On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA Season 2021/2022”

The NBA Season 2021/2022

Although the Covid-19 pandemic is still looming over the World, a full regular NBA Season is set to start this upcoming Tuesday October 19, 2021.

With the Milwaukee Bucks claiming last year’s 2021 NBA Championship, the Eastern Conference teams are steadily showing major improvement with many high-profile players migrating and seeking permanent residency on the EASTIDE helping balance the forces of the Eastern Conference. With Giannis Antetokoumpo balling at an MVP level and with a squad to back him up, the Bucks will be working really hard at getting back to the Finals to defend their previous Championship.

A healthy Brooklyn Nets squad, disorder aside regarding Kyrie Irving on board or not, the Nets, equipped with “Easy Money Sniper” Kevin Durant and James Harden running the show along with a competitive line up, them Brooklyn Boys will cause havoc throughout the NBA in order to get to the promised land aka the NBA Finals.

The Atlanta Hawks made some serious waves throughout the season and the NBA Playoffs last year. With most of their squad still intact and with the experience they have now garnered, The Hawks will be a problem to content with on any given night.

Like Brooklyn, the Philadelphia 76ers have a personnel issue concerning Ben Simmons. Will he be part of the squad or not? Uncertainty aside them Philly Boys will still have enough fire power to stay competitive – Joel Embiid and company will make sure of that.

The Miami Heat didn’t perform to their full potential last year but with a proven leader in Kyle Lowry now running the show alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo and a deep squad, they could see themselves disrupting the Eastern Conference and playing themselves back into contention.

Although the Chicago Bulls came up short last season, I think they may have gotten it right this time around with the addition of DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball alongside Zach LaVine in the starting line-up. They might have enough fire power to enter the Playoffs and make some noise.

The New York Knicks balled hard last season and I expect them to do the same this year. With the addition of a healthy Kemba Walker and some improved defense, the Knicks could find themselves once again vying for a playoff spot.

As for the remaining Eastern Teams the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic and the Washington Wizards, all have too many uncertainties surrounding them right now. They are going to have to show and prove they are capable of keeping up in the Eastern Conference.

The Los Angeles Lakers have completely revamped their squad by adding key players like Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard to run alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. On paper the Lakers look to have the goods to prevail in the Western Conference but I personally think that team chemistry will be the key to unlocking their true potential. Only time will tell if they have the right nucleus.

The Phoenix Suns will be picking things up right where they left it after an incredible run to the NBA Finals. The Suns know they have the goods and the returning squad to make sure of that. The needed experience has now been acquired along with the winning attitude and the play of Devin Booker and Chris Paul running the show, they look prime to reach the NBA Finals once again.

The Utah Jazz may have fallen short in last year’s Playoff run but their nucleus is still intact and they have already proven to be the best team in the Western Conference by holding down the No. 1 Spot last year. With that in mind, them Boys now have the right mentality to reign supreme and dominate once again while working their way through a tough Western Conference.

The Denver Nuggets will have the Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic leading their team but might have a harder time keeping up with rest of the Division without key contributor Jamal Murray still recovering from his ACL injury. I gotta tip my “B” to them boys cause they ball hard even with a key player down they still have the goods to disrupt things in the Western Conference.

The Los Angeles Clippers could find themselves struggling in the tough Western Conference if they have to deal without the services of their star player Kawhi Leonard who is still out with a knee injury. If they can find some key players to help Paul George hold it down, they might be able to stay competitive long enough until Kawhi’s return whenever that may be. It’s a tough call without a healthy Kawhi in the line-up.

The Golden State Warriors could be the sleepers in the Western Conference, looking at them right now they could easily be overlooked but with a brilliant coaching staff and a two-time MVP in Stephen Curry (still balling like an MVP) holding it down until Klay Thompson is cleared to return this season, the “Splash Brothers” could pick up where they last left it in the 2019 NBA Finals. Straight shooters back at it. With the new core of young gunners running with them and Draymond Green still in the mix, I am not counting them out just yet.

The Dallas Mavericks have a new Head Coach in Jason Kidd and still have the MVP contender Luka Doncic running the show in Dallas but still need to get it together in order to advance to the Playoffs. The pressure will be on Jason to guide this underachieving team to the promised land but with Luka balling out of his mind with the right supporting cast they just might have enough game to move up come Playoff time.

As for the remaining Western Conference teams the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Sacramento Kings, they will have to swim in the deep end in hopes of making it out somehow someway in the tough Western Conference. There is no easy passage to the NBA Playoffs in this Conference.

That being said, tune this Tuesday night October 19, 2021 and be part of another intriguing NBA Season 2021/2022.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About 2021 NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS”

2021 NBA Eastern Conference Finals

Not too many people predicted this outcome for the Eastern Conference Finals. Real Talk! The No. 3 Seeded Milwaukee Bucks and the No. 5 Seeded Atlanta Hawks both survived a tight game 7 to secure a spot to compete for the right to represent the Eastside in the NBA Finals. I gotta tip my “B” hat to the Atlanta Hawks for the way they’ve been balling as of late. I knew them Boys could shake up the Playoffs run but the Conference Finals I didn’t see that coming. They have beaten some very good teams and upset the No. 1 Seeded Philadelphia 76ers on their way up. Atlanta is not playing and them Boys mean business.

Standing in their way are the Milwaukee Bucks who grinded their way to the Conference Finals with their heads up high. They didn’t have an easy route and struggled at times but definitely showed a much better battle-tested Playoff squad, ready to rumble with the best of them. The Bucks have failed to advance to the Finals the last two seasons, so the pressure to succeed will be heavily weighing on their minds. That being said, the challenge awaiting them is here now and their time is now.

Who will emerge victorious in the Eastern Conference Finals and earn the right of passage to the NBA Finals? Tune in for Game 1 this Wednesday, June 23, 2021. This is going to be an intriguing series. Check Ball!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA PLAYOFFS 2021”

NBA Playoffs 2021 (Sweet 16)

With the NBA shortened season now over and the NBA Play-In Tournament successfully completed, we are now officially ready to proceed with The NBA Playoffs.

This year’s surprising “King of The Court” and No. 1 Seed are the Utah Jazz (52-20). Them Boys were one of the most consistent teams to ball out this year. They were laser focussed and shook the league up with their dominant play from both ends of the floor. Securing home court advantage was a must, now let’s see if they can defy the odds and reach the NBA Finals.

One game behind them as the No. 2 Seed are the Phoenix Suns (51-21). Another team that came out on top from the tough Western Conference. The odd makers don’t have them as a favourite to win it all but damnnnnn we have to appreciate the way these Boys fought through the league to earn their spot the rightful way, by balling as a team on a mission. They will definitely cause havoc in the NBA Playoffs, bet on that.

Injuries have heavily plagued the Western Conference this year costing the usual suspects to take a hit in their respective standings. Coming in as the 3rd Seed are the Denver Nuggets (47-25), without their trusted sniper Jamal Murray (torn ACL) their Playoff run will be very challenging. The 4th Seeded Los Angeles Clippers (47-25) have everything it takes to be successful in the Playoffs but it’s time for them to show and prove that they are for real and have the squad to deliver the goods. The 5th Seeded Dallas Mavericks (42-30) and the 6th Seeded Portland Trail Blazers (42-30) have had their ups and downs throughout the season but still managed to maintain their respectful standings. As for the Defending Champions the Los Angeles Lakers (42-30), they are wobbling in fresh from the Play-in Tournament as the 7th Seed. Not where they thought they would be at this point but beside an injury plagued season the odds makers still have them as the favourite to pull it off. With a strong finish from the Play-In Tournament, the Memphis Grizzlies (38-34) locked in the 8th Seed. Them Boys can’t be taken lightly. The momentum is on their side. Young, hungry and full of energy. The Grizzlies haven’t seen the Playoffs since 2017, I can’t wait to see what these youngin’s do on the “Big Stage”.

Representing the Eastern Conference with the No. 1 Seed are the Philadelphia 76ers (49-23). The 76ers had to work hard to earn that No. 1 Seed hands down. They have an impressive squad that should have probably performed even better but the fact that they managed to hold on to get home court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference is a positive, now it’s time for them to silence the naysayers and perform above their expectations. Injuries played a big part with the play of the Brooklyn Nets (48-24) but they still managed to hold on to the 2nd Seed and with a close to heathy three-headed sniper connection of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving, they might have the goods to take it all the way. Chemistry will be key amongst the Big Three considering they haven’t played much ball as a unit but they definitely have the fire power to disrupt any series ahead. The 3rd Seeded Milwaukee Bucks (46-26) haven’t looked as dominant as their previous years but still managed to stay within range of the top Seeded teams. You can’t sleep on the Bucks, even though they lacked a successful postseason record. I personally think the Bucks have a better suited squad to tackle this year’s NBA Playoffs. Only time will tell. An unexpected entry in the New York Knicks (41-31), held down the 4th Seed. With the guidance of new Head Coach Tom Thibodeau and the Allstar play of Julius Randle, the Knicks have forced the world watching to “put some respect back on the New York Knicks name” Real Talk! Them Boys have been competitive from start to finish. Old School playing hard grinding every win out. This is a good situation for the Knicks, now let’s see what becomes of this Playoff run. The 5th Seeded Atlanta Hawks (41-31) and the 6th Seeded Miami Heat (40-32) both dealt with some injuries and the Covid-19 protocol that prevented certain players from participating in games out of safety concerns, but still managed to stay ahead and competitive enough to land a spot to the dance. Interesting to see how they will do in the Playoffs. The 7th Seeded Boston Celtics (36-36) and the 8th Seeded Washington Wizards (34-38) both needed the Play-In Tournament to get in this year’s Playoff run. This year hasn’t been too kind to the Celtics who have fallen from the top dramatically due to injuries and recently the loss of key member Jalen Brown. I’m not going to count the Celtics out just yet but the loss of Jalen leaves them with a slim chance of being successful in the Playoffs. Although the Wizards didn’t come in the Playoffs with a winning record, they are the “Cinderella Team” that if not taken seriously, could undeniably disrupt any Eastern Conference team overlooking them.

Tune in this Saturday May 22, 2021 for this year’s NBA version of the “Sweet 16” Playoff run.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA Season 2019/2020”

The NBA Season 2019/2020

The NBA Season is set to start this upcoming Tuesday October 22, 2019, and our own newly crowned Canadian Defending Champs the Toronto Raptors will be looking to start the season right where they left off. However, they will be looking to repeat without their star player and Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. With Kawhi jumping ship, the Raptors’ chances of repeating have definitely slimmed down but with the emergence of last year’s Most Improved Player Pascal Siakam they may have found another go to player to help them restore the balance needed to get back to the Finals and defend their Championship.

With the season that they had last year the Milwaukee Bucks will be looking to bounce right back into contention considering that their squad is still intact with a few new faces to help maintain their status quo as one of the top teams that could possibly reach the Eastern Conference Finals if all goes right for them.

After falling short at the buzzer to the Toronto Raptors in the Easter Conference Finals, the Philadelphia 76ers had a hard look at their team and decided to fine-tune their roster to hopefully have that edge needed to conquer the Eastern Conference and set foot to the NBA Finals. As it stands right now, they may have the biggest starting line-up this year if all goes as planned with 6-5, 6-9, 6-10, and a big mobile 7-footer. Defence this year should not be a problem, but Philly will definitely be gunning for that No. 1 Spot. Their time is now.

The lack of chemistry that the Boston Celtics displayed last year cost them dearly and with the departure of Kyrie Irving and Al Holford, they might have slipped a little but I’m not counting them boys out just yet. Coach Brad Stevens is a proven winner and with Kemba Walker now running the show along with a young athletic squad, the Celtics will still be in contention and may be the sleeper team in the Eastern Conference.

The Brooklyn Nets acquired Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant over the off season in a serious power move, but we won’t be able to see the two heavy hitters share the court together until possibly next season since Kevin Durant is expected to miss the entire 2019/2020 season recovering from his Achilles injury. I expect the Nets to be competitive but not ready yet to steal that No 1 Spot in the East.

That being said the Eastern Conference is still steadily improving. The Indiana Pacers, the Miami Heat, the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards will keep it interesting throughout the season.

Out West the tables have changed dramatically, with the departure of Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson sidelined until possibly after the All-Star break. The Golden State Warriors will have no breathing room or any easy nights in the Western Conference. This season might be their toughest to date. The Warriors are not ready to concede the season just yet. Counting them out with a healthy Stephen Curry and Draymond Green still holding it down until Klay comes back is not something I’m willing to bet against at this time.

The two LA teams have done some power moves of their own and in doing so may have reignited the Lakers/Clippers rivalry. The Los Angeles Lakers will start this season with a well-rested and healthy LeBron James and newly acquired Anthony Davis. The Lakers have revamped their squad and are already talking Championships. However, their neighboring team the Los Angeles Clippers have also added two valuable pieces to their already proven squad in the form of reigning Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Now that was an unexpected chess move by the Clippers. Both teams have easily vaulted themselves into contention but in the WESTSIDE, nothing is as easy as it’s sounds. The road to the Western Finals is a never-ending gauntlet. There are quite a few contenders willing and ready to snatch that No. 1 Spot.

The Houston Rockets will be starting two former NBA MVP’s in James Harden and Russell Westbrook. This is an intriguing backcourt but one that I am definitely looking forward to seeing in action at this point in their careers. The pace that these two can play at might be the key that gives them the edge and push them over the hump.

The Denver Nuggets are no longer flying under the radar. That squad balled out of their minds last year and are determined to give it another run at the No. 1 Spot. These Kats have a well-balanced squad who plays that team ball the proper way. No game is an easy game against them. They have arrived and are definitely in the mix.

Fresh off their Western Conference Finals showing, the Portland Trail Blazers have retooled their squad to give it another run. Their goal remains the same as all the top contenders in the Western Conference and that is Championship or bust. They have one of the best backcourts in the league in Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Now it’s all about putting the right pieces together and making every game count.

Again, the Western Conference is so competitive that you cannot afford to sleep on any team on any given night. That being said, be on the lookout for the New Orleans Pelicans, the San Antonio Spurs, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Dallas Mavericks to ruffle up the pecking order and create their own havoc in the Western Conference.

Tune in Tuesday night October 22, 2019 and be part of one of the most interesting NBA Seasons.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About 2015 NBA CONFERENCES FINALS

2015 NBA CONFERENCES FINALS

The NBA’s version of the Final 4 is set to start and has it should be the 4 teams representing their respective Coasts happened to be the No. 1 and 2 seed in their Coasts as well. The NBA’s Cinderella Team The Atlanta Hawks has kept a firm and convincing grip all season and have not disappointed in doing so.

Now the question remains have The Hawks met their match in the 2nd seeded Cleveland Cavaliers? Lebron has The Cavs thinking they’re the Team who will be representing the EAST in this year NBA Finals. With a hungry Lebron James leading a starving Cavs Team the pressure now shifts onto Atlanta to complete yet another trial and prove to The Cavs why they were the No. 1 seed on the EASTSIDE. REAL TALK! Tune in Wednesday night May 20, 2015.

The WESTSIDE Playoff series have been nothing short of entertainment at its best. REAL TALK! The No. 1 seeded Team in the NBA throughout the entire season has been The Golden State Warriors. This Run and Gun Team can shoot you down offensively and break you down defensively. They ball on a different level from their opponents and judging by the play of this years newly crowned NBA’s MVP Stephen Curry this series vs the 2nd seeded Houston Rockets will definitely be a “LIVE ONE” to keep a close eye on considering James Harden being the runner up to Curry’s MVP trophy.

That alone is motivation for Harden and The Rockets to step their game up, especially after winning a hard earned series from The Clippers. With the momentum still running high for Houston, we can definitely anticipate a fast and up-tempo thrilling Western Conference Finals. REAL TALK! Tune In Tuesday night May 19, 2015.

Blaze

ON The Watch “It’s All About The NBA PLAYOFFS CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS 2015

NBA PLAYOFFS CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS 2015

This year’s 1st round showdown did not disappoint but was surly met with some surprising endings that will lead quite a few teams back to the drawing board this summer for some serious revamping. REAL TALK!

3 teams East/West included will be entering the Conferences Semifinals well rested due to the fact they only needed 4 games each to dismantle their respective opponents. Our team from up north The Toronto Raptors felt the sting of The Washington Wizards early and had no answer to their game plan.

The Cleveland Cavaliers had easy work of The Boston Celtics but will enter the second round with The Chicago Bulls with one of their key player in Kevin Love out for the rest of the Playoff run.

The No. 1 Seeded Atlanta Hawks have gotten themselves back on track and will be looking to cool of The Blazin Wizards come this Sunday May 3, 2015.Last night we probably saw the end or an era in last years Defending Champs The San Antonio Spurs needing a game seven to stay alive but could not pull it off.

It was an incredible first round Playoff series that saw two very well matched teams do battle like it was a finals NBA game. Now on to the next round to face a well-rested Houston Rockets team come this Monday night May 4, 2015.

The No. 1 seeded Golden State will be looking to continue their remarkable run this afternoon by taking on the physical and battle ready Memphis Grizzlies who may be without their floor General Mike Conley.

This will be quite an interesting series considering the Warriors prides themselves on speed type play while the Grizzlies look into slowing their opponents down and banging on them. Which style will prevail? Tune in!

Blaze