There used to be a time in sports when experience meant everything. In fact, it was true as little as a year ago. The young pre-pubescent Pittsburgh Penguins, no matter how hard they tried, couldn't grow playoff beards. Thus, they never made it out of the first round of the playoffs.
The youthful Colorado Rockies, riding a tidal wave of momentum, failed to win a game in the world series against the veteran Red Sox.
But this season's NBA playoffs seem to be bucking the trend. The athletic, completely inexperienced Atlanta Hawks nearly pulled off the upset of the century before looking childish in game 7 against the Boston Celtics. And being favored at -6000, the Celtics almost cost the author of this blog a hefty penny. In fact, I planned on fleeing the continent and heading to Canada, which is why it took me so long to post this blog. But i digress.
Chris Paul didn't seem to care that he had absolutely no playoff experience either. On his way to disposing the Mavericks and jumping out to a 2-0 lead over the reigning champion Spurs, he became the first ever player to record 30 points and 10 rebounds in three of his first seven playoff games.
Even the seasoned Pistons who have around 3,300,897 games of playoff experience limped through the first round against the Sixers.
Now parity hasn't completely affected the Association, as it has, say,the NFL. In fact, there was a great article written about parity in the NFL. If I were you I'd check it out. The writer is very talented, and sexy too. Here is the link.
Actually, parity has nothing to do with this. That was just a shameless plug.
But the current state of the NBA should offer hope to other sports. Just like in the NFL, you can go from chump to champ in one short season. Not everyone has to completely re haul the roster like the Celtics did to win.
Hopefully baseball will be the next to follow suit. Maybe someday the Royals, Rays, Pirates, Orioles and Nationals can follow the lead of the Hornets, Hawks, Magic and 76ers, and actually be meaningful again. Or in the Rays case, be meaningful for once.
NBA Playoffs offer hope
No Belles at This Ball
As we have learned over these past 102 blogs (oh yes there have been 102 blogs and at least 3/4 of those are mine, don't forget children, Auntie Meredith was around long before crazy Uncle Joe although we have learned to love him haven't we?) Anyway, as we have learned over these past 102 blogs, I hate a lot of things sports related which is ironic because I write a sports blog. The WNBA, NASCAR, you name it, I probably hate it.
And the Kentucky Derby is no exception.
Let me back track for a second, I don't necessarily hate the Derby I just think it's a major let down. I mean it's less than 5 minutes of racing for a huge, blown-out, event. But, on the plus side, there are pretty outfits. I'll be honest, I'd do just about anything to wear a big floppy hat, a summer dress, and some sweet shades to go watch emaciated boys (men I mean) whip horses for 5 minutes. And I'm sure there is some fabulous champagne.
But you want to know what really makes me hate the Derby? Death. Incase you missed it (which I'm sure you didn't) while Big Brown and his trainer were celebrating their victory, 2nd place finisher Eight Belles was being euthanized on the track. Apparently the horse broke both of its ankles (which is unheard of) during the race and there was nothing left that they could do but end her life. First let me say this. When a human breaks their ankles, we put them in a cast, but when a horse does it we kill it? I don't know much about horses but that seems a little messed up and this is coming from a blogger who hates animals. That's right, cute little puppies and kitties and baby chicks (ok maybe not the last one), but I hate them all. And with that I probably lost everyone who reads this blog. Wait that isn't true, my mom loves me no matter what and Jenna the Intern has no choice but to read my blog! Never mind.
But this whole death at the Derby makes me question horse racing even more. Is it ethical? Are the horses being treated right? I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to be whipped while some little boy rides on my back and then claims all the glory when I win. Also, what kind of shape could Eight Belles have been in if she broke both her ankles at the Derby? Who was taking care of this horse? I think this is a bigger issue than Eight Belles, it's an issue of animal rights.
So, what are your thoughts on the last Derby? Did you even watch the Derby?
Probably not but on a lighter note, this is my last blog of the semester! We made it through the barren winter months but spring is finally here which means it is time for this blog to take its final bow. But, before you go cry in a corner or something, fret not children, I will be back in a few short weeks to begin my summer blogging. So, try and find something to fill the void left by my blog for a few more weeks and I will see you all soon!
