Young and Proud: A Look at the NBA Finals
BY MATTHEW VINSKO, Couchsideshow.com blogger
Miami Heat superstar LeBron James looks to win his first NBA title after losing in the NBA Finals last season. Photo by: Martin Fahsel / Flickr
When it comes to sports, people often look to the veteran teams to pave the way for younger talent. This year, however, two young teams have cemented their place in the NBA, systematically decimating their opponents and showing their time is now.
The Miami Heat, while relatively young, have championship pedigree and something to prove after last season’s meltdown against Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks. This season proved to be a frustrating one for many a Heat fan. LeBron James was often times erratic, again. Chris Bosh wasn’t living up to his hefty payday a year ago. Dwayne Wade has shown glimpses of greatness, but been bogged down by injuries. The Heat went from being the favorite at times this season to being a laughing stock due to their inconsistent play. (more…)
Couch Side Podcast: Episode 18 — The Lone Wolf
BY Couchsideshow.com staff
Regular Co-Host Craig Paul is out this week, so Wade McMillin takes over the reigns to host our 18th episode all by himself. Wade previews the NBA playoffs, finally talks some baseball, discusses the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley decision and takes a look at Brock Lesnar’s possible return to the UFC.
Click here to stream/download Couch Side Episode 18: The Lone Wolf via iTunes
Click here to stream Couch Side Episode 18: The Lone Wolf via our host site, TalkShoe
Click here to download Couch Side Episode 18: The Lone Wolf via our host site TalkShoe
Celtics-Heat series proves how team play can defy stardom
Boston Celtics’ (from left) Rajon Rondo, Paul Piece and Kevin Garnett are atop of their games and have taken a commanding 3-2 series lead against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs. Photo by: Mike / Flickr
BY JON FRANK, Couchsideshow.com contributor
Last night I popped in for the last couple minutes of the Eastern Conference Finals and saw something a bit surprising: The Miami Heat trailing the Boston Celtics by two with about 1:30 left to play.
How? Was the first thing that came to my head. Miami’s got the three-time MVP (LeBron James), the NBA’s Batman and his Robin (Dwyane Wade), not to mention a semi-healthy Chris Bosh. Boston’s got what’s left of the Big Three and Rajon Rondo. This shouldn’t happen. It defies all notions of NBA logic. In professional basketball, superstars are supposed to strap in, go off for 30 a night and carry their inferior, but well-meaning teammates, along for the ride. But watching the Celtics win three straight against the Heat – and listening to Michael Wilbon and the boys’ postgame analysis – it made me remember how much of a team sport basketball is.
Boston is a great team. We knew they were great in years past, and most everyone expected them to do some damage. But few people expected this. Obviously, a lot has happened since people made their initial East Conference champions predictions. Namely, Derrick Rose’s ACL derailed the Bulls (honorable mention to Joakim Noah, the second best player on that team, who went down with a sprained ankle). Aside from that, how many people actually thought an aging Boston team would be on the verge of sending the ridiculously talented Super Team packing? Not me. Then again, I’m no NBA expert – not by a long shot. (more…)
How valuable is Chris Bosh to the Miami Heat?
BY ANDREW WITTRY, Feedcrossing.com syndication
The Miami Heat have struggled more than triumphed without star forward Chris Bosh in the lineup. Photo by: Bridget Samuels / Flickr
From the start of the NBA season, the Miami Heat have been the Eastern Conference favorite to advance to the NBA Finals.
After Chris Bosh’s abdominal strain that sidelined him in Game 1 of the Eastern Semifinals, and falling behind 2-1 in the series, the Heat were thrown into a must-win scenario in Game 4. It was the first time all season that Erik Spoelstra’s squad had been in danger of being eliminated by a non-elite team (any team outside of the Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, and San Antonio Spurs). Their one-game deficit also marked the widespread realization of how important Chris Bosh is to the Heat. Bosh often gets discounted when it comes to the Big Three. Dwayne Wade is the long-time hero of Miami who brought a championship to South Beach. LeBron James is the four-time MVP who puts the Heat on his back night in and night out. And what is Chris Bosh? In reality he is an All-Star level talent who has 20 ppg and 10 rpg potential; however, the former Georgia Tech forward is the third scoring option in Miami and does not get the credit he deserves for the role he plays alongside D-Wade and LeBron. (more…)
Couch Side Podcast: Episode 16 — Stanley Cup Finals preview
BY Couchsideshow.com staff
Couch Side’s regular co-host, Craig Paul, makes his much anticipated to this week’s podcast. He joins regular host Wade McMillin for discussions about the Stanley Cup Finals, NFL Quarterback battles, the Roger Clemens trial, the NBA playoffs and sports memorabilia:
Click here to stream/download Couch Side Episode 12 via iTunes
Click here to stream Couch Side Episode 12: NFL Mock Draft via our host site, TalkShoe
Click here to download Couch Side Episode 12: NFL via our host site, TalkShoe
Couch Side Podcast — Episode 15: Hamilton versus Kemp
BY Couchsideshow.com staff
This retro picture shows Couch Side baseball insider Brandon Smith interviewing former NAU swimmer Kimber Morelli. Smith joined Couch Side host Wade McMillin as the guest host of this week’s podcast.
Couch Side baseball insider Brandon J. Smith makes his debut on our podcast to discuss the NBA playoffs, Stan Van Gundy’s firing, I’ll Have Another’s chance at the triple crown and Dallas Clark signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith and Couch Side host Wade McMillin also have a great baseball debate about who is the better player — Josh Hamilton or Matt Kemp. See who the pair picks as the MLB’s best by following the links below:
Click here to stream/download Couch Side Episode 12 via iTunes
Click here to stream Couch Side Episode 12: NFL Mock Draft via our host site, TalkShoe
Click here to download Couch Side Episode 12: NFL via our host site, TalkShoe
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