On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA Season 2020/2021”

The NBA Season 2020/2021

The NBA Season is set to start this upcoming Tuesday December 22, 2020 but with 10 games shorter than the previous seasons due to the Covid-19 pandemic still looming over the World.

So many things are going to be different and unpredictable for this upcoming season but one thing is for sure, the Los Angeles Lakers will be looking to repeat as Champions regardless of the obstacles ahead. The Lakers’ squad is still well-intact and well-built for the long haul. As for the Los Angeles Clippers, they may have fallen short in the Playoffs last season but redemption will be their motivation throughout this season. The Houston Rockets are an uncertainty right now considering they have done some major changes starting with their front office and the coaching staff and their star player, James Harden, looking for a way out of the city. Assuming Harden’s indecision to still run with the team, only time will tell how they will look as the season progresses. The Western Conference will still be competitive as usual with the strong play coming from the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, the Oklahoma City Thunder and let’s not forget The Golden State Warriors who may still have a say in the Western standings, – they are not done yet in my eyes.

The Eastern Conference is steadily improving with major players changing conferences to help balance the forces. The Milwaukee Bucks fell short once again at reaching the Finals but have managed to secure their MPV player Giannis Antetokounmpo to an extended contract giving them another opportunity at the task at hand, an NBA Title. With a few added pieces to the team, things could be looking up for them. The Miami Heat shocked the league last season when they worked their way to the NBA Finals. They showed they belong and plan on getting it going right back where they left off. The Brooklyn Nets will be looking for a “Takeover” type season with a healthy Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving leading the pack along with a new coaching staff to draw up the winning format. Our own Canadian team the Toronto Raptors are still in the running and still have the ability to stay competitive with any team from any conferences. The Philadelphia 76ers have done some revamping with their team and the coaching staff in the hope of changing their future outcome. Let’s see how everything unfolds throughout the season. The Boston Celtics is still a major player with a proven squad that can definitely upset the apple tree once they get going. They are a proven squad that can definitely disrupt the standings in the Eastern Conference. As for the Indiana Pacers, the Washington Wizards, the Charlotte Hornets, the Detroit Pistons, the New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic, the jury is still out on what they can bring to the table.

We are entering the unknown with this year NBA Season. There is no script on how things will evolve and for that alone we should all tune in this Tuesday night December 22, 2020 and be part of another roller-coaster type NBA Season 2020/2021.

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 2018 NBA FINALS CHAMPIONS”

BACK 2 BACK

It was written. The Golden State Warriors, in a blowout road win, completely annihilate The Cleveland Cavaliers by finishing them off in a sweep (4-0) to claim their first Back-To-Back Championship!! With this win Golden State join the Bulls, the Lakers the Celtics as the only NBA franchise to win three or more Championships in a four-year period.

Them Warriors came out with a game plan and executed it to a “T”. Real Talk! The “Hampton’s 5” and company were focus, ready and loaded to hand the Cavs their last game of the 2018 NBA Finals. I gotta tip my “B” hat to Cleveland, “King James” and his Cavaliers gave it a good run throughout the NBA Playoffs and the Finals but this Warriors squad was just too much for any team to handle. Real Talk!

The Warriors came into the Playoffs vulnerable but finished the series and the Finals strong and confident like the Champions they knew they were. There are levels to this sh*t and The Warriors are living proof of that.

Bron Bron put up some crazy MVP numbers over the four games with an average of 34 points, 10, assists and 8.5 rebounds but the 2018 Finals MVP was awarded to Kevin Durant for his Back-to-Back Bill Russell Trophy with an average of 28,8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists. He was unquestionably the most consistent player for his team this series.

Personal accolades aside, it takes a serious squad to win an NBA Finals Championship and The Golden State Warriors were just that a cohesive squad with exceptional group of players with one common goal in mind. A Dynasty in the making.

Congratulation Golden State on becoming this Year’s 2018 NBA Champions!! Once again the Larry O’Bryan Trophy will rest in the West.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About NBA FINALS 2018”

2018 NBA FINALS

The number 2 and the number 4 seed representing their respective coast are set to do battle this Thursday night May 31, 2018.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Reigning Defending Champions Golden State Warriors will once again go head to head against the Cleveland Cavaliers in another dual of the NBA Finals. Both teams needed a game 7 this time around to reach the NBA Finals. King James and his newly revamped squad will be looking for some payback for failing to beat the Warriors last year but this year “Hampton’s 5” (hopefully with a healthy Andre Iguodala) seemed to be clicking at the right time.

Real Talk, I can’t front at the Cavaliers plays to date, LeBron’s got them Boys thinking they’re the sh*t! The squad that he’s rocking with is a challenge within itself. Aside from that Bron Bron has been playing out of his mind to bring this team to the Finals.

That being said the Warriors are chasing history with their own squad too. It’s been a bumpy road compared to their previous Championship run but truth be told them Boys look ready and loaded for the challenge ahead. Them Boys came from being down 3-2 to the Houston Rockets to secure their spot to the NBA Finals.

Injuries played a part on both teams throughout the regular season but still here they are again adding their mark to the history of the NBA Finals in being the only two teams to meet in the Finals four straight times in a row, something like an ever-ending rivalry.

The Warriors are slated as heavy favorites to repeat as the 2018 NBA Champions against the Cleveland Cavaliers but actions speak louder than words, so tune in Thursday night May 31, 2018 and see which team will prevail and get it popping under the bright lights of the NBA Finals.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About 2018 NBA CONFERENCE FINALS”

2018 NBA Conference Finals

It’s time; the NBA’s version of the Final 4 is now set to start this Sunday May 13, 2018. In the Eastern Conference, since our Canadian team the Toronto Raptors loss focus and got swept 4 zips to the Cleveland Cavaliers’, we now get to enjoy a rematch of last year’s Conference Finals. Boston the No. 2 seed will be looking to avenge their last year showing and attempt to slow down LeBron and his 4th seeded Cavaliers from reaching their 8th Finals appearance. I gotta tip my ”B” hat to both teams. Real talk! The Celtics have stayed alive and legit even without Kyrie Irving and Gordon Haywood in the line-ups in the Playoffs. Reaching the Eastern Conference Finals without your two main stars should be evidence enough on just how serious of a team the Celtics are when faced with adversity. They are a well-coached team with some highly motivated players who are willing and able to ball on a next level if need be. As for the Cavs, losing Kyrie Irving and revamping the team up mid-season, had the Cavs looking shaky in the second half of the season, but when you have LeBron still healthy and determined to prove the skeptics wrong, reaching the Eastern Conference has a way of silencing all the haters. Unbelievable!! It’s hard to count LeBron out when he’s running the show. Real Talk! That being said stay tuned in to see who will be representing the Eastern Conference when it’s all said and done.

This Western Conference may be one of the best shootouts to date. The best of the best. The No. 1 seeded team in the Houston Rockets vs the 2nd seeded Golden State Warriors. A lot has been said about this year Houston Rockets. This team finished the season with a 65-17 record, primed and loaded to challenge the Warriors for that Finals spot. Houston dominated the season all year to have the chance to dethrone the Defending Champs in Golden State Warriors. This series will be a chess match. The Warriors have shooters on deck and so do the Rockets but the Warriors are the more experienced team of the two when it comes to the Western Conference Finals hands down. They both match up well but personally I think a healthy Curry might be the “ace” the Warriors need to take the Rockets out but then again; the addition of Chris Paul and a consistent play of James Harden might be the key to upsetting the Golden State Warriors. With so much scoring and talent on both teams this series will feel like the NBA Finals so tune in to see which team will reign supreme on the Westside!!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About NBA PLAYOFFS 2018”

2018 NBA PLAYOFFS

Once again, this NBA Season was must watch TV from start to finish. REAL TALK!
Uncontrollable injuries and sudden surprising trades from East to West shifted the balance from good to bad depending on whom you’ve been rocking with from the jump. Whichever way you want to look at it two new faces from East to West claimed “Top Spot” at the end of this Season.

This year Eastern Conference No. 1 Seed is none other than our own Canadian Team The Toronto Raptors that finished the season with an impressive (59-23). This year The Raptors played with a different type of swag and competitive demeanor that wreaked havoc throughout the entire league. Them Boys are seriously aiming for that spot in the Finals to show the world what the North is all about. Real Talk.

The journey to the Finals won’t be a cakewalk judging by some of the new and old faces attempting to derail The Raptors on their quest. The bang-up Celtics, the young gunners of The 76ers, The Cavs and King James, The Pacers, The Heat, The Bucks and the 8th seeded Wizards all have a say in to how this Eastern Conference might play out.

Representing the Western Conference and the No. 1 Seed throughout the entire Playoffs is none other than The Houston Rockets with their imposing season of (65-17). Them Boys strait up snatched that No. 1 Spot from the Defending Champions Golden State Warriors (58-24). This year might just be theirs for the taking but judging how the West likes to roll I wouldn’t count the Defending Champs out just yet. The Warriors are walking into this year NBA Playoffs wounded but not ready to concede just yet. The Blazers, The Thunder, The Jazz, The Pelicans, The Spurs and the 8th seeded Timberwolves are all aiming to disrupt this year NBA Playoffs.

With this entire changeable outcome, I can’t wait to see that ball drop Saturday April 14, 2018 come Game Time!!

Tune In!!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA-Who’s On Top?”

The NBA-Who’s On Top?

We are officially well passed the midpoint mark for the season with 57 plus Games played and to everybody’s surprise the Houston Rockets (44-13) is the team holding on to that No. 1 Spot by a very small margin over the Defending Champs Golden State Warriors (44-14). Holding on to that No. 1 Spot in the league won’t be easy with the Warriors breathing down their necks but home court advantage come Playoff time would definitely be a plus for them if they could pull it off. As expected the Western Conference has remained quite competitive with the Spurs, Timberwolves, and Thunder, playing musical chairs with each other trying to position themselves just right for a playoff spot making it very interesting.

Holding down the No. 1 Spot on the Eastern Conference side is our very own Canadian Team the Toronto Raptors (41-16). Them Boys snuck up quietly behind the Boston Celtics (40-19) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (34-22) to snatch that No. 1 Spot. Toronto’s steady play as of late has proven to be a problem for a lot of the teams in the East. Real Talk! Peeps keep on talking down about how weak the Eastern Conference is but truth be told the Eastern Conference is actually getting better and better and definitely more competitive; just watch the play of the Wizards, Pacers, Bucks, 76ers, Heat and the Pistons as of late? Its do or die amongst them Teams vying for a Playoff spot.

Injuries to various teams and last minute trades have once again altered the league, making the second half of the season just that much more interesting. So keep tuning in to see who will make the Final Cut!!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA-Who’s On Top?”

The NBA-Who’s On Top?

We are at the Quarter mark for this year NBA Season and in a surprising fashion The Boston Celtics are the ones sitting at the top for the moment with a 20-4 record. Now considering losing Gordon Haywood to a frightening fracture of his left knee, I personally thought this season was going to be a wrap but Damn was I wrong cause them kats over there are balling out of their minds. Cleveland has regrouped as of late and has gotten back on track by winning 11 games in row to bring them back up to a respective 16-7 record. It’s still very early in the season but I’m enjoying how the rest of the Eastern Conference is actually competing right now. Teams are definitely battling it out with no clear cut easy marks.

Although the Golden State Warriors are the Defending Champs and still the team to beat, the number one spot in the West at the moment belongs to the Houston Rockets with a 17-4 record over the Golden State’s 17-6 record. It’s a very close margin that Houston is hoping to maintain for as long as possible but real talk Warriors have yet to turn on the “Heat” and when they do the Western Conference might be in for a hell of a treat. Houston is balling and Harden is playing at another MVP type year once again. They are definitely looking like a team that could give the Warriors some problems along with the steady play of the Spurs 15-7 record as usual but only time will tell cause there are still lots of ball games to be played.
Injuries to various teams have hit the Western Conference in a big way, slightly changing the landscape over there. Definitely making things interesting so stay tuned in to all the action going around.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’ All About 2017 NBA Finals Champions”

Redemption is sweet and very rewording for this Golden State Warriors. 16-1 throughout the NBA Finals. Mission accomplished. The Golden State Warriors are now 2 time NBA Champs and the newbie on the Team in Kevin Durant made sure that his addition to the team was going to be worth it all come June. Durant played out of his mind with a determination only he could illuminate.

He definitely proved to all the “naysayers” out there just how valuable he could be come crunch time. Tonight Durant earned his first Larry O’Bryan Trophy and Finals MVP’s Bill Russell Trophy with a humble average of 35.2 points a Game. A feat well deserved. Props still gotta be given to the Defending Champs Cleveland Cavaliers, although the Cavs got done up in 5 Games they put up a hell of a fight REAL TALK!

Lebron pulled off all he could by averaging a Triple –Double throughout the series and Kyrie Irving showed us just how “BAD” this Boy can run circles on that court. The Kid is serious. REAL TALK!

With that being said this Golden State Team played with passion, heart and most of all has a Team. Their level of play throughout the season and the Playoffs showed me just how dominant these kats could be when focus on one common goal. Congratulation Golden State on becoming this Year’s 2017 NBA Champions!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About 2016 NBA Finals Champs”

2016 NBA Finals Champs

Lebron James has come through with his promise and goal of finally bringing the city of Cleveland their first NBA Championship in 46 Season. The Cavs will go down in NBA History as the first Team to ever come back from a 3-1 deficit in a Finals NBA Championship to capture The O’ Bryan Trophy. REAL TALK! “King James” and company came to play. These dudes literally showed me just how much heart this Team had as a unit.

To come back from a 3-1 deficit in an NBA Finals game against The Golden State Warriors, the best Team throughout the league and the playoffs all season rendered me speechless. REAL TALK! I gotta tip my “B” hat to them boys for grinding it out and outplaying a Tuff Squad in Golden State.

Cleveland deserves this Championship, hands down. James MVP Finals numbers of 27, points, 11 rebounds and 11 dimes are royal worthy for the “King of The Court” in “King James” Congratulation Cleveland on becoming this Year’s 2016 NBA Champions!

Blaze