The Boston Celtics have had a grueling two days. After beating the Magic on Christmas Day, they come to California and may have got caught up in the relaxing atmosphere that usually engulfs people who enter the Golden State.

First, they lose to the Clippers on Sunday and tonight they lose to the Warriors. Were the Celtics tired? We have to presume so. Hopefully they can catch their breath tomorrow before heading out to Phoenix to play the Suns on Wednesday night.

What killed the Celtics tonight were turnovers. They hit an all-time season high of 25. Yes, turnovers can kill a team.

However, I was more disappointed with Rajon Rondo's seemingly lack of confidence. Although I only caught the second half of the game, from what I saw, Rondo refused to take open shots...and just when you thought he was going to shoot, he passes it someone else. We'll just say that Rondo had an off night, but we're really hoping that Paul Pierce gets healthy soon. But then, perhaps Pierce's absence is giving Rondo the chance to develop his leadership skills.

With less than 6 seconds in the game and the Celtics down by three, I was so sure the ball was going to Ray Allen so he could tie the game… However, his 3-point game tonight was a little shaky.

Oh, well. We’ll just blame the two-in-a-row loss to the California water.

This nasty dunk from Dwayne Wade on Anderson Varejao has to be put on the records...



It's been awhile since I've seen a downright nasty dunk like that. The Cavaliers ended up beating the Heat 111-104.

Here's a video with highlights from the game...

The 2009-2010 NBA season is underway and judging from the past week's games, I can already see the final two: Lakers and Celtics.

Pau Gasol is currently sitting out because of a strained right hamstring. Even without him the team looks pretty strong with Ron Artest's defensive presence.

Here's a recap of the Lakers' first game against the Clippers...



On the other coast the Celtics have come out the gate with a commanding 4-0 standing. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had acquired Rasheed Wallace who adds even more years of experience to an already vetted team. Although Wallace did seem like he was starting to lose his mojo awhile back, I think bringing him on will reenergize and inspire him.

Here's a recap of the Celtics' first game against the Cavaliers...



But then again...who knows, the Magic might just surprise us again like they did last season...

Ever since the announcement was made that Ron Artest was going to the Lakers, there have been many people chiming in with their opinions. There are those who think it was a smart move while many others are thinking, Ron Artest with the Lakers? Meh...not so much.

I happen to side with those who believe that Ron Artest can definitely add value to the Lakers. For one, Artest is an aggressive defensive player who brings a great deal of energy to the court. Artest is active, he's good on the boards, and he plays with intensity.

One thing I love about Ron Artest: He's entertaining. Sure, the Lakers are situated in the entertainment capital of the world and surely Kobe Bryant entertains us with this jaw-dropping shots and plays, however, bringing Ron Artest onto the roster will provide plenty of laughs. He's a comedian without even trying. You may recall this interview where Artest said that Charles Barkley was overrated...



Here is the recent interview of Ron Artest where he talks about being a Laker and "hoodalizes" ESPN...



It'll be interesting to see a relationship between Phil Jackson and Artest will play out. Although Artest's temper has calmed down alot, perhaps PJ's meditation techniques will calm him down even more ;)

Love, Peace, and Hoops!
~Maria

Congratulations to the L.A. Lakers for taking home the trophy!

They deserved it considering all the hard work they've put in the past few years. The team came up short last year, but this year they proved how much they really wanted to win the championship.

I lost a little respect for Kobe after all the drama that happened with the alleged rape, but regardless, I have to give him props for overcoming that obstacle and staying focused on his work.

There's no doubt that Kobe is one of the greatest players of all time. He's grown and matured a great deal and I love to watch him in action - whethere he's on the floor throwing down jumpers or when he's on the sidelines coaching him teammates.

Because after all is said and done, basketball is a team sport. The Lakers played as a cohesive team and that's why they are the champions. Everyone on their team played their role and they played the game with passion and intensity.

You can't ask for anything more!

Special kudos to Phil Jackson for winning his 10th championship. We don't call him "The Wizard" for nothin'!

I'll leave you with a video clip of the Lakers parade that took place today...



~Peace, Love, and Hoops!
Maria

In this video David Aldridge of NBA.com interviews Rafer Alston about the trust issue and the mentality that the Magic have going into Game 5...



So the Lakers are up 3-1, but it could have easily been the other way around. The Magic threw away that game by missing free-throws. However, let's also give credit to Derek "Mr. Clutch" Fisher for dropping two 3-pointers at the end.

Rafer Alston was a no-show in the second half of Game 4 - a move that I thought could have hurt the Magic, but then again I do have to admit that Jameer Nelson did step up and provided some great passes to Dwight Howard.

It doesn't really matter to me who wins the title, but I would like to see Magic win one more game just because I don't want the season to end!

Love, Peace, and Hoops,
~Maria

Will the White Wizard, Phil Jackson, continue his strategic dominance in the realm of the Magic?

Although Phil Jackson has mapped out the better game plan in the two previous games, I have to give Stan Van Gundy, the Mage of the Magic, credit for making a great play call to free up Courtney Lee for the lob to potentially win the game at the end of the fourth quarter.

Game 3 Analysis:

Will we see the marquee match-ups that we have been anticipating since this series began? The answer to this question rests solely in the disposition of the refereeing core. If the referees decide to manage and not control the game, then I believe we're in for a very competitive and exciting contest.

Key Notes For the Magic:

• Rafer Alston will be key in determining whether the Orlando Magic will play a competitive game for the full 48 minutes. Jameer Nelson's return has disrupted the chemistry due only to the fact that Rafer Alston has led the Magic through all of the challenges and adversity that the playoffs have thrown at him.
  
  
• I feel that you should always stick with the leader who has led you to success. In all reality, Jameer Nelson is Orlando's franchise point guard, but he is not in playoff condition nor is he in playoff basketball rhythm. Therefore, his overall effect on the Orlando Magic's team has been less than stellar. Rafer Alston is obviously disconcerted about how his role on the team has changed since Jameer Nelson's return.

Stick with what got you success!

Key Notes for the Lakers

• The Candy Man (Lamar Odom) can!
• Pau Gasol's gall!
  
• Kobe Is On A Mission!
  

Peace, Love, and Hoops,
~JEDI