![[SPORTS] DWYANE WADE, LEBRON JAMES BATTLE FOR LAST TIME](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8864-1.jpg?resize=590%2C350&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 11, 2018 | SPORTS
Best Friends Forever Linked In NBA Lure
Dwyane Wade has not fully processed that this is his last season in the NBA, opting to live in the moment as his career winds down.
But the final matchup against one of his top foes and former teammate LeBron James on Monday night wasn’t going to be swept under the rug, admitting as much that this game was gonna be “a little extra special.”
“I’m not gonna sit here and tell you, oh it’s just another one of 82, no it’s not for me. It’s a game where I get to play against not only one of my best friends but one of the game’s greatest players for the last time.”
Like the two have on many occasions, each shared the floor with each other in the final minutes of a game hanging in the balance. After Dwyane Wade’s Heat took a 96-90 lead with 7:18 in the fourth quarter, it was his close pal taking over the game.
LeBron James scored eight of Los Angeles’ next 11 points to put Los Angeles out front, only to see his competitive former teammate score and assist on two consecutive possessions to tie the game at 103-103 with 2:53 remaining.
With the Lakers holding a uncomfortable one-point edge, Miami’s defense came up with several stops with a chance to take the lead in the final 90 seconds. Wade, catching the ball underneath the rim on the pass that got to him late, drifted away along the right baseline before taking a degree of difficulty turnaround jumper, that even at his age, he feels confident in making.
In the next sequence, James and Wade would have their first one-on-one encounter of the game that brought the Staples Center crowd out of their seats as Wade eagerly jumped on James’ hip looking to lockdown his buddy down, only to be picked off with a screen from one of James’ new teammates, and James going on to attempt a fadeaway jumper near the top of the key that fell short.
The second would occur with the Lakers up 108-105 with time winding down in fourth quarter and Wade with the ball in his hands vs. James.
After being well-defended on the play, Wade used a turnaround to create room for a look at a 3-pointer, only to see the shot miss well off the rim.
After seeing Justise Winslow’s last ditch 3-point try for the Miami Heat fail to go in, the two men playfully mixed it up after the game’s final horn before hugging and embracing each other. They would soon, with a number of cameras surrounding them, exchange jerseys with one another in a classic screenshoot of both holding each other’s jerseys for the cameras in their hands.
Following the Los Angeles Lakers 108-105 victory, James reflected on his final battle with his soon to be retired teammate.
“Like I been saying all week, it’s bittersweet, man,” James said, who was standing side-by-side with his best friend following the game. “Every possession you was just like…the next one is getting closer and closer to the last one.
“So a lot of emotions going on for me right now just knowing I’m losing a brother in this game that I had so many wars with, so many wars with each other together and separate. It’s no better way than to end it in Staples Center. This is my guy man.”
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade had battled to a standstill of 15-15 against each other in 30 head-to-head matchups coming into tonight, with James coming out on top now in a series of battles best defined by each’s competitive spirit and individual brilliance as players.
Wade spent four seasons in Miami with James, as the two helped lead Miami to four NBA Finals appearances that culminated in two NBA world titles. Wade signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers last season for one last hurrah with his former teammate, only to be traded at the NBA trade deadline earlier this year to the place where his jersey will one day be hanging in the rafters.
When it was time for Wade to share his thoughts after their memorable final duel, Wade caught himself of getting emotional about the moment.
“This is what you play for. Playing against one of the greatest players ever,” Wade said after the game. “Whether we were teammates or whether we were opponents, we brought the best out of each other and I’m just thankful that I had the opportunity to be able to be drafted at the same time as this guy.
“And the friendship that we have, you guys know that’s beyond basketball. But I’m gonna miss this. I’m gonna miss it. I’m gonna miss this s*** out of this man.”
Wade and James exchanged trash talk as James attempted and made two free throws that would put Los Angeles up 108-105 with 22.5 seconds left in the game, as Wade tried to get into the head of James.
After going scoreless in the first half, Wade picked it up in the second half for the Miami Heat off the bench, scoring 15 second-half points. He also finished the game with 10 assists and five rebounds in 32 minutes.
His counterpart, James, scored 28 points while adding 12 rebounds and nine assists as he continued to power Los Angeles, who is now 17-10 and rising in the Western Conference standings.
They both came into the league together, and while the 2018-19 season is Dwyane Wade’s swan song, the two will forever be linked to each other in a number of ways.
Dwyane Wade guided Miami to their first NBA championship in his third NBA season at age 24. His earlier Heat teams were contenders, with him leading the charge in the Eastern Conference, all before the emergence of LeBron James’ Cavaliers teams and the creation of the Boston Celtics “Big Three” of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen in the East.
James had said earlier in his career that at some point he wanted to play on a team with Wade, and after both were bounced from the postseason by Boston, the two finally did join forces, along with another 03′ draft class star in Chris Bosh.
The formation of the Miami Heat in the summer of 2011 changed the NBA, as it led to future superstars willing to take pay cuts to build or form super teams. For better or worse is for those who want to debate it.
“It’s bitter and sweet,” James told the media ahead of the game. “It’s sweet and sour. The sweet part about it is I’ve always being on the same floor with my brother. We struck up a relationship together at a combine in 2003, and it started from there. And the sour part about it is that this is our last time sharing the same court.”
That day at the 2003 combine led to a unbreakable bond forming between the two men, who’s friendship goes as deep as being blood brothers.
The two future Hall of Famers were a dynamic pairing when wearing the same uniforms, even with Wade dealing with injuries for much of the final two years of their run together.
In battle together or against one another, the high respect each holds for one another and brotherhood they shared has been the same no matter.
“This is one of the greatest players to ever play in this game,” James said after the game. “And just a privilege he is to enter the league with me, it’s beyond mutual. We gon’ miss flash, man. We gon’ miss him in this league for sure.”
What will you remember most about Dwyane Wade? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] NFL PLAYOFF PICTURE: RAVENS, VIKES HOLD EDGES](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8862-1-1.jpg?resize=730%2C487&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 11, 2018 | SPORTS
Race For Sixth Seeds As Deep As Ever
There are only three weeks to go in the NFL regular-season, and while lightening and thunder struck a number of teams playoff hopes this past weekend, the hunt is still very much on with much to be decided.
In the AFC, the New England Patriots and Houston Texans will jockey for a possible first-round bye while the Pittsburgh Steelers have very much allowed the Baltimore Ravens back into the AFC North race.
The final wildcard playoff spot that Baltimore has positioned themselves for is a four-team race with three other 7-6 teams vying for that spot.
In the NFC, the New Orleans Saints have work to do to secure home-field advantage, while the final spot in the NFC is up for grabs.
Here is a full breakdown of the crowded and murky NFL playoff picture as we head into Week 15.
AFC
1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-2)
Remaining Games: LAC, @ SEA, OAK
The Kansas City Chiefs are close to locking down the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. If there’s a slip up down the stretch, it could begin this week at home vs. Los Angeles.
Tyreek Hill came up gimpy with a foot injury late in the fourth quarter vs. the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Should he miss that game, it’ll be hard for Kansas City to overcome their top two wide receivers being out vs. their AFC West rivals.
2. New England Patriots (9-4)
Remaining Games: @ PIT, BUF, NYJ
With two home games in their final two games, their Week 15 matchup in Pittsburgh is pivotal. Should New England lose that game, they could be playing on Wildcard weekend, something they haven’t done since 2009.
3. Houston Texans (9-4)
Remaining Games: @ NYJ, @ PHI, JAX
The Houston Texans need to win out and have New England lose a game to secure a first-round bye. That could be key in a potential divisional round matchup. Houston has never won at Gillette Stadium, going 0-7 all-time there.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5-1)
Remaining Games: NE, @ NO, CIN
Pittsburgh is making their road to the playoffs a shaky one over the past three weeks, which have all resulted in tough last second losses. It hasn’t necessarily been the other team, just their own doing. Now, they’ll look to just hang onto their division with two tough matchups upcoming.
5. Los Angeles Chargers (10-3)
Remaining games: @ KC, BAL, @ DEN
The Chargers have an opportunity to tie the Chiefs for the division lead in the AFC West on Thursday night, but Kansas City has a better division record. Even if they win out, they’d need Kansas City to drop one of their remaining two games to win the AFC West.
6. Baltimore Ravens (7-6)
Remaining games: TB, @ LAC, CLE
Baltimore will have their work cut out for them as they have a road date with the Los Angeles Chargers sandwiched in-between two home games that could prove more difficult than advertised. Cleveland’s won two straight while Tampa Bay made life tough for the New Orleans Saints in two matchups this season, winning one of them.
In The Hunt
7. Indianapolis Colts (7-6)
Remaining Games: DAL, NYG, @ TEN
Needed a win in Houston last Sunday and got one, now they’ll need to cool a red-hot Cowboys team to stay on pace.
8. Miami Dolphins (7-6)
Remaining Games: @ MIN, JAX, @ BUF
The Dolphins improbable victory over New England could spring them to a playoff birth if they take care of business next week in Minnesota. The final two games are against teams that are a combined 8-18.
9. Tennessee Titans (7-6)
Remaining Games: @ NYG, WAS, IND
If Tennessee wants to make the postseason this year, they will likely need to upend the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17 in Nashville. Unless of course Indianapolis drops one of their final two home games. That could be key considering Andrew Luck has never lost to the Titans.
10. Denver Broncos (6-7)
Remaining Games: CLE, @ OAK, LAC
Their road looks dim following a loss on the road to the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday, but by winning out they have a shot to get in at 9-7, needing plenty of help to get in.
NFC
1. New Orleans Saints (11-2)
Remaining Games: @ CAR, PIT, CAR
They once again control their own destiny, having remaining games against two teams who now find themselves in desperate situations. Though, New Orleans is in prime position to win all three of those games.
2. Los Angeles Rams (11-2)
Remaining Games: PHI, @ ARI, SF
It’s smooth sailing for the Los Angeles Rams in terms of playing for a bye week at worst, as their final three games are against below .500 teams.
3. Chicago Bears (9-4)
Remaining Games: GB, @ SF, @ MIN
The Chicago Bears are would need to win out and get two losses from the Los Angeles Rams in their final three games to get a first-round bye. The latter doesn’t seem realistic when you take a look at Los Angeles’ schedule, which features the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers.
4. Dallas Cowboys (8-5)
Remaining Games: @ IND, TB, @ NYG
The magic number is two to clinch the NFC East, but depending on how Philadelphia handles two formidable foes over the next two weeks, they could clinch the division as early as this week.
5. Seattle Seahawks (8-5)
Remaining Games: @ SF, KC, ARI
The Seattle Seahawks have a showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 16, who in all likelihood, even with home-field possibly locked up, will play to win. They also could endure a challenge this Sunday in San Francisco if they get caught looking ahead to Kansas City. It would take a meltdown over the final three games to miss the playoffs entirely.
6. Minnesota Vikings (6-6-1)
Remaining Games: MIA, @ DET, CHI
Three consecutive losses has Minnesota now needing to turn it around quickly, but with a look at the rest of their competitors for the final wildcard spot, it’s possible that they sleepwalk into the postseason postseason at 7-8-1.
In The Hunt
7. Carolina Panthers (6-7)
Remaining Games: NO, ATL, @ NO
It’s five straight losses for Carolina, and they may not win another game this season with two of their final three vs. New Orleans. Ron Rivera’s team went 0-3 vs. New Orleans last season, which included a playoff loss at the Superdome.
8. Philadelphia Eagles (6-7)
Remaining Games: @ LAR, HOU, @ WAS
Finding a way to win at Los Angeles and then return home to beat the Houston Texans can position Philadelphia for the sixth and final wildcard spot, but this team left it all on the field in the second half last week and still came up short in what may possibly be a season-defining loss at Dallas.
9. Washington Redskins (6-7)
Remaining Games: @ JAX, @ TEN, PHI
The Washington Redskins season has turned into a nightmare due to injuries, and with the team now on their fourth starting quarterback in five weeks, it’s hard to envision them rising from the dead here.
10. Green Bay Packers (5-7-1)
Remaining Games: @ CHI, @ NYJ, DET
Win out, get some help and in? Not necessarily. The Packers will be kicking themselves for their Week 13 loss to Arizona if they win their final three games of the season, particularly with how their competitors for the sixth seed have fizzled over the past weeks. A 9-6-1 record and a Minnesota loss over the final three weeks would’ve moved Green Bay into the final playoff spot.
Which possible wildcard teams from each conference have the best chance at making a Super Bowl run? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] NFL WEEK 14 RECAP: MIRACLE IN MIAMI](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8860-1-1.jpg?resize=960%2C540&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 11, 2018 | SPORTS
Fins Deal Pats Heartbreaker, Boys Stay Hot, And More!
Take a deep breathe, relax, now let it all out again…
That was in the most simplistic way to describe it…unf****** believable. If you happened to miss the conclusion of the Patriots-Dolphins game on Sunday, don’t worry, we’ll be getting to that shortly.
Elsewhere, Aaron Rodgers broke Tom Brady’s pass attempts with an interception mark, Derek Carr and Baker Mayfield play spoiler, the Colts snapped the Houston Texans’ nine-game winning streak, and Mark Sanchez was as Mark Sanchez as it gets in 2018.
Week 14 was a beauty, with improbability throughout as the Saints won a game they trailed by 11 at the half and looked equally as poor as they did last week by 14 points, a 25-point turnaround.
Even a rookie quarterback matchup in Buffalo between Josh Allen and Sam Darnold was a highly entertaining game.
With Week 14 brining the thrills, we can only hope for more in the final three weeks of the regular-season.
Here is my recap of Week 14 of the NFL season.
Dolphins Use Double Lateral Play To Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
When Kenyan Drake saw Rob Gronkowski as the lone man to beat on his way to the end zone, “Sorry, Gronk” was what popped into Drake’s mind as he raced to pay dirt on a miraculous final play to give Miami a season saving win.
The Miami Dolphins used a double lateral walk-off touchdown to stun the New England Patriots 34-33 on Sunday afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium to deny New England of a 10th Consecutive division title.
Just as Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins had envisioned, Kenyan Drake scoring on a 69-yard touchdown reception with no time remaining to win the game happened.
The Dolphins trailed 33-28 with seven seconds remaining in the game at their own 31 yard line.
Ryan Tannehill tossed a completion for about 15 yards to Kenny Stills, who went on to flip the ball to Devante Parker, who then flipped the ball to Kenyan Drake. Drake got a head of steam after making line backer Kyle Van Noy miss on a tackle as he cut back to the middle of the field, and he soon was given a huge block by offensive guard Ted Larsen on a pursuing Patrick Chung.
The block cleared Drake, who soon raced to the corner of the end zone to beat Rob Gronkowski — who was in on the play for a Hail Mary — for the improbable game-winning score.
Drake’s 69-yard touchdown is the longest play to end a game with a winning score since the NFL Merger in 1970.
The play entitled “Boise”, which was famously used by Boise State back in 2007 Fiesta Bowl vs. Oklahoma, was a hook and ladder play that most teams prepare for, but Bill Belichick and New England in particular looked unprepared for the play from a personnel standpoint as they had Rob Gronkowski back in the end zone at the start of the play for a Hail Mary.
It’s a nightmare for the New England Patriots, who with under two minutes left looked well on their way to winning a game they didn’t play their best football on the defensive side of the ball and left a number of points on the field with missed kicks and a mental error by Tom Brady at the end of the half, as he took a sack with no timeouts remaining inside Miami’s 10 yard line.
The loss drops New England to 9-4 on the season and 1-5 in their last six trips to South Beach, a house of horrors for Tom Brady, who is now 7-10 in Miami in his career.
The loss likely ends New England’s quest for a No. 1 seed, as they would need to win their final three games and have the Kansas City Chiefs lose two of three and the Los Angeles Chargers one of their final three games.
For Miami — who improved to 7-6 after their wild win — the chase for the postseason continues. Despite injuries up and down their roster, Adam Gase’s team is well in the hunt, but they’ll need help to get there.
The Miami Dolphins will visit the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday.
Meanwhile, New England will look to bounce back with a road game in Pittsburgh late Sunday afternoon against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Amari Cooper Plays Hero In Cowboys Win Over Eagles
The Dallas Cowboys felt surrendering a first-round pick was necessary in acquiring Amari Cooper. Six games into his Dallas Cowboys career, making the Cowboys front office look like geniuses.
The Dallas Cowboys edged the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime 29-23 on Sunday afternoon at AT&T Stadium to gain firm control of the NFC East.
Amari Cooper’s 15-yard touchdown from Dak Prescott on the first and only possession of overtime gaveDallas their fifth straight win.
Dak Prescott threw for a career-high 455 passing yards to go along with three touchdown passes, and it was Cooper who was a recipient of all three.
The former Oakland Raider torched the Philadelphia Eagles banged up secondary for 10 receptions for career-high 217 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Since joining theDallas Cowboys, Cooper has hauled in 40 receptions for 642 receiving yards for six touchdowns.
On Sunday the Cowboys blew several leads to the defending Super Bowl champs, who after getting shutout in the first half, used two second half turnovers created by their defense to tie the game at 9-9 in fourth quarter before tying the game twice after two Dallas touchdown scores.
Carson Wentz threw for 228 passing yards and three touchdowns, but he never got the ball back as the game shifted to overtime.
The Dallas Cowboys (8-5) had their season in peril after losing to the Tennessee Titans at home coming off a bye week, but with five consecutive victories that loss has been put in the rear view mirror.
It all started with a 27-20 victory in Philadelphia back in Week 10 that displayed their character and attitude as a football team and has since carried over into continued success.
With Philadelphia falling to 6-7 on the season, they’ll be playing for their season over the final three weeks that includes a road game at Los Angeles next Sunday vs. the Los Angeles Rams and a home game the following week vs. the Houston Texans.
On the other side,Dallas is in the driver’s seat, with two of their final three games against below .500 teams.
Bears Put Clamps On Goff, Rams Offense In Chicago
The Chicago Bears identity on defense is just as well known as Los Angeles’ on offense. When those two units collided with each other on Sunday night, it was Chicago’s that overwhelmingly won the battle.
The Chicago Bears shutdown the Los Angeles Rams in a 15-6 victory on Sunday night to bounce back from a loss a week ago.
It was a defensive masterpiece by the Chicago Bears, who intercepted Jared Goff four times and sacked him for a safety.
In a low-scoring affair and hard-hitting affair, the Chicago Bears defense limited one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses to 214 total yards of offense and 3-for-12 on third downs.
Khalil Mack picked up his 10th sack of the season, but it was defensive tackle Eddie Goldman’s sack in the end zone for a safety on Jared Goff in the third quarter that keyed Chicago’s win.
After Goldman’s safety gave Chicago a 8-6 lead, Mitchell Trubisky — who returned after missing the past two games with a right shoulder injury — led Chicago on a nine play, 81 yard touchdown drive that ended with a two-yard touchdown pass to offensive lineman Bradley Sowell to put Chicago up 15-6.
The Bears season-high four interceptions were a result of the team taking advantage of Sean McVay’s lack of commitment to run game with Todd Gurley — who finished with a season-low 28 rushing yards on just 11 carries.
In cold weather against the rugged Bears, the Los Angeles Rams looked like a shell of themselves, and certainly not the team that exploded for 54 points in a wild Monday night win over Kansas City a few weeks ago.
Los Angeles (11-2) no longer control their own destiny, falling back into the No. 2 seed behind the New Orleans Saints, who with an identical record as Los Angeles, owns the tiebreaker over them.
Chicago (9-4) will look to finish their season strong as they will face two divisional foes over their final three games of the season, with their next being a home game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.
Mahomes, Kansas City Survive Baltimore Ravens At Arrowhead
Just how good is Patrick Mahomes? He’s had two games with six touchdown passes this season, but he may have had his most impressive performance on Sunday.
The Kansas City Chiefs edged the Baltimore Ravens 27-24 in overtime to tighten their grip on the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
With the game on the line, Patrick Mahomes connected on a incredible game-saving fourth and nine pass, throwing against the the grain and connecting on a line to Tyreek Hill for 48 yards.
A few players later after the completion, Mahomes did it again on fourth and three as he found Damien Williams on a five-yard touchdown pass to tie the game.
A wildly entertaining final few minutes of regulation ended in chaos as the Chiefs got a strip sack on Lamar Jackson to set up a potential game-winning 43-yard field goal by Harrison Butker, only to see Butker miss wide right as time expired.
Kansas City marched into Ravens territory on their first possession of overtime, coming away with a 27-24 lead after a 35-yard field goal by Butker.
The Chiefs had their trouble with Baltimore, who rushed for 198 yards and chewed up 31 minutes of time of possession. But it was Kansas City’s defense making a stand to end the game as Robert Griffin III — who entered the game on the drive after Jackson went out of the game with a injury — was unable to convert on a fourth and 22 play to keep Baltimore’s chances alive.
Patrick Mahomes finished the game with 377 passing yards and two touchdowns as he offset a interception thrown in the third quarter.
It wasn’t the most stat pleasing game for Mahomes, but considering the circumstances, in cold weather against the best defense statistically in the NFL with the offense without Sammy Watkins and adjusting to life without Kareem Hunt, the second year quarterback had a MVP-worthy performance.
Kansas City (11-2) is in prime position to have home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs after Sunday as they saw New England and Houston lose, creating breathing room on both teams.
The Chiefs will end their season with a pivotal matchup on Thursday night vs the Los Angeles Chargers, followed by a visit to Seattle to face the Seattle Seahawks and then a home finale vs. the Oakland Raiders.
What was your biggest takeaways from Week 14 of the NFL season? Leave your comments below
![[SPORTS] NBA POWER RANKINGS: WARRIORS BACK AT NO. 1](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8859-1.jpg?resize=978%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 10, 2018 | SPORTS
Dubs 3-0 Week And Raps Stumbles Lead To Return To The Top
Through the first few months of the season there’s been a number of noteworthy headlines, but few have been quite as fascinating as Dallas Mavericks’ forward Luka Doncic, who on a game-by-game basis is elevating his stock and making us question if he actually has a ceiling.
On Saturday night the world got a chance to watch him carry his surprising Mavericks to a come-from-behind 107-104 victory at home over the Houston Rockets.
The Slovenian rookie sensation fueled Dallas with 11 straight points late in regulation in a 11-0 run to lead Dallas back from a eight-point deficit.
He sparkled from distance, hitting a pair of step-back 3-pointers over Clint Capela, with his last putting Dallas up 105-102 with 57.8 seconds remaining.
There’s something about Luka Doncic’s amazing start to the 2018-19 season that leads me to believe this is the start of something special. Something special that not by accident is happening as Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki is on his way out of the league.
What that turns out to be exactly, we’ll just have to sit back enjoy the ride.
Here are my NBA Power Rankings for the week of 12/3 – 12/9.
1. Golden State Warriors (18-9)
The Golden State Warriors went 3-0 this past week, with their latest win being a revenge victory in Milwaukee to finish their five-game road trip 3-2. It’s clear what Stephen Curry’s presence means to the team, who dropped 42 points on Wednesday night in Golden State’s 129-105 victory vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers.
2. Toronto Raptors (21-7)
The Toronto Raptors cooled off this past week, losing three of four games. Still, they remain with the NBA’s best mark.
3. Denver Nuggets (17-9)
How Mike Malone and the Denver Nuggets overcome the lost of Paul Millsap to a broken toe is the latest challenge for Denver.
4. Philadelphia 76ers (18-9)
The Philadelphia 76ers saw their win streak come to an end in Toronto, but the team is rolling. They are 9-2 over their past 11 games.
5. Milwaukee Bucks (17-8)
The Milwaukee Bucks road woes didn’t cost them in a trip to Canada, as they picked up a 104-99 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
6. Boston Celtics (15-10)
Brad Stevens’ Celtics have now won five straight, and their 133-77 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday is the largest in franchise history.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (16-8)
The Oklahoma City Thunder needed all of Paul George’s 47 points in a thrilling comeback win in Brooklyn on Wednesday. George’s 47 points were just a point shy of his career-high of 48.
8. Los Angeles Clippers (16-9)
The Clippers have been held under 100 points in each of their past two games. They had cracked the 100-point plateau in their previous 22 games.
9. Los Angeles Lakers (16-10)
No matter how brilliantly LeBron James plays, his team can’t shake the San Antonio Spurs this season. The Los Angeles Lakers are 1-3 vs. the San Antonio Spurs this season.
10. Portland Trail Blazers (15-11)
The Portland Trail Blazers will live and die by the play of Damian Lillard, who is averaging 27.2 PPG to go along with 6.4 APG and 5.2 RPG.
11. Memphis Grizzlies (15-10)
When the Memphis Grizzlies can’t funnel a team with their slow and grind it out pace, games like Saturday will happen often. They lost 111-88 at home to Los Angeles Lakers, their second worst margin of defeat this season.
12. Indiana Pacers (16-10)
Indiana has one of the NBA’s best defenses this season, allowing a league-low 101.5 PPG. Over their 3-0 week they went on to allow 92.3 PPG.
13. Dallas Mavericks (13-11)
There’s no place like home. The Dallas Mavericks are 11-2 at home, only the Philadelphia 76ers (13-1) have a better home mark.
14. Detroit Pistons (13-11)
The Detroit Pistons dropped all four of their games this week, unable to defend their opponents as they allowed 114.5 PPG.
15. Sacramento Kings (13-12)
The Sacramento Kings have a budding young star in De’Aaron Fox coming into his own in his second season. Fox is leading the Kings with 17.8 PPG, 7.6 APG and 3.6 RPG.
16. New Orleans Pelicans (14-14)
The New Orleans Pelicans went 1-2 at home this week after going 9-2 at home over their first 11 games. Both of those losses came by a combined seven points.
17. Houston Rockets (11-14)
The Houston Rockets aren’t good on defense, but they also aren’t much better on offense. The Houston Rockets were held under 100 points twice last week. That happened only eight times all of last season.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (13-13)
The Minnesota Timberwolves have become one of the better defensive teams in the NBA since trading Jimmy Butler, and Robert Covington has been one of the biggest reasons why.
19. Orlando Magic (12-14)
If Orlando wants to make it to the postseason for the first time since the 2011-12 season, they’ll need to win home games. Since the beginning of last season they are 23-31 at the Amway Center.
20. San Antonio Spurs (13-14)
The San Antonio Spurs probably wish most of their games were against the Los Angeles Lakers, but they’ll have to find a way to start getting more wins against the West. The Spurs are just 11-10 in conference play this season.
21. Charlotte Hornets (13-13)
The Charlotte Hornets have a high-scoring offense, but there’s no clear No. 2 scoring option behind Kemba Walker. Jeremy Lamb finished with 19 points on Sunday in their 119-107 win vs. the New York Knicks, they could use more of that.
22. Utah Jazz (13-14)
The Utah Jazz finished 28-13 at home last season. Considering they’ve historically had trouble winning on the road, it’s no surprise they’re below .500 with a 4-6 record at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
23. Miami Heat (11-14)
The Miami Heat could get things rolling in the coming weeks with Goran Dragic’s return after missing eight games with a sore right knee. Miami have won their past two games with him back in the lineup.
24. Washington Wizards (11-15)
The Washington Wizards defensive effort is lacking, and that’s a huge issue considering the head coach is a defensive minded one. Their 116.7 PPG allowed is only second behind the Atlanta Hawks for worst in the NBA.
25. Brooklyn Nets (10-18)
After eight straight losses, Brooklyn has put the clock in reverse, winning their last two games which have been keyed by strong defense and rebounding.
26. New York Knicks (8-20)
The New York Knicks went 0-4 last week, looking particularly feeble in each game on the defensive end. They’re allowing 115 PPG, fifth most in the NBA.
27. Atlanta Hawks (6-20)
While all the talk has been about Trae Young to begin the season, maybe we should start shifting our attention to the Hawks top draft pick from a season ago in John Collins. The athletic and defensively talented forward is averaging 18.1 PPG and 8.1 RPG, and just came off a career-high 30 point game vs. Denver in a 106-98 win on Saturday.
28. Cleveland Cavaliers (6-20)
The Cleveland Cavaliers will be without Kevin Love until February, but Tristan Thompson has upped his level of play. He’s averaging career highs in points and rebounds, with his 11.8 RPG tied for ninth in the NBA.
29. Chicago Bulls (6-21)
Part of the Chicago Bulls rebuilding plan was seeing improvement in their young players. So far, the Bulls have only gotten worse, following a victory over a good Oklahoma City Thunder team by embarrassing themselves with a 56-point blowout the next night at home to the Boston Celtics. You might see the interim coach fired as well at this rate.
30. Phoenix Suns (4-22)
With eight straight losses, there’s only one way to go and that’s up for the free-falling Phoenix Suns. The question is, will that happen this season or next June during the NBA Draft?
What are your thoughts on this week’s NBA power rankings? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] HBO BOXING GETS EMOTIONAL FINAL SEND OFF WITH TRIPLE HEADER](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8855-1.jpg?resize=800%2C482&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 9, 2018 | SPORTS
“The End Has Come”
From Ali-Frazier, to “Sugar” Ray Leonard stopping Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns, to Buster Douglas’ stunning knockout of “Iron” Mike Tyson, to Arturo Gatti and Mickey Ward becoming blood brothers in a hellacious a memorable trilogy — with the first still being considered one of the greatest fights of the century.
This was the sport of boxing at its purist and most hellacious forms, delivered to you by the best we’ll ever hear from a broadcast table.
All of those memorable HBO Boxing broadcasts from the past 45 years which included 1,119 fights came full circle on Saturday night as Jim Lampley, Larry Merchant and others said good bye to its viewers for the final time.
HBO Boxing had their final broadcast on the HBO network on Saturday after 45 years with the cable television giant.
Their swan song was headlined by a pair of women’s title fights that featured undisputed women’s welterweight champion Cecilia Braekhus and women’s middleweight Queen Claressa Shields. A flyweight fight between Juan Francisco Estrada and Victor Mendez was on the card as well in a solid triple-header in Carson, California.
Cecilia Braekhus (35-0, 9 KOs) Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (18-5-3, 1 KO) cruised to a unanimous decision victory to defend all of her title belts.
Meanwhile, Claressa Shields improved to 8-0 as she dominated top challenger Femke Hermans in a one-sided unanimous decision to retain her IBF, WBA, and WBC title belts.
Juan Francisco Estrada, in a stay active fight in hopes of a flyweight title rematch with Srisket Sor Rungvisai in 2019, went on to beat Victor Mendez by 7th-Round TKO.
Jim Lampley, Max Kellerman and Roy Jones Jr. were on the call for the final night, with the late great Emmanuel Steward having a seat reserved for him in heaven watching down on the action.
As the HBO broadcast came to a close, men that played a hand in bringing us the best commentary and moments in boxing history were overcome with reasonable emotion.
Legendary sports broadcaster Larry Merchant stopped by on a memorable final night at the StubHub Center to say his final goodbyes and reflect.
“After it’s historic run it was a bit of a body blow, even though everyone in the game saw it coming,” Merchant said of HBO cutting ties with the fight game.
“Writers always love boxing because of the atmosphere around it. The hangers on, the characters as well as the combat, the raw combat. Somehow in my mind I’m reminded of [Ernest] Hemingway’s great line, “More fighters have been knocked out on Broadway than with all the great left hooks in the world.”
Merchant sat side-by-side with Jim Lampley, and a number of other commentators for 34 years, helping deliver fight analysis and memorable quotables that will forever live on.
“It’s the last fireside around which fathers and sons and families and friends have gathered and it’s a historic run that we should be proud of,” Merchant concluded.
Roy Jones Jr. — who is tied for the most appearances all-time on HBO Boxing as a fighter with 32 — had a teary eyed good bye as he couldn’t help but get choked up while thanking HBO, Jim Lampley and others for making this his home.
A member of the HBO Boxing since 2007, Max Kellerman gave an honorable farewell in HBO Boxing’s swan song.
“From the time I started watching boxing as a kid, I was always drawn to this place because of the storytelling, the honesty and forthrightness of those broadcasts were unparalleled,” an under-the-weather Max Kellerman said.
“I will miss all the very special people in our HBO family, especially my on-air brothers Jim Lampley, the best who ever did it. Roy Jones, the best I’ve ever seen with my own eyes, and the late-great Emmanuel Steward, one of boxing’s greatest ever trainers, and personalities. That is who you work with here, it has been my profound privilege.”
Jim Lampley spent his time thanking as many members — past and present — who helped bring HBO Boxing to the respectability and credibility as the top boxing telecast in the world. He concluded his final night on HBO with an emotional goodbye.
“There are dozen of other names which belong here, but time now intervenes and with that said, this family was also a business. And every business has an organic beginning and a natural and inevitable end. Here at HBO Boxing, the end has come. We thank you for watching.
“We urge you to turn elsewhere to continue your support of this purist and most human of all competitive sports. And most of all, we thank the people who poured forth their bodies and their souls to write our 45-year history in the ring, the fighters. They are uniquely precious, and the life lessons they provided for us are timeless and indispensable.”
HBO ended its broadcast with a special “Through the Years” video package of HBO Boxing, showing the good, the great, the bad, and the ugly that defined the longest running boxing telecast ever.
Even with this marking the conclusion of a historic run by all accounts, there’s no way to know if HBO Boxing is done and gone for the rest of time.
For now, the most endearing and heartfelt thing to say is to all of those who were behind HBO Boxing becoming what it is thank you. Thank you for helping make my nights along with millions of others as exhilarating and fun as the fighters who put on boxing gloves throughout this incredible run.
What is your favorite moment in HBO Boxing history? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] UFC 231 RECAP: HOLLOWAY FORCES STOPPAGE AFTER 4TH ROUND TO RETAIN TITLE](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8852-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 9, 2018 | SPORTS
Holloway Puts On Clinic In Battle With Ortega
The last time we saw Max Holloway in the octagon before his UFC 231 bout, it was a year ago where Holloway had thrown down the gauntlet to all suitors of his UFC featherweight title.
Battling through depression in a long year away from the cage, his latest battle won’t be soon forgotten.
In a instant classic, Max Holloway (20-3, 16-3 UFC) defeated Brian Ortega (14-1, 6-1 UFC) by 4th-Round TKO on Saturday night at Scotiabank Arena to retain his UFC featherweight title.
A man on a mission to silence his doubters, Max Holloway put on a defining performance in his career vs. the fast-rising Brian Ortega in a matchup of the world’s top two UFC featherweights in the prime of their careers.
Behind a sizzling right hand that found its home all night and a plethora of combinations that soon followed, Max Holloway made Brian Ortega unrecognizable by the end of the second round, and after a incredible output in the fourth round, forced a ringside doctor to intervene, causing the fight to be stopped at the conclusion of the fourth round.
Max Holloway and Brian Ortega went back and forth at times, with each having their moments of causing the crowd to jump out of their seats as they watched each man try to rip the other’s head off, but it was Holloway who won a majority of the exchanges in a toe-to-toe war.
Not with power, but with precision, accuracy and volume, the Hawaiian punished Ortega, leaving him grabbing at his nose and drowning his stamina.
Ortega took the initiative early and even when getting hit with a parade of shots to come forward or throw shots back with Holloway.
In the third round “T-City” appeared to hurt Holloway with a right hook shot, followed by several other shots that forced Holloway to retread into the fence where Holloway denied Ortega of taking his back.
The excellent round by the Los Angeles native appeared to resurrect Ortega — a fighter known for taking hellfire and dishing it back out to put away his opponents.
Before the start of round four, Max Holloway looked to the broadcast table and signaled to UFC color commentator Joe Rogan with his hand that he was going to end the fight in the fourth round.
“Blessed” wasted little time in trying to do just that, pressuring the challenger around the octagon with thudding shots as he barely stayed on his feet in a clinical round for the champion.
By the end of round four, Ortega’s left eye was completely closed, and while the Mexican-American would’ve like to have had an opportunity to go out for the fifth round, the doctor did his job as Holloway defended his title successfully for a second straight time.
UFC 231 was largely a success as we near the close of 2018, and this main event did not disappoint.
The fight was initially scheduled for July of this year, only for Holloway to be forced to pull out of a fight for the third time this year after not doing so throughout his entire professional career.
In interviews over the past few months, Holloway admitted that he’s battled depression, feeling like opportunities were taken away from him rather than him not being available to compete.
Still, he came into this highly anticipated matchup with a confidence about him that was becoming of the fighter he has transformed himself into since losing to Conor McGregor back in August 17th, 2013.
From the pre-fight introductions, you could see the what separated the two fighters: experience on this stage. Holloway was loose and calm while Ortega was extra amped and overly eager, something that showed itself in the first two rounds of this fight.
It’s hard to believe that Max Holloway is only 27-years-old, with his birthday just recently passing this past Tuesday, and yet, Holloway has 12 more UFC fights.
Holloway’s victory on Saturday was his 13th straight victory. His 13 straight wins are a UFC featherweight record, one that should stand the test of time as Holloway has no plans of leaving his throne.
Bullet Takes Home Flyweight Crown
Valentina Shevchenko said on Wednesday during the final pre-fight press conference that there was no way she would leave Toronto without a world title belt around her waist.
In a dominant performance from start to finish, Valentina Shevchenko made good on her word as she outclassed Joanna Jedrzejczyk in a impressive unanimous decision victory to fulfill her dreams and win the UFC women’s flyweight title.
The Kyrgyzstani-Peruvian proved too much for the former strawweight champion as she used her clinch, superior striking in the pocket and takedowns to win the vacated title which was held by Nicco Montaño before she was stripped after pulling out of her UFC 228 fight with Shevchenko.
Shevchenko (16-3, 5-2 UFC) previously fought at the UFC’s 135-pound bantamweight weight class where she came up short of a UFC world title after losing to Amanda Nunes at UFC 215 last year.
Since then, she’s won her past two fights at the women’s flyweight division, with this not being a hard fight in particular to judge.
In a division that’s short on relevant contenders, “Bullet” could see a long and dominating reign as world champion.
UFC 231 Results
Gunnar Nelson bloodies Alex Oliveira before finishing him with rear-naked choke submission in Round 2
Hakeem Dawodu out-boxes Kyle Bochniak for split-decision victory
Thiago Santos wins crowd-pleasing high-stakes brawl with Jimi Manuwa by Round 2 KO
Nina Ansaroff puts it all together in unanimous decision win over Claudia Gadelha
Gilbert Burns takes down game Olivier Aubin-Mercier by unanimous decision
Jessica Eye persistent in split-decision victory over Katlyn Chookagian
Elias Theodorou outlasts Eryk Anders for split-decision victory
Brad Katona handles Matthew Lopez in one-sided unanimous decision win
Dhiego Lima uses left hook to shock Chad Laprise for Round 1 KO
Carlos Diego Ferreira punishes Kyle Nelson in Round 1 TKO victory
Aleksandar Rakic blasts Devin Clark in Round 1 TKO win
What was your favorite fight of the night at UFC 231? Leave your comments below!
