Krazed Sports & News

Official Google Blog: Ten years and counting

noreply@blogger.com (zixan) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 05:22:00 +0000

Official Google Blog: Ten years and counting

Saturday on HNLI: Looking Back and Looking Forward

noreply@blogger.com (HNLI Alex) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:10:00 +0000

Be sure to tune into Hockey Night on Long Island this Saturday at 3:30 PM EST for what will sadly be the first episode of the Islanders' offseason. Despite that circumstance, however, Saturday's episode of HNLI should be another great one, featuring updates on recent Islanders' news, a look back at the 2007-2008 Islanders season, a preview of Monday's NHL Draft Lottery, a look ahead to the NHL Playoffs, and a look ahead to the Islanders in the offseason. Hosts Alex and Steve will also be taking your calls, IMs, and banter via the HNLI chatroom for the ultimate listener interactivity. So, be sure to spend your Saturday afternoon with Alex and Steve on Hockey Night on Long Island. Click here to tune in!

Tune into Hockey Night on Long Island Saturday!

noreply@blogger.com (HNLI Alex) — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 03:06:00 +0000

Be sure to tune in to Saturday's episode of Hockey Night on Long Island. Along with special guest Michael Schuerlein of islesblogger.com, we'll discuss the team's latest woes and talk about how the Isles might turn it around or if the season has reached a point past revival. It'll be an awesome episode with calls, IMS, and of course the open forum of the HNLI chatroom. So be sure to tune in for a great episode tomorrow, 2/9, at 3:30 PM EST. To listen, visit www.show.hockeynightonlongisland.com or click on this button:

"Giant" Super Bowl Victory

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:34:00 +0000

The New York Giants finished the New England Patriots 18 game winning streak this season. Before facing the Giants, the Patriots won their last three Super Bowl appearances. The Giants started the season 0-2, but they've defeated the Patriots 17-14 to become Super Bowl Champions of 2007-08 season.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning had 255 yards and completed 19 of his 39 pass attempts. He threw an interception, but finished with two touchdown passes.

"There's something about this team," Manning said. "The way we win games, and performed in the playoffs in the stretch. We had total confidence in ourselves. The players believed in each other."

Manning is happy about his season, and said it couldn't get better. "That's a position you want to be in," Manning told reporters. "You can't write a better script. There were so many big plays on that drive."

Seeing Indianapolis Colts quarterback Payton Manning win his Super Bowl ring, motivated little brother Eli. "When I saw Peyton go through it last year, I was proud of him and I was happy for him," Manning said. "Seeing it up close and what he was going through, it definitely makes you want one yourself and want to be here."

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin believes every team could be defeated. "Every team is beatable, you never know," Coughlin said. "The right moment, the right time, every team is beatable". The Giants won 10 consecutive road victories this season."It's the way we went about our work," Coughlin said. "The road signified the coming together of a team. We rode that emotion all the way through."

Giants running back Brandon Jacobs had fourty two yards, and fourteen rushes. Ahmad Bradshaw had forty five yards, and nine rushes. Plaxico Burress had two receptions, for twenty seven yards, and one touchdown. "We just hung in there on offense, kept executing," said receiver Burress, whom predicted a 23-17 Giants victory. "It came down to one play and we made it."

"All this is entertainment," Burress said. "It's sports and sports are entertainment. So 23-17 is the prediction I made, but the game still has to be played."

Safety James Bulter had 10 tackles, linebacker Antonio Pierce had 8 tackles. Defensive end Michael Strahan had 2 tackles. "That's the best team in the league," Strahan said. "Now we have a better understanding of them and we had never played anybody like that. Obviously, no one has since they are an undefeated team. So now we have that opportunity and if you want it, you ask for it and you better make the most of it."

The Patriots finish the season 18-1, and coach Bill Belichick admits it was disappointment. "They played well," Belichick said while upset. "They made some plays. We made some plays. They just made a few more. We played as hard as we could. We just couldn't make enough plays."

Belichick understood the toughness from the Giants, and it wasn't a surprise to him. "We knew when we played the Giants down there they had a very physical football team," Belichick said. "We felt they were as good as any team we had played and they have gone on to play even better than that in the playoffs and I clearly feel now they are the best team we have played all year. That's a huge challenge."

Tom Brady was 29-48, with 1 touchdown, and threw for 266 yards. "We played them five weeks ago and it was a three-point game," Patriots quarterback Brady said, whom was sacked five times. "And they made enough changes and really eliminated what we did offensively."

Despite losing, Brady still enjoys the 18 consecutive wins this season. "Being 18-0 I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished thus far and I think we have talked as a team that for the rest of our lives we'll all remember this week," Brady said. "We are all going to do our best to hopefully make that one of the weeks that we remember for all of the great reasons and not a week we would like to forget."

Patriots running back Laurence Maroney had 36 yards, with 14 rushes, and 1 touchdown. Kevin Faulk had 7 receptions, tight end Wes Welker had 11 receptions, and Randy Moss had 5 receptions with 1 touchdown. "Hats off to us," reciever Moss said. "I know a lot of people didn't think we were going to do it. A lot of people didn't want us to do it. In this game of football, it's hard to go 16-and-0. As a football player and a fan of the game, my hat's off to this organization."

Santana Coming To Town

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 01:34:00 +0000

The Minnesota Twins have agreed to trade pitcher Johan Santana to the New York Mets for outfielder Carlos Gomez, pitcher Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey and Deolis Guerra.

The Mets and Peter Greenburg whom is Santana's agent are working on a contract extension. Both sides met in Manhatten, but they've refused to discuss the details.

Santana is seeking a deal worth more then 120 million over six or seven years. Greenburg and Mets owership have until five o'clock on Friday to reach an agreement.

When an agreement is reached, the players will need to pass a physical in-order for the trade to be finalize.

"Every team in the division became stronger, but now with Santana we're the favorites again," Moises Alou (left fielder) said in the Dominican Republic.

The Mets are comfortable with Greenburg, because he represents outfielder Endy Chavez whom just recently signed an extension with the Mets, and shortstop Jose Reyes.

Mets general manager Omar Minaya declined comment according to club spokesman Jay Horwitz. Greenburg refused to return e-mail from others as well.

The Met fans were excited about the news, because lots of feelings were hurt after their collapse last season. Minaya was praised by many, because it wasn't expected from the Mets. "I can't really comment because it's not done. All I can say is that the Twins did what they had to do," New York Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner told reporters in Tampa Bay, Florida. "I hope it works out well for them. The Mets made a good trade from their end. Hopefully it works out for both teams."

The Yankees showed interest in Santana, but decided not to pursue the deal. The Yankees were willing to trade pitcher Phil Hughes, center fielder Melky Cabarer, and others. During the Winter Meetings in December, the Yankees lost interest.

The World Series champions Boston Red Sox were interested in Santana, and they were willing to trade pitcher Jon Lester or outfeilder Jacoby Ellsbury. The Red Sox weren't able to trade players the Twins were interested in, and that caused them to pull away.

The Twins offered to extend Santana's contract by four years and 80 million dollars. Santana refused to accept the offer, but didn't have confidence about being traded. "I'm a Minnesota Twin. That's all I know. It's up to them. Whatever they have to do is going to happen. It has nothing to do with me at all," Santana mentioned to the News-Press. "I said it from the beginning during the season last year, whatever will be the best for this team and this organization, I'll agree with that."

Mets third basemen David Wright is happy about Santana. He believes the pitching staff is deep with young pitchers. "To have one of those handful that I would call an ace is obviously special to a team that, offensively, we look good on paper," Wright said Tuesday. "And our pitching staff is very deep, especially with these young guys, and they're only going to get better. So obviously there's a lot of positive energy, if it's true, going into spring training."

According to studies, pitchers aren't successful with long-term contracts. Only three pitchers have over 100 million dollar contracts: Barry Zito (San Franisco Giants), Mike Hampton (Colorado Rockies) and Kevin Brown (Los Angeles Dodgers).

Knicks Defeat 76ers

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 07:13:00 +0000

The New York Knicks were able to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 89-81, which gives the Knicks their six victory in ten games.

Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas believes more trust has taken place, and that played apart in their improvement.

"I just think, right now, we're playing with again a lot more trust," Thomas said. "There's a lot more trust and a lot more honesty."

During their unsuccessful season, Thomas said he tried everything. Every idea he used wasn't enough to bring more victories. The Knicks are 14-28, and remain last in the Atlantic Division.

"We have tried everything. I have tried benching, yelling. Again, a lot of your fire needs to come from within," Thomas told the Knicks website. "There's a certain amount of intestinal fortitude that you have to have as a man."

Knicks guard Jamal Crawford finished with 18 points, but struggled shooting 6-19, and 3-8 from three point range. Crawford said the Knicks haven't played this good all-season. "I think we are playing our best ball right now," Crawford told reporters.

76ers coach Maurice Cheeks mentioned that Crawford was used effectively, and that caused their failing effort. "I thought they made plays late in the game, particularly getting the ball in his hands and him being able to get to the basket and make some plays," Cheeks said.

Zach Randolph had 16 points and 15 rebounds. Randolph feels better about the Knicks, and believes team-work was encouragement to their improvement. "We are playing a lot better basketball," Knicks forward Randolph said. "We are playing more together and getting better movement."

Eddy Curry contributed with 11 points, but only attempted seven shots. Curry gave the Knicks credit, and feels their turning around. "I think we are turning the corner as a team," Knicks center Curry said. "We are caring enough to really share the ball."

Knicks guard Nate Robinson had 13 points with 5 assist, and forward David Lee finished with 14 points and 6 rebounds. The Knicks were 5-15 from three point range. The Golden State Warriors are the next competitors for the Knicks; their last meeting wasn't joyful losing 108-82.

"When you're watching a game like we played against the Warriors, the venom that comes out, you deserve it," Thomas said. "The booing, 'Get rid of this guy, get rid of me, get rid of him,' that's how the fans react. It comes with the territory we have and the place that we live in. That's how it is, that's how it goes."

The Knicks have a winning record in their last ten games which is 6-4. Thomas wants to improve, and said its the only concern for him. He understands the Knicks could have won more games, but Thomas believes there's still time.

"That's all we're really concerned about and that's all our team is focused on, how we get better as a basketball team," Thomas said. "All the other stuff you want to talk about, that's up to you guys. But in terms of what we do out on the basketball floor, those are the things that we can control, and out on the basketball floor we had chances to win basketball games."

Andre Iguodala lead with 24 points, but had 6 rebounds. He played 42 minutes, and was 1-6 from three point range. The defense stopped Iguodala's productiveness, and caused him to shot more according to himself.

"They just played good defense," 76ers guard Iguodala said. "The zone played a huge factor in the game. They kept us out of rhythm. We didn't really get too many points in the paint. We shot a lot of jump shots and credit that to their zone."

Guard Andre Miller had 10 points and 6 assist, but shot 4-11 from field goals. Willie Green added with 13 points, and center Samuel Dalembert had 12 points. The 76ers shot .200 percentage from three point range, and shot 2-10.

"Giant" Steps To Promise Land

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 02:15:00 +0000

Dealing with criticism, and being overshadowed from this brother Indianapolis Colts quarterback Payton Manning. Now New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning could finally say "he played in the Super Bowl." Beating the Green Bay Packers in a competitive game, 23-20 in overtime brings excitement to Manning.

"We haven't been given a shot, but we're here and I think we're deserving of it," Manning said. "Right now I'm excited as I can be."

Manning completed 21 of his 41 passes, 254 yards, and no touchdown passes. Manning had confidences, and believes the Giants could compete against anyone.

"We knew we could compete with anybody," Manning said. "It's just a matter of getting hot at the right time."

Manning lead the Giants with 10 consecutive road victories this season, and he mention everything paid off. "It's just a matter of getting hot at the right time," Manning said. "It feels good because this is what you work for. We stuck with it, we believed in ourselves and we got to the Super Bowl."

Manning never played in the Super Bowl, because the Giants failed to succeed past the first round since their Super Bowl appearance in 2000. Manning said he won't do anything different, and will continue with the game plan. "I don't think I am doing anything different," Manning said. "I am just trying to take what the defense is giving me. It is just a matter of being in a good situation in the game."

Manning mentioned he'll practice, and make sure he's prepared for the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. "I think you prepare by practicing and getting ready for their defense," Manning insisted. "You don't worry about the weather. There is no point in being concerned about it."

Giants running back Brandon Jacobs had 67 yards, 21 rushes, and 1 touchdown. Ahmad Bradshaw added with 16 rushes, 63 yards, and 1 touchdown. Giants receiver Plaxico Burress had 11 receptions (career-high), with 154 yards, and 1 touchdown.

Tom Coughlin believes leadership, and toughness helped the Giants. "I think it is just a matter of the grit, the determination, the character, the leadership, the toughness, and the mental toughness," Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said. "In a lot of ways when we come out and we get booed, we are kind of interested in how high the volume of the boos are."

Amani Toomer had four receptions, and forty two yards. "This is an opportunity that can make all the dreams that you have ever had since you're a little kid come true with a couple wins," Giants receiver Toomer said.

Packers quarterback Brett Favre had 236 yards, and completed 19 of 35 passes. He threw two touchdown passes, and two interceptions as well. Favre said he believes the Giants could win against the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. "Heck, they could win two weeks from now," Favre said to reporters. "I wouldn't put it past them."

Favre threw an interceptions that could have gotten them the victory against the Giants. "I was disappointed that the last pass I threw was intercepted." The Packers had lots of opportunities, but couldn't capitalize according to Favre. "For me, I kept thinking how many opportunities are we going to let slip away," he said.

It's a possibility Favre will return next season, according to himself. "It's been 11 years, I think, since ... I have to kind of refresh my memory on it," Favre said. "Times have changed a bunch, I guess."

Favre and Giants defensive end Michael Strahan are both heading towards retirement in the short future. Favre realize how important Strahan is, and how productive his career was. "I think I have said that numerous times that I didn't lay down," Favre said. "It is not something we discussed previous or after or whatever and said, 'Hey, we have a formal pact here.' That is over and done with. What he did that year, what he continues to do, is outstanding." Strahan finished with two tackles, but Antonio Pierce lead with six tackles.

Ryan Grant had 13 rushes, but couldn't score. Coughlin understands Ryans ability to produce, and he enjoyed his preseason performance. "Ryan performed and played very well during the preseason," Coughlin said. "We had a position, as anybody who scouts or knows football can relate to, that had five or six NFL football players and that was one of them, that was the position for us."

Grant said he learned from Tiki Barbar (former Giants running back), and other members of the Giants. "I'm very close with a lot of guys on the team, close to Tiki," Packers running back Grant said. "I learned a lot from him, a sense of composure, professionalism and little things on the field."

Packers receiver Donald Driver lead with five receptions, and one touchdown. Donald Lee had three receptions, and only one touchdown. Packers safety Atari Bigby lead with eight tackles and cornerback Al Harris had seven.

Crawford Lead Knicks Over Miami

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 07:49:00 +0000

The New York Knicks have won three of their last four games, and Jamal Crawford has lead them throughout this streak.

Yesterday, the Knicks defeated the Miami Heat 88-84; they weren't pretty, but head coach Isiah Thomas enjoyed the victory. "It wasn't pretty," Thomas said. "But we were able to grind, able to hang."

Crawford lead with 22 points, 7 assist, and 5 rebounds. He played over 40 minutes throughout this month, and Crawford said it's hard playing four games in five nights.

"To play four in five nights is tough for any team," Crawford said. "The good teams take that step of winning four in five nights. We're not necessarily there yet, but we're building to get there."

Nate Robinson added with 19 points, 7 assist, and 6 rebounds. He played 33 minutes, shot 8-19 from the field and 1-6 from three point range.

David Lee had 15 points, and 8 rebounds. "That just goes to show the resiliency of our team," Lee said. "We've been able to battle back."

Zach Randolph had 16 points, and 14 rebounds. He shot 7-17 from three point range, and played 37 minutes. Randolph wasn't happy with his minutes recently, but has regain them back. "Any player would get upset because they want to play," Randolph said. "I want to play. I love playing. I want to be out there."

Thomas understood Randolph's frustration, but has spoken to other teams about trading him. Interest levels weren't good, and that caused Randolph to remain with the Knicks. "I'm sure he's frustrated, just like we all are frustrated, and the one thing I know about him is that he wants to play," Thomas said of Randolph. "Every player wants to play. No one likes to be taken out of the game. And so we'll just move on."

The Knicks are 13-27, and currently in last place in the Atlantic Division. Against the Heat, the Knicks shot 3-12 and .250 percent from three point range. The Knicks are second worst in the Eastern Conference, and they'll be facing the Boston Celtics on Monday whom have the best record in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks lost 104-59 (worst lost in Knicks history) against the Celtics on November 29 this season.

"Of course I am embarrassed. We lost by nearly 50 points," Knicks guard Stephon Marbury said. "I'm angry. I'm always angry when I lose, but that was just flat-out embarrassing. To lose that bad was just ridiculous." Marbury is out indefinitely, and he'll undergo ankle surgery.

The Heat are last in the Eastern Conference, and facing an 8-31 record. They've lost 13 consecutive games, and are 1-7 in the Southeast Division. Heat head coach Pat Riley is rumored its his last season coaching, but hasn't made anything official. Riley said he'll need something positive to motivate this team. "Maybe we should hang some more pictures of that trophy somewhere, so we can remember what it felt like to be in that moment," Riley said. "We have to change the energy, somehow."

Dwyane Wade lead with 22 points, and 9 assist. He struggled shooting 7-23 from field goals, and 1-3 from three point range; Wade played 40 minutes. "Just our luck, man," Wade said. "The ball bounced. That's been our season, been our luck."

Wade was productive, but he couldn't get anyone to help. "That was the best third quarter we've played in probably two years around here," said Dwyane Wade. "We thought that was the turning point, but it wasn't."

Shaquille O'Neal and Mark Blount had 10 points each, but O'Neal struggled leading the Heat with five turnovers. "I'm glad to see the big fellow back, and us working the ball down to him," Wade said. "Hopefully we can get him even more involved, because he's looking pretty good."

Many people aren't happy with O'Neal's performance, and scouts believes he isn't worth the money. ''He still demands a double-team, so he's still an asset, but not worth what they're paying him [$20 million each season]. His lift was the biggest difference. He doesn't finish or elevate like he used to.'' Scout said, "Shaq is not playing intelligently, with some of his fouls. You can't have a guy constantly in foul trouble. He's a step-and-a-half slower.''

The Knicks Are Rolling

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:56:00 +0000

The New York Knicks have won three consecutive games, and that's the first time this season. Beating the New Jersey Nets 111-105, gives the Knicks a 12-26 record. Leading to their victory against the Nets, the Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards.

Jamal Crawfords scored a season-high 35 points, and shot a tiebreaking three pointers which gotten the Knicks their victory against the Nets. Crawford also had 8 assist, and played 45 minutes.

"We were down 10 with nine minutes left and we fight to tie the game up," Jason Kidd said. "Crawford took a tough 3. I tip my hat to him because I didn't think he would shoot it. I was right there and he shot it over me."

Zach Randolph had 24 points with 11 rebounds, and 4 assist. He played 36 minutes, and shot 8-8 from free throws. Its reported that Randolph isn't happy, and wants to be traded. Isiah Thomas had conservations with the Milwaukee Bucks, but weren't interested.

Eddy Curry finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

"Those guys really put it to us for a long time. As long as I've been here, every time we played them it seemed like we lost," Curry said. "But as of late, last time we played them very well and tonight we played them very well. I think if nothing else we showed them that they're not going to be able to beat up on us every time they play us."

The Knicks have won three consecutive games, and that's without Stephon Marbury. According to studies the Knicks are more successful without Marbury. Marbury said he wouldn't be surprised it he's traded, and doesn't enjoy his contributions to his team. He's suffering from an ankle injury, and missed every game this week.

"I didn't get paid the money I got paid to do what I'm doing now," said Marbury, whom is paid $20.1 million which is the fourth highest in the NBA. "I got paid to be a scoring guard. ... Now I'm playing more of a passive role."

Thomas said winning three consecutive games gives him hope, and he believes more. "It really gives me hope and belief there is a good team in here somewhere," New York coach Isiah Thomas said. "We've just to keep working at it and keep grinding and keep persevering. As long as we keep fighting and don't give up, there is a good team in here somewhere. We've just got to find it."

Thomas made many players unhappy, and some are wishing to be traded. Winning three consecutive games, and against winning teams helps this issues get better. "Our resiliency, just persevering, we're starting to play with the type of grit that we were playing with last year," Thomas said. "I thought New Jersey, they were tough tonight, and we got off to a pretty rocky start but our team battled back."

Vince Carter finished with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assist. Carter expected the Knicks to compete, and he wanted his team to bring lots of energy. "They are known for coming out in the first quarter and trying to make a big push. We wanted to be ready with energy, something we haven't done in the last couple of games," Carter said. "Things were looking good for us but then they started hitting shots and the whole momentum changed."

Kidd had 10 points, and lead with 17 assist (season-high). Josh Boone had 18 points and 12 rebounds including 6 offensively. Sean Williams had 16 points, and 5 rebounds. Frank Lawrence understands his mistakes, and believes it's his problem. "I'm going to take responsibility because obviously, we weren't prepared," Nets coach Lawrence Frank said. "We weren't ready to play. This was a poor performance on everyone's part."

Richard Jefferson had 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 turnovers. He shot 7-17 from the field, and played 39 minutes. "This is the NBA and we are all professionals. We never disrespected them," Jefferson said. "We never came out and not played hard against them. We've had a couple of games come down to the wire and they're the ones that made plays."

Knicks Top Wizards

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 06:22:00 +0000

Winning two consecutive games against the Detroit Pistons 89-65 on Sunday, and being able to defeat the Washington Wizards yesterday 105-93 was quite a triumph for the New York Knicks.

Success hasn't found the Knicks, and winning two sequential games against successful teams this season wasn't expected.

Jamal Crawford lead with 29 points, but suffered from four turnovers. Crawford doesn't want to take anything for granted, but believes the Knicks are heading the right directions.

"It's a step in the right direction. We haven't won two in a row since November. So don't want to take it for granted, you want to keep it in perspective and try to get better," said Crawford. "The season's not over. The East is so wide open if you can put together a stretch where you win six or seven in a row, you're right back in the thick of things."

Eddy Curry and Fred Jones whom replaced Stephon Marbury because an ankle injury, scored 10 points each.

"If the doctor says I have bone spurs in my ankle and he says I need surgery, I'm going to get it," Marbury said. "I'm going to get it taken care of. I'm not going to wait or hesitate because that's my career."

Recently Marbury has been frustrated about his contributions to the Knicks. Marbury believes his role isn't helpful, and wants to become a scoring guard. "I didn't get paid the money I got paid to do what I'm doing now," said Marbury, whom is paid $20.1 million which is the fourth highest in the NBA. "I got paid to be a scoring guard. ... Now I'm playing more of a passive role."

Marbury understands its business, and won't be surprised if he's traded. "I love playing basketball in New York, but I'm not no fool," Marbury mentioned. "This is a business, period. That's all it is and that's all it's ever going to be . . . If I get traded, I get traded."

Nate Robinson and Zach Randolph whom is rumored likely to be traded scored 14 points each, but Randolph added with 11 rebounds. Quentin Richardson had 13 points, and scored the Knicks first five points to begin the game. "We are a great team," Randolph reported to teams official site " We just have to come out night after night and play hard and stay focused."

Knicks source said there were conversations about trading Randolph to the Milwaukee Bucks. Isiah Thomas denied the reports, but team sources say otherwise. Some players aren't happy being coached by Thomas, and many are hopping to be traded according to sources. Owner James Dolan has recognized this issue, but isn't ready to fire Thomas. Dolan has a great relationship with Thomas, and he'll need to continue paying Thomas if he's fired.

"My belief and what I see and where I believe we can go as a team and an organization, I believe one day that we will win a championship here and I believe a couple of these guys will be a part of that," Thomas said.

The Knicks getting two consecutive victories helps Thomas remain this season. Thomas said they'll need to continue working hard, and grinding towards success. "It really gives me hope and belief there is a good team in here somewhere," Thomas said. "We've just got to keep working at it and keep grinding and keep persevering. As long as we keep fighting and don't give up, there is a good team in here somewhere. We've just got to find it."

The Washington Wizards surprised many, because they weren't able to defeat the second worst team (Miami Heat are first) in the Eastern Conference. Eddie Jordan believes their bench performance wasn't great, and that caused their lost against the Knicks. "I was disappointed in our bench," Jordan said. "We needed to get something from our bench. And again we don't come off with energy, with concentration, execution. So there's no excuse."

Antawn Jamison finished with 21 points and 8 rebounds "We always seem to come back strong when our backs are against the wall. We did it Saturday night and we did it tonight in a tough road game," Jamison said. "To beat these guys in back-to-back games considering how they've been playing is something special."

Caron Butler lead with 24 points, 6 assist, and had 8 rebounds. Roger Mason had 20 points, but couldn't produce rebounds and assist.

Jamison isn't happy with their lost, and said the Wizards needed energy in the beginning. "It's one thing to say you beat the best team in the league back-to-back and all of a sudden you come back, lose to a team that's won what, 11 games before tonight?" Jamison said. "You've still got to lace them up. You've still got to be focused enough and you've still got to bring the energy early in the game. And for us those were the things that pretty much lost the game for us."

Giants "Skip" Past Cowboys

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:36:00 +0000

Losing twice to the Dallas Cowboys during the season wasn't pleasant for the New York Giants, but they've retaliated back by ending the Cowboys season yesterday after their victory against them, 21-17.

Eli Manning completed 12 of his 18 attempts, with 2 touchdowns, but suffered from 3 sacks. Manning understands the Giants aren't credited by others enough, but he enjoys the feeling.

"I won't get tired of hearing that this week," Manning said. "No one's given us much credit and probably still won't. But that's OK. We like it that way."

Manning admitted he was nervous, because his brother Indianapolis Colts quarterback Payton Manning was watching. "I was a little nervous," said Eli. "I know (Peyton) was watching and rooting for me."

Amani Toomer had four receptions, eighty yards, and two touchdown catches; Toomer was the only receiver on the Giants to score a touchdown. He gave Manning lots of credit, and he'll hang with him until the end.

"Everybody goes through their ups and downs and he's on the upswing right now," Toomer said. "We're going to ride him as far as we can go."

Brandon Jacobs lead with 54 yards, and 1 touchdown. Michael Strahan had seven tackles, and one assist. Records show the Giants play better on the road this season, and Strahan believes that's the key in the post-season this year.

"I think as a team we seem to perform better on the road," Michael Strahan said. "I didn't know we won eight in a row. That's a great thing, because when it's the playoffs, if we're going to go as far as we want, we have to win every game on the road."

Tony Romo completed 18 of his 36 attempts, with 201 yards, and 1 touchdown. He feels the pain, and Romo said he'll take the blame. "For it to end like that, and for me to be the cause, is very tough to swallow right now," Romo said.

"It's hard, especially right now because you need to take a step back," Romo said. "I've grown up in the sense that I'm not naive to believe that everything is going to work out perfect. So I appreciate the moments sometimes, even though we didn't accomplish our goal."

Marion Barber had 129 yards rushing, and 1 touchdown. Jason Whitten who accompanied Romo on his bye week vacation with Jessica Simpson, had 81 yards, and 7 receptions.

"They say, 'They haven't won a playoff game in 10 years,' but you've only been in four," Wade Phillips said. "It's not like you've been 10 years in a row and haven't won one. Part of it is getting in there. If you get in there enough, you're going to win your share."

The Cowboys finish their season 13-3, and first in the NFC North division. Terrell Owens had 4 receptions, 49 yards, and 1 touchdown. He returned after suffering from an injury, but Owens worked hard to prepare himself for the post-season.

"Terrell said he's going to play and I believe him. I think he will attempt to play and we will let him," Phillips said. "To what degree, at what level, remains to be seen in the game. Unless something unforeseen happens, I think he probably will."

Owens says its not fair to Romo that he gets blamed for this lost, because they've failed as a team. "This is not about Tony. You guys can point the finger at him, you can talk about the vacation, and if you do that, it's really unfair," Owens said, whom cried during the press conference. "It's really unfair. That's my teammate. That's my quarterback. You guys do that, it's not fair. We lost as a team. We lost as a team, man."

Romo wanted to get Owens more involved but couldn't, because the Giants covered him great in the second half. "They kind of doubled T.O. on the outside and Terry had a guy running with him up the middle," Romo said. "I tried to throw to the one guy in one-on-one and hope for something lucky."

The Green Bay Packers are the Giants next competitors, and they'll face them on Sunday. The Packers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 42-20 to succeed past the Divisional round, and they've beat the Giants 35-10 this season in week two.

Knicks Fail Once Again

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 23:24:00 +0000

The New York Knicks weren't able to defeat the Toronto Raptors after losing to the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden the night before. Their losing effort against Toronto gives them a 9-26 record, and the Knicks remain in last place in the Atlantic division.

Raptors forward Chris Bosh lead with 40 points and 11 rebounds. Bosh was forceful in the paint, and was two points shy of his career high.

"We know that their two bigs in the beginning of the game, we had an advantage over them with our quickness moving laterally and up and down the court," Bosh said. "So I just wanted to kind of exploit that and get going a little early."

Bosh put pressure on the Knicks, and used the New York fans as an advantage.

"We wanted to put the pressure on them," Bosh said. "We knew that the crowd wasn't going to be that friendly if we jumped on them quick and that's kind of what happened."

Raptors guard Anthony Parker and forward Jamario Moon had 13 points each, but Parker added 8 rebounds and Moon had 9. Parker said he wants the Raptors success to continue, and they'll need to learn from mistakes.

"It's important that we start doing that on a regular basis," said Parker. "Against Cleveland, we had a couple of points where we had an opportunity to put the game out of reach and we didn't do it. We wanted to try and correct that tonight."

Bosh averages 21 points and 9 rebounds this season, and Raptors head coach Sam Mitchell seems to be proud of Bosh performance this season. "He took the ball to the basket strong and got to the free throw line," Mitchell said.

Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas wasn't happy about his teams performance against the Raptors, and he believes a foundation needs to be built. Thomas told his players there's lots of work that needs to be finished, and he gave an interesting example.

"We need to build a culture here. We need to build a foundation. That's our job, that's this group's job," Thomas said. "I've tried to put it in terms, I've told them we're kind of the concrete layers, we're the cement layers. When you move into your house, the guy who poured the concrete never really gets a chance to live in that beautiful house that he built. And our job right now is to make sure that we lay the concrete and we lay it correctly."

Knicks guard Jamal Crawford had 27 points, but suffered from 6 turnovers. He played 42 minutes and shot 9-17 from the field, and 2-9 from three point range. Knicks guard Nate Robinson finished with 24 points and zero turnovers, he played 42 minutes.

Knicks guard Stephon Marbury added with 13 points, and 8 assist. He played 38 minutes, and was 1-4 for free throws. Knicks forward David Lee only scored 6 points, but lead the Knicks with 10 rebounds.

Knicks forward Zach Randolph only played 9 minutes, and couldn't score. Knicks center Eddy Curry had 6 points, but both players weren't given comfortable minutes. Randolph showed his unhappiness, and said he wanted play. "Any player would get upset because they want to play," Randolph said. "I want to play. I love playing. I want to be out there."

Thomas believe Curry and Randolph didn't have the speed to compete against the Raptors, and he started players that had quick speed, and could compete with their (Raptors) level . "I thought he and Eddy both were just having problems with the foot speed of Toronto tonight and it was just a tough game to match up particularly for those two," Thomas said. "I just tried to go with quicker people and try to get us back in the game."

Thomas understands Randolph frustrations, and knew he wanted to play. "I'm sure he's frustrated, just like we all are frustrated, and the one thing I know about him is that he wants to play," Thomas said of Randolph. "Every player wants to play. No one likes to be taken out of the game. And so we'll just move on."

He'll never quite, and Thomas will continue to coach until the Knicks win an NBA Championship. Thomas said he'll put his time into this team, and wants to make things right. "I've never given it that thought. I only think about how fix it, how to make it right," Thomas said. "That's all my time and energy is focused on and until I do that, I'll be here trying to make it right."

Thomas doesn't believe Knicks owner James Dolan wants to fire him, because he comes to work everday puttting the effort into fixing the Knicks problems. "I think the fact that there hasn't been a change will let you know that when Mr. Dolan wants to do something, he does it," Thomas said. "And I show up for work every day and I said to you before, you're not going to find a person who's going to work harder at this than I am to try to fix it. And I'm hellbent on fixing it and I don't like that we're in this situation, but we are and I don't plan on leaving it."

Marion Jones Sentenced To Prison

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 20:03:00 +0000

After admitting to using performance enhancing drugs, Track and Field star Marion Jones was sentenced on Friday to six months in prison for telling untruths about using steroids and a check fraud scam, but Jones doesn't want to be separated from her two young children.

"I ask you to be as merciful as a human being can be," said Jones. After being sentenced for six months, Jones cried on her husband's shoulder.

Jones was ordered to start her sentence on March 11. The U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas mentioned he gave Jones the maximum under the plea deal, because he wants to send a message to athletes that used performance enhancing drugs, and never saw the importance of hard work.

"Athletes in society have an elevated status, they entertain, they inspire, and perhaps, most important, they serve as role models," Karas said.

On Friday Karas was to sentence Jones former coach Steve Riddick whom was a Olympic Champion, because he was involved in the check fraud scam as well.

Serving six months in prison wasn't enough because Jones was given two years of probation, Jones will be recommended to preform 800 hours of community service. Jones said she's disappointed in herself, and wants to do the right thing. "As everyone can imagine, I'm very disappointed today," Jones told reporters after sentencing. "But as I stood in front of all of you for years in victory, I stand in front of you today. I stand for what is right."

Jones continued saying she respects the Judges order, and learning from the past is something athletes should take notices of. "I respect the judge's order, and I truly hope that people will learn from my mistakes," said Jones.

The Judges believes her community service will take advantages of how she'll work with children. Jones didn't want to be sent to prison, because her family was important. Jones has three children including a newborn which she's nursing.

"My passion in life has always been my family," Jones said. "I know the day is quickly approaching when my boys ask me about these current events. I intend to be honest and forthright ... and guide them into not making the same mistakes."

Jones denied using performance enhancing drugs for a while, but later admitted she took steroids without a doctors perceptions. She admitted using "the clear" from September 2000 to July 2001. "The clear" which is a steroids, has been linked to BALCO. Jones had also lied about Tim Montgomery involvement in stolen money whom is the father of her two older children.

"The revelation that one of the sport's biggest stars took performance-enhancing drugs and repeatedly lied about it, in addition to being a party to fraud, has no silver lining," CEO Craig Masback and USA Track & Field president Bill Roe mentioned. "But, it is a vivid morality play that graphically illustrates the wages of cheating in any facet of life, on or off the track."

When admitting she used steroids, Jones held a press conferences and apologized emotionally. "It's with a great amount of shame that I stand before you and tell you that I have betrayed your trust," said Jones. "I have been dishonest, and you have the right to be angry with me. "I have let (my family) down. I have let my country down, and I have let myself down. ... I want to ask for your forgiveness for my actions, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

Victor Conte served months in prison, because he provided athletes including Jones with performance enhacing drugs. Conte is upset Jones was sentenced, and feels sad for her family.

"Marion did make some very poor choices, and she does deserve serious consequences. I certainly don't condone her repeated lies," Conte mentioned. "There is no doubt in my mind that she has learned gigantic lessons. Hopefully, she will be able to serve as an example and help others to make good decisions."

McNamee A Rapist?

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 21:23:00 +0000

Former New York Yankee strength coach told Senator George Mitchell he injected former Major League Baseball player Roger Clemens with human growth hormones and steroids, but more issues has crossed McNamee's path. According to detectives, it's possible McNamee lied during a investigation involving rape in 2001.

In 2001, McNamee denied having sex with a woman in a hotel pool, but security guards and other witnesses saw them according to police. McNamee's attorney called the detectives to arrange an interview.

"I explained to him that his client did talk with me once, and he lied to me," written by St. Petersburg Police detective Donald Crotty in a report. Charges wasn't filed from the state attorneys office.

Clemens used this incidents as an example of McNamee's dishonesty in a defamation lawsuit which was filed on Sunday in Texas.

Clemens claims McNamee wasn't truthful when stated he injected Clemens with human growth hormones and steroids. Clemens is a seven-time Cy Young award winner, and says McNamee has ruin his image.

"The significant thing is, when this guy's rear end is in trouble, does he lie?" said Clemens attorney Rusty Hardin. Clemens believe this helps his lawsuit against McNamee, and Hardin and himself has the edge. The lawsuit reports: "McNamee's explanation was totally at odds with the conclusions of the police officers conducting the official investigation in St. Petersburg."

McNamee's attorney Earl Ward disbelieves the St. Petersburg incident will not help Clemens lawsuit against McNamee. He said, the information that was given to Mitchell by NcNamee about Clemens involvement with performance enhancing drugs was believable to the senator and that will help McNamee fight this lawsuit.

"The bottom line is that allegation in Florida was investigated, and it went nowhere," Ward said. "It's just an attempt to further damage his character. It has no relevance." Ward believes bringing up this allegation has something to do with Clemens lawsuit, and their not worried.

It was released Tuesday by the St. Petersburg police that McNamee was accused of raping a women he met at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in October 2001. The Yankees were in town facing the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and many players and others were attending the Renaissance Vinoy Resort with McNamee.

The document stated, McNamee was having sex with a women in the pool and refused to stop when security confronted them. The police were informed, and when they arrived McNamee was helping this women out the pool and were getting dressed. This women was taken to the hospital, and they found GHB, "date-rape drug" in her system.

The women told detectives she didn't remember what had happen in the pool between her and McNameee. She continued saying she didn't give McNamee permission to have sex with her, and other witnesses heard this women telling McNamee "no" during this incident. Detectives found her jewelry, and a water bottom containing GHB near the pool.

The Police interviewed McNamee hours later, and he denied having sex with her. He refused to submit a DNA sample according to documents. Despite not having charges pressed against him, this incident ended McNamee's career with the Yankees.

Marbury Delivers

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 05:34:00 +0000

Despite the Chicago Bulls winning 11 of their last 14 games against the New York Knicks, and winning seven consecutive against them in Chicago. The Knicks forgot about those statistics after beating the Bulls 105-100, and that ended the Bulls seven consecutive winning streak against the Knicks at the United Center.

The first quarter wasn't impressive by the Knicks, because they trailed 27-24.

The Bulls field goal percentage was 43 percent, and the Knicks ended the first quarter shooting 44 percent from field goals as well. Defensively they allowed Bulls forward Joe Smith with 8 points, and 5 rebounds.

The Bulls out rebound the Knicks 20-9 in the first quarter. The Knicks had zero offensive rebounds, and the Bulls had 11.

The Knicks were able to regain the lead 53-52 to end the first half. Bulls guard Ben Gordon ended the first half with 14 points, and leading the league with 91.9 in free throw percentage.

Since Gordon's been coming from the bench, he's been averaging more points with 28 points. He avereged 17 points as a starter, but guard Chis Duhon replaced Gordon in the starting line-up.

Smith ended the first half with 10 points, and 9 rebounds. Kurt Hinrick had 8 points, whom is shooting 90 percent from free throws this season which is third in the league. The Knicks were shooting 51 percent the first half, and the Bulls were shooting 43 percent. The Knicks continued to struggle with offensive rebounds having only 5, with the Bulls having 14 ending the first half.

Knicks forward Zach Randolph averages 17 points and 10 rebounds, but wasn't able to perform his best against the Bull. Randolph had three of his five personal fouls before the second half.

The Knicks started the second half scoring eight unanswered points. Coming into the second half, Knicks guard Jamel Crawford had 17 points and Stephon Marbury had 10 points. Struggles creep on the Knicks, because the Bulls started the second half with thirteen unanswered points.

The Knicks trailed ending the third quarter, 78-88. Crawford only scored 2 points during the third quarter, but Knicks center Eddy Curry had 19 points.Randolph received his fifth personal foul in the fourth quarter, but Curry gotten his fourth block shot, which was helpful towards the Knicks.

The Knicks were able to tie the game at 100 points with 2:20 minutes in the fourth, after trailing by five points the entire quarter. They took a 102-100 lead with 1:55 minutes left, but Marbury scored an important three pointer with 11.4 seconds left in the game. Marburys three pointer gotten the Knicks their victory against the Bulls, and ended their seven game losing streak.

Curry lead the Knicks with 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Curry entered the game getting "booed" by the Chicago fans. He regained himself after letting Houston Rockets center Yao Ming score 30 points against him in his last game, and going scoreless in his last meeting against the Bulls. Crawford finished with 24 points, 5 assist, shooting 10-21 from the field, and playing 45 minutes.

Marbury scored 18 points, played 40 minutes, and shot 5-12 from field goals. After his 30 point performance against the Rockets, Knicks forward David Lee finished against the Bulls with 11 points and 8 rebounds. Lee averages 9 points and 8 rebounds per-game.

Knicks forward Quentin Richardson had 5 points, and he's averaging a career low 6 points per game this season. He wasn't listed to play, but Richardson decided to perform against the Bulls with a bruised thigh.

Knicks guard Nate Robinson had 7 points, but lead the Knicks with 10 assist which is a career high, and added 7 rebounds. The last five games, Robinson lead the Knicks averaging 18 points and shooting 51 percent from three point range.

Smith lead the Bulls with 22 points, and 12 rebounds including 5 offensively. Gordon had 21 points, shot 8-16 from the field. Hinrick finished with 20 points, and lead with 9 assist. Bulls center Ben Wallace had 4 points, but added 10 rebounds. Since Jim Boylan was named interim coach of the Bulls, Wallace points, minutes, and rebounds has increased.

McNamee Wants To Help

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 03:04:00 +0000

Former Major League Baseball player Roger Clemens held a 5 o'clock press conference which was viewed on ESPN 2. Clemens attorney Rusty Hardin played a taped telephone conversation between Clemens and former trainer Brian McNamee which happened on Friday.

"What do you want me to do?," was said by McNamee 21 times in the conversation. Clemens never answered McNamee pacifically, but wanted him to tell the truth.

"I need somebody to tell the truth, Mac," Clemens told McNamee. McNamee was willing to do anything for Clemens, and he made it known in his conversation. "What do you want me to do? I'll go to jail, I'll do whatever you want," McNamee said.

McNamee claims his son wasn't healthy, and that caused Clemens to call him. McNamee said he left his house, because lots of reporters were going to his house. He's living in a apartment in New York, and says his family wasn't doing great.

"He said his son was sick and dying. That's why I reached out," Clemens said.

Clemens stayed quiet when McNamee asked "what do you want me to do?" 21 times. "The last thing Roger wanted, just as we did, was any suggestion that we were trying to interfere or coerce a federal witness. So, yeah, all he kept saying (was) nothing. Except you hear him throughout saying, `Tell the truth."'

Clemens has filed a defamation lawsuit against McNamee, because he claims McNamee wasn't truthful with Senator George Mitchell during the investigation when said he injected Clemens with human growth hormones and steroids. Mitchell told McNamee he couldn't give false information, because he'll be charged. McNamee had also told Mitchell he injected Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte with human growth hormones in 2002.

Pettitte admitted he used human growth hormones during an elbow injury with the Houston Astros. "I had heard that human growth hormone could promote faster healing for my elbow," Pettitte said. "I felt an obligation to get back to my team as soon as possible. For this reason, and only this reason, for two days I tried human growth hormone."

Clemens claims is never used performance enhancing drugs, and says McNamee is giving false information. According to Clemens, McNamee only injected him with painkillers and vitamin B-12, but never performance enhancing drugs.

Clemens wasn't happy, and continued by saying he wasn't concern about his Hall of Fame status. "Do you think I played my career because I'm worried about the damn Hall of Fame?" Clemens said during the press conference. "You keep your vote. I don't need the Hall of Fame to justify that I put my butt on the line and I worked my tail off, and I defy anybody to say I did it by cheating or taking any shortcuts, OK?"

Clemens said he'll attend the Congress hearing, and he'll tell the truth. On "60 minutes" Clemens believes he's being treated wrong, and said it's like being "guilty until proven innocent." He doesn't know what he'll need to do to prove his innocence. "I'm going to Congress and I'm going to tell the truth," Clemens said. "I'm going to tell everything that I know about the situations and steroids and anything else that I have knowledge about, which isn't a lot."

McNamee told Clemens he wanted to help, and was willing to do anything. He doesn't have money, and was offered 7,000 dollars to speak on television, but McNamee refuse to take the offer. He reminded Clemens he was sorry for the attention this was brought on his family, and said he didn't want this to happen.

"I'm in your corner. I don't want this to happen. But I'd also like not to go to jail, too. I don't have any money. I have nothing," McNamee said. "I'm not doing a book deal. I got offered seven figures to go on TV. I didn't do it. I didn't take it. I didn't do anything. All I did was what I thought was right -- I never thought it was right, but I thought that I had no other choice, put it that way."

On Sunday, McNamee told Sports Illustrated, Clemens didn't abuse steroids but he used them. "He took them in late July, August, and never for more than four to six weeks max," he was quoted as saying. "Within the culture of what was going on, he was just a small part of it. A lot of guys did it. You can't take away the work Roger did. You can't take away the fact that he worked out as hard as anybody."

McNamee's attorney Richard D Emery wasn't pleased with his clients conversation with Clemens, and said it was "outrageous" and "disgusting." "It's outrageous and disgusting for them to for their own cynical purposes, to perpetuate a continuing lie, to use this child and splay his disease and disability all over the press for the world to know," Emery said. "It just shows they'll go to any lengths."

Giants Pass The Test

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:26:00 +0000

After going seven consecutive seasons without passing the first round of the post-season, the New York Giants were able to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-14, and they'll face the Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round on Sunday.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning was 20-27, with 185 yards, and 2 touchdowns. He's looking toward to playing the Cowboys next Sunday, but says it'll be tough.

"We love playing there, we love going down to Dallas," Manning said. "There are no secrets. It's a tough challenge against Dallas, we know that. We played them two times; maybe the third will be the charm."

Manning respects the Buccaneers, and says they play 100 percent every possession.

"They have veteran players and they are very sound with what they are doing," said Manning. "They don't give up big plays by mental mistakes. They are able to get a good pass rush whether they bring a blitz or just on the four-man rush. They mix up what they do enough and they are very sound and disciplined in their technique and in their coverage."

He was confident as well, because Manning felt good watching their tapes. "The more I look at them I will get a better feel, but I think they have talented players and they are confident in what they are doing," said Manning.

Giants receiver Amani Toomers finished with 7 reception, 1 touchdown, and 76 yards. He believes the Giants started sluggish, but pulled towards the end of the first half. "We weren't sluggish, but it was not like we were the week before," said Toomer. "We needed one play to get us going and for me to be the guy, I was excited."

Toomer believes Manning was productive enough to help the Giants against the Buccaneers. Toomer said, Manning stayed calm and didn't force anything. "Eli had a great game today," Toomer said. "He took what was out there and didn't force anything. He doesn't get real excited; there is more than one way to lead a team ... and he showed that today."

Giants running back Brandon Jacobs rushed for 34 yards and 1 touchdown. Giants rookie Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for 66 yards, but couldn't score.

Michael Strahan had six tackles, and Strahan says the Giants play better on the road. "I think as a team we seem to perform better on the road," Strahan said Giants defensive end. "I didn't know we won eight in a row. That's a great thing, because when it's the playoffs, if we're going to go as far as we want, we have to win every game on the road."

Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia had 23 receptions, 207 yards, and 1 touchdown pass. Garcia managed to throw two interceptions, but he admits those were "horrible" decisions. "That was a bad decision by me," Garcia said. "I was just trying to make a play and Webster had very good coverage on the play."

Garcia believes he didn't feel good about facing the Giants, and he expected a battle. "I don't think that I really look at those games as feeling like I - or believing that I - have an edge up on the Giants," Garcia said. "It is not like that at all. I feel like what we did those days we were able to make enough plays to win the football game, but it is going to be a battle."

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin says Garcia has played outstanding this season, wanted the Giants to pressure him. Coughlin added saying the Giants know Garcia's strengths and they spent time focusing on them.

"He certainly has done an outstanding job for them. He is the guy that you have to try to do something about," Coughlin said. "You have to get pressure on him; you have to contain him; you have to get up in his face. You have to do all of those kinds of things. And of course they are always trying to create opportunities for him to be able to be in a position that he can take full advantage of. So we definitely know of the strengths of Jeff Garcia, how well he is playing. And we will spend a week trying to do something about it."

Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden feels confident with Garcia, and says he's a large man with Miami Heat center Shaquille O'Neal's features.

"Jeff Garcia is a large man," Gruden says. "He's Shaquille O'Neal. He's a man's man, and a hell of a player. He's enormous, on the inside. The 49ers know it. Philly knows it. Hell, Saskatchewan knows it, too."

Despite losing against the Giants, Garcia believes Gruden is a great coach. "It was the perfect time to join up and create a positive force," Garcia says. "I love his intensity, his enthusiasm – just everything about him. He expects a lot out of himself, and it really carries over onto the whole team from a personality standpoint."

Gruden likes the Giants defense, and thinks their excellent. He believes their blitzing is great, and says everyone is cable of getting sacks.

"It's not just the four guys up front; it's the perimeter blitz package," Gruden said. "They're a great overload blitzing team; you're going to see their cornerbacks have sacks, their linebacking corps has sacks, sacks are coming from all over the place. It's a credit to this scheme and to their personnel, they do an excellent job."

Knicks Fall Short

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 19:12:00 +0000

Playing competitive wasn't enough for the New York Knicks to defeat the San Antonio Spurs yesterday. Falling to the Spurs 97-93, gives the Knicks a 8-23 record. This team remains fifth in the Atlantic divsion, and they're fourteenth in the Eastern Conference.

The Knicks lost six consecutive games, and are 1-12 on the road. They've won 2 out of 10 games, and they're 20 games back of the lead in their division.

"We competed from the start. We played hard," said Crawford. "We had several chances down the stretch. That's all you can ask -- a chance to win."Crawford sprained his left shoulder in the third quarter. He finished with 24 points, lead with 6 assist, and 5 turnovers.

Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas said, they'll need to play harder and smarter. He continued saying, the Knicks give a good effort, but not enough.

"We have to play harder and smarter, particularly to beat the world champs in their building," Thomas said. "You need to play with great intelligence. I thought we played with great effort but our intelligence needs to catch up with our effort."

Earlier in the week, Thomas said he believes the Knicks are cable of winning a championship. He isn't leaving until the job is finished, but believes he won't be taken seriously. "I know people will laugh even more at me, but I'm hell bent on getting this accomplished and making sure that we get it done," said Thomas. "And I'm not leaving until we get it done."

According to Thomas, the Knicks don't play together and that's their weakness. The Knicks just stand around, and give zero effort sometimes, but says the Knicks have great individual talent.

"There's a refusal to come together and play collectively," Thomas said. "We do it in spurts, but then we sit back and we watch. Just somehow got to push through this and get them playing together as a group, because individually they do have talent."

Eddy Curry lead the Knicks with 25 points, and 12 rebounds. He played 32 minutes, and was 10-12 from field goals. After missing months of basketball Stephon Marbury returned, and had 16 points.

"He feels that he's ready to play emotionally, and physically he's had enough practices up underneath him that I think that he can definitely play 20-25 minutes. I don't know if he's ready to play a 40-minute game, but we'll see," said Thomas.

The Spurs are first in the Southwest division with a record of 22-9. Bruce Bowen believes the only improvement that needs to be made is free throw shooting, but they're competitive. Bowen lead with 15 points, and played 41 minutes.

"It was great at the end there. The only way you can continue to improve your free throw shooting is by getting to the line," Bowen said. "So it's something I was definitely happy with as far as ... getting the opportunity to feel comfortable there."

Matt Bonner and Michael Finley had 14 points each, but Finley scored an important basket that helped the Spurs towards the end. "That's why they're the champs," Knicks coach. "You were hoping for a miss, but that was all net."

Tim Duncan had 12 points, 5 assist, and lead with 9 rebounds. "It came down to us turning the ball over in rotations," said Duncan. "A lot of it down the stretch was my fault. I'll take a lot of responsibility for it."

Robert Horry had 8 points and 6 rebounds; Tony Parker added with 12 points, and 5 assist.

Gatlin's Ban Reduced, but Not Enough

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 06:49:00 +0000

Track and Field star Justin Gatlin tested positive for testosterone in April 2006, and that caused his eight year ban from the Olympics. Recently, Gatlin's ban was shorten to four years, but not enough for him to compete in the 100 meter title this year in the Olympics.

On Tuesday, an arbitration panel agreed to reduce Gatlins ban to four years, and he'll be able to compete in 2010. Gatlin's ban ends on May 24, 2010, and it's understood that Gatlin won't be competing in the Beijing Olympics in August 2008.

Gatlins first doping offense happened in 2001. When Gatlin tested positive in 2001, he was banned for two years from international competition.

After two positive test, Gatlin still believes he hasn't done anything wrong. "I'm a fighter and I've been a fighter from the very beginning and I'm going to continue to fight," Gatlin discussed with the Washington Post. "I know in my heart I haven't done anything wrong. I have been robbed. I have been cheated of an opportunity to finish my career."

According to the arbitration panel, Gatlin's first dopping offense in 2001 won't help his chances of winning an appeal. Gatlin was 19 years old, and was a junior at the University of Tennessee when he tested positive for amphetamines. Gatlin stopped taking amphetamines two days before the competition, but it was still in his system according to case records. The International Association of Athletics Federations reinstated Gatlin after one year served.

Gatlin could appeal, because it's possible the 2001 doping offense wasn't Gatlins fault according to the panel. Gatlin could also ask the IAAF for clarification on their ruling in 2001, and this could help his appeal for the 2006 ban the arbitration panel added.

"The actions of the IAAF clearly suggest at a minimum, a finding of 'no significant fault' in 2001," the arbitration panel said. "However, there is no evidence from which this panel may determine that a finding of 'no fault' under the current WADA standard was made or could be inferred."

If the 2001 doping offense is ruled "no significant fault," Gatlin will still be held responsible for the positive test. His first offense will be erased if found "no fault." Testing was different in 2001, because the World Anti Doping Code is more established now.

Many believe Gatlin has a chance and the fight isn't over, according to Gatlin's family member. A person that answered Gatlin's parents phone said the family feels wrongly done. This person said Gatlin has a disability, and the family is going to decide what's next for him.

Gattlin's attorney refused to return messages that was left on his cell phone, and hasn't made any comments about this issue.

According to Gatlin, he doesn't know how steroids gotten into his system. Gatlin accused a therapist for rubbing a steroid cream on him, but the therapist denied the allegations.

The arbitration panel said, Gatlin was injected with vitamin B-12 by an assistant coach which Gatlin has acknowledged.

"We have no higher priority than the commitment we have made to clean competition," Darryl Seibel said whom is the U.S. Olympics committee spokesmen. "If that means leaving behind when we go to the Games an athlete who has the talent and ability to break world records, but has also cheated, so be it. That's an easy choice to make."

The ruling said Gatlin was unhappy during his testimony and the arbitration panel cannot eliminate the possibility that Gatlin recieved testosterone from a coach.

"While Mr. Gatlin seems like a complete gentleman, and was genuinely and deeply upset during his testimony, the panel cannot eliminate the possibility that Mr. Gatlin intentionally took testosterone, or that he accepted it from a coach, even though he testified to the contrary," the ruling said.

Bill Bock whom is the USADA general counselor said, Gatlin helped federal authorities by wearing a wire to catch former coach Trevor Graham an communication. Graham was a Track and Field coach, and he provided athletes with performance enhancing drugs.

"Mr. Gatlin should be commended for his decision to cooperate with authorities following his positive test," USADA chief executive officer Travis Tygart said in a statement. "However, these efforts do not completely remove his responsibility for his second doping offense. Given his cooperation and the circumstances relating to Mr. Gatlin's first offense, the four-year penalty issued by the arbitration panel is a fair and just outcome."

Happy Ending

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 01:28:00 +0000

Michigan Wolverines former head coach Lloyd Carr finished is coaching career at Michigan with a victory against the Florida Gators, 41-35.

The game ended with Carr being carried on the field, and Michigan players pouring water on him for their last goodbyes. Carr said it's meaningful, because he enjoyed his last game with the players.

"It's extremely meaningful on a personal level," Carr said. "But the reason it's meaningful is because I can be in that locker room with the guys that did it. Our coaches put together a great game plan, our players executed. Of course, we were big so-called underdogs.

"To come up with that kind of effort and to find a way to win means that we have some memories that we're all going to be able to celebrate for years to come."

Carr worked hard at Michigan, and never took a break. There's lots of problems to worry about, and Carr believes its time for someone else to fix them.

"I think it's time to let somebody else worry about all those issues," said Carr. "It is consuming. There is never a day when you aren't at work. Whether you're on vacation, or wherever you are it is 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."

Michigan hired former West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez to replace Carr. Carr likes the idea, and says everyone is excited. "I think it's a great hire," Carr said. "He's a young guy with great passion and enthusiasm. I think everybody that loves this place is excited."

Five years worth of effort has been put into Michigan's football program, and there's been some unhappy times. "They have put four or five years into this program and certainly for this team we have had some obstacles and some difficult times, but there is outstanding leadership in that senior class," Carr said. "For me, I'll just be one of them, one of the guys that will participate in his last game at Michigan. So we are all looking forward to it."

Carr brought interest to 2007 Heisman Trophy Winner Tim Tebow in high school, and Carr tried hard to recruit Tebow. "We tried very hard to recruit Tim to Michigan," Carr said. "He has had an incredible season and is a guy that in the past 25 years ... has done some things that no other quarterback has done.

"He is all the things that you look for. He is very tough, he is very smart, gets them into the right plays and is an exciting player to watch."

Tebow wasn't happy about losing against Michigan, and says it takes lots of positivity out of the season. "You definitely don't want to end the season on a losing note, so it definitely does take a little bit of the positive out of," Tebow said. Tebow was 17-33, 154 yards, 3 touchdowns against Michigan.

Gators head coach Mike Myers had confidence to win, but his team couldn't produce. "The deflater is when you go ahead and score on the fake punt and that drive and then boom, boom, boom, right down the field and they score," Meyer said. "You have to answer score for score. I really thought we'd have a chance to come back and win that thing, but we didn't get it going."

Many Michigan players were happy, because Carr leaves Michigan a winner. "We couldn't ask for anything else," Mike Hart said. "We were all happy for him. Any time we get a victory, we're always happy. But we knew it was his last game, the seniors' last game, and when we leave on top like that, it's awesome. Obviously it was emotional after the game. It's sad but happy. It was my last game in a Wolverines jersey and his last game coaching. We all had mixed emotions." Hart finished with 2 touchdowns, 129 yards, and 32 rushes.

Michigan quarterback Chad Henne had 373 yards passing, and three touchdowns. He said after the game, it was amazing because Carr deserves this victory. "It was an amazing feeling for us to send him out the right way," said Henne, which was 25-39 with completed passes. "He deserves so much and we really played our hearts out and put everything out on the field and let him go out the right way."

Carr loves Michigan, and enjoys the environment. "What they did in this game and this environment, well, I love them to death," Carr said.

Those were his final words.

Boston Looking Serious

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 18:49:00 +0000

Yesterday, the Boston Celtics were able to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers, 110-91. The Lakers were wearing throwback uniforms with the "underwear" shorts, and Jerry West was attending the game. With the Lakers having lots of attention, they still weren't able to defeat the Celtics at the Staple Center.

Kobe Bryant finished with 22 points and 6 rebounds; he was 6-25 from field goals, and 0-6 from three point range. Bryant said, the Celtics are an elite team, and believes their on a different level then others.

"They're one of the elite teams. They're at the next level," Bryant said. "They're at the level we're trying to get to, and the challenge is there for us -- do we want to stay in this middle pack, or do we want to get to that next level?

"And that requires for us to kind of double the work load."

Bryant didn't feel comfortable wearing those uniforms, and said he felt violated.

"I don't know what it feels like to wear a thong, but I imagine it feels something like what we had on in the first half," Bryant said. "I felt violated. I felt naked. It's one thing to see films with guys wearing those things. ... I'd rather stay warm, man."

Lamar Odom had 14 points with 10 rebounds; Derek Fisher added with 11 points, and was 4-10 from field goals.

With this victory, the Celtics are 26-3 and are first in the Atlantic division. The Celtics won six consecutive games, and won nine out of their last ten as well. Beating the Lakers wasn't a surprise, because the Celtics are 12-2 on the road.

Celtics head coach Doc Rivers believes the Lakers uniforms helped the Celtics get the victory. "I think it played in our favor, the atmosphere, because they had to get it from somewhere, and maybe those shorts helped us," said Rivers.

Before the game, the Lakers organization played an entertaining film on the big screen. Rivers said he enjoyed it, and believes it was classy.

"I don't know if it spurred anyone on, but I hope it gave everyone a history lesson in some ways. I thought it was a really classy move, and really cool to watch," Rivers said.

Bostons victory kept Lakers head coach Phil Jackson from moving ahead of former Celtics head coach Red Auerbach for most regular season victories. "The longer you stay here, the more wins you're going to accumulate," Jackson said. "But I've never really followed that stuff, you know?"

Jackson said, the teams he's coached in his career is the reason for his success. "Fortunately, I've had really good teams and they've accumulated a lot more wins in a short period of time. But still and all, it's really just longevity and it speaks for hanging in there," said Jackson.

Paul Pierce lead all scores with 33 points, and finished with 8 rebounds. Pierce said the Celtics are a target, because everyone wants to defeat them.

"Guys are going to come out and try and talk us out of our games. We know we have a big red target on our back and everybody wants to beat the Celtics. We have the best record in the league and we have to be ready mentally and not get caught up in those little games," said Pierce.

Pierce wasn't happy, and wanted to improve. "I was really mad at myself at the half," said Pierce. "I knew I was going to come out more aggressive at both ends of the court. That's what I tried to do."

Rivers wanted to get Pierce more involved, because it was needed. "We had to get him going," Rivers said. "Once he got it going, you know, you've seen Paul, it's tough to turn him back off."

Lots of technicals were called, but Rivers said everyone was excited. "I thought it was just chippy," Rivers said. "I thought everyone was excited, both the teams and the refs. The refs were just trying to get everybody to calm down."

Odom was called for a flagrant foul, and Ray Allen got a technical on the same play. Allen believes it's Odom's problem. "I don't know what Odom was thinking. I got the rebound and he tackled me. I know this is Sunday, but this is the wrong field," said Allen.

Allen finished with 19 points and 6 rebounds; Kevin Garnett had 22 points and 12 rebounds.

Say Hello Too 16-0

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 19:29:00 +0000

Yesterday, the New England Patriots became the first team to finish the season 16-0, after defeating the New York Giants, 38-35.

Tom Brady said, the Patriots have been dealing with 16-0 all season, and facing the Giants was strange for them.

"We've been dealing with being undefeated all season," Brady said. "It was kind of a strange game. It really doesn't mean much to either team, but it means a lot."

Brady understood their chances of going 16-0, and he believes it's great for the Patriots.

"We know we have an opportunity to get to 16," said Brady. "That would be a great accomplishment for this team."

Brady was 32-42, with 356 yards, and 2 touchdown passes.

Brady broke Indianapolis Colts quarterback Payton Mannings record for most touchdown passes in a single season. Brady said it's great, but winning is more important.

"When you look back at the end of your career, you'll be excited about individual records," Brady said, "but winning's more important and I think that's really what everyone's concerned about."

Brady was happy, because they were able to defeat a playoff team. "What I'm most proud of is playing a playoff team on the road that was playing extremely hard," Brady said. "We found a way to come back and win. We did the same thing at Dallas. We did the same thing at Indy. We've been in some tough games. Everyone is going to enjoy this one. It happens once every 35 years."

Brady understands there will be competition in the post-season, and he's ready for the competitiveness. "We're down 10 or 11 (actually 12) in the third quarter, the crowd was into it, and we found a way to win," Brady said. "That's the way it's going to be down the stretch ... just hope we can continue to play this kind of football."

The Patriots are the second team to finish undefeated in the regular season. 1972 Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula says its a great accomplishment, but it's difficult to achieve.

"Going undefeated during the regular season is a remarkable achievement," coach Don Shula said. "I know firsthand how difficult it is to win every game, and just as we did in 1972, the Patriots have done a great job concentrating on each week's opponent and not letting any other distractions interrupt that focus. If they go on to complete an undefeated season, I will be the first to congratulate Coach Belichick and the Patriot organization."

Randy Moss had 6 receptions, 100 yards, and 2 touchdown catches. Moss said lots of people didn't think they'll be 16-0, and he thanks his team. "Hats off to us," said Moss. "I know a lot of people didn't think we were going to do it. A lot of people didn't want us to do it. In this game of football, it's hard to go 16-and-0. As a football player and a fan of the game, my hat's off to this organization."

Moss said the Giants were standing in their way, and the Patriots needed the victory. "We play the Giants next," Moss said. "They're standing in our way and we'll try to get a victory. We'll put 11 on the field and try to get a victory."

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said it's a great feeling, but he doesn't want to rush anything. "It's a great feeling," Belichick said. "Now is the time to take a day or two and appreciate what this team has done, but at the same time we have our biggest game of the year coming up. Pretty soon we need to turn the page and move on."

Belichick said this has been a distraction for the Patriots, and believes his team has done a great job dealing with the attention. "There have been things every week, different distractions every week that we've dealt with," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "I think the players have done a good job of staying focused in approaching the games, coming to work, working hard and paying attention, putting the team first."

Before the game started, Belichick said he just wanted to win. "I hope we can go on a one game-winning streak," Belichick said. "Just get ready, have a good week and be able to win on Saturday. ... There is maybe a time to reflect on that, but right now is not it."

Eli Manning was 22-32, with 251 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Manning said they didn't win, but everyone felt great. "We didn't win the game, but if you saw everybody in the locker room, everybody was excited," Manning said. "I never saw a locker room so upbeat after a loss because we played so well, did some good things and hung in there in a game where we didn't have to play. We wanted to. We wanted to come out and play well, and we did that."

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said this was a positive game. "There is nothing but positives," Coughlin said. "I told the players in playing this game everything would be positives, there would be no negatives and that is how I feel. I don't know any better way to be prepared for the playoffs than to go against a team that was 15-0."

The Giants want to win every game according to Coughlin, but said they can't improve. "We want to win every game, and we want our players to be as sharp as they can, but that having been said, I am aware of the fact that all the things you talk about are true," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Monday. "We cannot improve our lot, etc. I won't be really painted into the corner on any of those things. I wish I had a more definitive answer."

Coughlin didn't rest his players, because the Giants wanted to win. "Of course you play every game to win, and so all of our thoughts are on that," Coughlin said. "All of our thoughts are on trying to figure out how we can be in a position to defeat a team that is 15-0 and a very, very good team."

Phil Jackson Is Even With Auerbach

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 00:11:00 +0000

Yesterday, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to defeat the Utah Jazz 123-109. Lakers head coach Phil Jackson is tied with former Boston Celtics head coach Red Auerbach with regular season victories.

Jackson said he never paid much attention to his accomplishment, but the longer you stay in the NBA, the more wins a coach gets according to Jackson.

"The longer you stay here, the more wins you're going to accumulate," Jackson said. "But I've never really followed that stuff, you know? I think the night that made the most sense to me, in terms of numbers of wins, was when I got my 500th and Bill Fitch was coaching on the other side. He was my college coach, and he came over and shook my hand after the game."

Jackson has won nine NBA Championships, and twelve including as a player. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame on September 7, and only coached two teams in his NBA coaching career.

"Fortunately, I've had really good teams and they've accumulated a lot more wins in a short period of time. But still and all, it's really just longevity and it speaks for hanging in there," Jackson said.

Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan believes it's hard to compare Jackson to Auerbach, because they coached different players. "They didn't have the same people. If they coached all the same guys, maybe you could compare them. But they've both been blessed with great players, and that gives you a chance every night," said Sloan. "Phil's always done a great job coaching his teams. It's one thing to have great players, but it's another to be able to coach them and win with them." Sloan has 1,051 career victories in his NBA coaching career, and that fourth on the list.

Former NBA player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, agrees with Sloan, because Jackson and Auerbach are two different coaches and they both coached in different era's."Their eras are so different, it's difficult to make a comparison," Abdul-Jabbar said. "Phil coached in an entirely different era, and I really don't think it translates. It's kind of like comparing somebody like Joe Torre to Connie Mack. "

Abdul-Jabbar said Jackson was lucky to get the great players he had, and believes lots of other coaches wouldn't be able to succeed like Jackson.

"Phil always seems to get good mileage out of good players," Abdul-Jabbbar said. "It involves a lot of patience, and you've got to be lucky enough to find players with the right chemistry. I think a lot of coaches who could have that kind of talent might not have done as well. You'll never know, but I think that has a lot to do with it."

Kobe Bryant had 31 points against the Jazz, with 7 rebounds, and lead with 5 turnovers. Bryant said the Lakers are getting better, and their improving each day. "We're getting better. It's just about getting better each day," said Bryant. "It's good to have games like this. We have a solid foundation, we really do."

Derek Fisher and Andrew Bynum had 10 points each, but Fisher had 8 assist and Bynum had 9 rebounds. Bryant said he's seeing results from Bynum, and the hard work in the summer is helping.

"The best thing about it is he's put in so much work over the summer and now," Bryant said. "The biggest thing for him is he's seeing results. The sky's the limit for him."

Lamar Odom had 17 points with 7 assist; Trevor Ariza had 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assist. Jordan Farmar added with 14 points and 3 rebounds.

Sloan said the Lakers destroyed them in the first half, and believes the Lakers are good defensively. "They beat us about every way you can," Sloan said. "They came out and destroyed us that first half. They were so good defensively, we couldn't get anything. We started to think we could beat them one-on-one, and we just didn't have much of a chance to do that, either."

Carlos Boozer lead with 20 points and 11 rebounds, and only played 29 minutes. Boozer said it was a big game, and they needed to finish strong. "It's a big win for us," Boozer said. "It feels good to be on the other side. We beat a very good team and held our composure at the end for a change. We executed our plays and finished strong."

Ronnie Brewer and C.J. Miles had 18 points each. Deron Williams suffered with 6 points, and lead with 4 turnovers. Williams said the Jazz aren't playing like their the best team in the Western Conference.

"We closed out a ballgame for a change," said Williams. "We have always felt like we are one of the better teams in the Western Conference, but we haven't been playing that way. Tonight is a move in the right direction."

Denver Beats Warriors

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 18:20:00 +0000

The Denver Nuggets record is 18-11, and their in first place in the Northwest division. Beating the Golden State Warriors yesterday, 124-120 helps them stay with the lead.

Allen Iverson said it's never fun playing against the Warriors, because they compete every game.

"No, it's not fun playing them," Iverson said. "I don't know why you all think it would be fun. It's fun for the fans, but it's not fun for the guys trying to defend the way they play. They just keep coming at you all game."

Iverson lead the Nuggets with 39 points, 6 assist, but suffered with 4 turnovers. Iverson said he likes to run, but the Warriors run a little too much. He believes it's fun playing that style, but it's not fun defending it.

"I like to run up and down the court, but they make it outrageous," Iverson said. "They might run even too much for me, especially on the defensive end. It has to be fun to play that style, but to defend it isn't too nice."

Iverson says, Marcus Camby is the most important defense player for the Nuggets, because he has lots of responsibility's. "As he goes, we go," Iverson said. "He takes up so much responsibility, he enables me to be one of the top guys in the league with steals because I can gamble a lot with Marcus back there and not pay for it."

Camby finished with 15 points, and lead with 16 rebounds. Camby believes defense wasn't needed against the Warriors, because both teams were scoring at will.

"I thought this would be a game where you pretty much throw the defense out the door, which was pretty much the case," Camby said. "Both teams were pretty much scoring at will. It came down to whoever made plays down the stretch."

Carmelo Anthony had 30 points, 8 rebounds, and suffered with 5 turnovers. Anthony shot 8-8 from free throws, 0-2 from three point range, and 11-22 from field goals. Linas Kleiza finished with 15 points, and 5 rebounds.

Nene said the Nuggets need to play team basketball, because it'll help them succeed this season. "If we play like that, unselfish, getting the ball to the open man, we'll win a lot of games and we'll go far this season," said Nene.

Nuggets head coach George Karl said the Warriors played wild, and believes it's good for the league. "They're wild and crazy," Karl said. "That's how they play. I like it because I think sometimes the basketball world thinks you can only play one way. There's a lot of ways to play in basketball and Nellie is one of the best at innovating a style that fits his team. We're a little wild and crazy, too."

Stephen Jackson lead with 32 points, and finished with 5 rebounds, and 4 assist. Jackson said he didn't play well, and believes he disappointed his team. "My team relied on me to win tonight and I didn't play well," Jackson said. "Point blank I've got to shoot better. We have to work too hard and I've got to play a lot better and the shots I take I've got to shoot better." Jackson missed an important three pointer to finish the game.

Baron Davis had 29 points, and lead with 13 assist. Andris Biedrins had 14 points, and lead with 12 rebounds. Al Harrington added with 13 points, but was 5-15 from field goals, and 0-4 from three point range.

Monta Ellis finished with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assist. Warriors head coach Don Nelson said, it's really fun to watch Ellis because he's getting better. "He's just getting better all the time, really fun to watch," Nelson said. "It was a perfect game for him to gain some more maturity and be at the line under pressure."

Nelson said the Warriors couldn't stop the Nuggets two best players, and believes that was the problem. "Obviously we couldn't control their two best players," Nelson said. "When they score 124 points and only have 13 assists, that tells you that they are doing a lot of one-on-one stuff and the greatness of those two players made it very difficult for us."

Knicks Couldn't Get Magic

noreply@blogger.com (Kenrick Thomas) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 18:51:00 +0000

The Orlando Magic are dominating this season, because their leading the Southeast division with a record of 19-11. They were able to defeat the New York Knicks 110-96, yesterday in Orlando.

Hedo Turkoglu lead with 26 points, and was able to get 6 rebounds, and 6 assist. Turkoglu says the Magic aren't trying 100 percent at home this season, but that changed against the Knicks.

"We've been letting teams off easy when they come here, but we didn't do that this time," said Turkoglu. "We had it going the whole second half and didn't have to try and pull something out in the final minutes."

Turkoglu scored 10 points during a 20-6 run in the fourth quarter. That gave the Magic a comfortable lead.

Rashard Lewis scored 25 points with 6 rebounds. Lewis said playing defense in the second half made everything easier.

"We've got to keep bringing it at teams like that when we're at home," Lewis said. "We really picked it up defensively in the second half and that made things easier for us offensively."

Dwight Howard finished with a double-double; he had 16 points and 11 rebounds. Keith Bogans scored 10 points with 7 rebounds, he was 4-14 from field goals, and 1-11 from three point range.

Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy said his team played soft, and he feels bad for the fans. "I feel bad for our fans," Van Gundy said. "I would have booed a lot louder than that. ... And I hope they will, if they put out the same effort the next time we're here.

"We had a team-wide effort of guys getting their (butts) kicked, and a lot of guys right now, they're OK with that as long as they get their numbers. It's probably gonna continue until we get some guys who want to win."

The Knicks remain in fifth place with this lost, and their record is 8-20. Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas said he'll make some changes to the starting line-up, because he believes the wrong players are starting.

"We probably have the wrong guys starting and we'll look to change our lineup and try to get some more energy and defensive guys in the lineup," said Thomas.

Zach Randolph agrees with Thomas, because he believes a change is needed. Randolph said the players will need to accept the changes that will be made, because something isn't right.

"That is what we need, a change," Randolph said. "Obviously we are not doing something right. If he is going to make a change, guys have to be willing to accept a role. Guys have to be supportive." Randolph finished with 22 points, and 9 rebounds.

Jamal Crawford lead the Knicks with 29 points and 8 assist. He finished with 9-22 from field goals, and 2-5 from three point range. Crawford said the Knicks played great, but didn't continue their success towards the end.

"We had 36 good minutes, but the last 12 just got away from us," Crawford said. "We defended well, shot the ball well, but it just got away from us at the end."

David Lee had 11 points with 14 rebounds. Eddy Curry wasn't in the starting line-up, and he doesn't want that to contiune. Curry finished with two points, no rebounds, and one turnover.

"It's extremely tough to sit that long," Curry said. "I'm not used to that at all and I hope it doesn't continue. I just think at some point I'm going to have to be out there for us to win the game."