July 2, 2012 Leave a Comment
With the completion of the NBA Draft and free agency looming, it is the perfect time to see who is under the most pressure to bring home an NBA title to their team and city. With LeBron finally getting the monkey off his back, this list may surprise you on who may be under the most pressure to win. Read more of this post
July 2, 2012 Leave a Comment
SportsCenter has changed the way sports are covered and it has given the average fan incredible access to their favorite’s teams and their players.
However, if there is one thing that I absolutely love about SportsCenter, it is their “This is SportsCenter” commercials. Read more of this post
June 22, 2012 1 Comment
With the Miami Heat victory over the Thunder, LeBron James and Chris Bosh finally got the monkey off their backs for their first title.
Now the pressure to finally win their 1st title is over and done with. LeBron had one of the best postseasons in recent memory, and what makes his postseason even better is that when his team was in need, LeBron came up HUGE. Read more of this post
June 7, 2012 1 Comment
Since the start of his struggles in the 4th quarter, Lebron James has been a victim of much criticism regarding his NBA career, and his personal life.
You might have heard people say:
May 9, 2012 Leave a Comment
First off, it’s good to be back on Zazenlife.com!
What better way to come back from a 2-week hiatus than to bash the New York Knicks.
I’ve watched this series pretty closely and I have learned a couple of things about this Knicks team. Read more of this post
April 7, 2012 Leave a Comment
I could watch this video five hundred times and not get bored of it.
This is undoubtedly one of the most epic, bad-ass, impressive slam-dunks I have ever seen.
Not only does he fly through the air and perfectly dunk it with one hand, but he literally SHATTERS the backboard all over the other team! Priceless.
March 31, 2012 Leave a Comment
The MVP Nobody Is Talking About, Kevin Love
With the NBA season coming to its final stretch of games, a new name has emerged as one of my favorites for NBA MVP, Kevin Love. Love is currently averaging 26.5 PPG, 13.8 RPG with 2 APG, and shooting 45% from the field. Read more of this post
February 20, 2012 1 Comment
Deron Williams Was Dominant Tonight
The Nets started this LinSanity talk when Jeremy Lin lit them up a couple of weeks back. Now the Nets might have laid out the blueprint to stop LinSanity.
Deron Williams was awesome tonight with 38 points that included eight 3-pointers. Williams remembered when Lin outplayed him last game and boy did he return the favor.
However, Williams fouled out with just over 3 minutes left in the game to damper his great performance.
The Nets played very physical and took Lin out of his game tonight. To add to Lin’s frustration, Carmelo Anthony played his worst game as a Knick tonight.
Melo was very rusty and just seemed out of sync with the Knicks offense. At times it seemed Lin deferred to Anthony instead of running the point and creating for others as he was doing during this “LinSanity”.
Kris Humphries had a good rebounding performance and got into Tyson Chandler’s head. Every time the Knicks seemed to be poised to make a run, Chandler would commit a turnover or head-scratching foul.
Amare took way too many jump shots and needs to become more aggressive in driving to the rim. The Knicks just could not get out on the fast break and once again the offense seemed stagnant at times.
However, lets not overreact Knick fans, this was the first time the starting lineup has played together since Lin took over as point guard. Lin and Melo will get on the same page as they gain more experience together.
The Nets completely out-hustled and bullied the Knicks all night. Carmelo played awful as I said earlier, played his worst game as Knick. Melo also had an inexcusable technical foul against Humphries when he blatantly tripped him.
The night belonged to Deron Williams, he played his best on the biggest stage. He set the tone early in the game with being physical with Lin and trying to post him up in the paint early and often during the game.
The Nets went right at Lin and it will be interesting to see how the Knicks bounce back and how Lin responds to the new attention he has gained through this LinSanity.
February 19, 2012 3 Comments
Jeremy Lin
Courtesy: @NervousNeophyte
The majority of NBA scouts are trained to look at point guards based on how they use the ball in three ways:
1) Pass
2) Drive
3) SAT Scores
The New York Knickerbockers skipped step one and two and just got right to the Ivy league point. The MAN called Jeremy Lin has taken Madison Square Garden by storm . Jeremy Lin was originally pushing and pleading for an athletic scholarship from Stanford University about four to five years ago and was politely denied.
Lin Before LinSanity
Mr. Lin continued to hit the books and found his way to a school called Harvard. From what people tell me Harvard is “not too shabby”. I remember hearing about an Asian kid from Harvard who had a really smooth shot and a nice step to the basket, but in retrospect, I and thousands of others never followed up on his game until he wore the Orange and Blue.
To be honest , I don’t think anyone followed up on his game in college considering he wasn’t drafted. Jeremy Lin was picked up and cut by the Golden State Warriors after sitting on the bench for a whole year and then getting another opportunity with the Houston (Home of Yao) Rockets. Unfortunately, the Houston Rockets had no room for Mr.Lin, so a team that has been up in the air for the past decade decided to give the Harvard man a shot.
Knicks head coach, Mike D’Antoni , wasn’t necessarily giving Jeremy Lin a “shot” to play. D’Antoni was giving him a chance to get paid and hold down a National Basketball Association bench spot. Lin obviously had no reason to complain.
Think about it…
If you know you can play basketball, and you have dedicated your whole life to playing basketball, wouldn’t you sit on the bench too?
At any rate , we all know the 2011-2012 Knickswere going down just as fast as the Jersey
Frustration For Coach D'Antoni
Shore ratings on MTV. A lot of people , outside of New York , gave the Knicks no chance to compete in their eastern conference. I don’t necessarily blame any of the fans (myself included) for their ridicu”LIN” the Knicks for their decade of abysmal performances.
The Knicks were sitting on an 8-15 record until this man, god, point guard and Harvard grad decided to take over the world wide aspect of sports. Coach Mike D’Antoni was desperate for a point guard to run his offense efficiently, and he hit the b-ball jackpot. The best part about this creature called “LinSanity” is his unlikely story.
Jeremy Lin was cut by two different professional basketball teams, and during his current tenure with the Knicks, he was sent down to the D-League to work on his mechanics as a point guard. Rumor has it that the night before the Knicks faced off against the New (Brooklyn) Jersey Nets, Carmelo Anthony pleaded to Coach D’Antoni to give Jeremy Lin a shot to get some playing time.
D’Antoni really had no other choice considering every other player he gave the opportunity to play point guard has failed. The Knicks were desperate for a spark plug to get this team back on track, and dear lord have they found one.
Jeremy Lin destroyed the Nets and Utah Jazz for two wins, but the real test ahead was the Friday night match up against the storied-franchise Lakers. In the past five or six years, the Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant has used Madison Square Garden as a place to put on a solo show. Kobe Bryant holds the record for most points scored in a game at Madison Square Garden.
LinSanity Begins
I personally have nothing against Kobe and the Lakers, but I needed to see if Lin was legit. So I decided to stay in that Friday night to watch the game, and I am so happy I did. Jeremy Lin scored 38 points compared to Kobe’s 34 and helped the Knicks defeat the Lakers for the first time in god knows when. My friends and I were literally rolling around the floor hugging and laughing because we couldn’t believe what we were seeing.
That night, Jeremy Lin was hitting shots over 7 footers , hitting shots double teamed going down the lane, and hitting shots in the corner where Kobe Bryant practically lives. The Knicks ended up winning that game, and that’s when “LinSanity” officially began.
Lin is of Asian descent, and he’s the first Asian-American player in the NBA since 1947. Yao Ming wasn’t born in America, so he obviously doesn’t count. Lin is getting thousands of casual NBA fans to become die-hard fans and making Knick games must-see television. Knick games are now being broadcast around the world, so people can watch the “LinSanity”.
Lin has become so popular especially in the world of Twitter where my timeline has been stockfull of Lin-Puns, some funny, some pathetic, but overall a great read because my Knicks are finally back to being the talk of the town and even the nation.
No Defense Can Stop LinSanity
Today Jeremy Lin defeated the defending NBA champions, the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks were throwing every defensive scheme to try to stop Lin, but it just wasn’t working. Everytime Dallas would try to double team him at the top of the key, he would just dribble around both defenders and make the pass to find the open man.
The Knicks picked up super scorer J.R. Smith as a free agent yesterday. JR played in China the past few months because he believed there wouldn’t be an NBA season, and he wanted to get that paycheck. I don’t blame him either.
What JR brings to the table for the Knicks is another spot on shooter that will help them down the line when Lin and Carmelo will be double teamed. In two weeks the Knicks have transformed themselves into a serious playoff team. Beware because this team will not be an easy out in the playoffs.
Earlier in the year I wrote about how the big three for the Knicks (Melo, Amare, and Chandler) would take them to the promised land, but that was before all this LinSanity began. Now D’Antoni finally has a point guard in Lin to run his offense the correct and efficient way.
Lin is not only a great scorer, but he is an unbelievable passer with off the charts basketball IQ. The Knicks went from weak to power house. They went from having nobody on the bench to having one of the deepest benches in the league. Only the man upstairs knows how this season will play out, but as of now the city of New York is absolutely mad for the Knicks and “LinSanity.”
P.S. Since when did Novak become the second coming of Steve Kerr?
I LOVE IT!
February 19, 2012 Leave a Comment
Linsanity Continues
First Off, What a GREAT game.
The Knicks continued their great play today against the defending champs, the Dallas Mavericks.
This was a see-saw battle all game.
Jeremy Lin lifted the Knicks passed the Mavericks for an impressive win. However, contributions from J.R Smith and Novak were key to the Knicks holding on today.
Novak had 11 points in the 4th quarter with clutch 3-pointers to keep the Knicks ahead. J.R Smith provided a spark early in the game and gave the Knicks someone other than Lin that can threaten the middle of the defense.
However, Lin did have 7 turnovers today, that number needs to go down as the season progresses. Despite that, Lin has proven he is for real and the Knicks have found their point guard. Also with Baron Davis coming back, the depth at point guard will be a strength for the Knicks offense as the production should not drop as drastically when Lin is out of the game.
With Novak’s clutch shooting, Lin controlling the offense and the defensive mindset that has taken over this team, the Knicks can be a viable contender in the eastern conference.
Lin really seems to be the missing piece for this team.
Think about it.
How consistent has Fields,Chandler,Novak and Jefferies been since Lin’s emergence?
I use these guys as examples because they are important role players that each bring something different to the table for the Knicks. Amare may not have gaudy numbers, but the team is winning and I think that is what’s important to him.
I am so excited to see what happens when Melo and Davis are healthy and how they are incorporated into this team. Melo obviously will be in the starting lineup, but seeing how he meshes with Lin will be key if the Knicks want to contend this season.
Davis on the other hand, can give the Knicks a solid backup to Lin and contribute by running the offense when Lin is out of the game. It is unreal to see how stagnant the Knicks offense is when Lin is off the court.
The Knicks, all of a sudden have one of the deeper teams in the league. This team has depth, scoring ability and someone who can anchor their defense (Tyson Chandler).
Tyson has been GREAT for the Knicks so far, his defensive mentality has definitely made an impact on this team.
When you beat the defending champs, you deserve credit and I give the Knicks a ton of credit for their effort and their resilience.
Tyson Chandler Brings Attitude To The Knicks
February 17, 2012 1 Comment
Michael Jordan, The Greatest Of All-time
The greatest basketball player the world has ever seen turns 49 today.
Michael Jordan completely re-invented the game of basketball with his clutch play and his overall greatness.
His toughness, tenacity, and winning legacy will never be matched.
All this “closer” or “who will take the last shot” talk we hear about in the NBA today comes from how GREAT Jordan was in crushing the opposing team’s hopes and chances of winning.
Why is he the greatest ever?
How about these numbers:
6-Time NBA Champion (6-time Finals MVP)
5-Time Regular Season MVP
6-Time NBA Scoring Champion
10-Time NBA First Team
Defensive Player of the Year in 1988, 9-time NBA All-Defensive 1st team.
14-Time All-Star
Olympic Gold Medalist in 1984 and 1992
SOLID?
Not only was Jordan a great scorer, but he was an even better defender, he played the game on both ends of the court at an amazing level.
Along with his numbers, Jordan had amazing moments that will never be forgotten by basketball fans that truly appreciate the game.
Let’s not forget his impact off the court also.
Jordan became the first athlete to reach super-stardom in terms of endorsements and marketing.
All these players you see getting shoe-deals or endorsement deals, that all stems from Jordan’s success in marketing. He completely changed the way athletes are viewed and judged in the media.
I can go on forever about Jordan’s on or off the court impact, I choose to leave you with two videos of my favorite moments throughout his career.
Enjoy..
Happy Birthday Michael Jordan..
February 17, 2012 1 Comment
J.R Smith To The Knicks!
Welcome to the big apple J.R Smith!
Earlier this morning J.R Smith tweeted that he will be joining the Knicks.
I like this signing a lot.
J.R Smith brings scoring ability and someone who can play either beside or behind Jeremy Lin.
Smith is a good shooter and someone who can penetrate the defense and create shots for someone else.
With Carmelo Anthony on his way back, the emergence of Jeremy Lin, and the addition of J.R Smith, the outlook for the Knicks seems very bright.
With that said, I think Smith will fit very well with the Knicks and with D’Antoni’s offensive system. However, the one negative I can see from this is that Landry Fields and Iman Shumpert’s minutes will suffer a bit.
Another risk the Knicks take with this signing is now implementing Smith into this offense. The chemistry seems to be at an all-time high and now Lin will not only have to learn how to play with Melo but now J.R Smith too.
Also, will Smith commit to playing defense?
One thing that has gone almost unnoticed during this 7 game winning streak is that the Knicks defense has improved dramatically. I understand the teams they have played haven’t been among the elite but part of being a playoff team is beating the teams you are supposed to beat and as of now, the Knicks have done that.
The Knicks have the potential to seriously challenge the Bulls and the Heat in the eastern conference. That is if Lin can play with Melo and J.R Smith can fit in without a problem.
Those are the questions, we’ll just have to wait and see for the answers.
Unless you have Time Warner Cable..
Please follow me on Twitter @PeterD024
February 15, 2012 Leave a Comment
Tebow Mania:
The NFL is the top sport in America in my opinion, and no one captured the spotlight this season like Tim Tebow.
Tebow (as everyone knows) took a Bronco team that was 1-4 that seemed destined to fight for the #1 overall pick this April, to a playoff contender fighting for the AFC West division crown.
Tebow led the Broncos to the playoffs and won in miraculous fashion in the first round against the Steelers. The Steelers were heavily favored and the Broncos backed into the playoffs losing two in a row.
Just when everyone thought Tebow Mania was over, he comes out and throws for 316 yards and a game-winning 80 yard touchdown pass in overtime to beat the Steelers.
Tebow also started as the 4TH STRING quarterback in training camp before the season started.
Talk about climbing the ladder of success?
Tebow was very well-known coming into the NFL and was actually drafted in the 1st round. So in my opinion, it was inevitable that Tebow was going to get his shot to play. However, that does not take away from his journey to become a starting quarterback.
I respect what Tebow has done on and off the field and for the sport of football, he is a great role model and person, yet he still has work to do to be a consistent quarterback in the NFL.
Linsanity At An All-Time High
Linsanity:
Just when you think you have seen everything in sports, something like this happens.
Jeremy Lin, a HARVARD graduate has captured super-stardom in the biggest of all stages, Madison Square Garden.
Football is America’s sport, but Basketball is New York’s sport, when the Knicks are playing good, the NBA is thriving and New York City has a special buzz about it.
Lin has been over-looked, cut twice, and was sleeping on teammate Landry Fields’ couch waiting to be cut by the Knicks. However, like all great underdog stories, Lin seized his opportunity and has not looked back since.
Unless you have been living under or rock or do not own a television, Jeremy Lin in his 7 starts is 7-0 and has revitalized a fan base and an under achieving Knick team that desperately needed a point guard.
Linsanity keeps going.
For example, against the Toronto Raptors as Lin hit a game winning 3 pointer . Linsanity has reached a point where Knick fans are afraid to get their BEST PLAYER Carmelo Anthony back from injury.
HOW AMAZING IS THAT?
Carmelo has been a top 10 talent in the NBA for the past 7 years. Lin, on the other hand, has been a great talent for SEVEN GAMES .
Lin has saved the Knicks’ season with his clutch and charismatic play that has captured the attention of not only New York City but the world.
In China, Lin merchandise (real and counterfeit) are sold out.
THEY RAN OUT OF COUNTERFEIT MERCHANDISE!
Linsanity tops Tebow Mania.
Taking over New York City is no easy task and if you play well in New York, you become a national story.
Lin has come out of NO WHERE and was not expected to be anything in the NBA, he was not highly touted out of college, where as Tebow was one of the best college football players ever.
Both players have inspired and brought the best out of their teammates, it truly is a great example of what sports SHOULD BE.
NO EGO, JUST PLAY..
Please follow me on Twitter @Peterd024
January 23, 2012 3 Comments
The National Basketball Association
Written by: @Kingswagger29
The position of the point guard has changed the NBA and basketball in recent years.
We have had many types of Point guards, such as Hall of Famers like Magic Johnson, John Stockton, Bob Cousy, Oscar Robertson, and Isaiah Thomas. All of these players added so much heart and poise to the game of basketball and their respected teams. Point guard is one of the most significant positions on the floor in the league.
Having a leader at point guard can bring your team to the next level.
Perfect Example of this is Chris Paul and his move to the Clippers. He completely shifted the teams dimension when he landed in Los Angeles, leading them to a good start to the season at 8-4.
Skills Needed to be a Top Point Guard:
Top 10 Point Guards of 2012
1. Chris Paul- By far the most versatile point guard and floor general the league has seen in a while. He is the type of point guard that thoroughly crafts his game in order to facilitate his team’s offensive flow. Now with the move to LA, he will have a free for all with Griffin, Billups, and Butler.
2. Derrick Rose- All I can say when I see him play or hear his name is WOW! He has brought the Bulls back from the dead, after the 90’s Jordan era. He is an offensive juggernaut and a close runner up for #1 Guard. Last year’s MVP, he has proven he has a great feel for the Point Guard position. He will be a multiple MVP winner, something which was not obtained in the NBA, as a Point guard.
3. Deron Williams- Probably the most well-rounded point guard in the NBA. Williams has a great ability to score, strong body for the point guard position. Williams can defend, drive, shoot the long ball with ease, dunk, and make those around him better. Complete package that will have a productive career in Jersey.
4. Steve Nash- Old man at 37? I think not, he is simply still the best shooter by far in the NBA, from beyond the arc and the free throw line. He still keeps a top 5 slot in my opinion at his veteran age. He will probably retire and go back to Canada to play, he is remarkable. He continues to put up numbers, with no talent around him this year. Nash who has the “surfer dude” look, is no sleeper, he will be in it for a long time.
5. Rajon Rondo- Has pure basketball IQ sees the court so clearly, allowing the big three to put up big numbers. However he has been somewhat of over hyped in my opining. Yes he is a top point guard and he ranks in at 3 because of his surrounding players. He has a great cast which helps his game. A poor shooter, who only has one go to move. I will give him the title as the best defensive guard in the league, as well as stat filler. Records a double- double each game, which is why I rank him as 5th.
6. Russell Westbrook- He is a freak of an athlete, at the point guard position. My only problem with him is that is he really a Point Guard? I feel that he is more of a Shooting guard, hence the fact he is an inconsistent shooter. He can run the floor and rise with the biggest guys on the court, but he doesn’t have that floor general presence. People may argue Rose and Westbrook are similar, but I have the perfect reasons why that are not similar- Rose…… MVP…… If he can learn that the offense is run through Durant, then his stock will rise.
7. Jason Kidd- Another veteran, who in I absolutely love. Kidd has always been a flashy passer, great defender, and consistent shooter. Now with the long years attached to his resume, he has developed a more fluid shot. He finally got his ring, in 3 attempts last season with Dallas. Based on his hustle, court vision, and defense I keep Kidd at number 7.
8. Brandon Jennings- A player with a great swagger, who is a hard nose point guard. He continues to elevate his game. He has great work ethic and a good feel for the game; I can see him climbing the ladder in the next 2 seasons.
9. Stephen Curry- Most reliable shooter at the point guard spot. Some people may have not even considered Curry. I feel that in Golden State, even with Monta Ellis, Curry fills the point guard role the best. Curry gets into the lane, can create his own shot as we are all aware of with his College Career at Davidson. He has great vision as well, a solid spot at number 9 for Curry.
10. Ricky Rubio- We all waited for Ricky to come to Minnesota. He finally arrives and has not disappointed. He has made a name for himself early on in his rookie career. A draft this year which had many point guards, Rubio coming back this year added more depth to the rookie guards. He has found a home in Minnesota and has a young supporting cast that will help him rack up the assists column. I went out on a limb here, but I like to see where he finishes off this season in the point guard categories for the 2012 season.
This is my rankings for the top 10 point guards this season.
The guard is such a valuable part of basketball and it’s nice to break it down to see that the best guys at the spot are. Enjoy the rankings looking forward to hear some feedback in the comments section!
Follow me on Twitter! @Kingswagger29
January 4, 2012 Leave a Comment
The New York Knickerbockers
Courtesy: @NervousNeophyte
I would like to personally dedicate this New York Knicks blog to the former General Manager and President Joseph Donald Walsh Jr.,(aka Donnie Walsh), for doing everything a recent Knicks fan has ever asked for.
When I sit down and actually think about what that man has done for the Knicks in the past two years, I find it hard not to smile.
I’ll never forget the days when the Knicks and the MSG network would try to sell us the games of Steve Francis, Stephon Marbury and my favorite one of them all, Eddy Curry. The 2011-2012 New York Knicks are possible championship contenders with an all star front court filled with a great amount of respect that is given by us so-called die-hard New York Knick fans.
I’d be lying to you if I said I never thought about giving up on the Knicks in the past few years.
Staying home for a Friday night Knicks vs. Timberwolves match up and seeing them get blown out while the Timberwolves star forward Kevin Love drops 30 points and 30 rebounds isn’t necessarily what I would call a productive Friday night for Knicks fans.
I can now say that the NYK community can finally enjoy some productive and winning basketball. I hope I don’t jinx it but knowing the Knicks of late they’ll find a way to break the hearts of thousands once again. Check the 2010 Knicks playoff exit if you don’t believe me.
What amazed me the most about Donnie Walsh, is the way he negotiated multiple trades, not in favor of the basketball talent on the court, but in favor of their payroll. Mr. Walsh came in with one goal and one goal only, and that was to completely dump every huge salary issue the Knicks had on their financial books. Its funny how former coach, GM and President Isaiah Thomas found a way to make such a mess on and off the court; even though he was one of the games best guards to ever play the game.
Mr. Thomas would spend money like I do after a twelve pack and a few tequila shots and believe me that’s not a good thing.
Thomas deserves 75 percent of the blame for the Knicks abominable free agent signings and pathetic performances.
But year after year, New York Knicks and New York Rangers owner, James Dolan never tried to put a stop to the madness. He just continued to sign the checks and live in hiding.
Dolan would refuse to address the media every year.
I’m convinced he has no idea about hockey or basketball and doesn’t want to come off like an idiot in front of his hard paying fans if caught in a tough question during a press conference. Dolan showed his face when newly acquired superstar power forward Amar’e Stoudemire signed his new five year $100 million dollar contract.
When things are all going right in the MSG world, Dolan doesn’t hesitate to show his smile. During the dark days, he was just the wealthy ghost of 33rd and 7th Avenue.
Now the Knicks have a “Big Three” that consists of Brooklyn’s own Carmelo Anthony , power forward Amar’e Stoudemire and seven-footer Tyson Chandler.
The roster the Knicks have put together this year could arguably be one of the most talented opening day rosters in franchise history. With Carmelo’s ability to score at will and Amar’e Stoudemire’s leadership, the Knicks should be in tip-top shape to make a serious run at the NBA title. Its hard to believe how far the Knicks have come in the past three years.
The Knicks are plugging in veteran role players such as Mike Bibby and Baron Davis to give quality minutes and guide the way to the young talents of Iman Shumpert , Landry Fields and Tony “Teach Me How To” Douglas.
The garden will be rocking every time the boys in orange and blue are in town.
This New York City fan base is ready to join them at the Canyon of Heroes during their championship parade.
P.S. What ever happened to David Lee?
