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

The NBA-Who’s On Top?

We are well passed the midpoint mark for the season with 51 plus Games played to date and leading the entire league again this year is the Milwaukee Bucks (43-7). Them boys are on a redemption tour playing hard night in and night out from offence to defence. The Bucks are locked in and driven to get to the NBA Finals and the way they have been ballin all season it could very well be theirs for the taking. Our own Canadian team, the Defending Champions the Toronto Raptors (36-14) are surprisingly keeping it interesting considering the loss of their MVP Kawhi Lenard to the Clippers. The Raptors still have a solid squad that can definitely upset any team thinking that they are a walk over. The Boston Celtics (34-15) and the Miami Heat (34-15) are presently tied for third but either team could easily grab the No. 2 Seed with the way both teams have been playing as of late. They are both well- balanced teams who play hard ball from start to finish. The Indiana Pacers (31-19) and the Philadelphia 76ers (31-20) are both trying to hold down their respective spots for a Playoff seed but truth be told I personally expected Philly to be fighting for the 1 to 3 spot and not the lower seeds. That being said, there is still lots of ball to be played and the brackets could change come April.

With the Golden State Warriors forced to take a back seat this year, the Western Conference has a new face leading the pack with the Los Angeles Lakers (38-11). They started the season with the No. 1 spot and are still holding onto it thanks to the play of their two All Stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis helping to lead the way. That being said, holding onto the No. 1 spot won’t be that easy with The Los Angeles Clippers (35-15) chasing that No. 1 Seed and gunning for “king of the Los Angeles Court” with their two All Star players, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George getting it going come crunch time. The Denver Nuggets (35-16) are right there as expected and ready to take the No. 1 or the No 2 Seed if either Los Angeles team falter. The Nuggets may be overlooked here but they are definitely ballin the right way this season. The Utah Jazz (32-17) are bubbling at the right time securing their Playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference but holding onto their spot is a challenge within itself considering how tough the conference is. I expect a musical chair type seeding to happen within the remaining teams vying for a potential Playoff spot. The Houston Rockets (32-18), the Dallas Mavericks (31-19), the Oklahoma City Thunder (30-20) and the Portland Trail Blazers (23-28) all have a chance at a final run.

Just my thoughts.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA Season 2018/2019”

The NBA Season is set to start this upcoming Tuesday night October 16, 2018, and the back-to-back Defending Champs Golden State Warriors will be looking to start the season once again as the team to beat. The Warriors still have the tightest squad across the board. Them “Boyz” are truly battle tested and are destined for another unforgettable journey-type NBA Season. Real Talk!

The Houston Rockets will be looking to pick up where they left off last season. The Rockets were one game away from dethroning the Defending Champs but fell short when it counted the most. That being said, the Rockets have reloaded and are ready to give another memorable run at it with no excuses. Them “Boyz” can ball in Houston and it’s time to put it all together and show out.

The Los Angeles Lakers will be coming from the bottom to the top with their latest addition of LeBron James. The “King” has officially taken his talent to the WESTSIDE. This Dude joining the Lakers is beyond a game changer. LeBron’s track record has shown us in the past that his presence brings success and high expectations. That being said the Western Conference is the toughest side to ball in and only time will tell if the Lakers will have enough ammunition to compete at the top of the Western Conference.

It’s clear and understood that the Western Conference is no cake walk for any team, but expect the Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans and the rest of the western teams to compete every night at a high level in the hopes of establishing themselves as the next team on the come up!

With the departure of “King James” to the Western Conference, the Eastern Conference is now open season. The most notable team expecting to strong hold the Division is the healthy -looking Boston Celtics. With their full squad intact for the upcoming season their sole destination is nothing short of the NBA Finals. The rumblings have already started. Boston vs Golden State has already been mentioned as a possible NBA Finals.

That being said the Eastern Conference has showed much improvement the last few years. Our own Canadian team the Toronto Raptors will be looking to recapture their No.1 Spot from last year, as well as the steady play of Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons. These teams seem to have it going on the right track at being competitive enough to make it interesting. Any one of these teams can give Boston a good run for their money, but the question still remains, which team will step up to the plate and deliver the goods.

Tune in Tuesday night October 16, 2018 and be part of the “New Wave” taking over the league.

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 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 67th 2018 NBA All-Star Game”

This Year the 67th 2018 NBA All-Star Game will be taking place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on TNT Sunday February 18, 2018.

To make this Year All-Star Game more exciting and competitive, the NBA has changed the format from the traditional Eastern Conference vs Western Conference to an All-Star Draft-Style format. As usual the starters were chosen by the fans but this time the media and players also had a say to the votes. Captains were able to Draft from the pool of players voted as Starters and Reserves.

Representing The Eastern Conference Starters this year are
-LeBron James (Cleveland) Team Captain
-DeMarcus Cousins (New Orleans) (Now replaced due to injury by Paul George)
(Indiana)
-Anthony Davis (New Orleans)
-Kevin Durant (Golden State)
-Kyrie Irving (Boston)
Coach-Dwayne Casey (Toronto Raptors)

Reserves
-John Wall (Washington) (Now replaced due to injury by Andre Drummond) (Detroit)
-Kevin Love (Cleveland) (Now replaced due to injury by Goran Dragic) (Miami)
-Russel Westbrook (Oklahoma)
-Kristaps Porzingis (New-York)
-Victor Oladipo (Indiana)
-LaMarcus Aldridge (San Antonio)
-Bradley Beal (Washington)

Representing The Western Conference Starters this year are
-Stephen Curry (Golden State) Team Captain
-DeMar DeRozan (Toronto)
-Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee)
-Joel Embiid (Philadelphia)
-James Harden (Houston)
Coach-Mike D’Antoni (Houston Rockets)

Reserves
-Al Holford (Boston)
-Draymond Green (Golden State)
-Jimmy Butler (Minnesota)
-Kyle Lowry (Toronto)
-Damian Lillard (Portland)
-Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota)
-Klay Thompson (Golden State)

Now which side will claim “King Of The Court” come Sunday night February 18, 2018 in La La Land?

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’s All About The NBA Season 2017/2018”

The NBA season is set to start this upcoming Tuesday October 17, 2017, and sitting at top of the food chain once again are the Defending Champs Golden State Warriors. Them Kats showed the league what they were about last year and that was nothing less than a Championship. Mission accomplished. Now with a new NBA season ahead they will be trying to secure their first back-to-back Championship.
I don’t see their momentum stopping any time soon but I do anticipate for them to hit a few roadblocks along the way in the form of the Western Conference. Coming out the WESTSIDE is challenging within itself. Them teams over there have been adding pieces left and right specifically to stunt the Warriors from steamrolling through the league like their previous years.

The usual suspects in my eyes on the WESTSIDE that are hopping to stunt on the Warriors this year are Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets. No disrespect to the rest of the Western Teams but these three teams mentioned are battle tested and have acquired some very interesting acquisitions that may possibly shift the playing field over on the WESTSIDE.
Carmelo Anthony and Paul George joining last year’s MVP in Russell Westbrook, on paper might possibly create a legit threat to the Warriors if they can get it together right?

Houston with the addition of Chris Paul’s leadership could be the missing ingredient to help James Harden get over that hump?

The Spurs well these Kats are a threat on any given year. They have a sound team that is very cerebral when they step foot on that court. You can never count a team coached by Gregg Popovich out. This man is a genius with his X’s and O’s regardless of whom he’s got suiting up to play. REAL TALK!

The rest of the western teams will be competitive as usual battling it out in the deepest conference while staying relevant in the league.

The EASTSIDE had their own makeover also.
Starting with the Defending Eastern Conference Champions the Cleveland Cavaliers swapping point guard Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics for Isaiah Thomas? Unbelievable!! I never saw that one coming. Now add Dwayne Wade and Derrick Rose to the mix and the Cavs become instant Championship contenders. Just like that.

With the Boston Celtics adding all-stars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward to their squad, they still maintain enough firepower to possibly upstage Cleveland and give them a run for that No. 1 spot in the EAST. Kyrie’s got something to prove here and he will be gunning for it.

Not far behind is our canadian squad the Toronto Raptors. The last few years they’ve been able to stay competitive and in the mix. They have the right core of Kats to get it poppin over there but just keep missing the mark by a small margin of errors. But don’t sleep on them cause they can definitely stunt hard in the Eastern Conference and still cause enough damage to finish with a high seed come Playoff time.

The other remaining squads in the Eastern Conference is a toss- up. Some of them got better and others actually regressed. Only time will tell to see which sleeper team can actually make enough noise this year and earn some respect on that court. REAL TALK!

I’m eager to see how this NBA season 2017/2018 will unfolds.
The West as usual is still the toughest conference to play in. However, the youth of the players runs through both conferences with again the star power still riding on the WESTSIDE. With all the blockbuster trades that went on during the summer, this NBA season will be entertaining. Tune in this Tuesday night October 17, 2017 and be part of the “New Generation” taking over the league.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About NBA Season 2016/2017”

The Newly Crowned Defending Champs Cleveland Cavaliers have cemented their names in the Record Book. The challenge for this upcoming Season is simple, repeating the same task. What sounds easy to say is unfortunately one of the hardest things to accomplish in any sport. REAL TALK! Cleveland will be the hardest Team to beat in the Eastern Conference hands down but will they be the Team to represent the EASTSIDE? Nuff

Teams have shuffled up their roster looking to compete. Our Canadian Team from ”Up North” The Toronto Raptors showed us last year what they were made off by reaching The Eastern Conference Finals but the improvements by Boston, New York, Chicago and Indiana make this Season even more interesting.

The most feared Team The Golden State Warriors, fell short of repeating last year but still remain the Team to beat with their latest acquisition signee in free agent Kevin Durant. All eyes will be on them and on how they perform as a unit. Anything short of an NBA Championship for them will be a disappointment, with that being said the Western Conference will most likely be a challenging warm up Season for them until June unless one of the contenders in The Spurs or The Clippers have something to say about it.

REAL TALK! Tune in this Tuesday night October 25, 2016 and be part of the “New Wave” taking over this NBA Season.

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

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

The 2016 NBA Finals are now set. We have been gifted a repeat of last year’s 2015 NBA Finals. History is still in the making in the form of a Historical NBA Season in The Golden State Warriors. WESTSIDES’s No. 1 Seed came back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat a hungry opponent in Oklahoma City Thunders.

Golden State now becomes only the 10th team in NBA History to complete this unbelievable comeback. REAL TALK! Determined to disrupt History and carve their own are The EASTSIDE’s No. 1 Seed in The Cleveland Cavaliers. This go around “King James” is coming into this Battle with a healthy squad and his latest version of The Big 3 with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.

The Cavs are looking good and clicking at the right time. Last year’s Finals have been hunting them throughout the entire Season and the only way to undo the wrong is by bringing the city of Cleveland its first Championship since 1964.

Both Teams have now been heavily tested; Judgment day is on the horizon. History is knocking at both their doors, the question remains, which deserving Team will be cementing their mark while raising the elusive O’Bryan Trophy for the year 2016 NBA Finals.

Don’t miss the action and Tune in for Game 1, Thursday night June 2, 2016.

Blaze