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Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Game 4 - The Series' Classic (Wiggum7534)
Game 4 – The Series’ Classic
The Miami Heat have taken a 2-1 series lead over the Dallas Mavericks. The Heat have shown, at times, how incredibly good they can be when they have their game going. They have also shown, at times, how incredibly ordinary they can be when it is not.
As we head into Game 4 (Wednesday morning 11am AEST), one wonders whether we are set for yet another classic Game 4 that the NBA Finals has so consistently provided over the years. Over the past 30 years, the NBA Finals has produced some sensational game 4 classics such as:
1984 – Boston at L.A Lakers
A game after calling his team mates sissies, Larry Bird and the Celtics come out hard against the Lakers, eventually winning the game in double overtime. This game famous for so many reasons including Bird’s 29 pts, 21 reb performance, Magic’s mental meltdown, Cedric Maxwell symbolizing James Worthy’s choking at the foul line to name a few. It is perhaps most famous for Kevin McHale’s clothesline of Kurt Rambis that nearly resulted in an all-in brawl. Definitely one of the best games of all-time.
1985 – Boston at L.A Lakers
A rematch of 1984, the Lakers and Celtics played another classic. The first year of the 2-3-2 format, Lakers took a 2-1 lead heading into the game. But Larry Bird and the Celtics would again prevail, this time thanks to Dennis Johnson’s buzzer beater from the top of the key.
1987 – L.A Lakers at Boston
Another incredible game between these two champion teams. The Celtics led by 16 in the 3rd, only for the Lakers to mount an incredible comeback. This time, Magic would prevail with his gorgeous running skyhook that put the Lakers up for good. Bird had one more chance to win it, but it missed.
1993 – Phoenix at Chicago
Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley put in incredible performances in game 4 as the Bulls took a 3-1 series lead. MJ finished with 55 pts while Sir Charles put up 32 pts, 12 reb, 10 ast for the Suns.
2000 – L.A Lakers at Indiana
An overtime classic that elevated Kobe Bryant to superstar status following his three huge shots in overtime. Shaq fouled out in overtime, leaving it to Kobe to carry the Lakers to victory.
2008 – Boston at L.A Lakers
After jumping out to a 35-14 lead after the 1st, the Lakers led by as many as 24 points. However the new look Celtics would not be denied, mounting the largest comeback in the finals since 1971. An incredible game that gave the Celtics a 3-1 series lead.
So back to 2011 and given the two teams involved, I’m set for just about anything. I would be happy with a comfortable win for the Heat, and a 3-1 series lead, but would quite happily settle for a triple-OT classic!
The Miami Heat have taken a 2-1 series lead over the Dallas Mavericks. The Heat have shown, at times, how incredibly good they can be when they have their game going. They have also shown, at times, how incredibly ordinary they can be when it is not.
As we head into Game 4 (Wednesday morning 11am AEST), one wonders whether we are set for yet another classic Game 4 that the NBA Finals has so consistently provided over the years. Over the past 30 years, the NBA Finals has produced some sensational game 4 classics such as:
1984 – Boston at L.A Lakers
A game after calling his team mates sissies, Larry Bird and the Celtics come out hard against the Lakers, eventually winning the game in double overtime. This game famous for so many reasons including Bird’s 29 pts, 21 reb performance, Magic’s mental meltdown, Cedric Maxwell symbolizing James Worthy’s choking at the foul line to name a few. It is perhaps most famous for Kevin McHale’s clothesline of Kurt Rambis that nearly resulted in an all-in brawl. Definitely one of the best games of all-time.
1985 – Boston at L.A Lakers
A rematch of 1984, the Lakers and Celtics played another classic. The first year of the 2-3-2 format, Lakers took a 2-1 lead heading into the game. But Larry Bird and the Celtics would again prevail, this time thanks to Dennis Johnson’s buzzer beater from the top of the key.
1987 – L.A Lakers at Boston
Another incredible game between these two champion teams. The Celtics led by 16 in the 3rd, only for the Lakers to mount an incredible comeback. This time, Magic would prevail with his gorgeous running skyhook that put the Lakers up for good. Bird had one more chance to win it, but it missed.
1993 – Phoenix at Chicago
Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley put in incredible performances in game 4 as the Bulls took a 3-1 series lead. MJ finished with 55 pts while Sir Charles put up 32 pts, 12 reb, 10 ast for the Suns.
2000 – L.A Lakers at Indiana
An overtime classic that elevated Kobe Bryant to superstar status following his three huge shots in overtime. Shaq fouled out in overtime, leaving it to Kobe to carry the Lakers to victory.
2008 – Boston at L.A Lakers
After jumping out to a 35-14 lead after the 1st, the Lakers led by as many as 24 points. However the new look Celtics would not be denied, mounting the largest comeback in the finals since 1971. An incredible game that gave the Celtics a 3-1 series lead.
So back to 2011 and given the two teams involved, I’m set for just about anything. I would be happy with a comfortable win for the Heat, and a 3-1 series lead, but would quite happily settle for a triple-OT classic!
Monday, 6 June 2011
AFL Against the Spread Round 11 (JohnAnthonyOZ)
Well another round of AFL down and another week where Collingwood and Geelong cover the spread. Also another week where Port Adelaide don't cover the spread....
Collingwood 8-2
Geelong 9-1
Port Adelaide 2-9
Fremantle 3-7
St Kilda 3-7
Melbourne 3-7
Gold Coast 3-6
All teams offer a nice profit if you have been on or against all year.
Early lines for Round 12
St Kilda -12.5 Western Bulldogs +12.5
Adelaide +9.5 West Coast -9.5
Gold Coast +22.5 North Melbourne -22.5
Geelong -15.5 Hawthorn +15.5
Carlton -48.5 Brisbane +48.5
Sydney -24.5 Richmond +24.5
Fremantle -4.5 Essendon +4.5
Melbourne +34.5 Collingwood -34.5
It is a now a well known fact that teams coming off the bye are struggling big time. But as noted by one of the corporate bookmakers today they will now adjust the price accordingly.
Will some value appear for those teams coming off the bye? Especially at the line?
I will be having a little saver on the Tigers at +24.5. West Coast at -9.5 for mine is not enough against a terrible Adelaide team, even at home I am not sure that is enough.
The Gold Coast are a young team who will be up and down, after a gallant performance against the Eagles in Perth and the trip back, I would expect North Melbourne who are hitting some reasonable form to get the chocolates this week and I like the -22.5.
Early leans - Rich +24.5 / West Coast -9.5 / North Melbourne -22.5
Follow me on twitter @JohnAnthonyOZ
Hope you find a winner.
Collingwood 8-2
Geelong 9-1
Port Adelaide 2-9
Fremantle 3-7
St Kilda 3-7
Melbourne 3-7
Gold Coast 3-6
All teams offer a nice profit if you have been on or against all year.
Early lines for Round 12
St Kilda -12.5 Western Bulldogs +12.5
Adelaide +9.5 West Coast -9.5
Gold Coast +22.5 North Melbourne -22.5
Geelong -15.5 Hawthorn +15.5
Carlton -48.5 Brisbane +48.5
Sydney -24.5 Richmond +24.5
Fremantle -4.5 Essendon +4.5
Melbourne +34.5 Collingwood -34.5
It is a now a well known fact that teams coming off the bye are struggling big time. But as noted by one of the corporate bookmakers today they will now adjust the price accordingly.
Will some value appear for those teams coming off the bye? Especially at the line?
I will be having a little saver on the Tigers at +24.5. West Coast at -9.5 for mine is not enough against a terrible Adelaide team, even at home I am not sure that is enough.
The Gold Coast are a young team who will be up and down, after a gallant performance against the Eagles in Perth and the trip back, I would expect North Melbourne who are hitting some reasonable form to get the chocolates this week and I like the -22.5.
Early leans - Rich +24.5 / West Coast -9.5 / North Melbourne -22.5
Follow me on twitter @JohnAnthonyOZ
Hope you find a winner.
Bring back the BIG V? (Mal68au)
After seeing the recent game one of the State of Origin, or at least hearing of its success (yes my new digs still only gets channel 10) I am convinced it’s time for the AFL to bring it back full time. If our brethren to the north can make it work, and they do, then why can’t we??? We do have the better game and fans after all (yes I do expect a little backlash but just calling it as I see it).
So how has the NRL made it work whilst the once great VFL/AFL State of Origin games have disappeared? I think it has a lot to do with the passion and hatred shared between the two sets of fans. It means absolutely EVERYTHING to them and subsequently it means absolutely EVERYTHING to the players. I mean they have to play mid-week and the back-up for their club on the weekend and they just don’t care. It means that much. Whereas the AFL players pull out left right and centre so they are right to play in a club game the week after that means very little. There is just no passion for the players which I think can be traced back through the fans, right back to the AFL itself.
The heart of the problem, as often is the case, is damn political correctness. Whoever’s stupid idea it was to introduce the “All Stars” and the like, ruined State of Origin. How can fans get passionate about teams like that?
The only solution now is to borrow from the NRL template and have the same two teams play every year to build up a rivalry. Now I know that the State of Origin idea was effectively created by Western Australia, but I am sorry WA, we simply do not hate you enough. South Australia on the other hand, well…
So bring back the Big V vs the Croweaters and let everyone else please themselves, screw political correctness Mr Demetriou.
But what about the fixturing I here you say? When do we fit it in? Well because of the extra team this year we have had 24 rounds with every team having two byes. With GWS joining next year we can revert back to 22 rounds, have the State of Origin weekend off at about round 8 and then a split round at about round 18 in the lead up to the finals. It is perfect timing. But the most important part of this grand plan, would be to commit to this game for at least 10 years, that way the fans and then the players know it’s not mickey mouse stuff and could invest emotionally like their NRL counterparts.
With this formula the passion, hatred and just brilliant spectacles are bound to return. Hell if we want to fast track all of this why don’t we just get rid of political correctness altogether for that weekend and give the match review panel a spell #biffo
What are your thoughts?
Follow me on twitter @mal68au
So how has the NRL made it work whilst the once great VFL/AFL State of Origin games have disappeared? I think it has a lot to do with the passion and hatred shared between the two sets of fans. It means absolutely EVERYTHING to them and subsequently it means absolutely EVERYTHING to the players. I mean they have to play mid-week and the back-up for their club on the weekend and they just don’t care. It means that much. Whereas the AFL players pull out left right and centre so they are right to play in a club game the week after that means very little. There is just no passion for the players which I think can be traced back through the fans, right back to the AFL itself.
The heart of the problem, as often is the case, is damn political correctness. Whoever’s stupid idea it was to introduce the “All Stars” and the like, ruined State of Origin. How can fans get passionate about teams like that?
The only solution now is to borrow from the NRL template and have the same two teams play every year to build up a rivalry. Now I know that the State of Origin idea was effectively created by Western Australia, but I am sorry WA, we simply do not hate you enough. South Australia on the other hand, well…
So bring back the Big V vs the Croweaters and let everyone else please themselves, screw political correctness Mr Demetriou.
But what about the fixturing I here you say? When do we fit it in? Well because of the extra team this year we have had 24 rounds with every team having two byes. With GWS joining next year we can revert back to 22 rounds, have the State of Origin weekend off at about round 8 and then a split round at about round 18 in the lead up to the finals. It is perfect timing. But the most important part of this grand plan, would be to commit to this game for at least 10 years, that way the fans and then the players know it’s not mickey mouse stuff and could invest emotionally like their NRL counterparts.
With this formula the passion, hatred and just brilliant spectacles are bound to return. Hell if we want to fast track all of this why don’t we just get rid of political correctness altogether for that weekend and give the match review panel a spell #biffo
What are your thoughts?
Follow me on twitter @mal68au
Sunday, 5 June 2011
A view on Sepp (Mal68au)
Joesph Blatter. Commonly known as Sepp, even more commonly known as a lying corrupt blight on the world game. Now when Sepp was elected again this past week for another term as president of FIFA I didn’t bat an eyelid. I mean he was running unopposed. But when I heard on the way home from work that the FFA had voted for him I nearly ran off the road. How could we support the bloke and the regime that basically screwed us out of any legitimate shot at hosting the world cup?
It came to light that there were “improper payments” in awarding the world cup to Qatar for 2022 and what does big Sepp do? Take the cup off them or call for a re-vote? No. He suspends the Qatari delegate who just happens to be the one guy running against Sepp in the elections. Oh how convenient.
But as I hinted, this is nothing but the norm for FIFA and I was not surprised. But as far as the FFA go I was not only surprised, I was angry. The English FA abstained from voting to make a stand and say enough is enough. Sixteen other federations abstained also and yet Ben Buckley and the FAA are still sucking up to FIFA. What are they afraid of? Sure they will likely make us pay in some form or another down the track but if we’re honest they don’t exactly do us many favours anyway. We’re Australians and we’d rather stand up for what is right. We ran a fair race to get the world cup and were beaten by a country that appears to have paid off top officials. Surely we should have made a stand against this, the Australian fans deserve at least that much.
So with all this in mind maybe it is time for some changes at the FFA. Although on second thoughts, I am likely not the best person to listen to, due to my growing frustration with the game in general. My beloved Newcastle United look destined for years of mid table mediocrity, it doesn’t look like the Melbourne Heart are taking me to Asia anytime soon and now the FFA have shown they are little more than one of FIFA’s b@#ches. All of this adds up to one very disillusioned fan of the round ball game.
Screw it all, I’m off to watch some Faustino Asprilla highlights on youtube over a scotch or ten.
Follow me on twitter @Mal68au
Cheers
It came to light that there were “improper payments” in awarding the world cup to Qatar for 2022 and what does big Sepp do? Take the cup off them or call for a re-vote? No. He suspends the Qatari delegate who just happens to be the one guy running against Sepp in the elections. Oh how convenient.
But as I hinted, this is nothing but the norm for FIFA and I was not surprised. But as far as the FFA go I was not only surprised, I was angry. The English FA abstained from voting to make a stand and say enough is enough. Sixteen other federations abstained also and yet Ben Buckley and the FAA are still sucking up to FIFA. What are they afraid of? Sure they will likely make us pay in some form or another down the track but if we’re honest they don’t exactly do us many favours anyway. We’re Australians and we’d rather stand up for what is right. We ran a fair race to get the world cup and were beaten by a country that appears to have paid off top officials. Surely we should have made a stand against this, the Australian fans deserve at least that much.
So with all this in mind maybe it is time for some changes at the FFA. Although on second thoughts, I am likely not the best person to listen to, due to my growing frustration with the game in general. My beloved Newcastle United look destined for years of mid table mediocrity, it doesn’t look like the Melbourne Heart are taking me to Asia anytime soon and now the FFA have shown they are little more than one of FIFA’s b@#ches. All of this adds up to one very disillusioned fan of the round ball game.
Screw it all, I’m off to watch some Faustino Asprilla highlights on youtube over a scotch or ten.
Follow me on twitter @Mal68au
Cheers
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Passing the Buck (The_A_Mac)
Passing the Buck
Last Friday 27 May 2011, Senator Stephen Conroy announced plans that Federal and State governments across Australia will outlaw the advertising of live sport betting odds by broadcasters and at event venues by June 2012. Senator Conroy believes that "there's an insidious culture developing that is targeting the young as they are watching sporting events". This may be true, but will the cost of having multiple levels of government legislate the advertising of betting odds really alter this culture? I think not, it (gambling) is inherent in Australia's society. Whether it was in the goldfields of Ballarat where miners would gamble by panning without a license, or diggers on the shores of Gallipoli playing two-up in the quieter moments, or Victorians 'frocking up' and 'having a punt' on one of their most cherished public holidays on that first Tuesday in November.
Politicians must understand, whether you are watching the game at home, the pub or at the ground, viewers can remotely access these odds from an array of mobile devices. Perhaps more importantly they can place a bet without leaving their seat. So in an ever changing world, with new technologies developing at a rate defined by Moore's Law, legislation will never be the answer to this 'apparent' issue.
Knowing this politicians must asked themselves, what is the real issue here? Is it that government feels they have skirted the issue of limiting the exposure of gambling to Australia's youth, and failed to target the social issues surrounding problem gambling. Or are they more concerned about the level of revenue that football codes (AFL, NRL etc) and television networks receive from advertising these live odds. Should the latter be solely the case, the word hypocrisy may spring to mind given the revenue government receives from pokies.
Yes these leagues and they're broadcasters have a level or social responsibility, and there is no question that they are already aware of the consequences such advertising has on revenue. When questioned about the amount of revenue that passes through the hands of bookies during the course of a season AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou refused to comment. Surely a figure that would have been to hand during the recent negotiations for the TV broadcasters. However to Mr Demetriou's credit when asked if the AFL would act prematurely to the legislation, he answered in the affirmative.
Ultimately this may be a small step in limiting the exposure the youth has to gambling, but it won't even cause a ripple in the pool of money wagered on sporting matches. What really bothers me however is that before we (the nation) go down a path of costly legislative change, shouldn't the politicians have asked a couple of simple questions? How is this going to stop people receiving updates and placing bets on their mobile devices during matches, and couldn't we just ask these codes to stop advertising live odds. At the end of the day it may be easier for government to pass the buck, rather than really address the underlying social issues surrounding problem gambling.
The_A_Mac
Follow on twitter @The_A_Mac
*Note The_A_Mac is the fourth member of the AussieSportsGuys team.
Last Friday 27 May 2011, Senator Stephen Conroy announced plans that Federal and State governments across Australia will outlaw the advertising of live sport betting odds by broadcasters and at event venues by June 2012. Senator Conroy believes that "there's an insidious culture developing that is targeting the young as they are watching sporting events". This may be true, but will the cost of having multiple levels of government legislate the advertising of betting odds really alter this culture? I think not, it (gambling) is inherent in Australia's society. Whether it was in the goldfields of Ballarat where miners would gamble by panning without a license, or diggers on the shores of Gallipoli playing two-up in the quieter moments, or Victorians 'frocking up' and 'having a punt' on one of their most cherished public holidays on that first Tuesday in November.
Politicians must understand, whether you are watching the game at home, the pub or at the ground, viewers can remotely access these odds from an array of mobile devices. Perhaps more importantly they can place a bet without leaving their seat. So in an ever changing world, with new technologies developing at a rate defined by Moore's Law, legislation will never be the answer to this 'apparent' issue.
Knowing this politicians must asked themselves, what is the real issue here? Is it that government feels they have skirted the issue of limiting the exposure of gambling to Australia's youth, and failed to target the social issues surrounding problem gambling. Or are they more concerned about the level of revenue that football codes (AFL, NRL etc) and television networks receive from advertising these live odds. Should the latter be solely the case, the word hypocrisy may spring to mind given the revenue government receives from pokies.
Yes these leagues and they're broadcasters have a level or social responsibility, and there is no question that they are already aware of the consequences such advertising has on revenue. When questioned about the amount of revenue that passes through the hands of bookies during the course of a season AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou refused to comment. Surely a figure that would have been to hand during the recent negotiations for the TV broadcasters. However to Mr Demetriou's credit when asked if the AFL would act prematurely to the legislation, he answered in the affirmative.
Ultimately this may be a small step in limiting the exposure the youth has to gambling, but it won't even cause a ripple in the pool of money wagered on sporting matches. What really bothers me however is that before we (the nation) go down a path of costly legislative change, shouldn't the politicians have asked a couple of simple questions? How is this going to stop people receiving updates and placing bets on their mobile devices during matches, and couldn't we just ask these codes to stop advertising live odds. At the end of the day it may be easier for government to pass the buck, rather than really address the underlying social issues surrounding problem gambling.
The_A_Mac
Follow on twitter @The_A_Mac
*Note The_A_Mac is the fourth member of the AussieSportsGuys team.
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
AFL Against The Spread - Rd 10 (JohnAnthonyOZ)
AFL Round 10 Notes
- Only 2 Home teams covered (Nth Melb and Collingwood)
- So far 54.55% of underdogs have covered this season.
- Collingwood (7-2) and Geelong (8-1) covered AGAIN
- Fremantle (2-7), Gold Coast (2-6), Port Adelaide (2-8) and Melbourne (2-7) hold the worst records ATS.
Round 11 games of interest -
Essendon (6-3) v Melbourne (2-7)
Collingwood (7-2) v St Kilda (3-6)
Hawthorn (6-3) v Fremantle (2-7)
Port Adelaide (2-8) v Carlton (4-5)
West Coast (6-3) V Gold Coast (2-6)
On Twitter @JohnAnthonyOZ
- Only 2 Home teams covered (Nth Melb and Collingwood)
- So far 54.55% of underdogs have covered this season.
- Collingwood (7-2) and Geelong (8-1) covered AGAIN
- Fremantle (2-7), Gold Coast (2-6), Port Adelaide (2-8) and Melbourne (2-7) hold the worst records ATS.
Round 11 games of interest -
Essendon (6-3) v Melbourne (2-7)
Collingwood (7-2) v St Kilda (3-6)
Hawthorn (6-3) v Fremantle (2-7)
Port Adelaide (2-8) v Carlton (4-5)
West Coast (6-3) V Gold Coast (2-6)
On Twitter @JohnAnthonyOZ
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