canucks were simply brushed aside like Donald Trump’s run for president; games that would generally have been chalked up as an acceptable loss became blowout victories. There was a certain intangible feeling around this team that had never been present before. The regular season accolades were properly celebrated but the impending burden was hanging over the deserved accomplishments like a thick Pacific Northwestern fog. All involved have a rather good understanding of the situation: playoff success is the only option. 

The playoffs have been thrilling thus far for the Canucks fans, including a heart stopping Game 7 in round 1 against the Blackhawks, their chief tormenter from the past two seasons, but Vancouver is only halfway to Stanley Cup glory and their next challenge will undoubtedly be their toughest. The Sharks have experienced their share of playoff disappointment and have been labeled chokers and underachievers but they have assembled a deep and talented offensive corps and they hope to shed that characterization and proceed to their first Stanley Cup final. From the moment the players stepped onto the ice for warmup it was impossible not to be amazed by the star power present and the magnitude of the moment. 

 The starting lineup for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals

The Sharks and Canucks matched each other’s intensity through the first period, but the Sharks scored with under a 1:30 left in the period, Joe Thornton slotting Roberto Luongo’s perfect pass into the empty net. It was an unfortunate break for the Canucks and for Luongo as they entered the intermission down 1-0. The Canucks didn’t take long to reply, also taking advantage of a goaltender misplay and tying the game 1-1 through Max Lapierre’s first of the postseason. The Canucks third line, which sees Lapierre play in between Raffi Torres and Jannik Hansen, played with an edge and provided an essential physical element to the game that was crucial to the Canucks success. Midway through the second the Sharks took the lead back, courtesy of an impressive Patrick Marleau power play tip in goal. Following the goal, the Canucks picked up their play and were denied multiple times by Antti Niemi during a crazy goal line scramble with minutes left in the second. Vancouver grabbed the momentum and while the Sharks tired, the Canucks got stronger. The Sedins had been ineffective through the first forty-five minutes but if there was ever a time to find a groove; it’s down 2-1 with fifteen minutes to go in a playoff game. Henrik Sedin led a quick break out of the defensive zone down the left side of the ice, left a through pass for the onrushing Alex Burrows who then expertly found Kevin Bieksa across from him on the right point and Bieksa wired a snap shot over Niemi’s left shoulder. Two minutes later, following a penalty to Danny Heatley, Ryan Kesler patiently held onto the puck, and then made another effective cross ice pass to Christian Ehrhoff. Henrik Sedin took a direct line to the front of the net, Ehrhoff passed it to him and the Canucks captain outwaited a lunging Niemi and backhanded in the eventual game winner. The Canucks strong third period and the first indication of a Sedin twins resurgence delivered a game one victory and hope for the rest of the series.

This series is far from over, like the old adage states: a playoff series really only begins when the home team loses. If the Canucks can deliver another home ice victory on Wednesday night and take a 2-0 lead to San Jose they will be in a great position, but the Sharks have now lost five straight Conference finals games and an element of desperation will undoubtedly seep into San Jose’s game. They will not make it easy for the Canucks, if San Jose can get even one of their big lines going they will be dangerous but for Vancouver, it’s just a matter of taking care of business and winning winnable hockey games.

Manchester United at Arsenal, May 1st 2011

Live Event #8

The Emirates Stadium

I had been imagining this moment since 2005-2006, the year I began supporting Arsenal Football Club. My commitment level as a fan has progressively gotten stronger: in 2005-2006 I watched one match, the Champions League Final, an unfortunate 2-1 loss to Barcelona that saw keeper Jens Lehmann sent off inside twenty minutes; in 2006-2007, Thierry Henry’s final season at the club, I watched mostly highlights and the occasional game when the Arsenal appeared on Sportsnet; in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 I watched the big Premier League games at my friend Tyson’s house (a United supporter), and all of the Champions League games at home; since 2009-2010 I have watched all but a select few of the Arsenal games, thanks in large part to my purchase of Setanta Sports Canada and the advent of the PVR. There are four reasons as to why I decided to support Arsenal. #1: Thierry Henry; #2: their brilliant red uniforms; #3: to irritate my friend Tyson (and provide many memorable FIFA PlayStation memories); #4: the protagonist in my favorite book series supported them. What began as something innocent and fun morphed into a full-fledged obsession, an affectionate passion for a football club located halfway around the world in a city that I had never even visited. 

 One of the murals outside of the ground

The Emirates Stadium is an architectural spectacle; situated in the middle of a residential neighborhood, the stadium towers over the block houses, an imposing figure that embodies the happiest of memories. The massive murals of the Arsenal legends displayed around the ground are stunning, a reminder of all the generations that have been invested in the success of a football club. Once inside the stadium, it is impossible not to admire the perfect grass and the symmetry of the seats. I had finally made it; a place that had previously only existed in my mind was now presented in front of me and could not have looked any more beautiful.

Arsenal dominated the game from the get go. Despite the absence of Cesc Fabregas, the midfield tandem of Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey played a phenomenal match and more than made up for his absence.  In the 30^th minute, Arsenal were very unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty, when United defender Nemanja Vidic swatted away a Theo Walcott cross intended for Robin van Persie inside the 18 yard box. Van Persie protested vehemently, demonstrating the emotion that makes him a fan favorite, but Arsenal’s claims were waved away and the teams returned to the locker room deadlocked at nil-nil. Ten minutes into the second half, Robin van Persie spotted Aaron Ramsey streaking inside the 18 yard box and the twenty year old Welshman put Arsenal in front 1-0, sending the crowd into frenzy. Man United came close a few times but it was to be Arsenal’s day. I left the Emirates singing to myself “One-Nil to the Arsenal”, a testament to the unbelievable atmosphere. I have never experienced anything like it. Unprompted singing and chanting, it is something that any fan of sport must experience even if you don’t like soccer.  

 Arsenal stars Robin van Persie (left) and Samir Nasri

The season didn’t go the way I had hoped. Arsenal collapsed in the four competitions, highlighting various weaknesses in the squad; questions surround the team going forward but for one match, it felt as if the Arsenal had pulled through for me. It was truly, a perfect day.

Tottenham at Chelsea, April 30th 2011

Live Event #7

 Stamford Bridge

The world was focused on London, England for the weekend of April 29^th 2011. Friday, of course, was the date for the much anticipated Royal Wedding, but once that formality was completed, attention shifted to a much more exciting development: two massive games in the Premier League title race. Saturday, Chelsea hosted Tottenham with a chance to put additional pressure on Manchester United who would visit Arsenal on Sunday. A mix of good fortune and available funds made it possible for my dad and I to attend both matches.  

Anybody that says that soccer is boring has surely never witnessed a good Premier League game in person. The ball moves so quickly and there is constant movement; the pace is exceptional. Chelsea came close early, star striker Didier Drogba smashed the crossbar from a 30 plus yard free kick, and Fernando Torres nearly scored minutes later, so it was a surprise to everyone in the ground when Hotspur defensive midfielder Sandro sent an absolute cracker into the upper left corner of the Chelsea goal and gave Tottenham a lead twenty minutes in. Just before halftime, Frank Lampard scored a controversial equalizer, a goal that would have likely been disallowed with the use of replay. The two teams battled and it appeared that Chelsea, who were clearly the more deserving team, would have to settle for a draw, a crushing blow to their late season title aspirations. However, when substitute Solomon Kalou bundled home Drogba’s shot attempt in the 89^th minute, the Bridge went ballistic. Following the match, video showed that Kalou was likely offside when he scored the winner, but the result would not change. Chelsea would hope for an Arsenal victory against Manchester United on Sunday and then hoped they could beat United the following weekend in Manchester (Manchester United beat Chelsea 2-1 and clinched their record 19^th league title the following weekend). 

 The 50 million pound man: Fernando Torres

Chelsea is easily criticized. Owner Roman Abramovich is not afraid to spend money to attract big name players, for this reason Chelsea has world class players at every position. As an Arsenal supporter I dislike Chelsea but as a football fan it is hard not to appreciate such talent, even if some of the Chelsea players are scum off the pitch. The match was fantastic and was certainly entertaining. I enjoyed it to such a degree that I felt slightly dirty. It’s a good thing the next day I made my pilgrimage to the Emirates Stadium.