PanamaWilly
Topics for Discussion: NFL & NBA
Well, Super Bowl XL is upon us after the AFC and NFC championship games were decided this past weekend. Let?s hope the Super Bowl is a more competitive game than what we witnessed in the conference championship games. I am here to recap both conference championship games and here to discuss the NBA Eastern Conference at the midway point of the season.
AFC & NFC Championship Game Recaps?...
Pittsburgh/Denver: Well, my original pre-season pick to win the Super Bowl has made it to the big show. And, I learned an important lesson over the last couple of weeks. After choosing the Steelers to win Super Bowl XL in my pre-season forecast of the season, I went against them in Indianapolis and then went against them a second time in Denver. So, I guess it can be said, at one point I looked as though I was right on target, but choosing against the Steelers once the postseason arrived takes away some of my credibility of the original pick. Oh well, on with the critique of the AFC Championship game. The difference in this game was quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and four Bronco turnovers in a 34-17 victory. Roethlisberger completed 21-29 passes for 275 yards, 2 TD?s, and 0 INT?s. The Steelers did not have any turnovers and had possession of the ball for 36:07 of the game. Like, their game against the Colts, the Steelers jumped on the Broncos early, but this time there was no doubt as to what the outcome of the game would be. The Steelers dominated the Broncos in every facet of the game and they are on their way to Detroit to play in their sixth Super Bowl in franchise history. Now, the only thing left to be decided is will I pick against them for a third time in a row? You?ll find out next week in my preview on Super Bowl XL.
Seattle/Carolina: On to the NFC Championship game. Like the AFC Championship game, this was one-sided as well. The Seahawks embarrassed the Panthers by dominating them the entire game. I had picked the Seahawks to win this one in a close game, but the Panthers to cover the four point spread. Well, the Seahawks won alright, but in a 34-14 blow out. In my pre-season picks, I had the Seahawks making the playoffs, but losing in the first round of the playoffs. Now, they are on their way to play in their first Super Bowl in franchise history. The NFC Championship game also saw its share of turnovers. Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme threw 3 INT?s and the Panthers also lost the ball on a fumble. The Seahawks did not have any turnovers. They also shut down wide receiver Steve Smith, holding him to 5 receptions for 33 yards. The Panthers were held to 36 yards rushing for the game, while Seahawks running back Shuan Alexander rushed for 132 yards on 34 carries. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck also had an efficient game completing 20-28 passes for 219 yards, 2 TD?s, and 0 INT?s. The Panthers just appeared to have run out of steam after a great playoff run and they lost to a Seahawks team that clearly was superior. So, now the Seahawks move on to face a Steelers team that is listed as the early favorites at -3 1/2. We?ll see if the spread moves at all over the next week. Either way, I?ll make my final pick of the season in next week?s edition of Panama Willy?s Sports Takes. See you then!
NBA Midway Point??
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
The New Jersey Nets are currently atop the standings in a weak division with a 22-17 record. Guard/Forward Vince Carter is having a fabulous season averaging 25.1 PPG. The Philadelphia 76ers are in second place with an even mark of 20-20. Guard Allen Iverson is leading the way averaging 33.4 PPG. Next in the standings are the disappointing Boston Celtics with a 17-24 record. Forward Paul Pierce is the leading scorer for the Celtics at 25.6 PPG. The New York Knicks are fourth in the standings at 13-26, while the Toronto Raptors bring up the rear in the Atlantic with a 14-28 mark. Forward Channing Frye is one of the top rookies in the league and gives the Knicks hope for a bright future. The Raptors are led by young and talented forward Chris Bosh. He is averaging 22.5 PPG and 9.2 RPG. If the season ended today, the Nets and Sixers would be the only two teams to qualify for the playoffs from the Atlantic.
Central Division
In the Eastern Conference the kings of the hard court are the Detroit Pistons. They are also the kings of the NBA to this point in the season with an outstanding record of 33-5. This team is so balanced and guard Chauncey Billups has many suggesting an MVP season for him, as he is averaging 18.8 PPG and 8.6 APG. The Pistons lead the second place Cleveland Cavaliers by 12 games and the Cavs are playing decent basketball with a 21-17 record. Of course, forward LeBron James is the star of this team, with MVP numbers of 31 PPG, 6.7 RPG, and 6.2 APG. Guard Larry Hughes has proven to be a good off-season acquisition. Two teams are tied for third in the Central; the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers with 21-19 records. While the Bucks have been a pleasant surprise, the Pacers have been somewhat disappointing. Guard/ Forward Michael Redd is leading the way for the Bucks, averaging 25.1 PPG. The Pacers Ron Artest has contributed to the disappointing season the team is having when he was suspended indefinitely for conduct detrimental to the team and he is currently on the trading block. Forward/Center Jermaine O?Neal leads the Pacers with 21.3 PPG and 9.6 RPG. In last place in the Central are the Chicago Bulls with a 17-23 mark. It?s been a disappointing season for them after last year?s impressive coming out party. Guard Ben Gordon leads them in scoring with 14.8 PPG. I expected this division to be the strength of the Eastern Conference this season and it clearly is. If the season ended today, four of the five teams from the Central would qualify for the playoffs.
Southeast Division
The Miami Heat leads the division with a 24-17 record. Guard Dwyane Wade is averaging 26.8 PPG in helping them stake claim to first place. The Washington Wizards trail the Heat with an 18-21 record. Guard Gilbert Arenas in having a stellar season averaging 28.4 PPG. The Orlando Magic are in third place with a 16-22 record. Forward Dwight Howard has been a bright spot for them averaging 14.8 PPG and 12.7 RPG. In fourth place are the Atlanta Hawks with an 11-28 record. Guard/Forward Joe Johnson leads the young Hawks averaging 19 PPG. Finally, in last place are the second year expansion Charlotte Bobcats with an 11-30 record. Forward/Center Emeka Okafor is having a strong sophomore season averaging 13.2 PPG and 10 RPG. I expected this division to be weak and they have been. If the season ended today, like the Atlantic Division, only two of the teams would qualify for the playoffs.
Statistical contributions for this article were obtained from espn.com
