2010-2011 Winter Sports Wrap-up

HIGH AND TIGHT

With the Boston Bruins 2-0 victory in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals over Vancouver, and of course the dismantling by Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks of LeBron, his talents, and his buddies for the NBA title, it's time to reflect. Congratulations to both squads, and also to fans of the residents of Madison Square Garden, as I see a silver lining.

I can't say that Miami choked, but the turning point was certainly the letdown they suffered at the end of Game 4 when they were sure they had the title in the bag, began celebrating, and gave the Mavs new life. In addition to Dirk, I'm happy for Mark Cuban, who I believe is an excellent owner, and especially Jayson Kidd, who finally got a ring after carrying the New Jersey Nets to 2 straight NBA Finals on his back. Do not underestimate that accomplishment.

My worry with the Knicks was that it's been very hard to assess what their ceiling is, as they are a work in progress. That was complicated, however, with the fact that we perceived the Heat to be some uber team, a permament obstacle in the Knicks' path to the title. We now know that is not the case.

But my comfort in that knowledge is tempered by two things: first, the fact that GM Donnie Walsh, the architect of the solution to their salary cap problems, will not get to finish the job. It's upsetting that he was pushed without a true successor in place. Which brings us to my second reservation: the looming shdow of Isaiah Thomas.

Memo to Jim Dolan: as a kid in the 70's, I rooted for the great Knick teams of Willis and Clyde, and the Nets, that other New York Team in the "beachball" league. It was not hard to get behind Rick Barry and Dr. J, especially since the locals would never play each other.

My point: bring back "Zeke", and I'll root for the Nets again in Brooklyn. That's a promise.

This at times was a brutal series to watch, as the Canucks were diving like a European soccer team, and the Bruins at times brought back memories of
Slapshot. However, with Tim Thomas playing valiantly in net, they proved themselves a worthy champion, as much as it pains me to see another parade in Boston.

BTW, what's up with Canada and burning cars after the Stanley Cup Finals?

As for the Rangers, the Bruins victory brings much the same analysis as with the Knicks. The Rangers, with a dysfunctional offense, played even when facing Boston. The addition of a 1st line center like Brad Richards should make them that much more competitive. I do believe, however, that they only have about a 3-year window with Henrik Lundqvist to accomplish this.

There is hope on 7th and 32nd.