Billups for Playoffs MVP

The resurgence of former Finals MVP Chauncey Billups has been the story of the postseason. After Wednesday night’s route of the New Orleans Hornets, Billups has combined for 67 points, 12 assists, and no turnovers to lead the Nuggets to their first 2-0 series since 1985. The veteran has been out of the lime light with all of the rising point guards in the league. With point guards the likes of Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Tony Parker, and Steve Nash, Billups is sometimes left on the cutting room floor of conversation during the regular season. With this being said everyone knows Billup’s tendencies to show up for big games, and make timely buckets. Going against good friend Chris Paul, one of the leagues very best point guards, one would believe that Billups is playing with a chip on his shoulder and is out to prove to everyone outside of Denver that he still belongs among the leagues elite.

For a complete rundown and comparison of the team, and players stats between the Denver Nuggets and New Orleans Hornets check out:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2009/columns/story?page=ScoutingHornetsNuggets

as well as

href=”http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=290422007

Rondo Key for Celtic Repeat

One year removed from winning the NBA Championship, Rajon Rondo is the key to any chances of Boston’s attempt to repeat, or even make it out of their first round playoff match-up with the Chicago Bulls. Rondo has had a great year with the Celtics, establishing himself as truly one of the elite point guards in the league, after just his second year. More than anything, Rondo has been able to not only shred the opposing team’s defense for drives and lay-ups to the basket, but he has become a very good defender. With his amazing quickness and speed, Rondo is a match-up nightmare for many teams. But perhaps the biggest and most important facet to Rondo’s newly established game, is his “swagger.” Surrounded by three hall of famers on the roster this year, Rondo has shown that this is his Boston Celtics team, and the point guard runs the show.
In a first round match-up with the Chicago Bulls, the Celtics suffered an amazing upset as the Rookie of the Year, Derrick Rose, put on a clinic torching the Celtics in a loss at home. With the Celtics emotional and defensive leader, Kevin Garnett, unavailable for the remainder of the postseason, Rondo will be the key to slowing down Rose, and leading his team out of a competitive series with the Chicago Bulls.

It’s that time of the year for us NBA fans. The play-offs are here and the Daily Bread is on top of things providing a look into the upcoming postseason including marquee match-ups, and key players to look out for.

Heat and Magic Deadly in Playoffs

The two dark horses in the eastern conference destined to make a playoff push are the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat. Both teams alike present match up nightmares that will only grow more difficult for opposing teams in the post season.

The Orlando Magic are the third seed in the east with impressive wins in the regular season against the top teams in the league; Lakers, Celtics, and Cavs. With arguably the best center in the league, combined with the number one three point shooting team in the NBA, the Magic could find themselves playing in the finals.

The Miami Heat are led by superstar Dwanye Wade. The MVP candidate has led the Heat to the postseason with a very young and talented group of players. Experience is the only thing that the young Heat lack. The Heat make for a very dangerous first round series as a team with nothing to lose, and a superstar carrying the load. I predict the Miami Heat to pass expectations and win their first round series challenging to make the conference finals.

Twitter Scandal

Shaq makes headlines again. This time doing so through his Twitter profile page, where he recently asked to speak with Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban. The tweet came hours after the Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz 130-101 in a crucial game that knocked any chances of the Phoneix Suns making the play-offs.

Responding to several questions by reporters as to his future in the NBA and with the Phoenix Suns, Shaq said, “You know who needs me right?” Asked whether he was insinuating joining forces with the Dallas Mavericks after the off-season, Shaq responded, “You write it.”

It seems as though Cuban might not be on the same page as Shaq with the possibilies of aquiring the All-Star center. When interviewed on continuing to tweet with Shaq he said, “As long as it’s not about basketball.”

Going to the Mavericks is nothing new to the NBA world. The center has  both quietly and publically directed talks of going to the Dallas Mavericks to win a championship dating back to seasons past with the Lakers, and Heat.

Sources indicate that Shaq is due to make $21 million in 2009-2010 for the final year of his contract, but the Mavericks are looking for younger and more athletic players to pair with thier core of Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, and Josh Howard.

Cuban told commented on the trade rumors saying, “You never say never because it’s such a crazy league. But you can say that about any player in the NBA.”

Van Gundy, Knicks, and Ewing

Earlier this week, head coach of the Orlando Magic, Stan Van Gundy, criticized the Knicks Organization for not giving Patrick Ewing a coaching position, or even opportunity. Patrick Ewing is the New York Knicks all time leader in points, rebounds, and steals. 

Van Gundy had this to say, “The fans certainly love him. The organization to me sort of pretends to appreciate him and like him.” Currently Ewing is coaching the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard. 

“I’m just like any person who is coaching in this league,” Ewing said, “I’m just looking for an opportunity, that’s all.”

For the entire story visit:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4011050

Phoenix Ready to Run

The rejuvenated Phoenix Suns are currently sitting at the 9th spot in the play-off race. In order to make the play-offs, the Suns will have to catch up with the Dallas Mavericks who are right now three games ahead. Without all-star foward Amare Stoudemire, who is out for the remainder of the season with an eye injury, making the post season rests on the shoulders of all-star veteran Shaquille O’Neil. Luckily for the Suns, Shaq has found the fountain of youth and is posting 18 points and 8 boards a contest. With 11 games left, the quest to reach the post season is at an all time high. Phoenix’s schedule is very unfavorable however,as 5 of there next 11 games are against play-off teams. With a lot of luck and some slippage by the Dallas Mavericks, the Phoenix Suns just might make a run into the post season.