I hate to be the guy who mentions LeBron James in an article about these NBA Finals, which features a terrific matchup between Golden State and Toronto, but this is the first time since 2010 that we will be watching a championship series that does not include The King. For those of you reading this that are fellow college students, that means we have not seen a LeBron-less NBA Finals since middle school. Think about that, it's just absurd. Okay, enough about that. ESPN seems to have enough reporters that eat, sleep, and breathe LeBron and like I said before, I am not going to be that guy for the rest of  this piece.

This year, it's all about the Raptors and Warriors, squaring off in an extremely intriguing matchup with a lot of variables that are still in question. The most important being the health of Kevin Durant, whom some would argue is the best player in the world right now. He has been ruled out of Game 1 tomorrow night, but still traveled with the team to Toronto for the first two games of the series. Some are questioning whether or now KD will even appear in this series. The Warriors with Durant and The Warriors without Durant will create two completely different NBA Final endings, and I am going to break down what each one looks like.

The Warriors without Kevin Durant

Without Durant, the Warriors have managed to look like the best version that we have seen all season. Ball movement has been fluid, Steph Curry has been looking like his MVP self, Draymond has been on an absolute tear, and the whole supporting cast has really played to their potential. They outplayed the Rockets in Game 6 without Durant, proving to be the superior team down the stretch. Then they swept the Trailblazers in the Conference Finals, despite that series being a lot closer than what the score would suggest. However, neither the Rockets nor Blazers pack the same kind of punch that the Raptors do. The Rockets cannot get through the playoffs. They rely too much on isolation basketball which has led to some late-game sputters and an inability to close out games against elite teams, *cough cough* Golden State. The Blazers simply did not have enough of a supporting cast around Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum to be able to close out games against the Warriors. 

The Raptors though are a different monster. They are led by superstar Kawhi Leonard who was raised in the fire of Western Conference basketball with the Spurs and Coach Popovich. In my opinion, he is playing the best basketball in the league right now. The Raptors are a long and physical team who have a wide variety of ways that they can D-up their opponents. Down in the paint, they can throw Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka at you to deny easy layups and dunks. On the perimeter, Kawhi is always on lockdown as well as Danny Green and Kyle Lowry, who have really been dogging opposing offenses in these playoffs. Pascal Siakam is an extended and spidery defender, and he really uses his length to intercept and tip passes. Offensively, the Raptors have been streaky all season outside of Kawhi but have been hot ever since Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Case in point, the Raptors could match up with these Warriors. Look for the Raptors to switch on every screen, especially because they have the personnel to do it. Without Durant, the Warriors will be playing a lot of perimeter offense just like they did against Portland.  If the Raptors can keep Golden State from getting crazy hot from beyond the arc, they can and will win their first NBA Finals. Let me repeat that, if Kevin Durant does not play in these Finals, the Toronto Raptors will be the NBA Champions. With their offense clicking, the Raptors are one of the hardest teams to stop in the entire league. Without Durant to make those clutch buckets down the stretch, the Warriors lose that element of being unstoppable, and with a lengthy, athletic, switching defense, they can be made vulnerable.

My pick without KD: Raptors in 7
 
The Warriors with Kevin Durant (by Game 3)

If Kevin Durant comes back after Game 1 or 2, the Warriors will win. Plain and simple. Kawhi has been the best player overall in these playoffs, the whole Raptors team has been playing elite and has shown so much resiliency. Examples being like facing a 2-1 deficit against the Sixers, and a 2-0 hole against Milwaukee. However, the Warriors are too much for anyone to handle when they have Kevin Durant along with Steph, Klay, Draymond, and the rest of the group. I would pick the Warriors in 6 with him healthy. Sure, they looked off against the Clippers and the first half of the Rockets series, but I am convinced they were not giving 100%. The Warriors are a different team when the spotlight is on, whether it is the Conference Finals or NBA Finals. With KD, they are 8-1 in the Finals, all against Lebron and the Cavaliers. A lot of those games to that point were blowouts. Even when they are close, the Warriors can finish the job. Given this year’s Raptors are a better team than the Cavs, I still think the Warriors have too much skill and experience for them to handle with KD.

My pick with KD: Warriors in 6
 
Side Note: Somehow, against all odds, DeMarcus Cousins is likely to play in this series, maybe even by Game 1. With or without him there has not been a big difference, hence why I did not cover it previously. He is just not the same Boogie we are accustomed to seeing ever since his Achilles tear. He always has the potential to make game-changing plays. At one point, he was one of the best big men in the league, and that still has not disappeared. Look for him to possibly be an X-factor in this series if he can come back healthy.

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Since 2012, the Minnesota Twins have struggled to succeed and become ready for a playoff spot. After missing the playoffs for the 6th straight year, the front office in Minnesota was ready to make some changes. Starting with personnel, the team hired former player Rocco Baldelli as their new manager. This move showed the players that they are done with older coaches and want their coaching staff to get younger as their roster gets younger. During free agency, the team signed vets Martin Perez and slugger Nelson Cruz to have some experience in the clubhouse. After losing franchise players Joe Mauer and Brian Dozier, this team was becoming one of the youngest in baseball. 

The statistics for the Twins speak for themselves. The team currently averages 6 runs per game, along with a slugging percentage of .518 and their OPS percentage is currently at .860. These numbers put the Twins around the top of the league in almost every category, including their record, which is a league best 36-16. Another big part of their success is due to the long ball. After roughly 50 games, they have a total of 100 home runs as a team, which is on pace to beat the current record set by the New York Yankees in 2018. The team is now on pace for 327 home runs, which would destroy the previous record by 60 homeruns.  

The outstanding part about this rejuvenated Twins team, is that they are playing as a complete unit and do not need to rely on one superstar talent to push them along each game. Every player is doing their part and they, as a result, have become a very nice surprise as the 2019 season continues to progress. 

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​After two electrifying seasons as a defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles, Chris Long has finally decided to end his 10-year football career by announcing the decision via social media on May 18, 2019. A must-need player for every team, Long was always the type of person to go above and beyond to reach the championship.  As much as his accomplishments were impactful on the field, it was his actions off the field that made people from all over the world look to him as an icon.

Being the son of famed defensive end Howie Long, Chris harnessed his father’s appetites of football by continuing the legacy.  In 2008, Long was drafted as the second pick to the St. Louis Rams.  During his 7-year tenure on the team, Long was found to be a “natural fit” to the defensive schemes, averaging 35.1 combined tackles a season, and starting every game for much of his time there.  Unfortunately, his last two seasons were very minimal due to injuries, and he would be let go at the end of the 2015 season.

Long would then continue making his mark on the league by signing a 1-year deal with the powerhouse New England Patriots.  Again, he started every game, and would help his new team post a formidable 14-2 record to go to Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons.  Losing going into the third quarter, Long would aid Tom Brady by leading the defense to holding Matt Ryan’s offense.  His efforts would award him his first title, along with a combined 35 tackles for that season alone while also accumulating 4 sacks.

One title would not be enough for a hungry dog like Chris Long, who along with fellow ex-Patriot LeGarrette Blount, would move to the Philadelphia Eagles, a team who was desperately trying to be a contender.  Following his signing, Long announced that he would be donating his entire 2017 salary to different charities throughout the season.  Long would say shortly after the decision, “I hope it won’t stop here, but that more people will become inspired to commit energy and resources to our educational system.  It will be the number of people invested in this cause that will be the difference maker for a quality education for every student in America.”

His two seasons with the Eagles would be very hard to forget, as his experience and depth with opposing defenses would aid to 28 combined tackles along with 5 sacks.  Going into the offseason, it was an awkward moment for Long, as he would be facing his former team in Super Bowl LII.  Nevertheless, Long and the Eagles defense came in clutch by defeating Tom Brady’s last attempt to win the game, sealing the deal for his back-to-back Super Bowl titles. His following season with the Eagles was just as great, although without another deep playoff appearance, with the leadership and his hard-work on and off the field, he would post 23 combined tackles with 6.5 sacks to finish off his fantastic career.

The NFL has watched closely to what Long has done off the field to help the surrounding communities.  Aside with donating his entire salary, Long has established The Chris Long Foundation, which helps underprivileged countries by providing necessary resources such as fresh drinking water, military appreciation, and helping the lives of the homeless and youth with better living standards and financial support. For his extremely dedicated actions, Long was awarded the 2018 Walter Payton Man of the Year, gaining an endless amount of respect from many different players around the league.

As an Eagles fan, I will miss Chris Long’s domination against opposing offenses. After last season, I just felt as if there was something to finish, perhaps a second Super Bowl title.  He was someone who again could unite the locker room, and push everyone around him to 110%.  Every single game that I watched him play, he always had a smile on his face, and in the game of football, that is a rarity.  I hope that the current Eagles defense will take it upon themselves to replicate his spirit both on and off the field, as he will find himself in Canton, Ohio someday.  

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The Golden State Warriors just completed their sweep over the Portland Trailblazers Monday night. The battle of the Curry brothers, Steph versus Seth, was short lived. Dell and Sonya Curry were flipping a coin to decide which son’s jersey each one would wear, representing different teams each night. Despite the sweep, the brothers were able to share a couple of laughs, one coming at the expense of Steph with 9:25 remaining in the 4th quarter of Game 4. Steph Curry headed to the free-throw line where he had made 81 consecutive 4th quarter playoff free-throws, that is when Seth got subbed back into the game. Steph ensued to miss the free-throw, breaking his streak at 81, and he turned around and pointed at Seth and the brothers shared a laugh amidst the high stakes of this playoff game. 

The odd part about this series however, is that the Blazers actually held a lead in games longer than the Warriors did, and by a decent margin. The Blazers led for 101 minutes of the series, while the Warriors only led for 83, and the Blazers squandered a 17 point lead in Game 2, an 18 point lead in Game 3, and another 17 point lead in Game 4 (which they lost in overtime). CJ McCollum had an excellent series, Damian Lillard played well for the majority of the series as well. Meyers Leonard had an exceptional series, which included a 30 point Game 4 (25 points in the first half shooting 80% from three). The Blazers showed that they have the talent to hang with the Warriors, as they had double-digit leads in 3 of the 4 games, but ultimately did not have the poise or depth to close those games out. Despite the sweep, the Blazers may have found a confidence that they can carry over into next season where they could make a run once the Warriors talent disperses and continues to age.

​Steph Curry was absurd. He set the record for most points per game in a playoff series sweep, averaging 36.5 PPG against the Blazers, which tops a couple of legends including Shaq (36.3 PPG), LeBron (36.0 PPG), Kobe (35.0 PPG), and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (34.8 PPG). The absence of Kevin Durant had almost no effect on the Warriors, who just seemed to revert back to their form we saw back in the 73 win season of 2016. Another surprise to me: the healthy, positive mindset of Draymond Green which lead to excellent team chemistry and superb ball movement. Common concerns throughout the season for Golden State has been the clashing between Draymond and KD, who is staying and who is leaving, and whether they can balance these egos and stick together as a unit to win the title.

The Warriors are just simply playing all-time great basketball even without Kevin Durant, and Draymond has really stepped up and been the star the Warriors need him to be. I would go as far as to call him the co-MVP of this series, tied with record-breaking Steph, as he is averaging 13.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game in these playoffs and featured his best performances against the Blazers. While Steph, Draymond, and Klay were phenomenal, the supporting cast was also great, including great production off the bench by Shaun Livingston, Kevon Looney, Quinn Cook, along with great surprise starts by Alfonzo McKinnie and Jordan Bell. What Golden State displayed in this series is that they still have the adaptability, chemistry, and depth to be a heavy favorite against any team they are playing. My message to Toronto or Milwaukee: LOOK OUT...

In a series that once looked to be on the brink of being a possible sweep, the Raptors were able to dodge the metaphoric foot the Bucks had on their throat by winning the thrilling Game 3 double-overtime game in Toronto, thanks to excellent performances by Kawhi, Pascal Siakam, and Marc Gasol. Then there was Game 4. Essentially a must-win game, given teams trailing 3-1 only come back to win the series 4.5% of the time, and has only been done 11 times in NBA history. Kawhi Leonard finished Game 4 with 19 points and Pascal Siakam with 7. By looking at those totals, many would assume the Bucks are holding a 3-1 lead heading back to Milwaukee. But that’s not the case. Let me reveal the rest of the stats. 

• Kyle Lowry: 25 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds
• Marc Gasol: 17 points, 7 assists
• Norman Powell: 18 points, +29 Plus/Minus (Team Best)
• Serge Ibaka: 17 points, 13 rebounds, +24 Plus/Minus
• Fred VanVleet: 13 points, 6 assists, 3/3 3PT, +25 Plus/Minus

Kyle Lowry has been stepping up this whole series, and I can say that this is the best playoff form I have ever seen him play in. He has been aggressive, confident; he has filled his role as a top offensive option for Toronto, and has kept them in games. If I had to sum up Marc Gasol’s performance in this series in one word, I would choose timely. In Game 3, he hit some huge shots and huge free-throws to help a gassed Kawhi Leonard (who played a game-high 52 minutes), and was essential for the Raptors to pull that game off. In Game 4, as I displayed above, he was key in filling in for an exhausted Kawhi and Pascal Siakam. Norman Powell, Serge Ibaka, and Fred VanVleet were an absolute dream for coach Nick Nurse, all scoring in double figures off the bench and adding key rebounds and assists.

Norman Powell has really stepped up the past few games, and held the team high for Plus/Minus, which is a stat that measures what the scoring trend was while each individual player was in the game. It is a stat that I really like, because it shows how well each player stepped into the game, whether it is a starter or bench player, and contributed to the success or failure during their time on the court. In Game 4, the Raptors bench was stellar, and the Plus/Minus backs that truth up. I stated in a previous article that the key for the Raptors to make a run would be supporting cast and bench production, and whether they can get enough of it to help Kawhi. This is the blueprint for how the Raptors can win this series, and yes, maybe even win the Finals. Let us not forget, the last time Kawhi played the Warriors in the playoffs, his Spurs were up 25 points in Game 1 before Zaza Pachulia stepped on his ankle and knocked him out for the series. 

​As for the Bucks, there is no need to panic. Game 5 is in Milwaukee, they have not lost 3 games in a row all season. The home crowd should be very helpful with getting the team back on track and helping them find a good rhythm. Giannis and Khris Middleton have been great in this series, Brook Lopez had a monster game in Game 1 to surge the Bucks past the Raptors in the final minutes. Honestly, the key deciding factor in this series has been the supporting casts for each team, and which team makes the more timely plays and gets the better well-rounded performances from their whole squad. I know that sounds super generic, you could read that in any sports article for any level of sports consumer, but this series is so evenly matched that the basics are quite literally the deciding factor.

​The war of attrition between Kawhi and Giannis kind of leads them to cancel each other out, which means that it is up to the rest of the guys to make the plays that give their team the advantage. With the series tied at 2-2, this series is now a 3 game series, with probably 2 games in Milwaukee and 1 in Toronto, depending on if the series goes 7 games or not, which I think it will. I picked Toronto to make the Finals before the playoffs began, and I am sticking with that. Kawhi has been a warrior battling through heavy minutes and fatigue injuries. Kyle Lowry has stepped up in a major way, and I think this team that was once down 2-0 will find a way to reach the coveted NBA Finals.

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American boxer Deontay Wilder started the weekend with some very controversial comments during a normal media conference. After a workout Wilder stated, “This isn’t a gentleman’s sport…This is the only sport where you can kill a man and get paid for it at the same time.” These comments got the WBC’s attention and discussed the comments with Wilder in a hearing. The event is what got everyone’s attention. Challenger Dominic Breazeale went into the match attempting to give Wilder his first loss with a 20-1 record. Wilder has a 40-0 record and went in looking to remain perfect. With the regarding history between the two, the fight was going to be special.

In less than a minute, the fight was over. After a bit of regular movement and a corner, Wilder unloaded and knocked out Breazeale with a right punch to the face. Breazeale fell right to the ground and after the ref counted to ten, he tried standing up, but then immediately stumbled to the ropes. Wilder knew as soon as he landed the punch that he had won. He ran to the ropes and started yelling with the fans and celebrating his win. 

​If we’re going back to Wilder’s comments, does he make some solid points? Boxing, the UFC and MMA all are extremely violent sports that have the potential of severely harming an athlete. The comments might have been harsh and hard for people to hear, but Wilder had a good point. These sports aren’t for a regular gentleman, they’re for athletes who love the adrenaline and fighting and getting paid for it.  

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This past Tuesday, the NBA draft was announced via the annual NBA Draft Lottery.  We were able to see many shockers, as some teams who had no shot at all for the top spots would land them.  From here, fans will be divided on the players that they will receive. Will their teams undergo a turnaround? Or will they continue to tank for future seasons.  This article will discuss which organizations landed the Top 5 spots for the draft, and which players that they will most likely draft.

1. New Orleans Pelicans

As I have stated before, there were teams that shocked the entire country with where they will end up, and the New Orleans Pelicans fit the description.  The team itself, as much as they did not do well for this past season, were in the news for a different story.  The botched Anthony Davis trade to the Lakers was able to show how a top player was trying to get out of a sinking organization, as well as showing the then-G.M. had no idea with what he was doing for the trade.  It seems as if luck came through this time for the Pelicans, as they have most definitely landed the best prospect of the draft, Zion Williamson.  Many analysts thought that he would land in New York with other all-stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, pushing the garbage team back into the limelight.  Obviously, this will not be the case, and who knows what will happen to the young star.

2. Memphis Grizzlies

A team that has not done well in recent years, the Memphis Grizzlies will end up with a phenomenal college player, and someone that will try and move the team up in rankings. Here is a team, who somewhat like New Orleans, has had no luck at all when it comes to making a shot in the playoffs.  If Ja Morant can deliver on the court, I can honestly see this kid becoming the next Allen Iverson, someone who is amazing and quick and can drive the ball through the defenses.  While he may not try and score, he can find a way to hand it off to someone who can, since he did lead Division 1 NCAA with the most assists per game.  I hope this kid shines through, since most of the press this year was on Duke’s super team and puts his name in the league as a dependable player.  My only wish is that the Grizzlies organization gets their head out of wherever they are and can mentor this kid with a veteran of some sort.

3. New York Knicks 

Well it seems that New York will indeed be getting someone from Duke, even if it's not the top prospect that they had hoped.  As much as it will not be Zion, they got the next best guy.  So quit your crying and whining New York, if you cannot find it in your hearts to accept R.J. Barrett, then you certainly deserve to rot at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, regardless if you get Kevin Durant or not. Since they did not get the top pick like everyone thought they would, I think they will be able to build a worthy organization around this kid.  Like Jordan and Pippen, the combination of Zion and Barrett was found all over college basketball.  When the Duke team was at a low after Zion was injured, he took it upon himself to try and lead the devastated players back to the top.  If a young all-star like this shows leadership qualities and ball skills, then this kid will find himself well-suited for a championship. As a sixers fan, I truly hope that they choke, but if we do not beat them, then I will not be entirely upset, since this team has not shown potential quality like this in a while.

4. Los Angeles Lakers 

The Lakers were certainly enjoyable to watch this season, and I do not mean in terms of on the court.  They sucked, and as much as Lebron got hurt and the team could not readjust themselves, they were an all-out laughingstock.  To make it even more enjoyable, if you thought Lebron and the dim-witted Lakers office could not face further anguish, think again. The pipe dream Anthony Davis trade destroyed the remaining hope that the young core would step up.  Coming to Los Angeles after this soap opera is going to be extremely intimidating, especially since Lebron has decided to try and take the office and court by storm.  

I wish Jarrett Culver the best of luck, as he will be joining the “Island of Misfit Toys” team and filling in for the other shooting guards such as Lance Stephenson, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, or even Josh Hart.  This kid has proven himself to be a potential champion, as we all saw when Texas Tech made a surprise appearance in the championship game of March Madness.  The kid can move and certainly groove down the court.  I hope that with the new coaching staff, they bring some intelligence to the court and having this kid learn the ropes with the seasoned veterans there.  Will this be enough for the Lakers if Kyrie does not show up? Who knows, but I again give this kid a lot of credit should he choose to stay with them after multiple seasons.

​5. Cleveland Cavaliers 

Following the expected leave of LeBron to Los Angeles, the Cavaliers went from a team that had previously soared to the Finals, to the second worst team in the Eastern Conference.  After watching them through many games this past season, the team looked like a boyfriend who just lost his girl, lifeless and grim.  I believe, and many will agree, that Virginia forward De’Andre Hunter can put some style and class back into this fallen organization.  It may not be everything that they will need, but it is a start for sure.  The crowned-champion of March Madness is a clutch stud who can score when needed to and can march through to the net when necessary.  This kid does not show fear and of course inspires everyone around him to put everything that they can in for a game.  His defensive abilities are also at top-notch, as you can depend on him to stop a good portion of anyone trying to dunk down.  The Cavaliers were expected to obtain a top pick in this year’s draft, and for them this will be one to remember.

​Yeah, I get it. This story has nothing to do with the NBA Lottery, but it will certainly impact their next draft pick that is for sure. After the hard no by former coach Tyronn Lue to be the replacement for current-Kings coach Luke Walton, the Lakers were in complete disarray.  Finally, it seems that they have found their man with Frank Vogel, the former Orlando Magic’s coach while also hiring Jason Kidd as an assistant.  I am impressed with the results, as he had some success with the Pacers, but not so much with the Magic.  Jason Kidd, who was a great player, will hopefully put in a good bit of support for the ailing team, as they have missed the playoffs for a few seasons.  I hope that Vogel puts Lebron in his place for a player and not an organization leader but seeing how Lebron gets his way in the end, the vibe will certainly be interesting.

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The NFL has suspended Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson for the first 6 games of the 2019 season for violating the league’s PED policy. This suspension is a major blow to the already rebuilding Cardinals, but it could have a much greater impact than people realize.

28-year-old Patrick Peterson has established himself as one of the most talented cornerbacks in the league and was a huge pillar in the Cardinals defense over the last few years. He has earned eight Pro Bowl selections and has consistently locked down the opposing team’s best receiver. Peterson effectively covers half of the football field with minimal help, making the jobs of every other defenders much easier.

Peterson will miss the first game of his accomplished career week one, and it could not have come at a worse time. The Cardinals are currently in one of the biggest turnarounds a franchise has made in recent years. The Cardinals decided to move on from quarterback Josh Rosen (their first-round pick from last year) and draft his replacement Kyler Murray first overall to pair with their new head coach Kliff Kingsbury. The defense will also look different after signing veterans Terrell Suggs, Jordan Hicks, and Robert Alford. With all the adjustments to the roster, the Cardinals were counting on their leader, Peterson, to be one of their only established pieces throughout the season.   

Fortunately, the Cardinals drafted cornerback Byron Murphy with the first pick in the second round (which means they may have foreseen the suspension coming). However, rather than having Murphy paired opposite of Peterson, the rookie will likely become their top cornerback immediately and be forced to defend some of the league’s best receivers. Murphy is talented and will certainly be a capable corner, but he will not replace Patrick Peterson’s talent and experience.
A six-game suspension is substantial, and it's certainly possible that the Cardinals' season could be decided by the time Peterson returns. The star corner will miss games against the Lions, Ravens, Panthers, Seahawks, Bengals, and Falcons. The Cardinals will certainly miss his presence as they face some talented quarterbacks and wide receivers during this stretch. Peterson will not be eligible to play until week seven against the rebuilding New York Giants. 

​Patrick Peterson’s suspension is the last thing the Cardinals needed to face this coming season. While their off-season additions made the defense look promising, they were planning on having Peterson to surround their newcomers. There is just no way the defense will play the same without him, and Arizona fans can only hope they adjust quickly and are able to still play solid defense until he returns.

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Article by: Harrison Weaver​

What a series this is going to be. The only way this could possibly be a more exciting series is if Brook Lopez was matched up against Joel Embiid for the opening tip and that miracle in Toronto leaned out of the rim instead of falling in, leading to a thrilling Sixers victory in OT. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Instead, we get to watch the big ball of emotions which is Kawhi Leonard, who literally told reporters after hitting the ONLY Game 7 buzzer beater in NBA history, that whenever he experiences something he’s never done before he will “probably try to give some emotion” (Yes, that last part was a direct quote from Kawhi). I personally love it. Removing myself from the lens of a heartbroken Sixers fan, Kawhi Leonard could quite possibly be a programmed piece of artificial intelligence, and it’s actually good for the NBA that he doesn’t smile, he doesn’t laugh, he barely celebrates. I think it’s hilarious, and he’s a good, hard-working guy. A lot of it is from what he learned from his time in San Antonio under Pop, and he provides a counter-personality to a lot of players who like to show-boat, talk trash, and celebrate after plays or wins. It adds a dynamic, regardless of how flat some people may think it is. 
 
Anyways, now to the matchup. The Bucks have been taking care of business in these playoffs and have shown no signs of weakness in getting to the Conference Finals. They swept the Pistons and after losing Game 1 to the Celtics, won the next four games to close out the series. Giannis is playing out of his mind, and Khris Middleton, Eric Bledsoe and the gang are stepping up as well. On the flip side, Toronto has shown their signs of weakness. Kyle Lowry has disappeared and he looks like he couldn’t hit the side of a barn door at times. Serge Ibaka has occasionally looked stiff. Marc Gasol has been bullied on occasion and his shot has been streaky. Also, Siakam was pretty much shut down by Joel Embiid for half of the conference semi finals.

​However, when the spotlight was the brightest, they pulled through. In Game 7, Lowry, Gasol, and Ibaka were all excellent. Paired with Kawhi’s magical shot, and here they are. For the Raptors to win this series, they need more consistent play out of those supporters I just listed. I think the Raptors will win this series. The Raptor’s moves over the past few years all lead up to this moment. Kawhi Leonard is playing like the best and most clutch player in the league right now, and he is poised and ready to take the Raptors to the Finals.
 
My pick: Raptors in 7

​My instant reaction to Game 1 of this series: The Blazers are outmatched. The Warriors are the better team. Steph and Klay are hot at the right time, and when that is the case, a banged up Portland team has no chance. The Blazers can’t beat Golden State now, they’ll never be able to do it with KD back on the floor. Now let me pump the breaks and do the NBA a favor by trying to make this series somewhat enticing, despite the fact that it is already over. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum have displayed some real magic this postseason, as Lillard carried the Blazers to a victory over OKC, and McCollum was really special against Denver. I tip my hat to Portland. After Nurkic went down before the playoffs, everyone was giving them a pat on the back and talking about what they could have been in the playoffs. Yet, here they are. They’ve beaten a very talented OKC team, and they beat the second best team in the West, in an up-and-coming Denver team.

Portland has some magic left in them. If they can somehow find a way to steal Game 2, they might be able to send this series back to Golden State tied at 2-2, which would make for an intriguing Game 5. How do they do that? Plain and simple. Lillard and McCollum shoot the lights out, and Steph and Klay revert back to cold shooting (by their standards) and the Warriors get sloppy and turn the ball over. The Blazers supporting cast needs to play near the top of their ceiling, and Dame and CJ cannot afford to have bad games if this series is to go 6 or 7. But in my opinion, the Warriors win Game 2, split the 2 games in Portland, and then finish them off in Game 5. The Warriors look close to what they looked like back in the hay-days of Steph, Klay, and Draymond, which bodes very badly for Portland. Just wait until KD comes back….
 
My pick: Golden State in 5

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$300 million.... That was the big number this off season with a ton of big names. Bryce Harper came out of free agency with a new home and a $330 million contract. This signing for the Phillies felt like hitting the jackpot. Jerseys were selling out and tickets were being bought at alarming rates. With this leading into the season, Harper showed exciting promise for the fans of Philadelphia, rejuvenating this fanbase entirely. 

Now fast forward two months into the season, has the signing been worth the price? Harper currently has a career low 29% strikeout rate along with a sub .240 batting average. These numbers do not seem worth $330 million. Now to Harper’s defense, he leads the majors in walks with 31 and has a very high OPS. Even with these couple promising numbers, the home runs, RBI’s and batting average have all been well below, at least in terms of what is expected of Bryce. 

This first half is vert reminiscent to a year ago where Bryce also struggled before heating up in the back half of the season. For the sake of Bryce Harper and his reception in Philly, he needs to step it up. Philadelphia has one of the most brutal and emotional fanbases in all of sports. The fans at Citizens Bank Park have already booed Bryce and they will continue to boo him as long as he struggles. Contrasted to the booing, the fans will also lose their mind for Bryce the moment he starts to heat up.

I hope to see Harper regain his superstar play and help the potential loaded Phillies go far this season. Fans will wait as long as it takes, but the question is; Is Bryce Harper a $330 million bust? Right now it definitely looks like it, but the season is still young so we'll just have to sit back and pray that he can turn things around sooner rather than later... 

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​Alright, readers, I am writing this article from my vacation on the sandy beaches of Wildwood, New Jersey. My point, these conference semifinals have been like Christmas morning for NBA fans. We have exciting series left and right, and I do not need to explain a whole lot here because the series are speaking for themselves. We have a couple of Game 7’s, and a lot of other drama in these playoffs including the demise of the Boston Celtics. Damian Lillard and the Blazers stepped up to save their tails and force a Game 7, and the Sixers have valiantly fought back after an embarrassing game 5 to force the penultimate game in Toronto.

​The 2019 season has been a roller coaster of emotions for Sixers fans. Especially through the playoffs this season. The Sixers have been a perennial Jekyll/Hyde kind of team. Game 1, Philly looked terrible. Games 2 and 3 on the other hand, they looked like a real NBA Finals competitor. They lost Game 4 but put up a good fight and lost because of missed free throws and poor shot-making. Game 5? Game 5 was atrocious for every viewer out there, Simmons and Embiid looked completely disinterested, unmotivated, and even a little bit scared. Game 6, they came out guns blazing, the whole team shot well, they showed aggression and heart, looking a step faster than Toronto the entire game.

Now here we are, Game 7 on Sunday, 7 PM ET in Toronto. The Sixers will be heading up to Jurassic Park, where Kawhi has been dominant, as he has been this entire postseason. Oddsmakers are giving the Raptors a 72% chance to win Game 7 in Toronto. To me, if Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid come out playing physical and hungry, the Sixers will have a chance to get a harness on this game and dictate it from the get-go. When Simmons, Embiid, and Butler are playing on top of their game they can beat anybody. They have shown the ability to run Toronto off the floor, while also showing the same vulnerability to get blown out. That means assertive Ben Simmons (not passive Ben Simmons) needs to take the ball to the hoop with conviction and finish strong, versus shying away from two-foot shots to avoid getting sent to the free-throw line. That also means Embiid needs to impose his will in the paint, bully around Marc Gasol, and use his perimeter pump-fake to drive and either finish at the rim or kick out to Tobias Harris or JJ Redick. That combination has shown to keep Toronto off-balance throughout this series, and I believe it will be the key in Game 7. 
 
My pick: Sixers #PhilaUnite

​What a series this has been. Back and forth, no team has been able to seize control of this series. In the same way the Sixers and Raptors have traded blows, the Nuggets and Blazers find themselves in a Game 7 on Sunday (3:30 PM EST), after each team has displayed their own highs and lows. Nikola Jokic has been incredible, Jamal Murray and Gary Harris have stepped up. Will Barton hit a pair of massive shots in Game 4 to seal a victory. Paul Millsap has been getting buckets at-will, as he is been guarded by Ennis Kanter who simply cannot keep up with a busted shoulder on the defensive end. In my opinion, the Nuggets will win this game because they are deeper, and the Blazers have no answer for Jokic and Millsap, who are both lethal in the paint and on the perimeter.

​Playing Game 7 on the road, Dame and CJ McCollum need to have spectacular games if the Blazers are to have a chance in this game. The Jusuf Nurkic and Enes Kanter injuries have left the Blazers dilapidated in the post, although Zach Collins has played well, which has helped. A surprising X-Factor in this series goes by the name of Rodney Hood, who hit some major clutch shots in the 4-OT Game 3. He is given them a lift off the bench and could play a key role in Game 7 if the Blazers are to win. However, the Nuggets just keep looking better and better as the playoffs go on, and I like the way that Jokic, Murray, Millsap, Harris, Barton, and the key bench players have all been getting the job done. With the advantage of the home crowd behind their backs, the Nuggets carry an advantage going into this Game 7.
 
My Pick: Nuggets

​The Celtics, in a season that was supposed to represent the beginning of a dynasty, got annihilated by the Bucks in 4 straight games after winning Game 1. Kyrie Irving looked terrible; the supporting cast did not show up whatsoever. Jayson Tatum looks like a shell of himself from last season’s playoffs. Gordon Hayward failed to put together any consistent performances. Boston is facing an offseason which could really prove to be fatal for them. Kyrie is on his way out. I am telling you that as a guarantee, Kyrie Irving will not be wearing a Celtics uniform next year. Terry Rozier, Marcus Morris, and Al Horford (player option) will most likely all be free agents. Aaron Baynes and Daniel Theis could also walk. My point, this season was supposed to be the beginning for Boston. Now, it is starting to look like the end. 

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The 2019 NFL draft has concluded; therefore, we can now try to decide what team had the most successful draft. There is no way to be certain on how a player will transition into the NFL until they play. However, we can do our best to make educated predictions about the future. Here are (in my opinion) the top value picks from the 2019 NFL draft.

Honorable Mentions:
Montez Sweat, Edge, Washington Redskins
Justin Layne, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Mack Wilson, ILB, Cleveland Browns
​Justice Hill, RB, Jaylon Ferguson, OLB, Baltimore Ravens

Matt Nagy has another weapon to play with after drafting David Montgomery in the third round. After the trade of Jordan Howard, the Bears needed another back to compliment the explosive Tarik Cohen. The third round is an ideal spot to draft a running back, and the Bears landed one of the best in the draft with Montgomery. The talented three-down back will certainly make an immediate impact on an already talented offense and help take some pressure off Mitchell Trubisky. Nagy is an expert at utilizing his player’s talents, so both Montgomery and Cohen will receive plenty of touches and form one of the better running back duos in the league.

Despite a defensive heavy draft, wide receiver was one of the deepest positions, and for that reason Hakeem Butler is the second receiver on this list. (I also wrote an article calling Butler the biggest sleeper in the draft, so I feel obliged to include him). Butler was projected to be a second or third round player, yet the Cardinals were able to draft him in the fourth round. Butler has insane potential (see my last article for more details) and was definitely a steal in the fourth round. The Cardinals gave number one overall pick Kyler Murray another weapon on the outside to develop with, and prepared well for the future departure of Larry Fitzgerald. 

Quarterback is the most valuable position in football, and the Redskins were able to secure their guy with the 15th overall pick. Following a devastating injury to Alex Smith, the Redskins were desperate to find their quarterback of the future. Dwayne Haskins was widely considered the second-best QB behind Kyler Murray, and he was fortunately still available for the Redskins. Washington was able to secure who they believe to be their future franchise quarterback without giving up any capital to trade up in the draft, making Haskins easily one of the best value-picks of the draft.

The Browns were down a first-round pick (due to the Odell Beckham Jr. trade), but that did not stop them from securing a first-round caliber player. At one point, Greedy Williams was considered the top CB prospect in the draft, however a lackluster combine performance caused his stock to decrease. Williams is still one of the most talented corners in the draft and being drafted in the second round makes him a complete steal. The Browns were able to add another piece to an already loaded roster and create one of the most promising young corner duos with Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams. 

Combine standout and overall athletic freak, D.K. Metcalf is one of the most intriguing players entering the league. Prior to the draft, many believed Metcalf had the biggest potential to become the next NFL bust. (I’m not going to lie I was one of them. I called Metcalf a bust more than anyone else I know, and I held my breath as my Ravens selected, hoping for literally anyone but D.K.).

However, now that the draft is over, my outlook on the receiver has changed completely. Before the draft, Metcalf was a near first-round lock, immensely increasing his bust potential. This was not the case, as he slid to the Seahawks with the last pick in the second round. Not only was he selected much later than projected, he was also the Seattle Seahawks third pick of the draft, making him a much less risky investment. His destination is also very intriguing, where he will join a talented offense lead by the league’s highest paid player, Russell Wilson. D.K. Metcalf will have an opportunity to make an immediate impact with WR Doug Baldwin’s future in doubt, and we have already seen how successful Wilson is throwing downfield to deep-threat Tyler Lockett. If Metcalf can improve his route running, he is in the perfect position to be one of the biggest draft steals. 

Again, this article is simply my opinion on how these certain teams were able to select amazing picks at very different points of the draft. If you do not agree, comment on who you think deserves a spot on this list!

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This past weekend, the MLB finished their Mexico Series with the Houston Astros taking on the Los Angeles Angels. The third set of games in the country south of the United States, showed promise for the future with some fireworks to tie it all together. 

The Astros came into Mexico looking to reset and get their offense back to championship caliber, and that is exactly what they got. In only two games, the Astros outscored the Angels, 24 to 6. The team cranked 8 home runs, with Alex Bregman hitting three of them. The starting pitching was solid, and the team looked like their 2017 title team. On the other side, the Angels were a complete mess. The first part was in their starting pitching. Between both starters, veterans Trevor Cahill and Matt Harvey, the duo pitched only 8 innings, allowing 11 combined runs, and only struck out 3 hitters. The bullpen also struggled, especially pitcher Chris Stratton. The reliever gave up 8 runs in only 4 innings on Saturday. The silver lining for the Angels amid this confusion, is that legend Albert Pujols hit another home run and continues to establish his legacy. 

This series showed that traveling has different effects on teams. For Houston, the effect was that the team was ready to play and put on a show. For the Angels, the effect was the team was sluggish and just full-out not ready to compete. The series also showed an exciting amount of potential for the future international series. The MLB has already released a schedule, coming out last season, showing that in 2020, the MLB will expand to Asia, Mexico, either Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic, and even the United Kingdom. This idea of expanding to many different countries is great for the MLB. Not only does it show the sport to different people, but the players also have a chance to go to their home countries and celebrate the sport and their careers. This inspires many young fans to pursue their dreams, no matter what that may be, but it gives them hope and courage to follow their aspirations just like the current players. 

​The international series in my opinion is great and I hope to see it continue in the future. They have been playing in Mexico and other countries for over a decade, and it gets better every year. I also hope to see that all 30 teams have traveled and played in a different country. That gives everyone a variety so the international fans aren't seeing the same teams and players each year.  

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“I don’t give the Sixers much of a chance, I’m scared the Sixers might get swept,” says infamous ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. The date is Sunday, April 28th, just a day after the Sixers were given a beating in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals by the hands of Kawhi Leonard and the Raptors. Final score: 108-95, but it was not as close as the scoreboard suggested. What made the loss really exasperating was the appearance that Philly lost not because they played that poorly, but more so because they were outmatched. Kawhi dropped 45 points on us on 16/23 shooting, Pascal Siakam dropped 29 going 12/15. Embiid shot 5/18 and looked as if he could not handle Toronto’s physicality, perhaps due to health concerns. Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris both had a Plus/Minus of -23 by the end of the game. Simmons was okay, but okay is certainly not enough to beat the Toronto Raptors. NBA analysts everywhere are saying the Sixers were out of their league, that they could not stop Kawhi and Siakam, and this is going to be a short four or five-game series. However, Philly fans know better. We saw what everyone said about the Eagles in 2018, and they responded by winning the Super Bowl with backup QB Nick Foles. Philadelphia knows what it's like to have their backs against the wall, and still find a way to prove everyone wrong.
 
Fast-forward to Thursday night, May 3rd. Just four days after the Game 1 loss. “Here Come the Sixers” is blaring through the speakers at the Wells Fargo Center after the Sixers just blew out the Raptors 116-95 to take the lead in the series 2-1. Joel Embiid was rocking the baby and running down the court like a jet taking off the runway after a handful of blocks, threes, and dunks. Let us look at some of the numbers from this game. Embiid had 33 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks and boasted a team-high +31 Plus/Minus. Every starter scored in double-figures; Jimmy had 22 points and 9 assists, JJ Redick scored 15 on a handful of very impactful three’s, Tobias had a well-rounded 13-8-5 game, and the bench showed up in a big way with James Ennis and Greg Monroe giving some great minutes while the starters needed a rest. The team shot 51.2% from the field and 43.5% from beyond the arc. Down by 7 to open the fourth, the Raptors had hung around to keep the game close. Kawhi started the fourth quarter on the bench, and in the short time he was out, the Sixers went on a quick 9-0 run. By then, it was too late, and the Sixers blew the hinges off the door as they led by as much as 24 and sent a statement to the entire league.
 
I was at the final game between Philadelphia and Boston this season, and it was a perfect representation of the best and worst of this team. For the first three quarters, there was a visible lack of effort. Butler was caught coasting back on defense, allowing for quick Boston runouts and he was not producing on offense. That bench was atrocious, something that separates them from many other teams. The Sixers were not getting the loose balls. Ben Simmons was being passive Ben Simmons rather than the aggressive version that this team needs. On Boston’s side of things, Terry Rozier would not miss a shot, and Kyrie was red hot as ever. The Wells Fargo Center was quiet and very uneasy. It looked like Boston was going to run away with the game, and we would lose yet again to the Celtics, our kryptonite, something that the league has known for awhile. Then in the third quarter, there was the infamous Marcus Smart shove in the back on Joel Embiid, which warranted a flagrant 2 foul and got Smart thrown out of the game. Boston was ahead 69-58, but the whole feeling of the game changed. Philly brought the game within 5 to end the 3rd quarter, and now the team was playing hard. It took most of the game, but Embiid was bullying Horford in the paint, along with Tobias and Simmons hitting some key shots close to the basket. Jimmy Butler started ramping up the intensity, and he hit some huge shots in the final minutes to ice the game. The Sixers got that confidence-building win, they finally beat the Celtics and could breathe a sigh of relief. To me, it looked like they finally bound together as a team, as a unit.
 
This is the Sixers team we have been waiting to see all year. They brought the heart, the hustle, they played as a single unit, and the bench played well. The Sixers have played Games 2 and 3 of this Raptors series the way they ended the game against Boston. This is the Philly team that can make a run to the NBA Finals, and could very well win it all. When Philly brings the heart and plays together, they can beat anyone. With probably the second-best starting rotation in the league (behind only Golden State’s Hampton Five), the Sixers can mix and match defensive matchups, offensive looks, and mold to whatever is thrown at them. Coach Brett Brown’s response to Game 1? Stick Embiid on Pascal Siakam, and put Ben Simmons along with a lesser degree, Jimmy Butler, on Kawhi Leonard and they held Toronto to 89 points in a 94-89 Game 2 victory. Brett Brown, who has been questioned the past few years about his ability to adjust and create effective game plans, seems to have finally figured out how to coach this team. The Sixers are winning the battle of adjustments, and for once in “The Process” era, Philly looks poised to defeat elite talent in the playoffs. 
 
I have a couple of keys for the Sixers to close out the series against Toronto. Number one is obvious: win Game 4 in Philadelphia. If not, they absolutely must win Game 5 in Toronto. Basically, we want to have an opportunity to close out the series in the Wells Fargo Center. The worst nightmare scenario would be to get stuck in a Game 7 in Toronto. That crowd would be raucous, the Raptors would have the extra energy boost and confidence. Philly would also not be favored in a Game 7. The second key to winning the series: The Sixers need to make sure they do not come into Game 4 too high on their own emotions. Game 3 was a dream. All the shots were falling, Philly played lock down defense, they looked superior talent-wise, and the game turned into a dunk show. Game 4 will not be the same way. Anyone who thinks that is foolish. The Raptors are going to come out angry after getting smacked around like they did. Nick Nurse is going to have that team focused, he is going to plan, and they will have a counter-punch. If the Sixers come out, command control in the paint, keep their head in the game on defense by making precise rotations as they did in Game 3, and continue to hammer the ball into the paint to open the perimeter game.

To me, the Sixers have Toronto reeling as well as the fact that there may be a talent disparity which tips the scale slightly in the Sixers’ favor. Outside of Kawhi Leonard, who seems to be getting buckets on command, and Pascal Siakam who has been a good Robin to Kawhi’s Batman, the rest of the team has failed to show up. Kyle Lowry has shot incredibly poorly, he made a bonehead play  at the end of Game 2 as he tried to nutmeg Tobias Harris, which almost resulted in a turnover. Marc Gasol has been bullied by Embiid; Fred VanVleet has been off on his shot. Danny Green is no longer the player he was 5 years ago. The Raptors simply do not look as deep as they did during the regular season. To me, if the Sixers stick to those two keys and continue to play aggressive and take control of the next few games, there is every reason to believe that Philly will punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals. 

It would not feel right to end this article without the proper sign-off. So here it is. Let us snatch Game 4, let us win this series, and as always Philly fans, Trust The Process.

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Bruins vs. Blue Jackets

After winning game 3 at home, Columbus is now leading the series against the Bruins 2-1.  In their previous game, both teams came out swinging, but Columbus kept making the right shots.  The action came through at the end of the first quarter, by the Blue Jackets’ very own Boone Jenner snapping a shot right by Bruins’ goalie Tuuka Rask.  From there, the Jackets never let up.  Jackets’ goalie Sergei Bobrovsky had a phenomenal game, saving 36 out of the 37 shot attempts, but even still, the bulk of the game was on the other side of the ice.  The hero of the second game, Matt Duchene, kept up his dominance by scoring the second goal of the game.

Unfortunately, the Bruins were too late to realize what they could accomplish, and only started to light up the Jackets near the end of the third quarter.  It really seemed grim at times, as Boston can sometimes come out of nowhere and change the mojo of a match.  For example, their power-play reputation has been considered unstoppable until now. Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk was the only player to find a way past Bobrovsky’s wall to score their only goal. The big 3 of their team, Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak, have been extremely quiet, and it has shown with their now 4-game silence.  

If they continue to be this weak, and only try at the end of the game, then they will not last too much longer.  Personally, I am not a Boston fan, and will most definitely never be at any point.  Watching the underdogs beat the favorites of a series is always something that makes the sport enjoyable.  As we have seen in this year’s playoffs, Columbus just knocked out the number one contender of the league, the Lightning.  I hope that they continue their war until they obtain their first Stanley Cup title.

Islanders vs. Hurricanes

Here we have another low-level contender kicking and slamming down a top prospect.  After being tortured for the third game in a row, the Islanders are now facing elimination.  The third game looked incredible, with each team scoring one after another, ending the second quarter tied 2-2.  Islanders goalie Rob Lehner showed great poise in net, as the teammates around him tried their best to block every entrance, but it was still not enough. The beginning of the end was at the 10:15 mark, where Hurricanes defenseman Sebastian Aho plucked the puck out of the air and passed to right winger Justin Williams who scored the lead for the team.  From there, that was it, as the confidence in net just got dusted.

The Hurricanes and their commanding leads have even caught the Islanders off guard, a team that had a tremendous turnaround. Islanders coach Barry Trotz, who is still trying to figure out the game-plans of his opponent, has said “The DNA is similar in terms of how they play and how we win.”  If this is the case, then he should not be having this much trouble.  The Hurricanes’ defenseman Justin Faulk last game was able to skate on by the opponent’s backside and score his first playoff goal.  When the defense is starting to score, their confidence is going to hit a peak and just remain there until their next opponent.  

​I hope the Hurricanes continue to dominate the Islanders.  A team with a tremendous coach and severe turnaround, while placing second in their division, should not be having this.  I get it, NHL playoffs have a history of the best being the worst and vice-versa, but still, get it together.  If he chokes this series to this team, then he is just about on the same level as the coach for the Lightning, whose days should be numbered on that team.  My hopes are that we see this team, with the phenomenal veteran Justin Williams, go toe-to-toe with the Blue Jackets.

Sharks vs. Avalanche

The only team to finish near the top, and still stay alive in the playoffs, the Sharks are still pushing strong, and are heading into game 4 of their series against the Avalanche.  Sharks started the game off like usual, taking the lead in some way 2-0 with the aid of center Logan Couture and left winger Timo Meier.  Timo’s goal on that breakaway, cutting through that defense like a hot knife through butter, and slicing one right by the Avalanche’s goalie Semyon Varlamov.  After losing their lead by two in the second quarter, and then having the game tied at the beginning of the third, Couture decided to put the team on his back and score two more goals and solidify a hat trick once there was an empty net. 

As for the Avalanche, it seems like they were dealing with the high altitudes, as they took their grand old time for the first period.  After looking like scrubs, their all-star center Nathan MacKinnon decided to start the party by shooting a top-corner shot, which Shark’s goalie Martin Jones did not have a chance at saving.  The man has shown all year that he is going to go down in NHL history as one of the best. He has shown to the Sharks that he will not go down without a fight, as he has five goals, seven assists in the last seven games.  Hopefully he can rally the rest of his team and have them tie the series tonight at 10:00.

After watching the beloved Golden Knights get knocked out by a team that was also on the ropes, I would like to see the Sharks keep climbing the hill.  I have my sympathies for the Avalanche, as they are the obvious underdogs in this one. They cannot have their center be the only one doing the dirty work, and in game 2 they had multiple people score for the win.  Their defensive schemes need some work, and if they can alter their attack up front and have some decoys, then they stand a chance.

Blues vs. Stars

This has by far been my favorite series at this point in the playoffs.  Every single game has been a big “what if?” on who was going to pull ahead with the win. My favorite goalie Ben Bishop has continued his strong presence on the ice by having 27 saves in their 4-2 victory yesterday.  As they continue the fight to St. Louis, Bishop addressed the win for the many fans out there, “It’s a big response by our guys and a big win for these fans.” On top of doing his job, Stars’ center Tyler Seguin scored two great goals and had two assists as well.  A team that has a phenomenal goalie and a barrage of shooters, who are not afraid to take the shot, will win championships. It is obvious, even if you do not watch the sport of hockey.  Along with Seguin, Vladimir Tarasenko and Robert Thomas continued the charge to score the remaining two goals.  Watch out for this team, shots all over, defense soaring, and a coach willing to change the entire line to blow the minds of the opponent is a phenomenal concoction for a Stanley Cup appearance.

As for the Blues, as they looked dead in the water during the last game, do not give up.  Playing relentlessly to a team that wants every single game, they are showing the true nature of an underdog, as they have been playing hard for every game that they have faced elimination for.  Of course, it will be tough playing against a team that just knocked out the first place Predators, but the Blues have great players to offer into the mix, but they need some serious improvement.  Blues defenseman Vince Dunn is trying his hardest by slamming the opposing offense to the ground, but at the same time he keeps giving the puck back to the Stars.  Center Ivan Barbashev has seemed to be the guy to do the dirty work for the team by notching goals and assists, like in game 1 of this series.  The team must revamp their strategy, and even though I am giving a nod to Stars, the Blues must do something.  

​My opinion for this series is obviously prevalent for this matchup.  As much as I hope the Stars pull ahead, I honestly would not mind seeing the Blues taking over.  Their coach Craig Berube is one of those guys who busts through every day to get ahead, and the first step to achieving this success is by calming down goalie Jordan Binnington, who looks like he is about to have a breakdown.

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