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What the Future Holds For Stan Wawrinka

Shane Lambert
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What the Future Holds For Stan Wawrinka

what future holds for stan wawrinka 2015

Stan Wawrinka, a player who lost early in the 2015 Miami Open, recently turned 30 years old. The age is very significant in a professional tennis player’s career because tennis is a sport that favours youth more than most others. Accordingly, it may be time to look ahead to future and reflect on what Wawrinka can do on tour.

Firstly, however, it may help to look back at Wawrinka’s recent past.

stan wawrinka serving back tenns 2015

The former Australian Open champion, currently ranked eighth in the world, put together a very solid 52-weeks of tennis in the last year. Currently he holds titles from Chenai and Rotterdam on the hard court surface. Furthermore, Wawrinka is a solid clay courter and he will be the defending champion at the 2015 Monte Carlo Masters event.

Other significant results include a semifinal appearance at the 2015 Aussie and a semifinal appearance at the 2014 ATP World Tour Finals. So far in 2015, Wawrinka has compiled a very impressive 16-4 record and he does not appear to be slowing down just yet.

stan wawrinka with rafael nadal 2015

However Wawrinka will likely have some trouble holding onto a Top 10 spot heading into Roland Garros 2015. He’s already due for a small slide in the rankings on Monday as Tomas Berdych, a player who is into the Miami semis, will supplant the Swiss player for eighth in the world. Furthermore Wawrinka is not likely to defend his title in Monte Carlo. That being the case, at worst, he stands to lose up to 1000 ranking points soon.

But Wawrinka’s saving grace during the clay court season may have to do with Rome, Madrid, and Roland Garros. While he won Monte Carlo last season, he did not do much else during the 2014 clay court swing season. A round of 32 loss in Madrid, if you’ll pardon the pun, ‘netted’ him just 10 ranking points. A round of 16 loss in Rome earned him just 90 and a first round exit in Paris earned him practically nothing. In short, while the Swiss No. 2 stands to lose ground in Monte Carlo, Wawrinka could easily regain it in Rome, Madrid, and Roland Garros with much better play that what he produced in those tourneys last season.

Stanislas Wawrinka at Australian Open

However Wawrinka is still not likely to repeat his year-end ranking in 2015 compared to what he produced in 2014. He looks as though he may have some seeding problems for the remainder of this season, with possibly difficult competition in the rounds of sixteen for the majors and Masters events.

stan wawrinka smiling for his tennis future 2015

When I think about where Wawrinka will end up at the end of the year, I think he’ll pretty much be exactly where he is right now: 8th in the world and teetering on 9th. I also think his best tennis is behind him although there’s probably a handful of ATP titles at the 250-level and 500-level to be won in the years ahead.

Duke Blows Out Michigan State: 2015 NCAA Final Four

Shane Lambert
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Duke Blows Out Michigan State: 2015 NCAA Final Four

duke blue devils blow out michigan state final four ncss 2015

The national semifinals in the 2015 NCAA March Madness basketball tournament took place on Saturday. The Final Four teams, Michigan State, Duke, Wisconsin, and Kentucky, took to the courts in Indianapolis all with hopes of making Monday night’s final. The games are now over and they featured an upset.

In the first game of the day the Duke Blue Devils defeated Michigan State in what was a blowout. The Spartans came out strong in the very early going however after the oepning minutes the game saw a fairly steady onslaught of Duke offence. The final score in the game was 81-61 with Justise Winslow scoring nineteen. Denzel Valentine, despite playing for the losing team, posted very solid numbers as he had a double-double for points and rebounds with 22 and 11 respectively.

wisconsin badgers beat kentucky wildcats ncaa final four march madness 2015

In the second game of the day the Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 71-64. Frank Kaminsky, the best player on Wisconsin, lead all scorers with 20 points as the Badgers persevered through what appeared to be pretty shoddy officiating. Noteably a controversial play that involved what may have been a flagrant foul against Kentucky received no such call. Additionally Wisconsin seemed to have hit a three-pointer in the second half, one that got waved off due to what could be called a phantom charge. Perhaps there was some balance in the game however overall I think Wisconsin may have beaten Kentucky by double digits under different circumstances.

The Badgers, many of which were on the 2014 team that lost to Kentucky in the semifinals, have to feel sky-high right now following their win. They appear to be the favorite to win the national championship now following their elimination of what was widely considered the best team in the tournament (odds for the final are pending at time of writing).

wisconsin vs duke blue devils final four ncaa 2015

Wisconsin and Duke will meet on Monday night from Indianapolis in the final game of the year for NCAA basketball. The Blue Devils will be looking for their first championship since 2010 when they narrowly escaped the Butler Bulldogs. The Badgers, coached by Bo Ryan, will be looking for their first championship since winning their only title way back in 1941.

Look for Kaminsky to continue his dominant play, look for Bo Ryan to deconstruct Duke, and look for the Badgers to claim their first NCAA basketball title since way back in 1941.

Novak Djokovic Makes History Beating Andy Murray: 2015 Miami Open

Jackie Warner
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Novak Djokovic Makes History Beating Andy Murray: 2015 Miami Open

novak djokovic beats andy murray 2015 miami open masters

As expected, Novak Djokovic beat Andy Murray on Sunday at the 2015 Miami Open Masters giving him his fifth title at this open. He also is the first player to finish the Indian Wells & Miami Open three times joining Roger Federer as the only tennis player to have done that two years in a row.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic claimed a piece of tennis history on Sunday at the Miami Open presented by Itaú.

With his seventh straight win over World No. 4 Andy Murray, the Serb captured a fifth crown in South Florida and became the first player to complete the Indian Wells – Miami title sweep three times. He also joins Roger Federer as the only player to accomplish the feat two years in a row.

The 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-0 win marks Djokovic’s third triumph over Murray in 2015, including victories in the Australian Open final and theBNP Paribas Open semi-finals. He now owns an 18-8 FedEx ATP Head2Head record over the Scot.

novak djokovic wins 2015 miami open title crown images

The first set of the final was anything but straightforward, with both players tallying two breaks each before Djokovic clinched the tie-break. Murray temporarily turned the tide, taking the second set with a break at 5-4. Ultimately, Djokovic’s momentum, a culmination of his recent performances against Murray and his stellar start to the season, was too much for the Dunblane native to overcome in the third set.

On Monday, Djokovic will tie Rafael Nadal for the sixth-most weeks at the summit of the Emirates ATP Rankings (since Aug 23, 1973) with 141. He is also closing the gap on Federer, who has tallied just one more ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title in his career (23). Nadal leads the pack with 27 trophies at that level.

Djokovic will bank $900,400 and 1,000 Emirates ATP Rankings points for his effort, but Murray won’t leave empty handed. In addition to banking $439,420, he will return to World No. 3 when the Emirates ATP Rankings are released on Monday.

Novak Djokovic Takes On Andy Murray For 2015 Miami Open Masters Finals

Shane Lambert
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Novak Djokovic Takes On Andy Murray For 2015 Miami Open Masters Finals

novak djokovic vs andy murray 2015 miami open finals

The final of the 2015 Miami Open is set following action on Friday from Florida. It will feature the two premier hard courters at the moment as World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will face Australian Open runner-up Andy Murray on Sunday. Djokovic has moved one step closer to holding on to his title at the Open for a fifth time.

The semifinals in Miami saw both Murray and Djokovic advance in straight sets. Murray defeated Tomas Berdych 6-4, 6-4 to book his spot in the final while Djokovic defeated John Isner 7-6, 6-2 to book his spot in the championship match.

Commenting on his victory, Murray attributed at least some of his success to strong serving:

“I felt like I served well,” Murray claimed. “It was tricky from one end of the court. We’re basically serving right into the sun at that time of day, so I had to take a little bit off the serve. On the second serve it was very tough to see.”

Next up for Berdych, according to tomasberdych.cz, is the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters later this month. Berdych, a former French Open semifinalist, promises to be an important player during the upcoming clay court season as he continues to look for titles that have so far eluded him during his career.

novak djokovic beat john isner for miami open 2015 finals images

With the win, Djokovic reached his 32nd ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final, his 74th overall tour-level final.

The first set was even-keeled, with the only break point opportunity coming in Djokovic’s favour as a set point on the No. 22 seed’s serve. The American saved the break point with an overhead smash to force a tie-break, but the defending champion went on to win the tie-break 7-3.

Djokovic broke Isner twice in the second set to eventually clinch the win. The World No. 1 fired 10 aces, hit 25 winners and faced no break points in the 90-minute victory.

“I thought he played pretty well,” said Isner. “I certainly needed to play better in order to beat him, and I didn’t do it. He was too good.”

Djokovic, commenting on his victory over Isner, attributed part of his victory to sound pre-match strategy:

“I’m glad that I managed to realise everything that I intended tactically before the match,” Djokovic stated. “It’s always tough to play somebody that serves that well.

Isner is on the player’s list for an upcoming 250-level event from Houston, a clay court event. Dirt is not the American’s best surface however he has won in Houston before.

When it comes to Murray and Djokovic, they will renew their rivalry on Sunday in Miami. The Serb, who leads on head-to-heads 17-8, has won every match between the two players since the Wimbledon 2013 final. Importantly all six of those meetings have come on the hard court surface. Furthermore they have two recent meetings from Indian Wells and Melbourne Park. In those two meetings, Murray only claimed one set so the Miami final appears to be on Djokovic’s racket.

Djokovic is bidding to become the first player to complete the Indian Wells-Miami title sweep on three separate occasions. Since 1991, seven players have achieved back-to-back success at these events – Jim Courier (1991),Michael Chang (1992), Pete Sampras (1994), Marcelo Rios (1998), Andre Agassi (2001), Roger Federer (2005-06) and Djokovic (2011, ‘14).

Prediction: Djokovic claims the title.

Celebrity Gossip Roundup: Amber Rosy For Wiz & Azealia for a Bareback Obama

The Curvy Girl Diva
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Celebrity Gossip Roundup: Amber Rosy For Wiz & Azealia for a Bareback Obama

celebrity gossip amber rosy for wiz and azealia for a bareback obama

In today’s rumor mill, we are a talking about exes misses exes and son’s abandoning moms, and one singer wanting to take a ride on the ole Obama expressway. Plus the Bobbi Kristina Brown saga continues with Nick Gordon alleged involvement in Whitney Houston’s death too now. He must have Dr. Phil on speed dial by now.

amber rose misses wiz khalifa 2015 gossip

Amber Rose: “I Miss Wiz”

In light of all the messiness that has taken place between Amber Rose and Wiz Khalifa, it seems that they just can’t get away from true love. In a somewhat interesting turn of events, Amber Rose has admitted to wanting the rapper back and she doesn’t really care what people think about it.

She took to Instagram on Thursday April 2nd calling Wiz her “Man Crush Everyday” and posting a picture of the two of them in their happier days… biting each other’s tongues?

“My #ManCrushEveryday you know what it is…. We went wrong somewhere and even if we never ever get back together (Even tho I pray, dream and hope we do) he will forever be the love of my life… Through all the ups and downs of our relationship my heart still beats for him every single day. I’m sick of putting on a front like I’m happy without him. I’m not. He makes me happy. He’s the only one who can.”

Well damn Amber, way to save face. But I guess when you are down and out in love and your heart is in a continual state of agony, you get to a point where it doesn’t matter  what people have to say because it’s all about getting your love back.

laurence fishburne mom hattie says he abandoned her 2015 gossip

Laurence Fishburne’s Mom Says Son Abandoned Her

It was recently reported that Hattie Fishburne, the mother of super star Laurence Fishburne is in jeopardy of losing her house. What’s even more disturbing is that the actor is being made out to be an awful son because he (supposedly) hasn’t stepped up to help pay the $1500 a month rent.

Ms. Fishburne told the New York Daily:

“For 20 years, I funded my son’s career. He promised me he would take care of me. He promised me a house, a golden retriever, a calico cat. To this day, I have not got a Christmas present or a ‘Thank you, Mama’ present. He hasn’t given me a penny.”

Now we all know that there are two sides to every story but if it is true that he is not giving his mother the help she needs after all she has done for him, then he is indeed a bum ass nigga. But there has to be something more to the story that we don’t know. A normal, sane person is not going to usually just leave their family, let along their mother, hanging. I hope it is all a misunderstanding and that things can be straightened out because this kind of heat is definitely not a good look for Laurence to have.

azealia banks wants to do barack obama 2015 gossip

Azealia Banks: I Want to Do Obama

So you know how you have those friends that just don’t know when to shut the hell up? Well that is pretty much the case for rapper Azealia Banks. She recently told Billboard magazine this about President Obama:

“He is so fine, with those big-ass white teeth and ears hanging off his head. I’m like, ‘Oh my god, I want to fuck the President.”

My question is why do people continue to give this chick a platform. She is more famous for comments about shit and her beef with other, respected, more established artists (you know… people who are actually talented) than her music (does she even make music anymore)?

There are just some things you don’t say out loud or at least you don’t say to a media outlet like Billboard Magazine about what you want to do sexually to the president. She is a prime example of a rachet chick with a case of diarrhea of the mouth.

Be a lady Azealia Banks. I know that you understand no one takes you seriously as an artist so you feel the need to stay relevant by just saying and doing stupid shit out of your mouth, but you have to learn some kind of filter system with your bullshit. That is all.

nick gordon helped kill whitney houston bobbi kristina 2015 gossip

Bobbi Kristina’s Boyfriend Had Something to Do with Whitney Houston’s Death

As the ongoing situation that is Bobbi Kristina’s condition lingers in limbo, more speculations about not only how she ended up where she is but even her mother’s death three years ago swirls and Nick Gordon is the center of it all.

He has of course been faced with criticism from her family about his involvement with BK’s incident and the Roswell Police Department has said pretty much form the beginning that the whole thing has “always been under criminal investigation.”

Apparently, new details have emerged that may link him to the death of the beloved singer as well.  He was there the day she died and even tried to administer CPR according to interviews his mother conducted with Dr. Phil.

This is something that has come up before and obviously it is revisited often, which is understandable because of the similarities in both the incidents.

Nonetheless, it is clear that we will never know what really happened until BK comes out of the coma, which is still everyone’s prayer.

LOVE & HIP HOP NEW YORK Finale: An End To A Disjointed Season

The Curvy Girl Diva
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LOVE & HIP HOP NEW YORK Finale: An End To A Disjointed Season

love hip hop new york finale recap images 2015

We are finally at the end of the Love and Hip Hop New York. Everyone’s story is pretty much summed up and it leads to a much anticipated reunion episode.

jhonni singing for rich dollaz love hip hop new york 2015

It opens up with Jhonni Blaze playing the piano and singing which she is really good at doing. I don’t know why she doesn’t just go ahead and commit everything she has to this talent instead of letting all the other stuff get in the way.

We also see Diamonds crazy’s ass again. Her dad, Darryl Strawberry, actually comes to visit her in NY and this chick tells her dad all kinds of lies about why she went to New York in the first place; which went something like she seeing this guy who told her that he would make her a star and a model, blah, blah, blah. She just lied to her ordained minister father. He of course gives her hard love and tells her that she needs to start taking responsibility for her actions.

diamond fighting cisco love hip hop new york 2015

Later, she meets with Cisco and they have a very open conversation about what happened between them.  She tells him that she wants to woman up to the mistakes that she’s made and she asks him what she did wrong in the relationship. This is big of her because it seems that she is trying to be more mature and less unbelievably stupid. Diamond asks him if he ever loved her and he says no. She takes it the best she can (she didn’t go all cray, cray). After they put everything on the table, they agree to be cordial.

tashas back for cisco on love hip hop new york 2015

Cisco flies to Atlanta to meet with his baby momma Tasha because she is keeping his kids away from him. He asks her what can he do to be in a better position so that they can co-parent their kids.  She goes off on him telling him that he broke her heart into a million pieces. She pretty much tells him that she is not going to let him see the kids the way she wants. He throws a tantrum throwing shit and turning couches over. Tasha attacks him and they walk Cisco out.

cisco bloated up for love hip hop new york 2015

Peter and Tara meet in the studio and they have a pleasant interaction. She asks him to help one of her clients with some beats (remember has her own artist development business now). She then asks him how things are going and he tells her about his troubles with Amina. You can tell that it is hard for her but she does listen to Peter and tells him that he has to find out what he wants for his life and go from there. This is a great moment for her because you can see that she really is moving past it and it speaks volumes to who she is as a woman.

peter gunz with amina on love hip hop new york finale 2015 images

Peter Gunz then meets with one of his boys who tell him he saw on social media that Amina has a new manager and it is Orin, her ex. Peter obviously can’t take it because he doesn’t like the fact that this man is managing his “wife.” He says that he’s in no moral position, however, to really say anything. “I have to man up and eat it.” This of course does not stop him from confronting her.

It is clear it pisses him off that she is working with Orin. He sets up a weekend getaway with Amina because he wants to “win her back.” Peter tells her he wants his family back and he knows that he’s been a ”complete disgusting pig” to her. She tells him that she wants to be true to her music and that means moving on from him. Amina also tells him about Orin and he says that he knows more than she thinks. He gives her a ring and she says that she doesn’t understand what he wants… she can’t do. “This ring is not going to solve any of our problems.” With that, he realizes it is too late for them.paris white woman on love hip hop new york 2015

In the world of Rich Dollaz, with everything going on, he takes some time out to meet with Precious P in the studio while she rehearses. Precious tells him up front how she feels about him not being there for her as a manager. He tells her that’s it is more complicated than she is making it. She dismisses his bull shit and tells him that she is cutting their ties as artist and manager. They part ways and that’s it for Precious P and Dollas Unlimited.

Meanwhile, Chrissy meets with Chink and tells him that she is through if can’t finally and fully commit to her. They argue and she yells at him, cussing him out and tells him that she feels he has been playing mind games with her because it is clear that he hasn’t left his wife. In the end, she walks out on him and he actually looks a little sad, but you know, in an IDGAF kind of way.

lil mendeecess with yandy love hip hop new york 2015

Yandy and Mendeecees have their “baby shower” and she surprises her boo with the commitment ceremony gesture. This is a really sweet and nice moment.  She tells everyone there that she is signing the certificate to change her last name and lets them know that they are still having a wedding, just later. The MC pulls out the forms and she signs them. Awwwww, she’s finally a Harris.  We also see her have the baby in an emotional moment between her, Mendeecees and their new baby girl Skylar.

chrissy monroe on love hip hop new york finale 2015

At the end of the episode, we see everyone’s happy (or somewhat happy) endings.

This of course is not the end of it as the reunion is still to come. This season was all over the place and just didn’t make as much sense as it usually does…or at least sense in the world of reality tv! It felt like this season too many storylines were forced on us and things just weren’t allowed to evolve organically.

2015 Miami Open: Andy Murray Knocks Out Tomas Berdych For Finals Djokovic

Jackie Warner
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2015 Miami Open: Andy Murray Knocks Out Tomas Berdych For Finals Djokovic

andy murray taking loads from novak djokovic bare 2015 back miami open

It’s been predicted that Andy Murray is on a collision course with Novak Djokovic, and the British tennis star is looking to make it a reality after beating Czech star Tomas Berdych at the 2015 Miami Open Masters. Djokovic beat David Ferrer on Thursday and will face John Isner later today in his semi-finals match.

Odds are heavy in Djokovic’s favor right now, but Isner has taken out two Top 10 players in his last two matches so it will be a match to watch.

andy murray beats tomas berdych 2015 miami open

Third seed Murray won 6-4 6-4 and will play world number one Novak Djokovic or 22nd seed John Isner on Sunday. He’s the fifth player in the Open Era to reach at least four Miami finals which puts him in the company of Andre Agassi, Novak Djokovic, Pete Sampras and Rafael Nadal.

The Scot, 27, broke Berdych’s serve four times as he took his career record against the Czech to 6-6.

Murray, who won the Miami title in 2009 and 2013, is set to return to third in the world rankings next week.

andy murray vs novak djokovic 2015 miami open masters

Asked about a possible final against Djokovic, having lost to the Serb in Indian Wells last week, he said: “I know I need to play high-level tennis.

“He returns well so I need to get the balance right of being patient but dictating points when I get the opportunity.

“I’ve played well this week, much better than I did at Indian Wells.”

Friday’s first semi-final was a repeat of the Australian Open clash in January, which Murray won in four tense sets as he went up against Berdych and former coach Dani Vallverdu.

There was another familiar face in the Berdych box in Miami after fitness coach Jez Green recently began working with the Czech, having left Murray’s team along with Vallverdu last November.

In contrast to Melbourne, Murray made the sharper start this time around, breaking the Berdych serve either side of dropping his own as he took charge early on.

tomas berdych on sunday 2015 miami open masters

Berdych looked unsettled, complaining about the balls at one stage and then a line call as Murray saw out the set by making an impressive 77% of first serves.

Things got worse for the Czech at the start of the second as a confident Murray broke to love, but the Briton handed him a lifeline as two double faults gave the advantage straight back.

Both men were stepping in and attacking returns at every opportunity, and Murray’s strength in that area proved the difference when he broke the Czech for a fourth time as the pattern of the first set was repeated.

Murray almost clinched victory with a fifth break and had to recover from 0-30 when trying to serve it out, but a rasping forehand sealed the win and he let out a scream of delight.

“I did most things well, there’s not a lot I could complain about,” added Murray.

“My second serve was much better in the second set, I served well on the big points and got a lot of free points behind my serve.

“I dictated a lot of the points from the baseline and that’s important because when he’s inside the baseline and controls points, he’s a very powerful guy.”

Microsoft Band vs Apple Watch: Who Will Win Watch Wars?

David Silvester
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Microsoft Band vs Apple Watch: Who Will Win Watch Wars?

microsoft band vs apple watch who will win watch wars

The wearable tech market is no doubt still in its infancy with several companies grappling for the top position whilst also trying to figure out the real benefit that wearable tech is going to bring to the consumer and thus how to position themselves and their products accordingly.

At present wearable tech is really about bring the power of technology a little bit closer to the consumer in terms of how we can react with our technology when we are on the move and how this interaction can be as seamless and as easy as possible – which is absolutely key considering the fast paced life that we invariably now lead.

IoT and its place in Wearable Tech

In addition to this more efficient interaction with tech and the digital element of our everyday lives, the Internet of Things is also threatening to grasp a hold on wearable tech and would perhaps have it be the contact point of a fully digitised world that would allow us to be permanently connected to everything around us via a digital fabric.

As IoT begins connecting more and more objects together digitally there are already new windows of opportunity opening up that will allow for faster and more functional living – interaction with our homes, our cars and many other physical elements of our lives, personalisation of everyday experiences such as taking a shower, shopping and travel and these new lines of interaction that we have with our digital world really need a central point of control – which is like to come from wearable tech.

So there is no doubt that wearable tech is the future, and perhaps the watch or something very similar will be the object that takes wearable the by storm.

Competing for the Largest Share of an Emerging Market

Two companies that most definitely feel this way are Microsoft and Apple and have made this train of thought very clear, each having developed their own product that fits into this model. Apple, led by Tim Cook have spent much time and deliberation developing the Apple Watch – a very stylish and extremely functional take on the traditional watch whilst Microsoft have developed and launched the Microsoft band which is again a very functional piece of wearable tech although as is traditional with Microsoft it has pushed the boundaries of design and function and tried to produce something much more futuristic breaking away from the traditional way in which we see the watch.

Despite these differences in design it is clear that both companies are working towards the same goal, targeting a similar market and also bouncing off of each other’s ideas – both very eager to hit the nail on the head and take the wearable tech market by storm.

Reverse Approach

It is very interesting to note that Apple have really approached their project by looking at and building on the watch as we all know it – some of the key focal points of the Apple Watch is the fact that it really functions perfectly as a watch and incorporates everything that there is to love in a classic timepiece. For example, the Apple Watch keeps the time to within 50 milliseconds of the definitive global time standard and also comes with many time features that watch lovers hold dear including date, alarm, stopwatch and moon faze.

The idea behind this approach seems to be a desire to satisfy the consumer with a device that will not only replace the watch but will also better it in all of its core functions – it almost feels like Apple are interested in taking hold of the watch market ina similar way as companies have donw with the broadband market, and perhaps appreciate that whilst there is so much more to come from wearable tech, it is very important to create brand loyalty in this early period of the technologies development.

In stark contrast to Apples methodology with their product, Microsoft have really taken a different approach and have gone for a band rather than the traditional design that a watch might take.

It is perhaps arguable whether or not Microsoft have simply followed a trend in designing the band or whether they are more forward thinking and are deliberately trying to move away from the traditional watch.

It is fair to say that whilst Microsoft often make mistakes in the early design stage of their products they really are a future tech company and whilst they often leave much of the testing the post launch stage and in the users hands, they do always strive to develop for the future, pushing the boundaries of what is currently available on the market and always looking for a new focal point in tech.

It is also a fair assumption to make, perhaps as Microsoft may have done, that the watch is not what it used to be in terms of functionality – it is perhaps more common in this day and age when trying to establish the time that we might look at our phone rather than a watch. Its perhaps easier to do so and also allows for a much greater amount of detail to be established much more quickly than with a watch – for example, we can easily see the time to the nearest second, the date, perhaps the weather and often other key pieces of information as well.

Microsoft is perhaps trying to port a larger element of this digital functionality from the smartphone and onto a piece of wearable tech – in this case the Microsoft Band, whereas Apple are trying to evolve the watch in place.

microsoft band with apple watch metal 2015

Who has the upper hand at the moment?

It is really hard to say, especially in light of the fact that whilst Microsoft have launched their Band, Apple have not yet officially launched the Apple Watch and are not planning to do so until April. Perhaps Microsoft may bring out an update nearer this time as well seeing as they appear to have been filtering their current product onto the market slowly rather than trying to flood the market ahead of Apple.

When both devices are launched and competing on the open market it will be easier to see which one takes hold and grabs the largest market share.

What’s next?

Perhaps Apple has the right idea at the moment with trying to win over the hearts of watch lovers in order to take a stronger foothold in this emerging market whilst appreciating that wearable tech is really in its infancy.

There is much logic in this approach and it is perhaps the case that as IoT really takes hold, the wearable tech market will evolve, taking some time to find its final form.

Microsoft may be more forward thinking in their approach, trying to design for what wearable tech will eventually be – but whether they can convince the market if this vision at present is not clear.

DeflateGate Coming To An End Today, Tomorrow, Whenever

Shane Mclendon
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DeflateGate Coming To An End Today, Tomorrow, Whenever

deflategate never ending investigation 2015

It’s day 70 of DeflateGate, and my Atlanta Falcons have been punished for their idiotic cheating tactic of piping in extra noise in their home games to give them a slight edge. They will forfeit a 2016 fifth round pick which is probably a fair verdict for a crime that was probably as helpful as a fifth round pick would be. The Browns also were tapped on the wrist by the league to the tune of $250,000 and general manager Ray Farmer was suspended for the first four games of 2015. Their violations were connected to the GM’s use of a cell phone during games. The four game suspension is laughable. It’s not like Farmer plays inside linebacker. He eats caviar during games.

ray farmer suspended from cleveland browns

While the Browns and Falcons have been investigated, found guilty, and punished accordingly, there is still one investigation that just can’t be wrapped up. That’s right folks, the DeflateGate investigation is still ongoing. But don’t worry, Roger Goodell thinks that Ted Wells is near the end of the investigation into the Patriots’ deflated footballs in the AFC Title Game. Goodell must be a mind reader since he also said that he has not spoken to Wells in “several weeks!” What’s the hurry anyway? It’s only been 70 days since ole’ Teddy started this process.

I wish my Falcons were smart enough to do something like deflate footballs. They got fined and lost a pick for making some racket during games. They need to go to the Belichick school of trickery and hi-jinx. The Birds also need to field an actual defense. That would be most helpful.

deflategate investigation still ongoing 2015

If the Patriots are found to be guilty of some infraction in the DeflateGate case, then they will be punished accordingly I am sure. It may be during the 2025 draft, but count on the punishment being severe. Maybe Goodell will wait until Belichick retires along with Brady, then punish whoever is left in New England when they have no hope of winning for a few seasons anyway.

We may be being just a bit too hard on Ted Wells. I am sure he is doing a thorough job and maybe he is distracted. We all have busy lives and I’m sure this man is no different. Here are ten things that could be holding up ole’ Teddy in his unstoppable quest for the truth about DeflateGate.

ted wells still investigating deflategate 2015 nfl

  1. While going through all the video footage of the past Patriots’ games it would be easy to get distracted by cat videos, porn, and fantasy sports updates. Wells is only human and is bound to get sidetracked occasionally.
  1. Little known fact. Ted Wells loves to fish. So does Bill Belichick and he has one hell of a boat.
  1. Teddy has an epic mustache that needs proper attention daily.
  1. Everyone has gotten less work done with March Madness going on. Once a champion is crowned on Monday night, I’m sure he can wrap DeflateGate up very soon.
  1. Roger Goodell doesn’t like to spend his “Play 60” alone on that treadmill. He and Ted reportedly have a tandem treadmill that keeps their tickers in proper shape to handle the stress of big investigations like this.
  1. Lawyers get paid by the hour SON!
  1. Besides DeflateGate, Ted Wells has been on a world tour of wineries in some of the most exotic locales imaginable. He is enjoying the expensive wine and cheese tastings and similarly to DeflateGate, there is no timetable for the end of this tour sponsored by Kraft Foods Group Inc.
  1. It is very time consuming to conduct research on the atmospheric aspect of decreasing air pressure in footballs. Wells has talked with over 78 meteorologists so far. These weathermen are some of the creepiest people in the United States and are known liars, so Wells is being very cautious with each and every one.
  1. Ted Wells has privately perfected the art of dog grooming in his spare time working on Bob Kraft’s Irish Wolfhounds. Dog grooming takes time and Bob Kraft is not a man that is to be kept waiting.

tom brady shirtless for deflategate soft balls 2015

  1. Tom Brady‘s perfect hair doesn’t happen magically. Someone has to brush it a minimum of three hours daily. Ted Wells has a collection of hair brushes that would rival Dexter’s knife kit. He will get DeflateGate finished, but not at the expense of Tom Brady’s mane.

 

But seriously, the NFL asked Ted Wells to be thorough, and boy are they ever getting their money’s worth. I would love to see a breakdown of his expenses having to touch all those balls and learn the various aspects of being hard, soft or just flaccid.

When asked at the owners meetings about the status of the investigation, and whether it needed to be tied up before the 2015 NFL Draft, commissioner Roger Goodell offered no schedule.

“We have not put a timeframe on Ted Wells,” Goodell said. “We’ve asked him to be thorough, complete and when he’s finished then he’ll give it to us and to the public in general.”

Interest has certainly wained since the word DeflateGate was introduced into the American vernacular, and even the most strident believers that the New England Patriots, Gregg Doyel has lost interest as he said in a recent interview.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Every now and then I will get an email or tweet. But yeah, time heels everything,” Doyel said. “Lack of interest, people move on. It will come back when [Roger] Goodell does or does not punish whoever, either side. We don’t know right now what is going to happen. It will come back. Yeah, it’s faded. Something always takes it’s place and the RFRA thing has taken it’s place.”

Doyel was adamant that the Patriots were in the wrong in the weeks after the AFC championship. When asked if he thinks he’s wrong now, he wouldn’t go there, but he too said he’s lost interest.

“I don’t know,” he said. “All I am saying is, ‘Do I sit around with my blood boiling about it?’ No, I don’t even think about it. I am like everyone else, waiting for the NFL.”

When it comes to the actual findings of the investigation, Doyel feels Colts fans will start to get upset again once the Wells report is released, and he expects the Patriots to face a small penalty.

“Of course they will if they happens, but if I had to bet I would bet he will do a small punishment just because they have some balls that are under inflated and he is going to come out and saying something along the lines of, ‘No evidence is intentional, could have been atmospheric, but it’s up to the teams to make sure they’re within compliance. Even though there is no intent to break the rule, the rule got broken so we’re going to fine you $12,000,’” Doyel said. “I suspect something solomon like that will come out. People around here will be furious and I won’t be one of them. We’ve reached the point now where, we reached a long time ago. There are so many theories. No one knows. We’re now at the point where we don’t have facts anymore — my side, your side, people screaming at each other and I am not interested in being part of that anymore.”

When we’ll know it remains to be seen. But until the clock strikes about 6 p.m. today and the next several Fridays, skepticism and conditioned response makes it reasonable to wonder if today’s going to be the day.

Florida Head Coach Billy Donovan Considering Jump to NBA

Chris Maurice
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Florida Head Coach Billy Donovan Considering Jump to NBA

billy donovan leaving florida for nba career 2015billy donovan leaving florida for nba career 2015

With a buyout of only $500,000, Florida Gators head coach Billy Donovan has become an extremely attractive prospect for NBA executives looking for a new coach. Well, if you’re an NBA exec, you’re in luck—Donovan is listening.

That’s right, after rejecting the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves last offseason, Donovan is legitimately interested in an NBA coaching career beginning with the 2015-2016 season. Louisville head coach Rick Pitino has known Donovan both as a player and an assistant coach, and he basically confirmed the rumors in his recent interview on ESPN Radio’s “Mike & Mike”:

“I don’t recommend it for college coaches to do that unless they know what it’s all about,” said Pitino when asked about the possibility of Donovan making the leap to the NBA this offseason. “I take someone like Billy Donovan. I think Billy has looked at it, I think he has an urge to coach in the NBA—a strong desire to coach in the NBA—and would like to try it, very similar to Brad Stevens, who is doing a wonderful job with the Celtics. I think people like that with that type of personality will do very well.”

Rumor has it that both the Orlando Magic and the Denver Nuggets—the only two teams currently playing with interim head coaches—have their eyes on Donovan, and plan to extend him an offer in April after the regular season concludes.

billy donovan thinking of leaving college for nba 2015

Donovan actually accepted an offer from the Magic back in 2007; but backed out almost immediately to continue coaching the Gators, accepting a noncompete clause which kept him from considering NBA offers from any other franchises until the end of the 2012-2013 season.

Donovan has missed the NCAA tournament only twice in his nearly 20 seasons with Florida, and he led the school to back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2005 and 2006. Donovan should do just fine in the NBA; however, even if he fails, Pitino believes he will still have a job opportunity in the college game:

“If Billy doesn’t do well, he can go back to college. Brad Stevens can go back to college. When you get to be our age, Tom [Izzo] and my age, where are you going back to? The McBurney’s YMCA on 37th Street or 34th Street? If you’re happy where you’re at, it’s a good place to stay.”

Billy Donovan is certainly good at what he does. Let’s see if he wants to really put it to the test next season.

Djokovic vs Isner, Murray vs Berdych: 2015 Miami Open Semi-finals

Shane Lambert
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Djokovic vs Isner, Murray vs Berdych: 2015 Miami Open Semi-finals

novak djokovic vs john isner in 2015 miami open master semi finals

The quarterfinal round of the 2015 Miami Open is completed following action on Wednesday and Thursday. Semifinal match-ups are set and the Masters Series event in Florida could lead to a blockbuster final.

Firstly, on Wednesday, both Andy Murray and Tomas Berdych advanced to the final. Murray faced the challenge of Dominic Thiem, a player who appears poised to start challenging for a higher ranking on tour. The Scot, after dropping the first set, came back and defeated Thiem, claiming the match 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.

Berdych, in other action, enjoyed a fairly tidy win over Argentina’s Juan Monaco. The Czech No. 1 claimed his quarterfinal contest in straight sets without the need for a tiebreaker 6-3, 6-4. Berdych and Murray will now meet in the semifinals having already met this year at the Australian Open.

On the top half of the draw both Novak Djokovic and John Isner advanced on Thursday. Djokovic defeated David Ferrer 7-5, 7-5 while Isner, seeded 22nd in Miami, eliminated Kei Nishikori in what was an upset. The line score in that match was 6-4, 6-3.

Most will now be expecting a Djokovic vs. Murray final at the 2015 Miami Open however there is good reason to believe that either Berdych or Isner might spoil that blockbuster match-up.

Firstly, Berdych holds a winning record against Murray as the Czech No. 1 is 6-5 against the Scot. Secondly, Isner, who remains the only American alive in the Miami draw, has played strong tennis in the USA before.

Besides his titles from Atlanta, Newport, and Houston, Isner has played well in both Cincinnati and Indian Wells in the past. Back in 2013, Isner made the Cincy final through Djokovic and back in 2012 Isner also made the Indian Wells final – once again through Djokovic.

That the service giant plays higher than his ranking in front of a partisan American crowd is very clear: it’s almost a trademark of his tennis career. Therefore Djokovic, despite all his success so far in 2015, cannot be considered a lock against Isner, especially if the American is serving well.

The first match up on Friday will be the Murray/Berdych contest. Women’s matches will be played on stadium court as well with Djokovic and Isner set to meet in an evening affair.

andy murray vs tomas berdych 2015 miami open masters semi finals

SCHEDULE – FRIDAY, 3 APRIL 2015

STADIUM start 1:00 pm

ATP – [3] A. Murray (GBR) vs [8] T. Berdych (CZE)

novak djokovic takes on john isner for 2015 miami open semi finals

7:00 pm
ATP – [1] N. Djokovic (SRB) vs [22] J. Isner (USA)

• FINAL FOUR: The 96-man draw has been whittled down to just four players, who are all in action on Day 10. The semi-finals feature three of the world’s Top 10 players and the American No. 1:
[3] Andy Murray vs. [8] Tomas Berdych
[1] Novak Djokovic vs. [22] John Isner
Murray and Berdych last met in this year’sAustralian Open SF with the Brit prevailing in four sets. Berdych, however, leads their FedEx H2H series 6-5. Djokovic and Isner clash for the ninth time, with the Serb winning six of their previous eight contests, including the last three in a row.

• WHAT’S AT STAKE:
Djokovic is aiming to reach his 32nd ATP Masters 1000 final (21-10) & his 74th overall (50-23)
Murray is aiming to reach his 13th ATP Masters 1000 final (9-3) & his 47th overall (31-15)
Berdych is aiming to reach his fourth ATP Masters 1000 final (1-2) & his 27th overall (10-16)
Isner is aiming to reach his third ATP Masters 1000 final (0-2) & his 19th overall (9-9)

• #MARCHMASTERS: Djokovic is bidding to become the first player to complete the Indian Wells-Miami title sweep on three separate occasions. Since 1991, seven players have achieved back-to-back success at these events – Jim Courier (1991), Michael Chang (1992), Pete Sampras (1994),Marcelo Rios (1998), Andre Agassi (2001), Roger Federer (2005-06) and Djokovic (2011, ‘14). The World No. 1 is chasing a fifth Miami crown. He lifted the title in 2007 (d. Canas), 2011 (d. Nadal), 2012 (d. Murray) and 2014 (d. Nadal), and was a runner-up in 2009 (l. to Murray).

• HOME FROM HOME: Murray has the comfort of staying at his Miami home during the tournament. He is bidding to reach his fourth final here, after winning the title in 2009 (d. Djokovic) and 2013 (d. Ferrer) and finishing runner-up in 2012 (l. to Djokovic). The Brit clinched his 500th career win en route to the SF, defeating Kevin Anderson in the 4R. He became the first player from his country, the ninth active player and the 46th man in the Open Era to achieve the feat. At 27 years and 10 months, he was the 16th youngest to reach the milestone.

• BIG FOUR DOMINANCE: At the last 44 ATP Masters 1000 tournaments (since 2010 Monte-Carlo), the Big Four have accounted for 40 titles. The only exceptions came at Paris-Bercy in 2010 (Soderling) and 2012 (Ferrer) and last year in Monte-Carlo (Wawrinka) and Toronto (Tsonga). During that stretch, Djokovic has won 16 titles, Nadal 12, Federer 7 and Murray 5. Djokovic and Murray have combined to win six of the last eight Miami crowns and were the only former winners to start the tournament.

• CARRYING THE FLAG: Isner is the first American to reach the Miami Open SF since Mardy Fish in 2011 (l. to Djokovic). The last home player to reach the final was Andy Roddick, who won here in 2010 (d. Berdych). Isner’s win over Milos Raonic in the 4R ended an 11-match losing streak against Top 10 opponents. Prior to this week, his last Top 10 wins came in Cincinnati 2013, when he reeled off three consecutive victories over No. 10 Raonic, No. 1 Djokovic and No. 7 Del Potro before falling to Nadal in the final.

• ISNER’S SERVE: Isner is just the third player since 1991 to reach the Miami Open SF without having his serve broken, after Federer in 2002 and Djokovic in 2011. The American has fired down 60 aces in his four matches, fending off five break points in 48 service games.

• BERDYCH CLIMBING: Berdych’s 4R victory over Gael Monfils saw him take sole ownership of 43rd place on the Open Era wins list, moving him ahead of Jim Courier (506). Next in his sights is Wayne Ferreira (512). The World No. 9 is bidding to reach his fourth ATP Masters 1000 final and his first since Madrid three years ago (l. to Federer). All five of the Czech’s losses this season have come against Top 10 opposition.

DAY 10 FEDEX ATP HEAD2HEADS

STADIUM

[3] Andy Murray (GBR)            vs            [8] Tomas Berdych (CZE)

FedEx Head2Head: Berdych leads 6-5

•    Murray advanced to his 22nd ATP Masters 1000 SF and his fifth in Miami, finishing strong to see off 21-year-old Dominic Thiem 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.
•    Murray became the first British player to hit 500 wins, beating Kevin Anderson 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the 4R. He saw off Santiago Giraldo 6-3, 6-4 andDonald Young 6-4, 6-2 in his opening two matches.
•    Murray defeated 185 different opponents from 50 different countries en route to 500 wins. Most of his victories came in the United States (139) and against French players (71). Murray has beaten six players at least 10 times:Gilles Simon (12), Roger Federer (11), Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (10), Marin Cilic(10), Feliciano Lopez (10) and Fernando Verdasco (10).

Murray’s Landmark Wins:

No. 1            2005 – London/Queen’s Club d. Santiago Ventura 6-1, 6-2
No. 100        2007 – St. Petersburg d. Fernando Verdasco 6-2, 6-3
No. 200        2009 – ATP Masters 1000 Monte-Carlo d. Fabio Fognini 7-6, 6-4
No. 300        2010 – Barclays ATP World Tour Finals d. Robin Soderling 6-2, 6-4
No. 400        2012 – Roland Garros d. Tatsuma Ito 6-1, 7-5, 6-0
No. 500        2015 – Miami d. Kevin Anderson 6-4, 3-6, 6-3

•    Murray is making his 10th appearance in Miami. He has reached the final three times, winning the title in 2009 (d. Djokovic) and 2013 (d. Ferrer) and finishing runner-up in 2012 (l. to Djokovic).
•    Murray is bidding to reach his 13th ATP Masters 1000 final (9-3 in finals) and 47th overall (31-15).
•    Last week at Indian Wells, Murray advanced to an ATP Masters 1000 SF for the first time in two years with wins over Vasek Pospisil, Philipp Kohlschreiber, Adrian Mannarino and F. Lopez (l. to Djokovic).
•    Murray’s victory over Lopez last week was the 497th match win of his career, giving him sole ownership of the British Open Era match wins record, putting him clear of Tim Henman (496).
•    Murray opened his season by reaching the Australian Open final for the fourth time (l. to Djokovic). He fell to 2-6 in Grand Slam finals.
•    In February, Murray lost in the QF of Rotterdam (l. to Simon) and Dubai (l. to Coric).
•    In 2014, Murray finished in the Top 6 for the seventh year in a row after extending his run of winning at least one title to nine straight years. He advanced to the QF or better 15 times, winning three titles.
•    Berdych advanced to his 17th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 SF with a 6-3, 6-4 defeat of Juan Monaco. The Czech overcame Gael Monfils 6-3, 3-2 ret. in the 4R, Bernard Tomic 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-1 in the 3R after saving four MPs and teenager Hyeon Chung 6-3, 6-4 in his opening match.
•    Berdych’s victory over Monfils saw him take sole ownership of 43rd place on the Open Era wins list, moving him ahead of Jim Courier (506).
•    Berdych is contesting the Miami Open for the 11th time. He was a beaten finalist here in 2010 (l. to Roddick) and a semi-finalist in 2008 (l. to Nadal) and 2014 (w/o vs. Nadal).
•    Berdych is bidding to reach his 27th tour-level final (10-16) and his fourth at ATP Masters 1000 level (1-2). His previous final appearances at this tournament level came in Madrid 2012 (l. to Federer), Miami 2010 (l. to Roddick) and Paris 2005 (d. Ljubicic).
•    Berdych arrived in Florida after a QF defeat to Roger Federer at Indian Wells.
•    Berdych finished runner-up in Doha in the opening week of the season (l. to Ferrer) before putting together a SF run at the Australian Open, where he defeated world No. 3 Nadal in the QF, ending a 17-match losing streak against the Spaniard (l. to Murray).
•    In February, Berdych advanced to the final in Rotterdam (l. to Wawrinka in 3 sets) and the semi-final in Dubai (l. to Djokovic in 3 sets).
•    All five of Berdych’s losses this season have come against Top 10 opposition.
•    In 2014, Berdych finished in the Top 10 for the fifth year in a row, winning two titles – Rotterdam and Stockholm – in a career-best five finals.

[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB)        vs            [22] John Isner (USA)

FedEx Head2Head: Djokovic leads 6-2

•    Djokovic advanced to his sixth Miami SF with a hard-fought 7-5, 7-5 win over David Ferrer, extending his winning streak against the Spaniard to eight matches.
•    Djokovic defeated Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-7(3), 7-5, 6-0 in the 4R, Steve Darcis 6-0, 7-5 in the 3R and Martin Klizan 6-0, 5-7, 6-1 in his opening match.
•    Djokovic is back at the Miami Open for the 10th time. He is a four-time champion, winning the title in 2007 (d. Canas), 2011 (d. Nadal), 2012 (d. Murray) and 2014 (d. Nadal). He finished runner-up in 2009 (l. to Murray). The Serb’s last loss in Miami came against Tommy Haas in the 4R in 2013.
•    Djokovic is bidding to reach his sixth final in Miami (4-1 in finals), his 32nd ATP Masters 1000 final (21-10) and his 74th overall (50-23). On the five previous occasions he has reached the QF here, he has gone on to reach the final each time.
•    Djokovic is chasing a 22nd ATP Masters 1000 title this week. He is third in all-time titles won at this tournament level, behind Rafael Nadal (27) andRoger Federer (23).
•    Djokovic clinched a fourth Indian Wells title last Sunday, bringing his career haul to 21 ATP Masters 1000 crowns and 50 titles overall. He became the 11th player in the Open Era to win 50 titles, surpassing Rod Laver and coach Boris Becker, who both finished their careers on 49.
•    In early March, Djokovic helped Serbia reach the Davis Cup World Group QF with victory over Croatia. He beat Mate Delic before teaming up withNenad Zimonjic to clinch the doubles points.
•    In January, Djokovic became the first man in the Open Era to win fiveAustralian Open titles, defeating Murray in the final. It was his eighth Grand Slam crown, putting him level with Agassi, Connors, Lendl, Perry and Rosewall in eighth place on the all-time list for most major titles.
•    Djokovic also reached the Dubai final in February (l. to Federer in final).
•    This is Djokovic’s 140th week at world No. 1. On Monday, he will tie Nadal for the sixth-most weeks at the summit of the Emirates ATP Rankings (since Aug 23, 1973). Federer leads the way with 302 weeks spent at the top.
•    In 2014, Djokovic finished the season at No. 1 for the third time in four years, winning an ATP World Tour-high seven titles in eight finals. His season was highlighted by capturing a second Wimbledon crown, four ATP Masters 1000 titles and the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.
•    Isner clinched a second Top 10 win in succession, overcoming World No. 5 Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-3 in 71 minutes to reach his first Miami SF. It was his second ever win over a Top 10 opponent without facing a break point. The other came against No. 9 Gael Monfils at Indian Wells in 2009.
•    Isner defeated World No. 6 Milos Raonic 6-7(3), 7-6(6), 7-6(5) in the 4R, No. 9 seed Grigor Dimitrov 7-6(2), 6-2 in the 3R – the 250th win of his career – and junior world No. 1 Andrey Rublev 6-3, 6-4 in his opening match.
•    Isner is yet to have his serve broken this tournament, fending off five BPs in 48 service games. He is six for 10 on BP opportunities of his own. He also wasn’t broken in doubles this week (23 of 23).
•    This is only the third time since 1991 a player has reached the Miami SF without being broken, after Federer in 2002 and Djokovic in 2011.
•    Isner now has a 16-35 record against Top 10 opposition. He came into this tournament on an 11-match losing streak against the Top 10.
•    Isner is the first American man to reach the SF here since Mardy Fish in 2011 (l. to Djokovic). The last home player to win the tournament was Andy Roddick in 2010.
•    Isner is making his eighth appearance in Miami and this is his first visit to the SF. Prior to this year, he had reached the 4R twice, in 2011 (l. to Anderson) and 2014 (l. to Berdych).
•    Isner improved to 6-0 in ATP Masters 1000 QFs with his win over Nishikori. He is bidding to reach his third final at this tournament level and 19th overall (9-9). His two previous final appearances at ATP Masters 1000 events came at Indian Wells in 2012 (d. No. 1 Djokovic in SF; l. to Federer) and Cincinnati 2013 (d. No. 10 Raonic, No. 1 Djokovic, No. 7 Del Potro; l. to Nadal).
•    Isner arrived in Florida off the back of a 4R loss to Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells.
•    Isner went into Indian Wells on a four-match losing streak having fallen in the Memphis QF (l. to Querrey), the 1R at Delray Beach (l. to Matosevic) and in both his singles rubbers at Davis Cup (l. to Ward 15-13 in the 5th, Murray).
•    Isner ended 2014 as the top-ranked American for the third straight season, finishing in the Top 20 for the fifth year in a row. He won two titles in Auckland (d. Lu) and Atlanta (d. Sela).

Novak Djokovic vs David Ferrer Highlights 2015 Miami Open Masters

James Harden Drops Career-High 51 on Sacramento Kings, Furthers Case for MVP

Chris Maurice
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James Harden Drops Career-High 51 on Sacramento Kings, Furthers Case for MVP

james harden deserves mvp for houston rockets nba 2015

Only 24 hours after a Steph Curry crossover sent Chris Paul to the hardwood, James Harden raised the bar once again in the race for the 2014-2015 NBA MVP award. Harden went off against the Sacramento Kings, dropping a career-high 51 points on 8 of 9 shooting from beyond the arc.

Harden’s storm lifted the Houston Rockets past the Kings and DeMarcus Cousins’ triple-double by a score of 115-111.

“At shootaround I was struggling,” said Harden on his career night. “I had to put up some extra shots and I just didn’t leave until my shot felt where it needed to be. I just had confidence to go knock it down tonight.”

Harden joins Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving as the only two players to reach the half century mark twice this season. Harden also made Rockets history by becoming the first player to have multiple 50 point performances in a single season.

james harden scores for houston rockets nba 2015

“It’s a great honor; a great individual honor,” said Harden. “Credit to my teammates. Guys try to get me the ball in great spots and finding me on back door plays and things like that. Setting great screens for me. I try to go out there and give it my all every single night and hopefully those guys can be with me.”

That’s what separates Harden from Russell Westbrook. Harden shot 64 percent from the field and 88.9 percent from beyond the arc against Sacramento. Westbrook, on the other hand, shot 31.3 percent from the field and 18.2 percent from 3-point range against the Dallas Mavericks on the same night. Both had big games, but only one was able to lead his team to victory.

Over the past seven games, Westbrook has had two games where he shot in the 40 percent range. Harden only had two games where he shot worse than 40 percent. Both players may be averaging 27.6 points per game right now, but one is fighting for the second seed and one is fighting just to make the playoffs.

No one is saying that Westbrook is a bad player, but at 51-24, the Rockets seem to have gotten a lot more value out of their superstar.

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