IT'S SHOWTIME: SPURS V THUNDER

The Western Conference finals have been decided after the Oklahoma City Thunder finished off the Los Angeles Lakers in 5 games. They will meet the red hot San Antonio Spurs who haven't lost a match in over a month. This should be a great series. Two teams who love to run and gun and have weapons who on any given night could steal a game from their opposition. There are some great match-ups on show and I can't wait for it to begin. I think I recall ESPN Australia are going to be showing all Eastern and Western Conference final games live. This is great for basketball fans in our country. Hopefully it leads to one day bringing over NBA TV so we can stop flogging our internet usage meter.

I'm going to go through the match-ups and who I think comes out on top in each. I'd love to hear what you all think.

Point Guard: Tony Parker v Russell Westbrook
I believe Tony is going to win this match-up quite comfortably. I can't wait too see how Rusty goes when he matches up against a guard who can play. In the first two series he has had an old Jason Kidd and then Ramon Sessions (I can't believe I even referred to Sessions in my blog). The big question mark I have is if Westbrook will have learned from previous years when he has struggled. I don't think he will. The reason I say this because he has been given a massive confidence boost playing against the muppets in the first two series. If he had tough opponents in the first two series it may have gotten him ready for the big show. Tony Parker on the other hand is a seasoned veteran when it comes to the Western Conference finals. In addition to that he has had to battle with Chris Paul (even though injured he is miles ahead of Kidd and Sessions) over the 4 games. It will have gotten him ready for this contest much more than Rusty.
VERDICT : Tony Parker goes about his business much better and wins this match-up.

Shooting Guard: Daniel Green v Thabo Sefolosha
How good is Danny Green going this season? He is going to have a much tougher time this series with the much longer Thabo. His speed could trouble Sefolosha which could mean James Harden sees more minutes than usual. If Green can average double digits in this series it will help the team dramatically. Thabo has been struggling with his shot over the last two series and will need to hit his corner three ball to help the big three with the scoring. He is going to need to regain the trust of KD and Rusty, otherwise Spurs will leave him alone and have a bigger focus on the big three.
VERDICT: Green has been a star this season and I can't see this changing. Thabo's inability to keep up with Green may be good for the Thunder as Harden will see much more time. Green takes this one for me.

Small Forward: Kawhi Leonard v Kevin Durant
We all know what KD is capable of. He is one of, if not the most, lethal scorers in the NBA at the moment. He will have his hands full though with Leonard. This kid is going to be a superstar. In his rookie year for the Spurs he has been a shining light. His hustle and determination alone is unseen in most NBA franchises. Even though he is only averaging 24 minutes, it's what he brings in those 24 minutes that is so impressive. I don't think you could play that hard for 48 minutes. He is going to have to stay out of foul trouble while trying to make KD's life tough. I think he can make Durant play defence a hell of a lot more that Metta World Peace did. That could play a part in Durant's ability to last the 48. Could Leonard be the X-Factor that gets the Spurs through?
VERDICT: You can't go past KD in this one. The bloke is just too good. Leonard has to make Durant fight for every point on both ends of the floor.

Power Forward: Boris Diaw v Serge Ibaka
I'm really looking forward to this one. Both of these guys can hit their jump shots when left open which could be a lot in this series. On the offensive side I have to give it to Diaw. I think he can bring Ibaka out of the paint which will let Parker do his thing. If Ibaka comes out to guard Diaw he has the drive to get by Serge. His width could also be troubling. This could force  Kendrick Perkins to guard Diaw. On the other end of the floor however Ibaka shines. His ability to block shots could be worrying for the Spurs. Parker gets alot of his points close to the basket, Diaw is going to have to hit his shots to force Serge outside the painted area.
VERDICT: If I had a gun to my head I'd pick Ibaka as he could potentially stop Parker from getting his easy baskets. However, if Diaw is hitting his shots Ibaka could become a non factor.

Centre: Tim Duncan v Kendrick Perkins
Duncan has found a new lease of life this season. It maybe because he has so many talented youngsters surrounding him, who knows but whatever it is it's working. I can Perkins trying to muscle Duncan around like he has done with Bynum. I think Duncan has too many veteran tricks when it comes to not allowing himself to be fronted. When Duncan gets the ball either in the post or in his favourite spot just off it, I don't see Perks being able to stop his bank shot or his slick post moves. It was easy for him with Bynum as he could just body him up or front him. He will be dead tired after a few minutes and Nick Collison could be called upon alot more. On the other end Duncan won't have to do too much work guarding Perks. If Perkins can find a way to slow down the rejuvenated game of Timmy D it could be the key to the Thunder going through to the NBA finals.
VERDICT: Duncan wins this and gives Scotty Brooks nightmares with who to put on him.

Sixth Man: Manu Ginobili v James Harden
Two of the best players in the league to come off the bench and change the game for their respective teams. They're both left handed which causes trouble for opposition defences but will now go toe to toe. It's never going to let the series have a dull moment. These guys are massive in letting the key players have a breather. They are the rock in the second unit. If they aren't playing well it could see the game slip into the opponents hands. These two rarely let that happen. I personally think Manu is on another level, I think Harden will reach this level in a couple of years. The Spurs have many guys they can throw on Harden to upset his game. It's how he reacts to this will be a big factor in them winning or losing.
VERDICT: I believe Manu's smarts and ability to hit big time shots and make big time plays are what gets him this match-up.

BENCH:
This is an easy one for me. The Spurs have had the deepest bench in the league all season long. They all have playoff experience and have played plenty of minutes throughout the playoffs. I can't say the same about the Thunder. Nick Collison and Derek Fischer are all they really have. I'd much prefer a 10 man deep bench then an 8. Foul trouble could kill the thunder in this series.
VERDICT: Spurs, not even close for me.

COACH: Gregg Popovich v Scott Brooks
The Master vs The Apprentice. Pop has shown he is more than capable of dealing with his star studded roster this season and in the playoffs. He will have no problem in this series. The big question I have with Scotty Brooks is his ability to take control of Rusty. Will he be able to pull him aside when the going gets tough and tell him to get the ball to Durant and Harden? I don't think so.
VERDICT: Pop.

There are plenty of great match-ups but I think the Spurs take this one in Six. The Spurs play their guys for not as many minutes as the Thunder do and that will be the telling tale as the series gets deeper.

I can't wait for the series to begin. I believe the winner of this takes the Championship out, unless they take each other out and have no players left for the finals!

DRAW GIVES BOOMERS HOPE FOR MEDAL

Two big announcements came about today for the Australian Boomers. Firstly the two pools for the Olympics games were drawn. Secondly the Boomers squad for the 2012 Olympics was published.

I am and sure others have to be stoked with the teams the Boomers have drawn in London. It couldn't be any better. This gives us a great chance to get second in our pool and get that weaker crossover game that we haven't been able to obtain in the past. It is highly unlikely we will take the Spaniards down but we can easily account for the likes of Great Britain and China. We will have an almighty battle with the Brazilians especially if they field the likes of Leandro Barbosa and Tiago Splitter. The big key is which qualifier we get in the group. I think it could potentially be Greece. We get the weakest Qualifier out of the three that make it. That's what it looks like anyway. I can't see the Greeks beating Lithuania and Russia. There is no reason we can't beat this Greek team. It's a much weaker team than in the past and we need to take some revenge out from the last time they beat us at the World Championships in 2006. I don't think Australian basketball fans will ever forget that game. 

FIBA have given us some hope and we need to take care of business over in London. This is Australia's chance to make the semi finals and give us some hope for a medal. It will be broadcast to millions of homes around the world. It potentially will be against the USA on Friday the 10th of August. Bookmark it folks, it could be what kick starts basketball in Australia once again. In no way am I saying we will beat the DreamTeam. I think this is when the Australian population becomes fully aware of how good our sport is and how much talent we have in such a small country.

I posted not so long ago the squad I would have going over to London to compete in the games. I will say once the camps are over and they are ready to announce the team it won't be too far off. The NBL website posted the squad today. There is some serious talent to pick from which is exactly what we need. Most of the squad has had experience or are experiencing basketball in Europe. After watching how the Boomers play defence you can see some serious similarities to the European game. The DreamTeam don't like rough physical play at all. This is why the Spaniards are starting to catch up to them. I believe if Rubio didn't injure himself during the NBA season they could have beaten the USA. There are also some young guys out of college who have cracked the squad which is always good to see. It will be good for their experience and will continue to make them better. It is also great to see nine  players in the squad are currently playing in the NBL, some of them will definitely make the team. This is great for our league as it continues to grow into one of the best in the world.

I wish Andrew Bogut was playing in this team. There is no doubt we would have had a solid performance in the quarter finals and a big chance for a medal. We will have to do without the big fella in London. I'm sure he will be there with the boys cheering them on. He will bring valuable knowledge and experience to the sidelines. 

Here's to hoping there are no slip ups on the way to the games and that the final squad that gets picked does us proud.

Bring on August 10th!

Patty Putting In Work For Spurs

Patty Mills has exploded with 27 points in their 2nd last regular season game against the Phoenix Suns. San Antonio will cap off an extraordinary season tomorrow when they play the Golden State Warriors. The Spurs have only lost 16 games all season and will tie with the Chicago Bulls if both teams win tomorrow.

Mills has burst onto the scene in the latter half of the season and provided a great backup to Tony Parker. He has a renewed confidence and seems to have the green light to shoot. Spurs coach Greg Popovich must have assistant coach, and Australian Boomers head coach Brett Brown, in his ear telling him good things. If so Patty is living up to it! He has done contract extensions no harm. In a team that is so stacked it must make Mills feel so good.

All it takes is something to spark some confidence. After coming to the NBL this season and not having produced the best stats he headed to China where he put up some heavy numbers. As a player when you see the ball continually going through that hoop, confidence is sky high. Patty is probably seeing the basket as a hoola hoop right now.

 I wonder if Mills will see many minutes in the playoffs. Mr Popovich has his favourites and will be tough to crack. There is no reason not to have faith in one of the deadliest benches the league has seen in a long time.

Western Conference finals are live on ESPN. It would be great to see an Aussie running around in one of the biggest events on the sporting calendar. It could give basketball some more exposure and get everyone ready for the Olympic Games.

I don't see too many teams beating the Spurs in this years playoffs, especially if Tim Duncan is on song. We all know Parker and Manu Ginobili are going to do their thing. Hopefully Patty can play a big part in the Spurs getting an NBA Championship.

5 Games Please??

Unless your a die hard NBL fan you would have had no idea the Perth Wildcats are trying to even up the three game Grand Final Series tomorrow night against the New Zealand Breakers. You probably had no idea the season had even begun!

However I'm one of those fans that wish the series would last a little longer than the three games (or two if NZ win tomorrow night). I say bring back the 5 games series. It lets the fans see the best of the best going at it. The NBL would be kicking themselves right now. They could have had 5 sellout games which would have been great for the newspapers and the delayed telecast. Instead Perth sell their game out in no time and the fans who missed out don't get another chance to see their team in the GF. A little disappointing if you ask me. The NBL are always claiming that attendance has grown over the last few years, so why not add a few extra games to a superb final series. I don't think too many people will complain.

Tomorrow night Perth have to hold home court to send this series into a deciding game back in NZ. The way Perth played the GC at home over the last couple of weeks was incredible. If they can replicate that style of play, their will be a third game. I think they will be a little disappointed in not bringing home the win last week, especially without Thomas Abercrombie missing the game. You can never be too confident with Perth no matter where they have played this season. The Wildcats have squandered many a lead over the last six months. In the end it cost them top spot.

I think Abercrombie rests this game and plays in the third. If that's the case I believe Perth win and take lots of confidence back across the Tasman. Who wants to see the NBL trophy back in NZ again? I certainly DO NOT!

LBJ 17 Points in 3 Minutes

I don't know if everyone has caught up with today's NBA happenings but I thought I'd fill you in on LeBron's 17 point final three minutes! I'm not a big fan of LBJ but this was impressive. If he had performed it against the Bulls and not the Nets I may have even crossed over to the dark side. I know that will never happen so I'm safe.

Here is the clip of him taking over the game and the Nets choking dramatically.

What are your favourite all time comebacks from your NBA heroes? Here is an incredible one by T-Mac. Spurs fans would have been furious that day!

Shoot 8 Million In Our Basket

Today the Australian Government funded a new Western Sydney A-League team 8 million dollars. I have nothing against this what so ever but, if they are able to throw 8 million around like that, why can't they throw Basketball Australia some too?

I think soccer in the west of Sydney will be great. I think it's what's been missing in the A-League for a long time. It will bring a great rivalry to our state. You only have to watch the Melbourne Victory v Melbourne Heart games to see what passion and excitement it brings to the fans of the game. However, should the Government be throwing 8 million dollars into a sport which they blew 45 million on to try and get our country the World Cup. It seems like a bad gamble to me, especially when we only just witnessed our Olyroos not score a single goal in their Olympic campaign. The sport really seems to be going places, so why not throw another 8 million their way?

On the other hand, Basketball Australia can't even get their product live on National TV. It has ruined one of the most popular sports in this country, let alone the world. Why doesn't the Government do something about that? The Government should be buying into something that is growing. The NBL reported that crowd growth has continued for the third season running. You may not think 4100 people attending a game is many, but this is the problem. The NBL doesn't have the funds to go and buy big stadiums. The Government needs to take a long look at their allocation of funds to sporting codes around our country. It just doesn't seem right. I'm glad the new chairman of Basketball Australia, Kristina Keneally, stood up for our code today. Basketball players and fans across Australia needed to hear someone stick up for the sport.

I'm hoping something gets done about this and the Government come to their senses. It just seems that the only way Basketball Australia is going to take off is if the Aussie men medal at the Olympics. I do say the Aussie men only because the women always do well and it's no surprise. However the men are carrying some big name players, such as Andrew Bogut and Patty Mills, who people have become familiar with over the years with their stints in the NBA. It will create a big buzz and hopefully gain some exposure across the country. No-one knew who Tim Cahill was before he scored those two goals in the World Cup match against Japan. Why can't it be the same if Patty Mills hits the buzzer beater to sink the DreamTeam(USA)? Will the Government show their faces then?

ROBBIE LETS HIS TIGER OUT

While making sure I had the Please Marry My Boy Finale taped, I was flicking through my twitter timeline and came across Robbie Farah's tweet. "Just got ambushed on NRL on Fox. Pretty fired up ATM to be honest and pretty pissed off. Wanted to unleash more then I did". I was intrigued so I called my boss who is a mad Tigers supporter to see if he knew what on earth went down. He must have been bombarded with phone calls so i had to watch it for myself.

Just as I sat down to watch it, my lovely girlfriend told me I had to go down to the supermarket, lucky I have IQ. I quickly taped it and ran off to the shops. It just so happens I live right near the Fox Sports Studio. While walking past I was hoping to catch Robbie Farah blowing up at some executive but that wasn't to be. 

I got home just as it was finishing so I rewound it and watched the interview from the start. It was quite full on and awkward. I just don't think anyone else would have the balls to confront a captain like Matty Johns did. Was he in the right? In my mind he definitely was. The Tigers are playing woeful, out of character and with no heart. To sum that up in one word, "soft", and that's exactly what was said on air. I'm one for excuses so I can't really give it to him for that, but why was he so wound up about it when he continually said "it's only March". Johns was spot on about the Tigers play over the last couple of weeks and Farah only had to say "did you see us scramble". I mean at least come up with something good, I'm surprised the boys didn't start laughing. 

It is about time some of these players got told how it is. I can't wait for someone to tell them that they are all overpaid athletes, I'm sure we will see fireworks erupt then. 

I don't know if anyone noticed but when Matty asked if he could delve further, Robbie peers over Johns shoulder. I'm guessing it was either to his manager or maybe the production manager. You could tell he was burning up inside, his death stare after Matty had finished speaking with him was priceless. A captain under fire and not coping with it at all well is not a good image for the Tigers. I mean he even swore on air. Mark Geyer even rubbed it in further by saying "I had you guys missing the 8". 

I could see the tension growing between Robbie and Matty, I somehow don't think this is over!