Momma There Goes That Man

The clock is ticking.

That’s the message that Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Kevin Durant And Russell Westbrook sent out to LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. Now everyone knows that the Cavs and Lakers will advance to the second round but the big question was how long would it take them? How long can these young thundercats push these experienced squads in the very first round? In my TOP 10 QUESTIONS GOING INTO THE PLAYOFFS http://mommatheregoesthatman.com/2010/04/12/the-g0ats- top-10-questions-going-into-the-playoffs/ questions #4 and #1 specifically addressed the Cinderella story that is Oklahoma City and the missing piece scenario over in Chicago. It now seems that with Boston embarrassing Miami and Chicago spilling their hearts and guts out on the court that maybe Dwayne Wade will take a closer look at his home town team. Now Durant, 2 1/2 seasons in his career has racked up accomplishments such as Rookie of The Year, All Star Team member, NBA Scoring Champion, MVP candidate and is currently taking his franchise to their first playoff appearance and win! The Thunder could drop the next 2 games and Kevin Durant would still be the most promising player in the entire NBA. So kudos to you Durantula.

Last night’s games were exciting and entertaining to say the least. We had Noah blocking out LeBron by his neck and stripping the ball from him as the seconds winded down and in Oklahoma we had Westbrook stepping up like a scoring beast and Durant holding Kobe 2 for 10 in the 4th quarter causing Kobe to admit that “It was a matchup that caught me by surprise”…..man, gotta love that length!

So the A.P.B. is out to all current Championship Contenders, enjoy your runs cause your clocks have started ticking now. The new blood has arrived and although they may only be clawing at your ankles for now; they’re learning quickly, show no fear and have nothing to lose, a frightful combination for any experienced team. Kobe has his hardware but what about players like LeBron and Dwight who have promised so much but are still empty handed? It’s a shame that not even a few months ago the buzz around the league was “what is LeBron’s ceiling”? but I proudly now have this to ask…….”what’s Durant’s”?

To me, that is the more exciting question.

Dave E. Gold

(theg0at)

big thanks to my boy Phil for the birthday shout out and his rare display of  love for the Celtics.

I don’t do this often, give credit to the Celtics or any of their players, that is. But I am a lot more objective than most Lakers fans and recognize game. Today’s Beast We Love is Glenn Davis, that pudgy dude from the Celtics. I’ve always liked watching Davis play, mostly because I love wondering what kind of food he’s thinking about when he’s on the court (most of the time, it looks like he has corn bread on his mind). But all jokes aside, he’s been great for the Celtics – especially when he’s been asked to step into a starting role.

On Tuesday night, Davis did just that to the tune of 23 points, eight rebounds, an assist and no turnovers. He put up vintage Garnett-esque numbers on a night he filled in for the Big Ticket. This isn’t the first time he’s had a game like this before. Last season, Davis started in place for Garnett for 16 games and averaged a little over 12 points and five rebounds per game. During the post season, he bumped those averages to 15.8 and 5.6 including games of 26 and nine in the first round match up against the Bulls and a 22 and seven line against the Magic.

Yes, it’s hilarious to make funny of his propensity to just look hungry, but he does good things for the Celtics – and since it was the big homie Dave E. Gold’s birthday yesterday, I’m giving the Cs some love today. Congrats, Glen Davis, you’re officially a Beast We Love … and happy bday, Mr. Gold.

-Phillip

Dave isn’t going to be happy with this post. Not at all. But fuck it, that LBJ dunk on Monday night almost put us in Twitter jail. Yes, I know it wasn’t the greatest dunk any of us have ever seen, nor was the dunk on anyone we’ll particularly remember five to 10 years from now. But if you watched it live, and you didn’t jump out of your seat or slap your forehead in disbelief, then you’re probably not really a fan of basketball. This will not go down as one of the greatest dunk-ons of all time because it doesn’t have that after affect like the Baron-onAK47, or the KJ on Hakeem Olajuwon, or the Scottie Pippen on Patrick Ewing dunks — but if you watched that dunk live, you were out of your damn seat. Congrats, LeBron… you’ve earned some love on MTGTM! Don’t expect too much more of it unless you bring the Larry O’ Brien home to Cleveland.

Well now we’re two games deep into the playoffs and all I gotta say is WOW! The basketball gods are looking down upon us my friends, we are truly blessed. The only disappointing exception is the Denver/Utah series where injuries have plagued the integrity of the match up. But with that said, lemme throw at you the Top 3 Match Ups that have got me hooked.

3. BULLS vs. CAVS

Breakdown:

LeBron and the Cavs are just too much for Chicago and although they’re not playing their A. game, Cleveland will cruise to the 2nd Round. Still, with Noah running his mouth and Rose trying to bring out the “nastiness”, Chicago is not only playing decent ball but they’re also showcasing how close they actually are to Championship contention. Perhaps Wade or Bosh will take notice?

2.) LAKERS vs. THUNDER

BREAKDOWN:

Here we have the Present playing the Future. The Lakers will take the series but might drop one game to the hungry Thunder. And man oh man, will this series prove to be a priceless experience for Kevin Durant, a player who already shows inconceivable potential. No surprise that some (including myself) see Durant having a more successful career than a certain “King” over in the Eastern Conference.

1.) CELTICS vs. HEAT

Boy am I glad to see Boston back in their groove. They’re tough, gritty, intense and experienced. Oh yeah! And apparently disliked by many these days. Can you imagine how boring the league would be without a team like the Boston Celtics or a player like Kevin Garnett? Miami is outclassed in this match up which luckily gives Boston an opportunity to wrap up the series quickly and get some rest for Cleveland. The Playoffs are almost bitter/sweet for me, I get to see the final days of a true warrior like Kevin Garnett but know in the back of my mind that I will be forced to settle for the new age of the PF position and the likes of Pau Gasol.

<sigh>

Dave E. Gold

(theg0at)