Forget the play-by-play or the summary of the match. Federer beat Roddick today 5-7, 7-6, 7-6, 3-6, 16-14. Yeah, you saw that correctly. The fifth and deciding set went 16-14. It was the longest championship match in Wimbledon history.
I don't think words do justice to this match: epic, amazing, wild, crazy, legendary, historical. The list can continue, but just doesn't express how awesome this match was.
While the whole match was excellent, the stretch run in the 5th set is where I want to focus. I don't know where sports cliches came from, but after watching the 5th set, I know why they are used. This match was a gut check, a battle of wills, a chess match, and anything else that's been stated to death so many times. Federer and Roddick started into each other's eyes for over four hours, and Roddick blinked - but only slightly. As the match went on and on Roddick slowly started to get chinks in his armor and eventually it was apparent that Federer would prevail.
This is why Roger Federer is the best of the decade. He is a true champion. He earned every ounce of his 15th major championship.
As for Roddick, he has nothing to be ashamed of, but that's hardly consolation. He played the perfect Wimbledon Championship, only to have Roger Federer on the other end. This one has to sting for Roddick.
Individual stories aside, this is one for the ages. It was an Instant Classic before the 5th set. It will go down in history as the best Wimbledon final of all time.
Epic.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Lakers Win NBA Finals
And in doing so, they proved me wrong. I had thought Orlando could win Game 5 and send the series back to Los Angeles, but LA was simply way too much for the Magic to handle. The talent disparity between the two teams was quite apparent in Games 4 and 5, and the Lakers proved to be much more balanced than the perimeter-dependent Magic.
The 99-86 trouncing gave the Lakers their first championship since 2002, Kobe Bryant his 4th title, and Phil Jackson his 10th (a new record). This is also Kobe and LA's first title without Shaq, furthering the storyline involving those two. Now they each have a title since the split, and Kobe can rest easy about that.
The team is definitely championship-caliber, and played like it the last two games of the series. The Magic lived and died by their outside shooting, and LA did a good job of preventing Dwight Howard from establishing an inside game for the Magic, and thus preventing easy perimeter shots. Basically, LA took Orlando off their game entirely, especially in Games 4 and 5. Conversely, the Lakers were able to get the ball low in the post with Pau Gasol and hit their own perimeter shots, as Trevor Ariza and Derek Fisher each contributed immensely, especially from behind the arc. Kobe was Kobe and was not going to be denied in this series.
It was a tremendous run for the Magic, who have nothing to be ashamed of. They ran into the better team and were over-matched. That doesn't take away from their accomplishments. Defeating the defending champs and the Eastern Conference favorite en route to the finals is impressive. They also earned their first ever NBA Finals victory as a franchise. It was definitely a successful season on all accounts.
The Lakers added to their prestigious history, winning their 15th title. The franchise gets some sort of vindication, for better or worse, after all the turmoil they went through some years back. Their playoff run is equally impressive because they accomplished what they set out to do. They had some bumps in the road, but ultimately they were not going to be denied this championship. It was the goal from the time the buzzer went off last year in Game 6 against Boston. And a year later, they did what they set out to do. And that alone makes them worthy champs.
The 99-86 trouncing gave the Lakers their first championship since 2002, Kobe Bryant his 4th title, and Phil Jackson his 10th (a new record). This is also Kobe and LA's first title without Shaq, furthering the storyline involving those two. Now they each have a title since the split, and Kobe can rest easy about that.
The team is definitely championship-caliber, and played like it the last two games of the series. The Magic lived and died by their outside shooting, and LA did a good job of preventing Dwight Howard from establishing an inside game for the Magic, and thus preventing easy perimeter shots. Basically, LA took Orlando off their game entirely, especially in Games 4 and 5. Conversely, the Lakers were able to get the ball low in the post with Pau Gasol and hit their own perimeter shots, as Trevor Ariza and Derek Fisher each contributed immensely, especially from behind the arc. Kobe was Kobe and was not going to be denied in this series.
It was a tremendous run for the Magic, who have nothing to be ashamed of. They ran into the better team and were over-matched. That doesn't take away from their accomplishments. Defeating the defending champs and the Eastern Conference favorite en route to the finals is impressive. They also earned their first ever NBA Finals victory as a franchise. It was definitely a successful season on all accounts.
The Lakers added to their prestigious history, winning their 15th title. The franchise gets some sort of vindication, for better or worse, after all the turmoil they went through some years back. Their playoff run is equally impressive because they accomplished what they set out to do. They had some bumps in the road, but ultimately they were not going to be denied this championship. It was the goal from the time the buzzer went off last year in Game 6 against Boston. And a year later, they did what they set out to do. And that alone makes them worthy champs.
Penguins Win the Stanley Cup
Sorry for the delay, it's been a busy few days. By now, you know how the game went on Friday night - how the Penguins defeated the Red Wings in the Joe Louis Arena, how Marc-Andre Fleury had the game of his life, how the Wings staged one final rush to defend their championship, how in the end, it was the youth hoisting the Cup, in what could be a changing of the guard for the National Hockey League.
The Penguins earned their victory. After going down 2-0 to open the series, they were forced to take 4 of 5 from the Wings: a daunting task, for sure. But the Pens responded, even completely dominating Detroit in Game 4. After the embarrassing Game 5 defeat, they were able to take Game 6, despite a crazy rush by the Wings at the end of the game. Then of course in a Game 7, anything can happen. And what happened was the first road victory in the series for either team.
Both teams played good games. Both penalty kills were perfect. Both goalies were solid. The Pens were just able to strike twice, both from Max Talbot. The Wings almost scored twice, with their potential second goal clanging off the cross-bar late in the third. It was a testament to how even these teams actually are. An extension of that is how good the Penguins are. If they are even with the Wings, and the Wings are a much older team, imagine how good the Penguins can be a few years from now when Crosby and Malkin reach their primes. It's a scary thought.
The storylines were many, and didn't disappoint. Pittsburgh avenged last year's defeat to these same Red Wings, Crosby was proven right when he was questioned for grabbing the Prince of Wales' Trophy after defeating the Hurricanes, and Marian Hossa ultimately chose the wrong team. You kind of feel bad for Hossa, but that's karma for you.
In the end, I don't know if the better team won, but the hottest team in the NHL in the waning months held the Cup at the end, and the season finished with a worthy series, and worthy champions.
The Penguins earned their victory. After going down 2-0 to open the series, they were forced to take 4 of 5 from the Wings: a daunting task, for sure. But the Pens responded, even completely dominating Detroit in Game 4. After the embarrassing Game 5 defeat, they were able to take Game 6, despite a crazy rush by the Wings at the end of the game. Then of course in a Game 7, anything can happen. And what happened was the first road victory in the series for either team.
Both teams played good games. Both penalty kills were perfect. Both goalies were solid. The Pens were just able to strike twice, both from Max Talbot. The Wings almost scored twice, with their potential second goal clanging off the cross-bar late in the third. It was a testament to how even these teams actually are. An extension of that is how good the Penguins are. If they are even with the Wings, and the Wings are a much older team, imagine how good the Penguins can be a few years from now when Crosby and Malkin reach their primes. It's a scary thought.
The storylines were many, and didn't disappoint. Pittsburgh avenged last year's defeat to these same Red Wings, Crosby was proven right when he was questioned for grabbing the Prince of Wales' Trophy after defeating the Hurricanes, and Marian Hossa ultimately chose the wrong team. You kind of feel bad for Hossa, but that's karma for you.
In the end, I don't know if the better team won, but the hottest team in the NHL in the waning months held the Cup at the end, and the season finished with a worthy series, and worthy champions.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Lakers go up 3-1
Coming back from the 12 point deficit was the easy part. Sustaining the lead was the hard part. Right out of the gate in the second half, the Lakers, led by Trevor Ariza, stormed back to take the lead late in the third quarter. The fourth quarter was another see-saw affair that came down to clutch baskets. One team missed theirs; the other made theirs.
The Lakers made theirs and are now up 3-1 in the NBA Finals. Kobe led the charge as always, but the second half saw the rest of the Lakers step up and simply out-hustle the Magic. Pau Gasol had a good half, but the real story was Ariza and Derek Fisher. Ariza played like a mad man in the third quarter, and Derek Fisher saved the game for LA with 4 seconds left, with a dramatic three over Jameer Nelson, who's defense was awful on that play. Fisher also later hit what proved to be the game-winning three in OT.
The Magic at the end of the game and in all of OT had no answer for the Lakers. They were out-played on both ends of the court and their execution in the last 6 minutes of the game was inexcusible. Two horrendous in-bounds plays resulted in bricked shots, the latter of which led to the game-icing dunk by Gasol. Missed free throws also killed them tonight.
The Lakers are now in firm control of the series. For whatever reason, the Magic just didn't seem to want it as much as LA did, and LA capitalized. That won't happen in Game 5. Orlando will be in front of their home fans again, they will be fired up and come out aggressive, and LA has a game to give. The series will go back to LA, but it simply is Orlando delaying the inevitable.
The Lakers made theirs and are now up 3-1 in the NBA Finals. Kobe led the charge as always, but the second half saw the rest of the Lakers step up and simply out-hustle the Magic. Pau Gasol had a good half, but the real story was Ariza and Derek Fisher. Ariza played like a mad man in the third quarter, and Derek Fisher saved the game for LA with 4 seconds left, with a dramatic three over Jameer Nelson, who's defense was awful on that play. Fisher also later hit what proved to be the game-winning three in OT.
The Magic at the end of the game and in all of OT had no answer for the Lakers. They were out-played on both ends of the court and their execution in the last 6 minutes of the game was inexcusible. Two horrendous in-bounds plays resulted in bricked shots, the latter of which led to the game-icing dunk by Gasol. Missed free throws also killed them tonight.
The Lakers are now in firm control of the series. For whatever reason, the Magic just didn't seem to want it as much as LA did, and LA capitalized. That won't happen in Game 5. Orlando will be in front of their home fans again, they will be fired up and come out aggressive, and LA has a game to give. The series will go back to LA, but it simply is Orlando delaying the inevitable.
Magic Control First Half of Game 4
The first half in Orlando has come to a close, with the Magic leading 49-37. It's the biggest lead the Magic have had in the series so far, and they are controlling the game in every facet. Hedo Turkoglu is leading the way with 15, while Rafer Alston has added 9, and Dwight Howard has grabbed 14 rebounds already. The Lakers are led by Kobe (who else?) with 16, but no one else on Los Angeles has done anything of note.
Preventing the Magic from holding a much bigger lead are their 9 turnovers. The teams have proven to be pretty even this series, and the Lakers' poor play in the first half has led to the deficit. If anyone other than Kobe had had a really good first half, the game would be even again. The scary thing for LA is that Rashard Lewis has yet to do much, only scoring 3 points on a three-pointer. If Lewis gets going, and Howard can establish some inside points, the Lakers could be in for a long second half.
On the other end, if Pau Gasol can start hitting some shots and Lamar Odom and Derek Fisher step up, the Lakers will be in good position to climb out of the hole. Kobe will be Kobe, and you know he's looking to redeem himself after his lackluster Game 3 performance down the stretch. Look for the game to tighten up down the stretch. I still think the Lakers pull it out in the end.
Preventing the Magic from holding a much bigger lead are their 9 turnovers. The teams have proven to be pretty even this series, and the Lakers' poor play in the first half has led to the deficit. If anyone other than Kobe had had a really good first half, the game would be even again. The scary thing for LA is that Rashard Lewis has yet to do much, only scoring 3 points on a three-pointer. If Lewis gets going, and Howard can establish some inside points, the Lakers could be in for a long second half.
On the other end, if Pau Gasol can start hitting some shots and Lamar Odom and Derek Fisher step up, the Lakers will be in good position to climb out of the hole. Kobe will be Kobe, and you know he's looking to redeem himself after his lackluster Game 3 performance down the stretch. Look for the game to tighten up down the stretch. I still think the Lakers pull it out in the end.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Magic Win Game 3
In the most crucial game of the season, the Magic took advantage of some rare lapses by Kobe Bryant and had the best shooting performance in Finals history en route to a 108-104 win in Game 3.
Shooting 62.5% will win you some ball games, and it certainly helped the Magic tonight, though they still only won by 4. The Magic brought their balanced attack again and were able to hit their shots, but the Lakers countered with more strong efforts from Bryant, Pau Gasol, and even Trevor Ariza.
It was a game quite similar to Game 2, just with both teams playing better. Chances are, if this game is played in LA, the Lakers win. It's no surprise Orlando won tonight; Thursday is the big question for them. If they can answer that, it's a whole new series. But as it stands, the Lakers still are in control. Kobe won't make the same mistakes that he did tonight, and that will change the outcome. Look for the Lakers to take Game 4 and put a stranglehold on the series.
Shooting 62.5% will win you some ball games, and it certainly helped the Magic tonight, though they still only won by 4. The Magic brought their balanced attack again and were able to hit their shots, but the Lakers countered with more strong efforts from Bryant, Pau Gasol, and even Trevor Ariza.
It was a game quite similar to Game 2, just with both teams playing better. Chances are, if this game is played in LA, the Lakers win. It's no surprise Orlando won tonight; Thursday is the big question for them. If they can answer that, it's a whole new series. But as it stands, the Lakers still are in control. Kobe won't make the same mistakes that he did tonight, and that will change the outcome. Look for the Lakers to take Game 4 and put a stranglehold on the series.
To Game 7!
What a third period. The Wings completely turned it on, forcing the Penguins to hunker down in their own zone most of the way, leading to a wild last minute at Mellon Arena. In the end, the Penguins prevailed 2-1, forcing the deciding game Friday night at Joe Louis Arena.
The Penguins kept at it at the start of the third, leading to their second goal. But after that, the Wings seemingly flipped a switch and poured it on. They were able to light the lamp 8 minutes in on Kris Draper's rebound goal.
But once again, the Penguins were able to weather the Detroit storm and hold their ground. They controlled most of the game and were able to prevent Detroit from a lot of quality chances. The same thing happened in Game 4. We know what happened in the next game.
There's no way Game 7 will be a blowout. Anything that's happened in the series so far is tossed out the window. The Pens have to win on Detroit ice, which they've yet to do. But all bets are off. Detroit has the experience and friendly ice. Pittsburgh has a renewed energy and confidence level and revenge on their minds. I think it would be fitting that the game goes into overtime. It will be an explosive game, and I'll go against the logical pick and say the Penguins, after overtime, will be holding the Cup when it's said and done .
The Penguins kept at it at the start of the third, leading to their second goal. But after that, the Wings seemingly flipped a switch and poured it on. They were able to light the lamp 8 minutes in on Kris Draper's rebound goal.
But once again, the Penguins were able to weather the Detroit storm and hold their ground. They controlled most of the game and were able to prevent Detroit from a lot of quality chances. The same thing happened in Game 4. We know what happened in the next game.
There's no way Game 7 will be a blowout. Anything that's happened in the series so far is tossed out the window. The Pens have to win on Detroit ice, which they've yet to do. But all bets are off. Detroit has the experience and friendly ice. Pittsburgh has a renewed energy and confidence level and revenge on their minds. I think it would be fitting that the game goes into overtime. It will be an explosive game, and I'll go against the logical pick and say the Penguins, after overtime, will be holding the Cup when it's said and done .
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