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Russell Westbrook’s Historic Season Ends With No Shot At NBA MVP

NBA
Sports

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April 19, 2015

Russell Westbrook’s Historic Season Ends With No Shot At NBA MVP

The 2014-2015 Oklahoma City Thunder season came to an end Wednesday despite a 138-113 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Unfortunately for the Thunder, the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the San Antonio Spurs a little later in the night to secure the 8^th spot in the Western Conference.

With the end of the Thunder’s season comes the end of Russell Westbrook’s historic season in which he totaled 11 triple-doubles—something only Jason Kidd and Grant Hill have been able to accomplish in the past 20 years. Westbrook also led the league in scoring with 28.1 points per game, was first among guards in rebounding with 7.3 per game, was second in steals with 2.1 a game, and fourth in the NBA in assists with 8.6. Nothing short of an amazing season.

Westbrook’s major accomplishment this season was his scoring—his insane amounts of scoring. Wednesday was no exception: the Thunder needed to win, and Westbrook led the way for them with 23 points in the 1^st quarter and 34 by the half, both of which are franchise records. That’s right, not even Kevin Durant has been able to pull that off. That’s another big thing Westbrook did this season—earn some respect as a player on his own outside of Durant’s shadow.

Since being drafted 4^th overall by the Seattle Supersonics/Thunder in 2008, Westbrook has been No. 2 on the team to Durant. In fact, early on in his career Westbrook was considered a ball hog who needed to just accept his role behind the real superstar. Over the past few years fans and analysts alike have come to accept Westbrook as a good point guard, but after this season he will certainly be considered one of the better players in the league moving forward.

The other thing that this season showed is just how good Durant is. At the end of the day, after all the points Westbrook scored have been counted and the triple-doubles tallied up, the Thunder were the 9^th best team in the Western Conference, and the 14^th best team in the league overall. When Durant was healthy, this team was considered a legitimate championship contender.

For this reason. Westbrook is not the 2014-2015 NBA MVP. In fact, he shouldn’t even be in the conversion. Westbrook is a very good player, but he’s not even the best player on his team never mind the league as a whole. James Harden fits that role perfectly.

There’s a reason Kevin Durant won MVP for the 2013-2014 season: with Durant leading the team, the Thunder won 59 games and locked up the 2^nd seed in the West en route to a Western Conference Finals appearance.

Sure, you can make the argument that Westbrook had nothing to work with; but then you only further James Harden’s case for MVP. With Dwight Howard in and out with various injuries, Harden had just as little talent around him as Westbrook if not less.

You could make the argument that with Durant basically not playing this season that Westbrook was the most important player to this team. Well, if you want to award MVP to the player most important to his team, then no doubt Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans or Harden wins the award. Harden and Davis had the highest EWA (Estimated Wins Added) in the league with 24 each. Steph Curry follows with 22.2, then Chris Paul with 21.4, and then Russell with 20.8. Obviously adding over 20 wins is a huge deal, but it doesn’t make him the most important player.

So let’s stop trying to force him into the conversation for an award designed for the best in the league. Instead, let’s just appreciate the greatness Westbrook brought to the NBA this season.

Russell Westbrook did something amazing this season. He had the world talking. Everyone had an opinion on this kid. He was a savior and a villain. A team hero and a team destroyer. A clown, a lunatic, and a martyr to the same people at the same time. And on top of all that, one hell of a basketball player.

James Harden Deserves NBA MVP More Than Russell Westbrook. Chris Maurice Explains Why

UFC Fight Night 2015: Luke Rockhold Dismantles Lyoto Machida VIDEO

Sports
UFC

Shane Mclendon

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April 19, 2015

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UFC Fight Night 2015: Luke Rockhold Dismantles Lyoto Machida VIDEO

A free night of UFC fights is always a good thing for a rainy Saturday night. When the results are fantastic finishes instead of boring fights capped by predictable decisions, the night is even better. UFC Fight Night from Newark, N.J. was a very good lineup of fights for the most past. Some names that are not part of the mainstream got into the spotlight with some very impressive performances.

Luke Rockhold dismantled Lyoto Machida, who is of course a legend and had been very impressive in his recent fights, including the bout with Chris Weidman. Rockhold will be on many more folks’ radar after his second round win over Machida via submission. The legendary “Dragon” had no answer for the 30 year old Rockhold, who controlled the entire fight. Machida is one of the most difficult UFC fighters to prepare for with his unorthodox technique. That mattered not in this fight. Luke Rockhold imposed his will on the former Light Heavyweight Champion, making Machida’s fighting style irrelevant. Awkward angles and being hard to hit historically makes no difference if the guy in front of you is smothering you at every turn. Machida was hurt badly in the first round and never really recovered. The fat lady was tuned up and started singing as soon as Rockhold got Machida’s back, flattened him out, and firmly placed him in a rear naked choke hold to end it all. Check out the highlights vid below.

Anyone not impressed with Max Holloway’s late fight submission of hardcore UFC vet Cub Swanson must not like MMA fighting. Swanson is a tough SOB with a mean mug that is close to Ronda Rousey‘s hatefilled stare. This was no easy win for the 23 year old Holloway. This was a great fight that ended with a very late submission after Holloway rocked the number five ranked Swanson late in the third. The kid followed up the strikes with a perfectly placed guillotine choke that ended the battle with just over a minute left in the final round.

The highlight of this UFC Fight Night, and there were many, was Paige VanZant. The comparisons to Ronda Rousey are inevitable and although she is not on that level of talent or personality, she does have the “it” factor. Maybe she flames out sooner rather than later, but from what we have seen of the 21 year old so far, you can not help but be impressed.

VanZant and Felice Herrig fought a close fight for about one full round. After that initial period, the fighter barely old enough to drink, began to dominate her opponent. She didn’t have a signature move like you know who. She simply got busy on the face of Herrig for the better part of two rounds. If VanZant ever got tired, it certainly didn’t show. She had plenty of energy to spare as she relentlessly attacked the elder Herrig, resulting in numerous knots on the forehead of Herrig at the end and a unanimous decision for VanZant.

VanZant has many more rungs to climb to get to the top of her strawweight division. Her win over number eight ranked Herrig will move her up a bit and with her notoriety growing, it may not be as long as we think before she gets a shot at the belt currently held by Carla Esparza. Anything can happen with this very new division of the women’s’ side of things in the UFC.

Whether lightning can strike twice remains to be seen. The UFC has benefited greatly from the beauty, brashness, and epic skills of Ronda Rousey. If VanZant can keep rolling, Dana White will have the perfect poster child for the strawweight division. She has the looks like Rousey and the “it” factor I mentioned. She just needs to keep getting better where it counts the most, inside the octagon. Count me as a believer even though I know how quickly a UFC career can take a nosedive.

Luke Rockhold vs Lyoto Machida Hightlights: UFC Fight Night New Jersey

RHOA Ep 720: Life Twirls & NeNe Leakes Whirls

The Curvy Girl Diva

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April 19, 2015

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RHOA Ep 720: Life Twirls & NeNe Leakes Whirls

If you remember from last week, the ladies of The Real Housewives of Atlanta continued their “getting along” in Manila. Kandi and Claudia both pointed out the fact that had NeNe been there, things would not have gone as well as they did. Maybe they are right, maybe not.

This week, the girls are back in Atlanta and we see Cynthia at home helping her daughter Noelle get ready for her first homecoming dance. Kenya also comes over and they help Noelle pick the perfect dress and the perfect walk.

Then we see NeNe, Greg and Brent, their 15-year-old son, in New York. They eat at a nice restaurant and Greg asks his wife if she is ready for the show. She says that she is but she’s not. I just wonder what the producers who hired her were thinking in the first place. I mean NeNe Leaks is fine for a reality TV show but to be a leading lady…. I ain’t too sure on that one.

Kandi meets with her stylist to get her ready for her “date” with Todd. This will be the first time since the trip with the girls that they will see each other and she is hoping, of course, to score at the end of the night. One of the things I will say about Kandi, while she seems to be a little more level headed about who to deal with in the group, she does not know when to shut her mouth about her marriage. She gives entirely too much away about her sex life with Todd and it is just not a good look. There are some things you don’t tell the whole wide world. Aint no wonder you are having trouble.

She picks a dress (a sexy leopard body con) for the date and they meet up. They have some awkward moments in their conversation like they are on a first date and they have some hard conversations. One in particular being about the distance they have in their marriage. She asks him if he still wants a baby and he proceeds to tell her that his show got picked up for another season and he says that he has to be away for another block of time. He says that with his schedule, “I’m not going to be able to be there all the time… who has time for a baby?” He then tells her that he has to be in L.A. for another month and half and suggests that she comes with him. She protests because of her daughter and he tells her to figure it out.

Phaedra Parks is back in the house and she speaks with her assistant about her experience in the Philippines. Being there, she met a woman whose children does not have their father in their lives and that makes her think about all the other kids who only have one parent which made her feell less bad about her boys growing up without Apollo. This prompts her to call her friend David Johns to arrange a rally or some kind of event centered around encouraging black boys. Well isn’t that sweet.

Cynthia consults with Peter to see if he can help her with Jamaican accent since he is Jamaican and she needs to learn how to sound at lease somewhat believable. From what we saw on the episode, she has a long way to go. She also tells him that they have been invited to Phaedra’s charity rally

We see Kenya on the set of her pilot show, Life Twirls On and she is defiantly the star in EVERY SINGLE WAY. If nothing else though, she is about her business and that is commendable. Cynthia shows up to do her Jamaican accent for Kenya and her friend is no t feeling it. Me neither Kenya. Why didn’t she just get a REAL Jamaican? Anyway, they go ahead and film her scenes and it eventually all works out.

On the day of Phaedra’s black boys rally, NeNe shows up to help out her friend and volunteer right along with the other RHOA. “I am doing this for the kids… I came to Atlanta JUST for Phaedra’s event.” She really has no interest in seeing, speaking to or dealing with the other girls “at all.”

Everything is going fine until Claudia says something to NeNe (while they made plates) about how she stormed out of the session with Dr. Jeff. Why did she do this?

For the record, I am usually all for Claudia and her peacemaking ways, but bringing up what happened at a charity event is not the business. She started it.

NeNe says she thought that the video that was sent to her was phony and Claudia just kept pressing her about “owning up” to her behavior. NeNe tells them that she has moved forward and then Cynthia jumps in. NeNe proceeds to just ignore everything they have to say and Claudia then follows her like a little kid. “NeNe… NeNe…” Thank God Kenya shows up when she does because she probably saved Claudia from an ass whooping.

When Phaedra comes in to see what’s going on (they could hear them from the auditorium), they make it seem like NeNe just walked out. Phaedra follows her to see what happened. Back in the kitchen, Team Kenya talks about her and honestly; they just need to leave it alone. There was no need to bring that shit up.

Next week is the season finale and they didn’t show a whole bunch but I am sure it will leave us wanting more. Check out the sneak peek of the highlights from the Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 7 Reunion below featuring lots of fights and tears. NeNe Leakes shoved down anger and hurt looks like it’ll finally burst over when her mother is brought into the subject during the reunion. You can see Andy Cohen’s eyes light up knowing this means ratings and NeNe runs into the arms of her therapist and just loses it. It’s a rare moment, and Bravo is making sure to pimp it out for all its worth!

Real Housewives Of Atlanta Season 7 Reunion Best Fights & Tears Sneak Peek

Will Kei Nishikori Be Novak Djokovic’s Biggest Rival Of 2015?

Shane Lambert

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April 19, 2015

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Will Kei Nishikori Be Novak Djokovic’s Biggest Rival Of 2015?

Kei Nishikori, the highest ranked player to miss this week’s Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, plans to be active next week in the 2015 ATP Barcelona draw. Japan’s top player, Nishikori’s most significant accomplishment to date remains his runnerup finish at the 2014 US Open (l. to Cilic). Looking at the months ahead, Nishikori, with his result from Flushing Meadows banked until September, is poised to challenge for the World No. 3 position or even the World No. 2 position. However the World No. 1 position will likely remain out of reach barring a change in form from Novak Djokovic.

A big reason why Nishikori is in a position to ascend in the rankings has to do with last season and the fact that he did not do particularly well when playing at the 2014 French Open and Wimbledon 2014. In Roland Garros for instance, Japan’s No. 1 fell in the very first round to Martin Klizan, a difficult and talented player but one that Nishikori will probably beat most of the time over the course of their careers. At the All England Club last summer below par play continued although the current World No. 4 was able to make that tournament’s fourth round (l. to Raonic).

But regardless of why Nishikori player poorly last summer, the bottom line is thathe only picked up 190 ranking points at Roland Garros and Wimbledon combined. If Nishikori simply lives up to his ranking at the two Grand Slam events this season then he could make the semifinals in both events. That would see Japan’s top player turn a net gain of 1250 ranking points and, although rankings are complex, such results would likely thrust him into the World No. 3 position – if not the World No. 2.

Yet the fact that he has so much room for growth when it comes to ranking points in the two upcoming Grand Slams is just one reason why Nishikori might be headed toward the top. It has to be pointed out that he also has tremendous growth potential in a few upcoming Master Series events.

For example, the Rome Masters will be played in May and last year Nishikori missed the event entirely. He also missed both Cincinnati and Canada in the summer before going on his surprise run at the 2014 US Open. That Nishikori has so many major events that he either no-showed or played poorly in last season coming up in the months ahead makes him a player well worth watching.

Consider the following hypothetical results:

Rome: Nishikori makes the quarters
Roland Garros: Nishikori makes the quarters
Wimbledon: Nishikori makes the semis
Canada: Nishikori makes the final
Cincinnati: Nishikori makes the semis

Those results would see Japan’s top player gain almost 2000 ranking points when these events are looked at in isolation. Importantly, the hypothetical results above are realistic enough for Nishikori to achieve.

As things currently are, you have to wonder if Japan’s top player will be the World No. 2 heading in the 2015 US Open. While there are lots of events that affect rankings the five examined are the big ones that are upcoming.

In conclusion, I think it is safe to that Nishikori, if he plays his best, could supplant both Andy Murray and Roger Federer in the months ahead. That said, Japan’s top player may become the chief rival for Novak Djokovic toward the end of the 2015 season.

Johnny Manziel Apologizes To Fans, But Is It All Just PR?

Jackie Warner

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April 19, 2015

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Johnny Manziel Apologizes To Fans, But Is It All Just PR?

So, Johnny Manziel has gotten out of his stint at rehab, done his message, obviously formulated from the Browns mouthpiece and now he seems to be enjoying some downtime going to sports games. It seems like he’s putting in facetime as part of a PR recovery program, but as we’ve seen in the past with other celebrities, it can be very short lived and the self-sabotage continues.

The fact that the media is covering such things as him going to a Texas Rangers game and then a Cavaliers game feels very premeditated as they rarely do a full story on a sports figure or celebrity doing this. It’s either a slow news day or the work of a very savvy PR person feeling the need to push Manziel on everyone.

For his sake, I hope Manziel is able to pull it together, but we’ve seen too many celebrities run into rehab, offer up a mea culpa knowing that fans love a second chance. I’ve known enough celebrities who’s gone through rehab and were very serious about it. After leaving, they usually put their head down and focus on their career and not trying to grab more spotlight. With Manzile showing up at two public events right on the heels of rehab, it really has you wondering if this is his choice or if he’s being pushed out for the media. It’s not working as the only proof will be when he gets back out on the field and shows that he wasn’t just anther overexposed too soon athlete. I’m rooting for him, but it’s all about the people he’s surrounding himself with know to get through the post-rehab rough patches.

Here’s the full statement Johnny Manzile put out through the Cleveland Browns.

“I would like to thank my family, friends, the Browns organization, my teammates, and Browns fans everywhere, for your patience, understanding, and support during my stay at Caron. The doctors and staff have been amazing and what I’ve learned in the last couple of months has been tremendous. I owe private apologies to a lot of people that I disappointed but a very public one to the Browns organization and the fans that I let down. I take full responsibility for my actions and it’s my intention to work very hard to regain everyone’s trust and respect. I understand that will take time and will only happen through what I do and not what I say. I also understand there’s a lot of curiosity about this but anyone who has a friend or family-member that’s been through things like this knows it’s an ongoing process. I’m going to continue to ask folks to try to respect my privacy as I determine to what degree I am comfortable talking about a subject which I consider very personal. Most of you have been considerate about that and I thank you for it. I look forward to seeing my teammates next week and focusing on football and my desire to be the best possible player, teammate, and man that I can be.”

Manziel is expected to be present at the Browns’ offseason program beginning Monday.

Novak Djokovic Proves Why He’s Number 1 Winning 2015 Monte Carlo Masters

Shane Lambert

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April 19, 2015

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Novak Djokovic Proves Why He’s Number 1 Winning 2015 Monte Carlo Masters

Tomas Berdych and Novak Djokovic met in the final of the 2015 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters on Sunday. At stake was the coveted Masters Series title and 1000 ranking points towards entering the year-end ATP World Tour Finals. The championship final featured an hour long rain delay however after it was all settled, it was Djokovic who claimed victory.

With the win the Serb set a new precedent. Having already won both Miami and Indian Wells, Djokovic, with the addition of the 2015 Monte-Carlo title, became the first player to win the first three Masters Series events of the season. Djokovic, additional to this three Masters Series title, also won the 2015 Australian Open making his start to the season nothing short of incredible. Not surprisingly, he is firmly entrenched as the World No. 1 player and, at present, there is no one within striking distance of his lead.

But where Djokovic went out and seized victory on Sunday, it could also be said that Berdych missed a chance in Monte-Carlo. Depsite displaying some incredible shot making abilities, Berdych lost the clay court match mainly due to two bad patches of tennis.

“I left him a big gap in the third set,” said Berdych. “That was the decider, definitely. It was really just about a couple of points that didn’t go my way. He defended them very well… I was making him run all the way through those three sets. There was just a couple of things that didn’t go as I would like to.”

He was up a break in the first set however poorly played middle games cost him dearly and he ended up losing the first set 5-7. After the rain delay in the second set Berdych played well however in the opening games of the third set, it was all Djokovic. The Serb raced out to a double break lead and appeared as though he might post a goose egg in the decider. Berdych, always fighting, did stage a minor comeback however ultimately he failed, losing to Djokovic 7-5, 4-6, 6-3.

“It was a battle,” Djokovic said. “I was up a set and 3-2, then a (rain) interruption, we came back, I had a break point but he played some amazing shots. If I made the break there, maybe the match could be done in two sets.

“He had his chances as well. The third set started very well at 4-0. I just lost that service game for no reason. After that, every single game went the distance: deuce, advantage. It was a real fight. I was trying to mentally stay tough and fight my way through.”

Next up on tour are both Barcelona and Bucharest, two clay court tournaments at the 500-level and 250-level respectively. Neither Berdych nor Djokovic will be in those draws as Kei Nishikori and Rafael Nadal are the top seeds in Barcelona while Gilles Simon and Gael Monfils headline Bucharest. Munich, Estoril, and Istanbul are to follow ahead of the 2015 Madrid Masters, an event that will feature all of the top players on tour that are fit to play.

The Rome Masters follow Madrid ahead of Geneve and Nice, two 250-level tournaments. All the events will lead into the 2015 French Open, a tournament that will feature Rafael Nadal as the five-time defending champion.

Based on the form that Djokovic has displayed in recent months, many are calling for the Serb to claim the title in Roland Garros. If he did that then Djokovic would complete the career Grand Slam as he has already won the other Grand Slams at least one time each. That Djokovic dismissed Nadal so easily in Monte-Carlo makes the Serb all the more convincing of a favorite, with the Paris Grand Slam not that far off now.

2015 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters Final – stunning Novak Djokovic passing shot v Tomas Berdych

Novak Djokovic Takes On Tomas Berdych: 2015 Monte Carlo Masters

Shane Lambert

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April 19, 2015

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Novak Djokovic Takes On Tomas Berdych: 2015 Monte Carlo Masters

The two semifinals from the 2015 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters were played on Saturday, matches that featured Tomas Berdych, Gael Monfils, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. At stake was a spot in the final of the first Masters Series clay court event of the season and a chance to tally 1000 ranking points toward making the year-end World Tour Finals.

gael monfils smiling for tomas berdych 2015 monte carlo masters

In the first semifinal from Monaco, a tiny country south of France, Berdych continued to play the strong tennis that he has thus far displayed in 2015. The Czech No. 1 defeated Gael Monfils 6-1, 6-4 to advance to the final.

Afterward Berdych commented on the match:

tomas berdych beats gael monfils novak djokovic 2015 monte carlo masters

“This year is going pretty well,” the 2015 Australian Open semifinalist said. “It’s going almost the way we set it up. We’re missing a trophy yet as a team and me personally, but it’s another chance tomorrow.”

Berdych has made a point of the fact that he is missing some trophies in what has still been an impressive career. Unquestionably, the desire is there to win but there is good reason to believe that he will fall short in the final on Sunday.

Firstly, Berdych does not have a history of success in championship matches. Overall he is just 10-16 in finals and his winning percentage is even worse in the championship matches of major tournaments. In total, Berdych has been to the final of three Masters Series events and one Grand Slam heading into the 2015 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters final. In those four matches combined, he has produced just one victory and that was way back in 2005.

rafael nadal returning to novak djokovic 2015 monte carlo masters

In the Monte-Carlo final, the Czech Republic’s top player will have to face and defeat Novak Djokovic in order to claim another title. But the World No. 1 appears to be as dominant as ever as he dismissed Rafael Nadal in straight sets on Saturday, something that is almost unheard of in clay court tennis. The line score was 6-3, 6-3 and the result, which was between the top two favorites to win in Roland Garros later this spring, has made Djokovic an all-the-more-convincing favorite to win the 2015 French Open.

novak djokovic taking on tomas berdych 2015 monte carlo masters

Djokovic, unlike Berdych, has not had trouble closing out tournaments in his career. The Serb has 51 titles to date, including numerous in the Master Series. Furthermore, Djokovic is a crushing 18-2 against his Czech counterpart although it is certainly worth noting that Berdych won their most recent clay court affair (Rome 2013).

novak djokovic tops out for rafael nadal 2015 monte carlo masters

The championship match is scheduled to start not before 2:30pm on Sunday from Monte-Carlo and it will follow the men’s doubles match.

2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: Calgary vs Vancouver Game 3 Preview

Shane Lambert

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April 19, 2015

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2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: Calgary vs Vancouver Game 3 Preview

The first round playoff series between the Calgary Flames and the Vancouver Canucks will continue on Sunday in the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. The series, following Vancouver’s 4-1 win in game two, will now switch over to Calgary, Alberta in what will be a very important game three.

Recapping the series so far, game one saw Calgary post two goals in the third period to defeat Vancouver on their home ice 2-1. That got the boo-birds going a bit in Vancouver, a city that has seen many post-season failures since almost winning the Cup in 2011.

However game two saw the Sedin twins answer the call early as Daniel, on an assist from both his brother and Alexandre Burrows, opened the scoring before the three-minute mark of the first period. Chris Higgins of the Canucks would tally what would be the game winner a few minutes later, scoring on the power play against the Flames.

Tied at 1-1, the series is now considered a virtual coin toss. BetVictor, for example, have posted odds of -110 (10/11) for each team to win the series outright.

A headliner in the series so far is definitely Eddie Lack as the Vancouver goaltender has only given up three goals through two games. In game two of the best of seven series the netminder had 23 saves to post a 95.7% save percentage, good enough to earn him the top star of the game. Should he continue to put up similar numbers, it would be very difficult for Calgary to advance.

That is especially true since the main scorers for the Flames have yet been able to mount any kind of significant offense. Calgary’s Kris Russell, not generally known for scoring touch, has been the main source of the Flames’ scoring so far. The defenseman, despite only scoring four goals over the course of the entire regular season, lit the lamp twice in Vancouver. That could be taken as a positive sign but usually when a peripheral scoring threat is tallying goals, you want it to be supplemental to your main sources of offense – not the only offense.

Another player making headlines for Calgary, although perhaps for the wrong reason, is Sam Bennett. The Flames’ rookie, just 18-years old, was a bit of a question mark in game two. However Aaron Vickers, writing at NHL.com, stated that Bennett “feels good enough to be in the lineup for Game 3.”

That game is scheduled to take place in downtown Calgary at 10pm ET on Sunday night (8pm local). Neither team appears to be under more pressure than the other. Calgary will be playing on home ice while Vancouver carries the expectation of a fan base that has been disappointed too many times in recent years.

The Flames enter the game as a mild favorite (10/13) however with Lack playing well, the Canucks could be a little under-rated.

Montreal vs Ottawa Tied: Game 3 Preview 2015 NHL Stanley Cup

Shane Lambert

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April 19, 2015

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Montreal vs Ottawa Tied: Game 3 Preview 2015 NHL Stanley Cup

The Montreal Canadiens, playing in the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, may not have beaten the Ottawa Senators by much in either game one or game two of their first round series however the Habs are still in firm control.

Montreal, playing from home, opened the series on Wednesday night with a 4-3 victory. The Canadiens then followed suit with an overtime win in game two over the Sens. On Sunday the series shifts to Ontario where the Canadiens will be looking to sweep, while the Sens will be looking to give themselves a chance to get back in the series.

Mark Stone, a right-winger for Ottawa, has been central to much of the news in the series. P.K. Subban aggressively slashed Stone in game one, an act that both injured Stone and caused many to speculate that the Ottawa forward would not be available for game two. However Stone was not just available on Friday night but rather he factored into both of Ottawa’s goals as he tallied two assists on the night.

While the slash, and the drama it caused, dominated much of the previewing for game two for the most part it appears to be history now. That said, in a matter of days Ottawa’s 2014/15 season could be history as well.

Arguably in order for Ottawa to get back into the series they will need to slow down the Montreal offense. The Habs have scored seven goals in two games, an impressive total at a time of year when defenses are usually quite stingy.

Andrew Hammond, Ottawa’s goalkeeper, faced 42 shots in game two, a total that was eleven shots higher than what his Montreal counterpart faced. Even against a goaltender that’s playing well, that kind of peppering will usually lead to at least a few goals and Ottawa, playing at home in game three, will need to batten down the hatches on defense if they hope to get back into the series.

On that note Dave Cameron, the coach of the Senators, has indicated that he’s not yet decisive on who will be in net for Ottawa. Craig Anderson is a viable option although the once regular starter has not seen much ice-time in recent months due to injury.

While Anderson is a more than capable netminder Cameron, in considering substituting for Hammond, may be guilty of making changes with his fingers crossed.

It’s not entirely clear if Anderson would be much better than Hammond, keeping in mind that Anderson’s save percentage in 35 regular season games was 92.3%. That’s right on par with what Hammond posted in game two, suggesting that the problem is not goalkeeping but defense in general. What the Sens need to do is curb the number of shots that Hammond needs to save while putting more pressure on Carey Price.

While that’s definitely easier said than done, it is a position that Kyle Turris of the Senators appears to agree with. Commenting on Hammond, the forward stated that the Sens had “to do better in front of (Hammond) and help him out.”

Game three goes at 7pm ET on Sunday with game four to follow on Wednesday night.

Cameron, with his talk of changing goalies, doesn’t appear to be on the right track and that doesn’t bode well for Ottawa’s chances. However playing “better” isn’t as simple as turning a light switch on either so Ottawa’s best hope may be in them finding some inspiration in playing in front of their home crowd.

Novak Djokovic Knocks Out Rafael Nadal For Finals: Berdych Next

Jackie Warner

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April 18, 2015

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Novak Djokovic Knocks Out Rafael Nadal For Finals: Berdych Next

Rafael Nadal did not let Novak Djokovic make it to the finals of the 2015 Monte Carlo Masters easily as the Spaniard tested the Serb early in the match. This puts Djokovic on a sixteen match winning streak and he will face Tomas Berdych in the finals where is is one step closer to winning his second title at this Open.

“I did have a slower start than he did in the match,” admitted Djokovic. “He started very aggressive, playing good, serving well, having a break point for a double break. I played a good point there. I won a very important game not to allow him to have the advantage of 3-0.

“I started to get into the rhythm, started to tactically play the way I intended from the beginning. It was a fight. I think the 3-all game in both sets, they were the decisive moments in the match. I managed to win those in both sets.

“When you get to play somebody who has won so many times, so many matches on clay courts, he’s no doubt the best player that ever played the game on this surface, you got to use the opportunities. You have to be able to step in. This is the only way I was going to win against him or any other match that I play against him, especially on this surface, is to be aggressive and play my style of the game. I was aware of that.

“I’m just very pleased with the performance, honestly. Other than the first three games that I was getting into the match, it was a really, really solid performance.”

Djokovic, bidding to win a third Masters title in a row, lost the first two games of the match but fought back to triumph 6-3 6-3 on the clay.

It was the 43rd meeting between the pair with Nadal – who has slipped to world number five – 23-20 ahead.

Djokovic, 27, has lost only two matches this year.

With Prince Albert of Monaco in the crowd, Nadal and Djokovic put on a high-class semi-final.

But, ultimately, the injury-plagued Spaniard lacked the consistency to overcome the rampant Serb.

Nadal, meanwhile, who won here every year from 2005-12, was looking to reach his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final since blasting to the title match in Rome 11 months ago (l. to Djokovic). The Spaniard’s loss to nemesis Djokovic here in the 2013 final brought an end to his 81-match winning streak on clay in the month of April and his 46 consecutive wins at this event.

“I think I played well in moments,” said Nadal. “I was able to play at the right level for moments to compete against a very, very tough player, the best player of the world like Novak is today. But I got a little tired. Then when you get a little bit tired, you play a little bit shorter. Then it is impossible against him.

“In general, I think I was not that far. For moments I was playing at a very high level. I think he played great. I just congratulate him for the way that he’s playing, the way that he’s winning almost every match of the year.”

The second set hinged on an 11-minute game at 3-3, with Nadal surrendering a 40-0 lead to suffer what proved to be the vital break.

“I’m very happy with how I played against such a tough opponent,” said Djokovic. “Rafa is the all-time best on the clay, it was not an easy match.

“I played well, it was a relief to get this win. There was a lot of tension, it was tough to keep it all under control.

“I know the final with Tomas will be a different kind of match, but I’ll do my best to recover and get ready.”

Earlier, sixth seed Berdych completed a 6-1 6-4 victory over Gael Monfils of France.

Monfils had accounted for Roger Federer and Grigor Dimitrov earlier in the tournament, but Berdych won the first set in just 23 minutes.

The Czech broke twice at the start of the second set to reach his first Masters series final since losing to Federer in Madrid three years ago.

LA Clippers & Spurs Series Headlines 2015 NBA Playoffs: Analysis & Predictions

NBA
Sports

Chris Maurice

-

April 18, 2015

0

LA Clippers & Spurs Series Headlines 2015 NBA Playoffs: Analysis & Predictions

The Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs were two of the best teams in the NBA this season; but with the extremely close standings in the Western Conference, the Spurs find themselves traveling to L.A. in what is sure to be the most exciting series of 1^st round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs.

Both teams are coming into this series red hot. The Clips finished the season with a 56-26 record and the top rated offense in the league. Not far behind them are the Spurs, who enter with a 55-27 record, the 6^th best offense in the NBA, and a top three defense. Oh yeah, and they’re the defending World Champions.

The Spurs have fought through injuries all year, and they really got it together when it counted most. The team is still led by veterans Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili who all know how to win in just about any situation opponents could possibly put them in. The Spurs are coming into the playoffs having won 14 of their last 16 heading in.

Since acquiring Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets, the Clippers have always been one of the best teams in the NBA; however, they have never made it past the Western Conference Semifinals. The Clippers have not lost in the month of April on their way to clinching the No. 3 seed in the West.

In their four matchups this season, the two teams split the series, each going 2-2. The Clippers won the most recent matchup without star forward Blake Griffin; and since his return to the court on March 15^th, the team has gone 14-2.

I think we’re in for an exceptional series. Two 55-win teams going at it in the 1^st round is any basketball fans dream. It’s a true clash of the titans; and head coaches Gregg Popovich and Doc Rivers both know what it takes to win an NBA Championship, so they will certainly be bringing their all against each other.

The Clippers and Chris Paul have everything to prove while the Spurs and Time Duncan have nothing to lose. At the end of the day, a close series like this could easily come down to the mental pressure being put on Paul to win a ring. Adding pressure like that to your superstar on top of playing the defending champs in the opening round does not bode well at all for the Clippers.

The Spurs dynasty will come to an end at some point, but it doesn’t seem to be their time yet. The Spurs are too good and edge out the Clippers to win the series in seven games.

Cleveland Cavaliers getting Good Test First Round against Boston Celtics: 2015 NBA Playoffs

NBA
Sports

Chris Maurice

-

April 18, 2015

0

Cleveland Cavaliers getting Good Test First Round against Boston Celtics: 2015 NBA Playoffs

The Boston Celtics may be just below .500 at 40-42 on the season; however, that doesn’t mean the Cleveland Cavaliers will get a free pass in the 1^st round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs. The Celtics are coming into the playoffs as the hottest team in the East with a conference-best 24 wins since February 1^st of this year.

The Cavs may not have the best record since February, but they are still coming into the playoffs as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. Sure, the Atlanta Hawks have the better record; but they’ve been slipping lately while LeBron James and company have been playing absolutely lights out. Obviously not an easy first round matchup for the Celtics either.

“A really, really, really good team,” said Cavs head coach David Blatt when asked his opinion on the Celtics. “Extremely well coach. Hungry. Ambitious. Playing very well and athletic around the court. Not a simple first-round matchup at all. Not at all.”

The Cavs and Celtics actually split the season series 2-2, but those games don’t really say much about either team. In the Celtics wins, the Cavs’ starters were rested. In the Cavs first win, Anderson Varejao was healthy and Dion Waiters was still with the team; and in the second victory, the game was over by halftime and didn’t really show the fight that Boston will certainly bring to the playoff series.

At the end of the day, the Cavaliers are just too good this year. The Big Three of LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Kyrie Irving is way too much to stop; and it looks very unlikely that the Celtics will be the ones to pull off some crazy upset this season.

“How good we want to be is how we go out and play the game and how we prepare,” said James. “We have our own expectations. We don’t worry what everyone else thinks of what we should do. It’s about what we expect out of ourselves.”

LeBron sure seems ready. Hopefully the Celtics are as well.

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