It’s the stuff of legends.
The Highland Park High School girls swim team won its 10th consecutive 4A state championship Saturday at the Lee & Joe Jamail Texas Swim Center in Austin. That’s the longest winning streak for any team in any sport in the history of the University Interscholastic League, the governing body of Texas high school sports.
It wasn’t a runaway victory this time though. It came down to the final event – the 400-yard free relay. Down by three points going into the relay, Highland Park needed to top Frisco, or the streak would be over.
Needless to say with a time of 3:34.27, Highland Park won the relay, swam by freshmen Meredith Kelly and Emma Gruber and seniors Katie Streepey and Allison Arnold in that order.
Streepey helped Highland Park pull away from Frisco, who was just one lane over. Arnold, a multi-state record holder, cemented the relay and state victory. Frisco finished third in the relay with a time of 3:37.33
With the win, Highland Park ousted Frisco 232-227 in the final standings and continues their dominance. Congratulations to all the current and former HP swimmers!
Special thanks to Pat Harris for making the signs that helped everyone cheer on the team from the stands, and also thanks to my sister, a former HP swimmer, for her assistance with this post.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
It’s All About A Certain Kidd: Mavericks 111 Hawks 103 (OT)
Ten-time All-Star Jason Kidd is a big time veteran basketball player. He’s gritty, passionate and never gives up. Even if you’ve never seen him play before, you would have no doubt about that after seeing him and his triple-double performance lead the Mavericks to a 111-103 come-from-behind road victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.
Kidd finished with 19 points, 17 assists and 16 rebounds for the 104th triple-double of his career. As far as the numbers go, it was his most dominating one since January 15, 1996 when he tallied 21 points, 16 rebounds and 16 assists, according to the Mavericks TV broadcast. At the time, Kidd was in his first go-around with the Mavericks.
Known for his 3-point shooting ability, Kidd didn’t necessarily start off well, but he had an explosive finish. With only five points in the first half, he didn’t land a 3 until the Mavs’ last shot of the first half. The shot gave the Mavs a very temporary 50-48 lead before Joe Johnson tied it at 50.
After being outscored 26-15 in the third quarter, the Mavs needed some magic. Kidd provided that spark with 11 points and eight assists in the final quarter. Although Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry played huge roles in the 34-point fourth-quarter barrage, Kidd, who went 4 for 10 from long range for the game, hit three 3’s in the last three minutes of regulation to carry the team into overtime.
Nowitzki had five of his 37 points along with two assists in the overtime to help the Mavericks to victory. The Mavericks outscored the Hawks 12-4 in the extra five minutes and secured their sixth straight win.
Shawn Marion bucketed 14 points, including six dunks in the game. J.J. Barea assisted on six balls, two of them Kidd 3-pointers, in 20:26 minutes on court.
It was not without some bumps though as the Hawks, a probable Eastern Conference playoff team, came up with a 21-4 run in the second and a 9-0 run of their own in the third to take an 86-71 lead.
But victories a team has to work for are all the more sweet.
Kidd finished with 19 points, 17 assists and 16 rebounds for the 104th triple-double of his career. As far as the numbers go, it was his most dominating one since January 15, 1996 when he tallied 21 points, 16 rebounds and 16 assists, according to the Mavericks TV broadcast. At the time, Kidd was in his first go-around with the Mavericks.
Known for his 3-point shooting ability, Kidd didn’t necessarily start off well, but he had an explosive finish. With only five points in the first half, he didn’t land a 3 until the Mavs’ last shot of the first half. The shot gave the Mavs a very temporary 50-48 lead before Joe Johnson tied it at 50.
After being outscored 26-15 in the third quarter, the Mavs needed some magic. Kidd provided that spark with 11 points and eight assists in the final quarter. Although Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry played huge roles in the 34-point fourth-quarter barrage, Kidd, who went 4 for 10 from long range for the game, hit three 3’s in the last three minutes of regulation to carry the team into overtime.
Nowitzki had five of his 37 points along with two assists in the overtime to help the Mavericks to victory. The Mavericks outscored the Hawks 12-4 in the extra five minutes and secured their sixth straight win.
Shawn Marion bucketed 14 points, including six dunks in the game. J.J. Barea assisted on six balls, two of them Kidd 3-pointers, in 20:26 minutes on court.
It was not without some bumps though as the Hawks, a probable Eastern Conference playoff team, came up with a 21-4 run in the second and a 9-0 run of their own in the third to take an 86-71 lead.
But victories a team has to work for are all the more sweet.
Double Take: Queens of the Ice
South Korean teenage phenom Yu-Na Kim, otherwise known as ‘Queen,’ had a free skate Thursday night to win gold that could only be described as far and above the other competitors, most of whom also skated their best.
Her judges score of 228.56 was a record through and through for any skater in any competition and broke the previous high mark of 210, which she also achieved. Her gold medal represents the first Olympic figure skating title ever for a South Korean. To put the amazing score into perspective, the silver medalist and Kim’s main rival, Mao Asada of Japan, received a 205.50. A 23-point differential in a sport as detailed as figure skating is like winning a hockey game by 18 goals. Oh, wait, that did happen, You get the idea.
With the crowd’s encouragement, Canadian Joannie Rochette won the bronze, overcoming emotional anguish from her mother’s sudden death in a Vancouver hospital just five days ago.
Women’s Hockey:
Hockey is the national pastime in Canada. It’s not that farfetched to say it’s all the natives care about. The Canadians shut out the United States 2-0 Thursday to win its third straight Olympic gold – anything less would be unacceptable and far below expectations.
Their coach summed it up like this:
Since women’s hockey debuted at the Olympics in 1998, Canada and the U.S. are the only two teams to win the tournament. In fact, no other nation has even remotely challenged either squad. In the four contests prior to the gold medal game, Canada outscored its opponents 46-2 and the U.S. 40-2. Repeatedly, the games were already out of reach by the first intermission.
But everyone involved knew this game was going to be different – far more competitive and far more intense than the others.
Canadian goalie Shannon Szabados looked absolutely untouchable in net, stopping all 28 shots she faced from all directions.
American goaltender Jessie Vetter gloved 27 shots. The only two pucks that passed her came off the stick of 18-year-old Olympic rookie Marie-Philip Poulin-Nadeau in the first period, just minutes apart.
Overall, Canada was led by Meghan Agosta, the tournament’s leading goal scorer, with nine goals and six assists in five games.
Four-time Olympian Jenny Potter led the U.S. with six goals for the tournament. Natalie Darwitz and Hilary Knight each had seven assists.
Angela Ruggiero, another four-time Olympian, played 106:25 minutes in five games to lead the U.S. team.
*Statistics from http://www.nbcolympics.com/.
Her judges score of 228.56 was a record through and through for any skater in any competition and broke the previous high mark of 210, which she also achieved. Her gold medal represents the first Olympic figure skating title ever for a South Korean. To put the amazing score into perspective, the silver medalist and Kim’s main rival, Mao Asada of Japan, received a 205.50. A 23-point differential in a sport as detailed as figure skating is like winning a hockey game by 18 goals. Oh, wait, that did happen, You get the idea.
With the crowd’s encouragement, Canadian Joannie Rochette won the bronze, overcoming emotional anguish from her mother’s sudden death in a Vancouver hospital just five days ago.
Women’s Hockey:
Hockey is the national pastime in Canada. It’s not that farfetched to say it’s all the natives care about. The Canadians shut out the United States 2-0 Thursday to win its third straight Olympic gold – anything less would be unacceptable and far below expectations.
Their coach summed it up like this:
"You are expected to win, male or female. It’s Canada. That’s the expectation."
-Women’s Hockey Head Coach Melody Davidson
Since women’s hockey debuted at the Olympics in 1998, Canada and the U.S. are the only two teams to win the tournament. In fact, no other nation has even remotely challenged either squad. In the four contests prior to the gold medal game, Canada outscored its opponents 46-2 and the U.S. 40-2. Repeatedly, the games were already out of reach by the first intermission.
But everyone involved knew this game was going to be different – far more competitive and far more intense than the others.
Canadian goalie Shannon Szabados looked absolutely untouchable in net, stopping all 28 shots she faced from all directions.
American goaltender Jessie Vetter gloved 27 shots. The only two pucks that passed her came off the stick of 18-year-old Olympic rookie Marie-Philip Poulin-Nadeau in the first period, just minutes apart.
Overall, Canada was led by Meghan Agosta, the tournament’s leading goal scorer, with nine goals and six assists in five games.
Four-time Olympian Jenny Potter led the U.S. with six goals for the tournament. Natalie Darwitz and Hilary Knight each had seven assists.
Angela Ruggiero, another four-time Olympian, played 106:25 minutes in five games to lead the U.S. team.
*Statistics from http://www.nbcolympics.com/.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Stevenson, Terry Pivotal As Mavs Beat Lakers: Mavericks 101 Lakers 96
If the Mavericks want to be considered among the top teams in the Western Conference, Wednesday night’s game against the reigning NBA champion Lakers was arguably the most important game of the season thus far. The Mavs had to play at a consistently high level for the entire game to win, and they came out on top 101-96 and looked like a playoff squad doing it.
A close game throughout, the contest boasted 24 lead changes and eight ties. The largest Mavericks’ lead was five points, the margin they won by, and the biggest Lakers’ advantage was nine, following a 10-0 run in the second to put them up 48-39. Kobe Bryant netted two jump shots to end the run. But the Mavs quickly found their groove again on a Jason Kidd 3 and a Jason Terry 3-point play to make the halftime score just 50-49 for the team from the West Coast. To follow up a strong finish, the Mavs scored the first six points of the second half.
Starting in place of Caron Butler, who sat out due to a reaction to medication, DeShawn Stevenson was charged with guarding Bryant. He shined and held Bryant to 20 points on 9 for 23 on field goals, including 0 for 5 in the first quarter and 0 for 3 from long range. Bryant’s two dozen points was well below his average of 27.9 per game, a total that ranks fourth in the league.
Terry’s 30 points, including 6 for 6 from the line, and Dirk Nowitzki’s 31 led the Mavs’ offensive production. After going 0 for 10 against the Heat on Saturday at the peak of his shooting struggles and 5 for 10 against the Pacers on Monday, Terry seems to have rediscovered his shot. Terry also helped Kidd in the 3-point department as both guys each bucketed four, accounting for all the team’s 3’s. There couldn’t be better news for the Mavericks.
Also, the Mavs out rebounded the Lakers 41-36 and shot 10 more free throws for the game, two telling statistics. In the fourth quarter alone, the Mavs made 14 of 15 free throw attempts on their way to outscoring the Lakers 27-24 for the quarter. For rebounding, Nowitzki and Brendan Haywood each finished with nine, while Kidd and Shawn Marion contributed seven apiece. As is becoming routine, Haywood blocked five shots for the second time in six games as a Maverick.
Before the game, head coach Rick Carlisle gave his opinion on how to beat the now 43-15 Western Conference-leading Lakers:
I guess he agrees with me in thinking the Mavericks succeeded in doing that because TV announcer Mark Followill made this observation to TV analyst Bob Ortegel regarding the normally stoic Carlisle:
It’s always good when both the coach and fans alike recognize a strong performance.
A close game throughout, the contest boasted 24 lead changes and eight ties. The largest Mavericks’ lead was five points, the margin they won by, and the biggest Lakers’ advantage was nine, following a 10-0 run in the second to put them up 48-39. Kobe Bryant netted two jump shots to end the run. But the Mavs quickly found their groove again on a Jason Kidd 3 and a Jason Terry 3-point play to make the halftime score just 50-49 for the team from the West Coast. To follow up a strong finish, the Mavs scored the first six points of the second half.
Starting in place of Caron Butler, who sat out due to a reaction to medication, DeShawn Stevenson was charged with guarding Bryant. He shined and held Bryant to 20 points on 9 for 23 on field goals, including 0 for 5 in the first quarter and 0 for 3 from long range. Bryant’s two dozen points was well below his average of 27.9 per game, a total that ranks fourth in the league.
Terry’s 30 points, including 6 for 6 from the line, and Dirk Nowitzki’s 31 led the Mavs’ offensive production. After going 0 for 10 against the Heat on Saturday at the peak of his shooting struggles and 5 for 10 against the Pacers on Monday, Terry seems to have rediscovered his shot. Terry also helped Kidd in the 3-point department as both guys each bucketed four, accounting for all the team’s 3’s. There couldn’t be better news for the Mavericks.
Also, the Mavs out rebounded the Lakers 41-36 and shot 10 more free throws for the game, two telling statistics. In the fourth quarter alone, the Mavs made 14 of 15 free throw attempts on their way to outscoring the Lakers 27-24 for the quarter. For rebounding, Nowitzki and Brendan Haywood each finished with nine, while Kidd and Shawn Marion contributed seven apiece. As is becoming routine, Haywood blocked five shots for the second time in six games as a Maverick.
Before the game, head coach Rick Carlisle gave his opinion on how to beat the now 43-15 Western Conference-leading Lakers:
"You’ve got to play an extremely aggressive, active game. You’ve got to play your
style of game because they’re going to want to play a medium-tempo game and trot
it up the court and get it inside and try to
pound you inside out.”
-Rick Carlisle
I guess he agrees with me in thinking the Mavericks succeeded in doing that because TV announcer Mark Followill made this observation to TV analyst Bob Ortegel regarding the normally stoic Carlisle:
“Bob, I just looked over to Rick Carlisle, and I thought I saw kind of a
little smile.”
-Mark Followill
It’s always good when both the coach and fans alike recognize a strong performance.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Michael Young: The Right Captain
Michael Young is the consummate professional ballplayer. In his first season at third base, he committed just nine errors, his lowest total in six years. He is a model of consistency, and for that reason, he has become a fan favorite and the face of the franchise. There are lofty expectations for Young and the Rangers this season, but Young, who will serve as team captain, can lead the team in the direction to meet and exceed them.
A hamstring pull limited Young to just 135 games in 2009. But his offensive numbers still improved from 2008. Even without September, Young bashed 22 long balls and racked up 280 total bases, despite not being best known for his home run power. Young put 12 homers and 259 total bases in the books for 2008. Likely helped by the higher home run total, Young’s OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) rose from .741 in 2008 to .892 last season.
Even with the comfort of improved individual numbers, Young only cares that he helps the overall team succeed. He gets angry at himself when he commits an error in the field because he feels he let his teammates down by not achieving an out.
But it’s not all about on-field performance for #10. He and his wife serve as ambassadors for an organization called Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer. Through the organization, he forged a friendship with Carson Leslie, a local teenager who died last month.
A hamstring pull limited Young to just 135 games in 2009. But his offensive numbers still improved from 2008. Even without September, Young bashed 22 long balls and racked up 280 total bases, despite not being best known for his home run power. Young put 12 homers and 259 total bases in the books for 2008. Likely helped by the higher home run total, Young’s OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) rose from .741 in 2008 to .892 last season.
Even with the comfort of improved individual numbers, Young only cares that he helps the overall team succeed. He gets angry at himself when he commits an error in the field because he feels he let his teammates down by not achieving an out.
But it’s not all about on-field performance for #10. He and his wife serve as ambassadors for an organization called Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer. Through the organization, he forged a friendship with Carson Leslie, a local teenager who died last month.
A Story of Recovery
NBC’s coverage of the Olympics on Monday included a segment on American snowboarder Kevin Pearce. Pearce, considered the chief competition for Shaun White, hit his head on the lip of the halfpipe during training on New Years’ Eve and suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was attempting a double cork, an air maneuver that consists of two flips and three spins, at the time of the crash. Soon after the injury, he was placed in an induced coma to limit brain swelling.
Now out of a coma, Pearce is in rehab, trying to regain some speech, vision and muscle control, which were all affected by the accident. The way his parents and three older brothers, all of whom are avid snowboarders, are handling the situation is inspiring. With an unbelievable amount of patience and courage, the family stays upbeat and encourages Kevin every day on his slow, but meaningful recovery. The family gets much of its patience from Kevin’s brother, David, who has Down syndrome. The brothers are very close.
Kevin hopes to be walking on his own by the end of the week.
Now out of a coma, Pearce is in rehab, trying to regain some speech, vision and muscle control, which were all affected by the accident. The way his parents and three older brothers, all of whom are avid snowboarders, are handling the situation is inspiring. With an unbelievable amount of patience and courage, the family stays upbeat and encourages Kevin every day on his slow, but meaningful recovery. The family gets much of its patience from Kevin’s brother, David, who has Down syndrome. The brothers are very close.
Kevin hopes to be walking on his own by the end of the week.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Mavs Cruise To Easy Victory: Mavericks 91 Pacers 82
It wasn’t pretty, but the Mavericks won a game they were supposed to win Monday night at American Airlines Center.
The final score of 91-82 was deceptively close as the Mavs led by as many as 22 in the fourth quarter and maintained a double digit lead from early in the second half on.
A Dirk Nowitzki jump shot gave the Mavericks a 57-46 lead at the 8:34 mark of the third quarter. But Jason Kidd really got the team rolling just over a minute later with his second 3-pointer of the game to put the Mavs up 64-48. The Mavs never looked back from that point and at times led by more than 20. Kidd’s first 3-pointer of the game was also significant as it was the 1,600th of his career.
Having spiraled downward since then-Pacers coach Rick Carlisle took them to the Eastern Conference finals in 2004, the Pacers are still in search of their 20th win this season. Games against such teams lend themselves to flexibility with the lineup. Rodrigue Beaubois, who hadn’t seen any time on court since before the All-Star Break, logged 17:49 minutes and 6 points. DeShawn Stevenson, who was recently acquired from the Wizards, hadn’t played in the past two games either, He scored 7 points, including a 3 in 22:52 minutes Monday.
Playing heavy minutes in every game since becoming a Maverick, Brendan Haywood tied his career high with 20 rebounds. That statistic and his 13 points gave him his second straight double-double. He also added to his block total with three more of those. In a 97-91 win over the Heat on Saturday, Haywood compiled 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The win was the fourth straight for the Mavericks.
The final score of 91-82 was deceptively close as the Mavs led by as many as 22 in the fourth quarter and maintained a double digit lead from early in the second half on.
A Dirk Nowitzki jump shot gave the Mavericks a 57-46 lead at the 8:34 mark of the third quarter. But Jason Kidd really got the team rolling just over a minute later with his second 3-pointer of the game to put the Mavs up 64-48. The Mavs never looked back from that point and at times led by more than 20. Kidd’s first 3-pointer of the game was also significant as it was the 1,600th of his career.
Having spiraled downward since then-Pacers coach Rick Carlisle took them to the Eastern Conference finals in 2004, the Pacers are still in search of their 20th win this season. Games against such teams lend themselves to flexibility with the lineup. Rodrigue Beaubois, who hadn’t seen any time on court since before the All-Star Break, logged 17:49 minutes and 6 points. DeShawn Stevenson, who was recently acquired from the Wizards, hadn’t played in the past two games either, He scored 7 points, including a 3 in 22:52 minutes Monday.
Playing heavy minutes in every game since becoming a Maverick, Brendan Haywood tied his career high with 20 rebounds. That statistic and his 13 points gave him his second straight double-double. He also added to his block total with three more of those. In a 97-91 win over the Heat on Saturday, Haywood compiled 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The win was the fourth straight for the Mavericks.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Americans Make History in Skiing, Hockey & Speedskating
In his fourth Olympics, Bode Miller claimed his first Olympic gold medal Sunday in the men’s super combined competition. The event, which includes a downhill and a slalom run, is said to be an excellent test of overall skiing ability. Miller’s downhill time was 1:53.91 and 51.01 in slalom for a total time of 2:44.92. Miller becomes one of four men’s alpine skiers ever to win three medals in one Olympics, adding to his bronze in the downhill and silver in Super-G.
Also on Sunday, in a much-anticipated matchup that lived up to the hype, the American men’s hockey team left everyone in Canada speechless with a 5-3 victory over the Canadians in the last of the preliminary-round games. Both teams will advance to the medal round, but the Americans will get a bye and an extra day off, and Canada must play three games in four days.
Apolo Ohno surpassed Bonnie Blair on Saturday, winning his seventh Winter Olympic medal, a bronze in the 1,000 meters to become the most successful Winter Olympian in history. In his third Olympics, Ohno brushed off the comparison because five of Blair’s six medals were gold.
Also on Sunday, in a much-anticipated matchup that lived up to the hype, the American men’s hockey team left everyone in Canada speechless with a 5-3 victory over the Canadians in the last of the preliminary-round games. Both teams will advance to the medal round, but the Americans will get a bye and an extra day off, and Canada must play three games in four days.
Apolo Ohno surpassed Bonnie Blair on Saturday, winning his seventh Winter Olympic medal, a bronze in the 1,000 meters to become the most successful Winter Olympian in history. In his third Olympics, Ohno brushed off the comparison because five of Blair’s six medals were gold.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Happy Birthday, Julio Borbon
Borbon cemented his reputation as a speedster in 2009. He racked up 19 stolen bases in just 46 games last year, including an August 15th game against the Red Sox in Arlington where he stole four bases. Fellow rookie sensation Elvis Andrus also grabbed three bags that day in the 7-2 victory.
Borbon’s gift of speed and his .312 batting average earned him the leadoff spot in the lineup last season, and he appears to be the frontrunner to replace Josh Hamilton in center field. Coming off injuries, Hamilton is transitioning to left field.
Borbon’s gift of speed and his .312 batting average earned him the leadoff spot in the lineup last season, and he appears to be the frontrunner to replace Josh Hamilton in center field. Coming off injuries, Hamilton is transitioning to left field.
Big Run Leaves Magic In Dust: Mavericks 95 Magic 85
A magical 19-0 run by the Mavericks at the end of the third quarter and beginning of the fourth sent the Magic back down to earth Friday night. It also gave the score quite a shake up, transforming a 69-58 Magic advantage into a 77-69 Mavericks lead and an eventual 95-85 victory.
With the win, the Mavs improve to 34-21 and 18-12 on the road, and the Magic drop to 37-19 and 21-6 at home.
The Maverick scoring string, which began with a Dirk Nowitzki jump shot with 1:34 remaining in the third came to a close on a Jameer Nelson jumper with 8:45 on the clock in the fourth. During the 4 minute and 49 second span, who else but Nowitzki, Jason Terry and Jason Kidd took over as well as Brendan Haywood, who is new to the fold.
Nowitzki led the Mavs with 23 points. Terry and Caron Butler finished with 16 and Haywood contributed 15 points to go with Kidd’s 10. During a stretch in the third, Nowitzki scored 13 of 20 points for Dallas.
Having attempted the most 3-pointers in the league with 1,533, the Magic live and die by the shot. They go to it often, even on bad nights. Friday night would qualify as abysmal from the Magic’s point of view as the Mavs allowed only 4 of 25 3-pointers to meet the basket. Two of the four made 3’s came on back-to-back shots from Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis in the first quarter.
Kidd, Nowitzki, Terry and Eduardo Najera all hit from long range for the Mavs.
Going up against the league’s best shot blocker, the Mavs’ recently upgraded defense helped. Magic center Dwight Howard, who averages 2.78 blocks per game, prevented five shots from reaching the basket Friday night. Nowitzki had three blocks and Haywood had two while Butler and Najera each added one for the game. Najera, who played for 12:33 minutes, will see increased minutes due to Erick Dampier’s finger injury.
The Mavs play the Heat at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at American Airlines Center to cap off a stretch of four games in five nights.
With the win, the Mavs improve to 34-21 and 18-12 on the road, and the Magic drop to 37-19 and 21-6 at home.
The Maverick scoring string, which began with a Dirk Nowitzki jump shot with 1:34 remaining in the third came to a close on a Jameer Nelson jumper with 8:45 on the clock in the fourth. During the 4 minute and 49 second span, who else but Nowitzki, Jason Terry and Jason Kidd took over as well as Brendan Haywood, who is new to the fold.
Nowitzki led the Mavs with 23 points. Terry and Caron Butler finished with 16 and Haywood contributed 15 points to go with Kidd’s 10. During a stretch in the third, Nowitzki scored 13 of 20 points for Dallas.
Having attempted the most 3-pointers in the league with 1,533, the Magic live and die by the shot. They go to it often, even on bad nights. Friday night would qualify as abysmal from the Magic’s point of view as the Mavs allowed only 4 of 25 3-pointers to meet the basket. Two of the four made 3’s came on back-to-back shots from Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis in the first quarter.
Kidd, Nowitzki, Terry and Eduardo Najera all hit from long range for the Mavs.
Going up against the league’s best shot blocker, the Mavs’ recently upgraded defense helped. Magic center Dwight Howard, who averages 2.78 blocks per game, prevented five shots from reaching the basket Friday night. Nowitzki had three blocks and Haywood had two while Butler and Najera each added one for the game. Najera, who played for 12:33 minutes, will see increased minutes due to Erick Dampier’s finger injury.
The Mavs play the Heat at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at American Airlines Center to cap off a stretch of four games in five nights.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Spring Training Is Upon Us
The countdown to the regular season can officially begin: 46 days until Opening Day. Rangers pitchers and catchers came to the field in Surprise, Ariz. today for their first workout after reporting to camp yesterday.
With 31 ready and willing pitchers, the Rangers have more depth than the team is used to at a position that has forever plagued them. That means more competition, and the quality of spring performances will be more tightly judged.
I just hope the Rangers don’t misuse their depth and really do pick the best guys to stand atop the mound. As of now, the Rangers are saying that only starters Scott Feldman, Colby Lewis and Rich Harden have spots in the rotation. Feldman is on my right in the photo, and Brandon McCarthy is on my left.
On a team with a wobbly pitching history, there should be no promises.
I can see Feldman (17-8, 4.08 in 2009) getting a spot in the rotation, but he should have to earn it just like the other guys.
Just 9-9 last season with the Cubs, Harden has a rich history (no pun intended) of shoulder, elbow and back problems that keep him from his highest level. And let’s be honest and say that neither the Rangers nor their ballpark has a good track record of bringing out the best in pitchers.
Does Vicente Padilla ring a bell?
Lewis, who won 10 games for the Rangers in 2003, looks physically and mentally ready to the Rangers’ decision makers. But he played in Japan the past two years. A solid performance in the Japanese league combined with saying the right things should not be the ticket to an automatic rotation slot.
I am passionate about the Rangers and want to see the team excel. Spring Training is a time of crucial decisions, especially regarding pitchers, to make sure that happens. Go Rangers!
With 31 ready and willing pitchers, the Rangers have more depth than the team is used to at a position that has forever plagued them. That means more competition, and the quality of spring performances will be more tightly judged.
I just hope the Rangers don’t misuse their depth and really do pick the best guys to stand atop the mound. As of now, the Rangers are saying that only starters Scott Feldman, Colby Lewis and Rich Harden have spots in the rotation. Feldman is on my right in the photo, and Brandon McCarthy is on my left.
On a team with a wobbly pitching history, there should be no promises.
I can see Feldman (17-8, 4.08 in 2009) getting a spot in the rotation, but he should have to earn it just like the other guys.
Just 9-9 last season with the Cubs, Harden has a rich history (no pun intended) of shoulder, elbow and back problems that keep him from his highest level. And let’s be honest and say that neither the Rangers nor their ballpark has a good track record of bringing out the best in pitchers.
Does Vicente Padilla ring a bell?
Lewis, who won 10 games for the Rangers in 2003, looks physically and mentally ready to the Rangers’ decision makers. But he played in Japan the past two years. A solid performance in the Japanese league combined with saying the right things should not be the ticket to an automatic rotation slot.
I am passionate about the Rangers and want to see the team excel. Spring Training is a time of crucial decisions, especially regarding pitchers, to make sure that happens. Go Rangers!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Flying High & Speeding Down
American Shaun White stole the show Wednesday night in the men’s halfpipe. Scoring a 46.8 on his first of two runs in the finals, White already had his second Olympic title locked up prior to his second run. With no pressure, White improved his score to a 48.4 on his second run. He sent the crowd agasp, landing a double cork 1260, an air maneuver that consists of 3 ½ rotations and 2 twists. Scotty Lago, who is also known as a crowd favorite thanks to his impressive air, finished with the bronze medal.
Lindsey Vonn finally got her chance to prove herself in the women’s downhill. After many a weather delay that likely benefitted her injured shin, Vonn’s performance and time of 1:44.19 turned out golden. She was jubilant as she crossed the finish line. The silver medal went to American teammate Julia Mancuso with a mark of 1:44.75. Three competitors fell, prompting more safety concerns.
Long track 1,000 meter world record holder Shani Davis achieved the top time of 1:08.94 as expected. Texan Chad Hedrick came in third with a time of 1:09:32. Hedrick was paired with Korean Mo Tae-Bum, who won silver for his second medal of these Games after a surprise victory in the 500 meters.
The United States leads the medal count with 16 (5 gold, 4 silver and 6 bronze) after briefly being overtaken by the Germans.
Lindsey Vonn finally got her chance to prove herself in the women’s downhill. After many a weather delay that likely benefitted her injured shin, Vonn’s performance and time of 1:44.19 turned out golden. She was jubilant as she crossed the finish line. The silver medal went to American teammate Julia Mancuso with a mark of 1:44.75. Three competitors fell, prompting more safety concerns.
Long track 1,000 meter world record holder Shani Davis achieved the top time of 1:08.94 as expected. Texan Chad Hedrick came in third with a time of 1:09:32. Hedrick was paired with Korean Mo Tae-Bum, who won silver for his second medal of these Games after a surprise victory in the 500 meters.
The United States leads the medal count with 16 (5 gold, 4 silver and 6 bronze) after briefly being overtaken by the Germans.
Mavs Shine Against Suns: Mavericks 107 Suns 97
How refreshing! The Mavericks finally played with the energy and passion NBA teams thrive off of. The crowd of 19,974 followed the Mavs every move also. It all led to a 107-97 win over the Phoenix Suns at American Airlines Center- a victory the Mavericks desperately needed.
Despite a slow start, the Mavs capitalized on a dry spell from the Suns and went on an 11-0 run and a 28-23 lead to end the first 12 minutes. Dallas also scored the first point of the second quarter and was in front the rest of the way.
The Mavs put forth a balanced attack against the Sun’s offense with six players, including all five starters in double figures. Dirk Nowitzki scored 11 of his 28 points in the first, and Shawn Marion recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The Mavs also did their job to halt Phoenix’s scoring production, allowing the Suns to go just 5 for 22 on 3-pointers and 1 for 14 in the first half while the Mavs made 5 3’s in just 15 attempts for the game. Jason Kidd bucketed four shots from long range and is shooting 41.9 percent on 3’s for the season. Second in the league, the Sun’s make 40.4 percent of their 3’s.
Steve Nash, back in Dallas for the second time in five days, looked like he was still recovering from his whirlwind weekend. He finished 1 for 7 on 3-pointers and 4 of 13 from the field. After serving as a torch bearer at Friday’s Opening Ceremonies in Vancouver, Nash won the All-Star Skills Challenge in Dallas on Saturday.
Fourth in the NBA in blocks with 2.1 per game, Brendan Haywood stopped one of Nash’s 3-point attempts. He also had at least four dunks for the game.
On the injury front, Erick Dampier, who has battled a knee injury most of the season, suffered an open dislocation to his right middle finger in the final minutes of Tuesday’s forgettable loss to the Thunder. An open dislocation breaks the skin, reveals the bone and requires surgery, according to Wednesday’s Mavericks broadcast. Dampier might be out for a month, and the newly-acquired Haywood will step in during his absence.
Despite a slow start, the Mavs capitalized on a dry spell from the Suns and went on an 11-0 run and a 28-23 lead to end the first 12 minutes. Dallas also scored the first point of the second quarter and was in front the rest of the way.
The Mavs put forth a balanced attack against the Sun’s offense with six players, including all five starters in double figures. Dirk Nowitzki scored 11 of his 28 points in the first, and Shawn Marion recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The Mavs also did their job to halt Phoenix’s scoring production, allowing the Suns to go just 5 for 22 on 3-pointers and 1 for 14 in the first half while the Mavs made 5 3’s in just 15 attempts for the game. Jason Kidd bucketed four shots from long range and is shooting 41.9 percent on 3’s for the season. Second in the league, the Sun’s make 40.4 percent of their 3’s.
Steve Nash, back in Dallas for the second time in five days, looked like he was still recovering from his whirlwind weekend. He finished 1 for 7 on 3-pointers and 4 of 13 from the field. After serving as a torch bearer at Friday’s Opening Ceremonies in Vancouver, Nash won the All-Star Skills Challenge in Dallas on Saturday.
Fourth in the NBA in blocks with 2.1 per game, Brendan Haywood stopped one of Nash’s 3-point attempts. He also had at least four dunks for the game.
On the injury front, Erick Dampier, who has battled a knee injury most of the season, suffered an open dislocation to his right middle finger in the final minutes of Tuesday’s forgettable loss to the Thunder. An open dislocation breaks the skin, reveals the bone and requires surgery, according to Wednesday’s Mavericks broadcast. Dampier might be out for a month, and the newly-acquired Haywood will step in during his absence.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Mavericks Can’t Handle Thunder Storm: Thunder 99 Mavericks 86
Allowing 40 points in the second quarter is never a good sign. Even worse was a seven- minute scoring drought in the third and a season-low 11 points in the quarter. The mismatched combination led to a 99-86 win for a resurgent Oklahoma City Thunder squad and other loss for the sinking Mavericks.
The Mavs shot an abominable 32.3 percent for the game, including 14.3 percent in the third, when Oklahoma City doubled Dallas’ output 22-11. The Thunder put the ball in the basket at a 42.7 percent clip for the game.
The Thunder (31-21) are within half of a game of the Mavs (32-21) in the standings.
Offensively, Oklahoma City was let by its star forward and former UT standout Kevin Durant with 25. The 25-point mark, which he reached on the final shot of the game, gives him 28 straight games with at least 25 points, dating back to December 18th. Durant only bucketed 12 on December 16th against the Mavericks but had 30 in a January 15th rematch.
Durant, who is coming off 15 in Sunday’s All-Star Game in front of a record-smashing 108,713 fans, sits second in the league in scoring at 29.7 points per game, barely behind LeBron James at 29.9. But Durant got help Tuesday night as Jeff Green, Russell Westbrook and James Harden all chipped in 17.
Over the break, the Mavs lost Quinton Ross and James Singleton along with Josh Howard and Drew Gooden, two active presences off the bench. The Mavs acquired Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson from the Wizards in the trade. Butler scored 13 points in the starting role while Haywood looked good with 7 off the bench. Stevenson added 4 in 4:30 minutes. Jason Terry, bumped from a starting position he had grown to like, netted 14 from the bench. Remember that Terry is the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
Hopefully, the 11-point quarter will not resurface against the offensively-minded Phoenix Suns tonight. Such a thing could signal disaster.
The Mavs shot an abominable 32.3 percent for the game, including 14.3 percent in the third, when Oklahoma City doubled Dallas’ output 22-11. The Thunder put the ball in the basket at a 42.7 percent clip for the game.
The Thunder (31-21) are within half of a game of the Mavs (32-21) in the standings.
Offensively, Oklahoma City was let by its star forward and former UT standout Kevin Durant with 25. The 25-point mark, which he reached on the final shot of the game, gives him 28 straight games with at least 25 points, dating back to December 18th. Durant only bucketed 12 on December 16th against the Mavericks but had 30 in a January 15th rematch.
Durant, who is coming off 15 in Sunday’s All-Star Game in front of a record-smashing 108,713 fans, sits second in the league in scoring at 29.7 points per game, barely behind LeBron James at 29.9. But Durant got help Tuesday night as Jeff Green, Russell Westbrook and James Harden all chipped in 17.
Over the break, the Mavs lost Quinton Ross and James Singleton along with Josh Howard and Drew Gooden, two active presences off the bench. The Mavs acquired Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson from the Wizards in the trade. Butler scored 13 points in the starting role while Haywood looked good with 7 off the bench. Stevenson added 4 in 4:30 minutes. Jason Terry, bumped from a starting position he had grown to like, netted 14 from the bench. Remember that Terry is the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
Hopefully, the 11-point quarter will not resurface against the offensively-minded Phoenix Suns tonight. Such a thing could signal disaster.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Performances Underwhelming Thus Far
The Olympics is supposed to be the pinnacle for the world’s top athletes – the absolute best. But the performances haven’t looked that way in the early going.
In the pairs free skate, China’s Qing Pang and Jian Tong were the only ones I saw that skated relatively cleanly without any major mistakes (i.e. falling, tripping, downgrading a jump or skating out of unison.) Pang and Tong earned the highest scores of the night and a silver medal. Their veteran countrymen, Shen and Zhao, won gold despite struggling and falling out of a lift too early. But the two skated a flawless short program Sunday night, which provided them some leeway. The gold medal for China was its first ever in pairs figure skating, and maybe even more notably, stopped a streak of 12 straight Olympic pairs figure skating gold medals for Russia, dating back to 1964.
Also, the men’s snowboard cross, an event where American Seth Wescott won gold, featured someone losing control on every run. In the finals, fellow American Nate Holland’s spinout cost him a medal. He ended up finishing fourth.
I wish the flawless performances, like Shen and Zhao short program, weren’t so few and far between. Medals should be reserved for near perfection, not for accumulating fewer mistakes than the others.
I understand crashing and falling does occur in extreme winter sports, and I haven’t seen the last of it. But I’ve seen more of it than I anticipated. These athletes have reached the apex of the sports world. I expected to be wowed by their abilities, not their wipeouts.
In the pairs free skate, China’s Qing Pang and Jian Tong were the only ones I saw that skated relatively cleanly without any major mistakes (i.e. falling, tripping, downgrading a jump or skating out of unison.) Pang and Tong earned the highest scores of the night and a silver medal. Their veteran countrymen, Shen and Zhao, won gold despite struggling and falling out of a lift too early. But the two skated a flawless short program Sunday night, which provided them some leeway. The gold medal for China was its first ever in pairs figure skating, and maybe even more notably, stopped a streak of 12 straight Olympic pairs figure skating gold medals for Russia, dating back to 1964.
Also, the men’s snowboard cross, an event where American Seth Wescott won gold, featured someone losing control on every run. In the finals, fellow American Nate Holland’s spinout cost him a medal. He ended up finishing fourth.
I wish the flawless performances, like Shen and Zhao short program, weren’t so few and far between. Medals should be reserved for near perfection, not for accumulating fewer mistakes than the others.
I understand crashing and falling does occur in extreme winter sports, and I haven’t seen the last of it. But I’ve seen more of it than I anticipated. These athletes have reached the apex of the sports world. I expected to be wowed by their abilities, not their wipeouts.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
U.S. Off To Fast Start With 4 Medals
The United States leads the medal count after the first full day of competition. Overcoming a field of three Koreans en route to the finals, Apolo Ohno and J.R. Celski claimed the silver and bronze respectively in the 1500-meter short track finals. Celski returned for the first time since getting caught in his skate and suffering a nasty leg injury in the September Olympic Trials. Had the Trials been any later, Celski may not have had enough time to recover.
Hannah Kearney won gold in women’s moguls with Shannon Bahrke receiving the bronze. The last competitor in the finals, Kearney had the turns, air time and speed necessary to beat out Canadian Jennifer Heil, who came into the event the reigning Olympic gold medalist. Unable to become the first woman to repeat in the moguls competition, Heil and the rest of Canada must continue to wait to win their first gold medal when hosting the Winter Olympics. The country has hosted the Winter Games on two other occasions.
The men’s luge competition began today, but the starting locations have been modified. Moved to a less steep area of the track, the men are now starting in the women’s original starting spot.
Hannah Kearney won gold in women’s moguls with Shannon Bahrke receiving the bronze. The last competitor in the finals, Kearney had the turns, air time and speed necessary to beat out Canadian Jennifer Heil, who came into the event the reigning Olympic gold medalist. Unable to become the first woman to repeat in the moguls competition, Heil and the rest of Canada must continue to wait to win their first gold medal when hosting the Winter Olympics. The country has hosted the Winter Games on two other occasions.
The men’s luge competition began today, but the starting locations have been modified. Moved to a less steep area of the track, the men are now starting in the women’s original starting spot.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Sad Beginning To Vancouver Olympics
Nodar Kumaritashvili, 21, a luger from the country of Georgia, died today after flipping his sled and smashing into a steel pole during his final training run at the Whistler Sliding Centre, where bobsleigh and skeleton also take place.
Athletes at the Whistler track, on average, go 15 miles per hour faster than at other tracks, and the vertical drop is 28 meters steeper than most other venues. These numbers have caused some athletes to question the track’s safety.
As of now, the luge competition is scheduled to continue as planned and begin Saturday, but the final decision rests with the International Olympic Committee.
The opening ceremonies for the 21st Olympic Winter Games start at 8 p.m. tonight on NBC.
*Information taken from a BBC News article. Read it here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympic_games/vancouver_2010/luge/8513595.stm
Athletes at the Whistler track, on average, go 15 miles per hour faster than at other tracks, and the vertical drop is 28 meters steeper than most other venues. These numbers have caused some athletes to question the track’s safety.
As of now, the luge competition is scheduled to continue as planned and begin Saturday, but the final decision rests with the International Olympic Committee.
The opening ceremonies for the 21st Olympic Winter Games start at 8 p.m. tonight on NBC.
*Information taken from a BBC News article. Read it here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympic_games/vancouver_2010/luge/8513595.stm
Kidd Added to All-Star Roster
Mavericks guard Jason Kidd has been named an All-Star for the 10th time. He will replace the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Kidd will join Dirk Nowitzki, who despite not playing the same position as Bryant, will now likely be moved up to a starter in front of the home crowd at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, according to Western Conference coach George Karl.
Kidd is fifth in the NBA in assists, averaging 9.3 per game. Seventh in the league in points, Nowitzki averages 24.6 per game. The All-Star Game is set for 7 p.m. Sunday. More than 92,000 fans are expected.
Adamant that nearly seven inches of snow Thursday in Dallas wouldn’t cause any problems throughout the weekend, Mark Cuban jokingly had this to say:
Kidd is fifth in the NBA in assists, averaging 9.3 per game. Seventh in the league in points, Nowitzki averages 24.6 per game. The All-Star Game is set for 7 p.m. Sunday. More than 92,000 fans are expected.
Adamant that nearly seven inches of snow Thursday in Dallas wouldn’t cause any problems throughout the weekend, Mark Cuban jokingly had this to say:
"I ordered up this weather, because if you're going to set a record for the number of people at the game, you might as well set a record for snowfall, because why stop?"Quotation from the Fort Worth Star Telegram
-Mavs owner Mark Cuban
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Lady Frogs Score 105 In 4OT Thriller Over Utah
TCU 105 Utah 96
Whoever decided to put last night’s TCU-Utah women’s basketball game on CBS College Sports must have had a premonition. And I’m glad I got to see it.
It almost didn’t happen though. Utah’s Halie Sawyer had the game in her hands, shooting free throws with half a second left in the first overtime. Had she made both, the Utes would have walked away with the victory. But only one went through the hoop. With the miss, the Lady Frogs were given another life.
With the second overtime winding down, TCU’s Emily Carter, a very good 86 percent free throw shooter, just had to get the ball to the bucket twice for a probable TCU victory. But only one went clean through the netting, ending the second overtime tied at 80 apiece,
A 3-pointer by Helena Sverrisdottir and a layup by TK LaFleur gave TCU an early 85-80 advantage in the third overtime. But the Utes closed the gap to just two before Eboni Mangum connected from long range to put the Lady Frogs up by 5 again. Mangum scored a career-high 25 points, eight more than her previous high. But Utah’s Kalee Whipple, who had 45 points and 7 3-pointers, answered with a 3 of her own, once again putting the Lady Frog lead at just one field goal. Free throws would give TCU a 90-87 edge, but Utah gave the ball to its WNBA prospect Whipple for a last-second 3-point attempt. She landed it to deadlock the score at 90.
A 3-pointer 12 seconds into the fourth overtime put the Utes up. But tired players willing to foul and the resulting free throws would help the Lady Frogs tremendously during the final five minutes. Following an Eboni Mangum shot, Sverrisdottir went 2 of 2 at the line and was 4 of 4 on foul shots in the final overtime. So was Carter, who stood at the line to give the Lady Frogs their final 2 points in a 105-96 victory.
Mangum (25), Carter (25), Sverrisdottir (21), LaFleur (19) and Starr Crawford (12) all finished in double figures. Sverrisdottir, Carter and Mangum played more than 50 minutes each in a game where the overtimes amounted to an extra half.
With this more than hard-fought victory, the Lady Frogs improve to 18-5 and 8-2 in the Mountain West Conference while the Utes fall to 13-9 and 4-5 in conference play.
Whoever decided to put last night’s TCU-Utah women’s basketball game on CBS College Sports must have had a premonition. And I’m glad I got to see it.
It almost didn’t happen though. Utah’s Halie Sawyer had the game in her hands, shooting free throws with half a second left in the first overtime. Had she made both, the Utes would have walked away with the victory. But only one went through the hoop. With the miss, the Lady Frogs were given another life.
With the second overtime winding down, TCU’s Emily Carter, a very good 86 percent free throw shooter, just had to get the ball to the bucket twice for a probable TCU victory. But only one went clean through the netting, ending the second overtime tied at 80 apiece,
A 3-pointer by Helena Sverrisdottir and a layup by TK LaFleur gave TCU an early 85-80 advantage in the third overtime. But the Utes closed the gap to just two before Eboni Mangum connected from long range to put the Lady Frogs up by 5 again. Mangum scored a career-high 25 points, eight more than her previous high. But Utah’s Kalee Whipple, who had 45 points and 7 3-pointers, answered with a 3 of her own, once again putting the Lady Frog lead at just one field goal. Free throws would give TCU a 90-87 edge, but Utah gave the ball to its WNBA prospect Whipple for a last-second 3-point attempt. She landed it to deadlock the score at 90.
A 3-pointer 12 seconds into the fourth overtime put the Utes up. But tired players willing to foul and the resulting free throws would help the Lady Frogs tremendously during the final five minutes. Following an Eboni Mangum shot, Sverrisdottir went 2 of 2 at the line and was 4 of 4 on foul shots in the final overtime. So was Carter, who stood at the line to give the Lady Frogs their final 2 points in a 105-96 victory.
Mangum (25), Carter (25), Sverrisdottir (21), LaFleur (19) and Starr Crawford (12) all finished in double figures. Sverrisdottir, Carter and Mangum played more than 50 minutes each in a game where the overtimes amounted to an extra half.
With this more than hard-fought victory, the Lady Frogs improve to 18-5 and 8-2 in the Mountain West Conference while the Utes fall to 13-9 and 4-5 in conference play.
Women’s College Basketball: TCU 105 Utah 96 (4OT)
Look up “classic” in the dictionary and this game is what you will read about. The TCU Lady Frogs hadn’t played an overtime game since a March 30, 2008 loss at Colorado, but now they have lots of practice. On the road, TCU outlasted the Utah Utes in a quadruple overtime conference matchup with a lot riding on the results. In the tight Mountain West women’s basketball standings, a Utah win would have put the Utes within one game of first, while first-place TCU wanted to really separate itself from the pack.
Despite a career-high 45 points from Kalee Whipple, thought to be a top WNBA prospect, the Lady Frogs turned a 37-29 halftime deficit into a 105-96 win in complete grind-it-out fashion. Eboni Mangum and Emily Carter contributed 25 points each in the mammoth effort. The 105points scored by TCU is the highest total ever for a Mountain West Conference game. The previous high was 98.
More details to come…
Despite a career-high 45 points from Kalee Whipple, thought to be a top WNBA prospect, the Lady Frogs turned a 37-29 halftime deficit into a 105-96 win in complete grind-it-out fashion. Eboni Mangum and Emily Carter contributed 25 points each in the mammoth effort. The 105points scored by TCU is the highest total ever for a Mountain West Conference game. The previous high was 98.
More details to come…
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Mavs Find A Way In 4th: Mavericks 127 Warriors 117
Before Monday’s game, a dejected head coach Rick Carlisle talked about how his team needed to find its pride again. That’s what the Mavericks did Monday – albeit a little later than expected.
Going into the final quarter down 98-90, the Mavs outscored the Warriors 37-19 in the fourth, holding Golden State to 7 for 21 shooting and 0 for 3 on 3-point attempts. The Mavs took their first lead of the game, 107-106, on a Dirk Nowitzki layup with 6:40 remaining on the clock. They grabbed the lead for good on a Jason Terry 3-pointer, going up 111-110 with 5:35 left in the quarter.
The only Maverick to play in all 51 contests this season, Terry kept the Mavericks afloat in the first half after the team was forced to play all but 30 seconds of the second quarter without Nowitzki, who accumulated three early fouls. Playing 42:18 minutes, Terry went 9 for 17 on field goals, 6 for 9 from long range and 12 for 13 from the line with a career-high 36 points. Jason Kidd chipped in four 3’s and 17 points of his own.
Coming off the bench, Josh Howard and Drew Gooden also played critical roles in the scoring, both finishing with career-high point totals of 25 and 24 respectively. From the line, Gooden was a perfect 8 for 8 in his contributions to the Mavs’ season-high 46 free-throw attempts. The Warriors are last in the NBA in a number of defensive categories, making free throws a huge part of the game. (See February 4 entry for more info.)
The Mavs controlled Monta Ellis, limiting him to just 3 points in the second half and 25 points total after his 46-point explosion last Wednesday night. The Mavericks won despite three Golden State starters bucketing 25 or more.
Tonight’s game at Denver will be the last one before Sunday’s All-Star game at Cowboys Stadium.
4th Quarter Statistics
Points
Dallas: 37
Golden State: 19
Field Goals
Dallas: 9/19
Golden State: 7/21
3-Pointers
Dallas: 3/7
Golden State: 0/3
Free Throws
Dallas: 16/17
Golden State: 5/6
Rebounds
Dallas: 13
Golden State: 10
Points Off Turnovers
Dallas: 13
Golden State: 2 (Statistics from Mavs Live Post-Game Show)
Going into the final quarter down 98-90, the Mavs outscored the Warriors 37-19 in the fourth, holding Golden State to 7 for 21 shooting and 0 for 3 on 3-point attempts. The Mavs took their first lead of the game, 107-106, on a Dirk Nowitzki layup with 6:40 remaining on the clock. They grabbed the lead for good on a Jason Terry 3-pointer, going up 111-110 with 5:35 left in the quarter.
The only Maverick to play in all 51 contests this season, Terry kept the Mavericks afloat in the first half after the team was forced to play all but 30 seconds of the second quarter without Nowitzki, who accumulated three early fouls. Playing 42:18 minutes, Terry went 9 for 17 on field goals, 6 for 9 from long range and 12 for 13 from the line with a career-high 36 points. Jason Kidd chipped in four 3’s and 17 points of his own.
Coming off the bench, Josh Howard and Drew Gooden also played critical roles in the scoring, both finishing with career-high point totals of 25 and 24 respectively. From the line, Gooden was a perfect 8 for 8 in his contributions to the Mavs’ season-high 46 free-throw attempts. The Warriors are last in the NBA in a number of defensive categories, making free throws a huge part of the game. (See February 4 entry for more info.)
The Mavs controlled Monta Ellis, limiting him to just 3 points in the second half and 25 points total after his 46-point explosion last Wednesday night. The Mavericks won despite three Golden State starters bucketing 25 or more.
Tonight’s game at Denver will be the last one before Sunday’s All-Star game at Cowboys Stadium.
4th Quarter Statistics
Points
Dallas: 37
Golden State: 19
Field Goals
Dallas: 9/19
Golden State: 7/21
3-Pointers
Dallas: 3/7
Golden State: 0/3
Free Throws
Dallas: 16/17
Golden State: 5/6
Rebounds
Dallas: 13
Golden State: 10
Points Off Turnovers
Dallas: 13
Golden State: 2 (Statistics from Mavs Live Post-Game Show)
Monday, February 8, 2010
Super Bowl: Saints 31 Colts 17
The New Orleans Saints were the underdogs coming into yesterday’s Super Bowl - a small-market team in its first Super Bowl playing against the Colts, a team that raised the Lombardi Trophy just three years ago. But the Saints’ victory and Tracy Porter’s breakaway proved why we watch sports and why we even play the game.
Fans like comebacks and cheering for underdogs, which may explain why the game was viewed by a record 106.5 million people, according to Nielsen ratings, making it the most-watched TV broadcast in U.S. history.
Fans like comebacks and cheering for underdogs, which may explain why the game was viewed by a record 106.5 million people, according to Nielsen ratings, making it the most-watched TV broadcast in U.S. history.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Happy Birthday, Scott Feldman
Named Rangers Pitcher of the Year last season, Feldman went 17-8 in 31 starts with a 4.08 ERA in just his second season as a starter. Prior to becoming a starter, he pitched out of the bullpen for three seasons. He’s taken to the starting role pretty well if you ask me. On January 29th, Feldman agreed to a one-year $2.425 million contract for 2010. Thanks again for the autographs and interview at the Dallas Team Shop!
To see the interview with Scott Feldman and Brandon McCarthy, see the entry on January 27th.
To see the interview with Scott Feldman and Brandon McCarthy, see the entry on January 27th.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Mavericks Lose Frustrating One: Timberwolves 117 Mavericks 108
The Mavericks looked discombobulated Friday night. Perhaps it was because for the first time since 1999, the 7-foot fixture wasn’t on the court for the tip off. All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki did not start because he was late for the morning shoot around.
But that’s no excuse for letting the Timberwolves shoot 55 percent in the first quarter. Or letting them go on a combined 13-0 run at the end of the second quarter and beginning of the third after the Mavs had put together a 13-0 run themselves to take a 10-point lead. Or allowing them to make 12 of 22 3’s for the game. It seemed like every time the Mavs closed the gap, the Timberwolves would regain their advantage with a long-range make. Minnesota already had 5 3-pointers early on in the second quarter.
A team of the Mavericks caliber shouldn’t just watch while a 1-point game with 1:29 to go turns into a 9-point win for its opponents.
The victory, one of 12 for the Timberwolves this season, gives the team its first 3-game winning streak of the season.
The Mavs remain in an unexplainable funk, having lost 4 of 5. Whether owner Mark Cuban is upset or not, the Mavs need to find themselves quickly. A team with good chemistry would have found a way to win this game.
Rodrigue Beaubois, who Rick Carlisle said before the game is going to play more minutes in upcoming contests, played 24:05 minutes, shooting 4 of 5 on 3-pointers and 6 of 10 on field goals for 17 points.
The rookie may be just what the Mavs need right now. Let’s hope so.
But that’s no excuse for letting the Timberwolves shoot 55 percent in the first quarter. Or letting them go on a combined 13-0 run at the end of the second quarter and beginning of the third after the Mavs had put together a 13-0 run themselves to take a 10-point lead. Or allowing them to make 12 of 22 3’s for the game. It seemed like every time the Mavs closed the gap, the Timberwolves would regain their advantage with a long-range make. Minnesota already had 5 3-pointers early on in the second quarter.
A team of the Mavericks caliber shouldn’t just watch while a 1-point game with 1:29 to go turns into a 9-point win for its opponents.
The victory, one of 12 for the Timberwolves this season, gives the team its first 3-game winning streak of the season.
The Mavs remain in an unexplainable funk, having lost 4 of 5. Whether owner Mark Cuban is upset or not, the Mavs need to find themselves quickly. A team with good chemistry would have found a way to win this game.
Rodrigue Beaubois, who Rick Carlisle said before the game is going to play more minutes in upcoming contests, played 24:05 minutes, shooting 4 of 5 on 3-pointers and 6 of 10 on field goals for 17 points.
The rookie may be just what the Mavs need right now. Let’s hope so.
Concussions A Common Reality
That’s right. These head knocks happen more often than you realize.
A study conducted by the Sports Concussion Management Program at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital found that 1 in 30 North Texas high school and college athletes suffered a concussion in 2008. The results were published today in a Dallas Morning News article by Karel Holloway.
That sounds like a big issue to me and one requiring further research.
Fifteen thousand athletes from 83 area public and private schools participated in the study. The number of high school and college athletes in Texas is much higher than that, meaning that the rate of concussions could be and likely is higher than what the study found.
The fact that many concussions go unreported by the athletes also affects the numbers.
Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) computer software was utilized for the study. Participating schools did a preseason test on athletes to compare with the results of the same tests following a possible concussion.
The test measures things such as motor skills, reaction time and ability to focus and remember, all which may be affected by a concussion but not be visibly obvious, according to the ImPACT Web site.
According to the DMN article, Mesquite ISD is one of the first school districts in the country to have a written policy for concussion management. The policy, developed by veteran trainer Bucky Taylor and gaining national attention, requires a player to be symptom-free for at least two weeks before returning to the sport. Coming back too soon, as up to 40 percent of high school players do, increases the risk for a more severe second concussion, especially in younger athletes whose brains are still developing, according to the article.
Read the full Dallas Morning News article at http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-concussions_05met.ART.State.Edition1.4b95c1b.html
A study conducted by the Sports Concussion Management Program at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital found that 1 in 30 North Texas high school and college athletes suffered a concussion in 2008. The results were published today in a Dallas Morning News article by Karel Holloway.
That sounds like a big issue to me and one requiring further research.
Fifteen thousand athletes from 83 area public and private schools participated in the study. The number of high school and college athletes in Texas is much higher than that, meaning that the rate of concussions could be and likely is higher than what the study found.
The fact that many concussions go unreported by the athletes also affects the numbers.
Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) computer software was utilized for the study. Participating schools did a preseason test on athletes to compare with the results of the same tests following a possible concussion.
The test measures things such as motor skills, reaction time and ability to focus and remember, all which may be affected by a concussion but not be visibly obvious, according to the ImPACT Web site.
According to the DMN article, Mesquite ISD is one of the first school districts in the country to have a written policy for concussion management. The policy, developed by veteran trainer Bucky Taylor and gaining national attention, requires a player to be symptom-free for at least two weeks before returning to the sport. Coming back too soon, as up to 40 percent of high school players do, increases the risk for a more severe second concussion, especially in younger athletes whose brains are still developing, according to the article.
Read the full Dallas Morning News article at http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-concussions_05met.ART.State.Edition1.4b95c1b.html
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Hitchcock’s Run As Blue Jackets Coach Halted
After going 22-27-9 this season, former Stars head coach Ken Hitchcock was fired from his head coaching job with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday. The Stars play the Blue Jackets in Columbus at 6 p.m. tonight. Assistant coach Claude Noel was named head coach for the rest of the season. Hitchcock helped the Blue Jackets to the team’s first-ever playoff appearance last season.
Hitchcock coached the Stars to a Stanley Cup in 1999 and returned them to the finals in 2000, when the Stars lost to the New Jersey Devils. He led the Stars for the better part of six years from 1996-2002.
Hitchcock’s career record as a head coach is 533-372-136 with the Stars, Flyers and Blue Jackets. He compiled a record of 125-123-36 in four years with Columbus.
Hitchcock will serve as a coach for the Canadian Olympic team in Vancouver starting in just over a week. Canada won the gold medal in 2002.
*Statistics from The Associated Press
Hitchcock coached the Stars to a Stanley Cup in 1999 and returned them to the finals in 2000, when the Stars lost to the New Jersey Devils. He led the Stars for the better part of six years from 1996-2002.
Hitchcock’s career record as a head coach is 533-372-136 with the Stars, Flyers and Blue Jackets. He compiled a record of 125-123-36 in four years with Columbus.
Hitchcock will serve as a coach for the Canadian Olympic team in Vancouver starting in just over a week. Canada won the gold medal in 2002.
*Statistics from The Associated Press
Life-Size Dirk Doll Tells Warriors What To Expect: Mavericks 110 Warriors 101
The Mavericks needed a win Wednesday night, and that’s what they got against the now 13-35 Golden State Warriors, a team that ranks last in the league in points allowed, field goal defense and rebounds.
But the Mavs know better than to take the Warriors, led by former head coach Don Nelson, lightly. One of Golden State’s 13 victories came versus the Mavs on November 24th. And, sorry to bring it up, but it was well-documented how Golden State dismantled the Mavericks in the first round of the 2007 playoffs.
With the past in mind, the Mavs didn’t brush the Warriors off. Everyone contributed, and the Mavs, working together, accumulated 32 assists. Jason Kidd, whose average of 9.2 assists per game is fifth in the NBA, finished with half of that total. Jason Terry added six more and Dirk Nowitzki, Drew Gooden, Josh Howard, Rodrique Beaubois and J.J. Barea all accounted for 2 assists each.
On top of that, Gooden and Howard bucketed 16 and19 points respectively off the bench. Jason Terry and Dirk Nowitzki’s final points numbers were 21 and 20 for the game.
Nowitzki had 9 points in the fourth after no fourth-quarter production against Utah. Good thing since the Warriors did fight to within four, and I’m sure Dirk knew that his life-size bobble head said this before the game:
The Dirk look alike is being auctioned off for $5 a ticket for the next two weeks to benefit the Mavs Foundation.
But the Mavs know better than to take the Warriors, led by former head coach Don Nelson, lightly. One of Golden State’s 13 victories came versus the Mavs on November 24th. And, sorry to bring it up, but it was well-documented how Golden State dismantled the Mavericks in the first round of the 2007 playoffs.
With the past in mind, the Mavs didn’t brush the Warriors off. Everyone contributed, and the Mavs, working together, accumulated 32 assists. Jason Kidd, whose average of 9.2 assists per game is fifth in the NBA, finished with half of that total. Jason Terry added six more and Dirk Nowitzki, Drew Gooden, Josh Howard, Rodrique Beaubois and J.J. Barea all accounted for 2 assists each.
On top of that, Gooden and Howard bucketed 16 and19 points respectively off the bench. Jason Terry and Dirk Nowitzki’s final points numbers were 21 and 20 for the game.
Nowitzki had 9 points in the fourth after no fourth-quarter production against Utah. Good thing since the Warriors did fight to within four, and I’m sure Dirk knew that his life-size bobble head said this before the game:
“If Golden State thinks they’re gonna win tonight, it ain’t happening, yo!”
The Dirk look alike is being auctioned off for $5 a ticket for the next two weeks to benefit the Mavs Foundation.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
View from the Rafters
I don’t like to sit in the nosebleed section. I don’t think it gives you a good view of the game, and when I go to a sports event, I’m more interested in the actual game itself than the entertaining features offered when the whistle blows.
But I somehow ended up in section 331 of American Airlines Center watching the Stars literally beat the Wild 4-2 last night. Steve Ott racked up 14 penalty minutes (2 fighting majors and 2 minors). But the Wild were on edge too. They haven’t won at the American Airlines Center in 3 years. Despite 42 shots on goal, the streak continues.
I decided to see my lovely seat as a new opportunity to take note of some things I would have missed had I sat closer to the ice. I am glad that I am not deathly afraid of heights or anything. I do realize that some people will argue that the hard-core fans sit in the upper sections. Here goes.
-I had to look down to read the JumboTron.
-I realized how truly large the chili is that drops coupons for the restaurant by the same name. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that it now has a twin that’s a burrito, and it sends down coupons for Chipotle.
-It’s incredibly difficult for the person with the T-shirt gun to hit the target in the middle of the ice. I was sitting right next to him. Admittedly, hockey does need more entertainment than other sports because of its intermissions.
-Just before the 1-minute warning, a group of fans would scream “How much time, Bill?” Bill Oellermann is the public address announcer. After the announcement, they all screamed back “Thank You.”
I would cover the Stars more if it weren’t for a dispute with Dish Network that limits the number of games I can watch.
But I somehow ended up in section 331 of American Airlines Center watching the Stars literally beat the Wild 4-2 last night. Steve Ott racked up 14 penalty minutes (2 fighting majors and 2 minors). But the Wild were on edge too. They haven’t won at the American Airlines Center in 3 years. Despite 42 shots on goal, the streak continues.
I decided to see my lovely seat as a new opportunity to take note of some things I would have missed had I sat closer to the ice. I am glad that I am not deathly afraid of heights or anything. I do realize that some people will argue that the hard-core fans sit in the upper sections. Here goes.
-I had to look down to read the JumboTron.
-I realized how truly large the chili is that drops coupons for the restaurant by the same name. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that it now has a twin that’s a burrito, and it sends down coupons for Chipotle.
-It’s incredibly difficult for the person with the T-shirt gun to hit the target in the middle of the ice. I was sitting right next to him. Admittedly, hockey does need more entertainment than other sports because of its intermissions.
-Just before the 1-minute warning, a group of fans would scream “How much time, Bill?” Bill Oellermann is the public address announcer. After the announcement, they all screamed back “Thank You.”
I would cover the Stars more if it weren’t for a dispute with Dish Network that limits the number of games I can watch.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
NFL Needs Stricter Policy Regarding Concussions
The NCAA has one. So does the UIL. So why does the NFL, a league where an untold amount of head bashing occurs, not have a policy on concussions?
It’s baffling to me! The NFL needs to wake up and realize that concussions are a huge concern. Failure to acknowledge this fact and take proper care of players who suffer such a head jolt is putting the players at risk for the rest of their lives and possibly killing them.
In its 2009-2010 Sports Medicine Handbook, the NCAA provides four pages detailing the symptoms of concussion, concussion treatment and return-to play standards (p. 52-56).
The guidelines state that “It is essential that no athlete be allowed to return to participation when any symptoms, including mild headache, persist” (54).
Returning after the concussion is a multi-step process involving the completion of an “exertional challenge,” followed by a gradual return to full contact practice over a period of at least 7 days (56).
Through my past research and interviews for an article about concussions in women’s college sports, I know the trainers follow the guidelines. Read my article at
http://media.www.tcudailyskiff.com/media/storage/paper792/news/2007/11/30/Sports/Concussions.Prominent.Issue.For.Female.Athletes-3125777.shtml.
The UIL policy, known as “Will’s Bill,” states that athletic trainers should be trained to look for signs of concussions and other sports injuries. According to the Marshall News Messenger, it is named for Will Bensen, a quarterback who died in 2002 of a cerebral hemorrhage suffered during a game.
The NFL has turned up its nose and downright ignored the findings long enough. Dr. Ira Casson, co-director of the NFL’s Mild Traumatic Brain Injury committee, continued to insist in May that there is not enough data to confirm or deny a relationship between an NFL career, concussions and diminished functioning in life after football.
Well, according to a University of Michigan study referenced in Kevin Sherrington’s Monday column, former NFL players are “19 times more likely to report dementia-related symptoms than the general population.”
How much more evidence does the league need? If you do need more convincing, go to http://www.gq.com/sports/profiles/200909/nfl-players-brain-dementia-study-memory-concussions?printable=true.
This piece is very good but can be difficult to read at times.
On December 3, 2009, Commissioner Roger Goodell finally suggested that a player with a concussion not return to the same game. This is a step, but a lot more attention is needed. Since pro football is rougher than high school or college football, it should be more than a suggestion, it should be a requirement.
It’s baffling to me! The NFL needs to wake up and realize that concussions are a huge concern. Failure to acknowledge this fact and take proper care of players who suffer such a head jolt is putting the players at risk for the rest of their lives and possibly killing them.
In its 2009-2010 Sports Medicine Handbook, the NCAA provides four pages detailing the symptoms of concussion, concussion treatment and return-to play standards (p. 52-56).
The guidelines state that “It is essential that no athlete be allowed to return to participation when any symptoms, including mild headache, persist” (54).
Returning after the concussion is a multi-step process involving the completion of an “exertional challenge,” followed by a gradual return to full contact practice over a period of at least 7 days (56).
Through my past research and interviews for an article about concussions in women’s college sports, I know the trainers follow the guidelines. Read my article at
http://media.www.tcudailyskiff.com/media/storage/paper792/news/2007/11/30/Sports/Concussions.Prominent.Issue.For.Female.Athletes-3125777.shtml.
The UIL policy, known as “Will’s Bill,” states that athletic trainers should be trained to look for signs of concussions and other sports injuries. According to the Marshall News Messenger, it is named for Will Bensen, a quarterback who died in 2002 of a cerebral hemorrhage suffered during a game.
The NFL has turned up its nose and downright ignored the findings long enough. Dr. Ira Casson, co-director of the NFL’s Mild Traumatic Brain Injury committee, continued to insist in May that there is not enough data to confirm or deny a relationship between an NFL career, concussions and diminished functioning in life after football.
Well, according to a University of Michigan study referenced in Kevin Sherrington’s Monday column, former NFL players are “19 times more likely to report dementia-related symptoms than the general population.”
How much more evidence does the league need? If you do need more convincing, go to http://www.gq.com/sports/profiles/200909/nfl-players-brain-dementia-study-memory-concussions?printable=true.
This piece is very good but can be difficult to read at times.
On December 3, 2009, Commissioner Roger Goodell finally suggested that a player with a concussion not return to the same game. This is a step, but a lot more attention is needed. Since pro football is rougher than high school or college football, it should be more than a suggestion, it should be a requirement.
4th Quarter Run Ousts Mavs: Jazz 104 Mavericks 92
NBA games are often won in the fourth quarter. In the last 12 minutes, the Utah Jazz outscored the Mavericks 27-16, turning a one point lead after 3 into a 12-point victory.
With that result, Dallas is in the midst of its first 3-game losing streak since January 11-14th of last year when the team dropped games to Sacramento, Denver and New Orleans. The Jazz, on the other hand, have won 10 of their last 11 and 8 in a row at EnergySolutions Arena.
The Mavericks were out rebounded 43-34 for the game, allowing 6 rebounds early in the fourth. With that help, Utah maintained a double-digit lead for the final 7:07 of the game.
The Mavs would have been in a better position if they could have held off Utah’s scoring runs, the 7-0 run early in the second and the 9-2 run going into halftime. The aforementioned run transformed a 30-24 Dallas lead into a 1-point deficit and the other allowed the Jazz to finish the half up 53-46 on a Ronnie Brewer 3-pointer as time ran off the clock.
Brewer would play limited minutes in the second half due to a bruised rib. It sure didn’t look like there was any physical issue when he hit the 3.
It was much easier to see Rodrigue Beaubois landing hard on the floor after he played just over a minute in the third. He did not return to action but did come back to the bench, sporting what looked like a large heating pad on his back.
Jason Terry and Dirk Nowitzki accounted for 22 of the Mavs 46 points in the first half. For the game, the Jet totaled 19 points and was 2 of 4 on 3-point attempts, Jason Kidd was also hot, going 2 for 5 on 3’s with 11 points. He also hit a shot that would have tied the game at 77, but it was ruled a 2-pointer.
After scoring 14 of his team-high 28 after the break, Nowitzki stayed quiet in the 4th quarter – a stark contrast to his 29-point fourth quarter performance against the Jazz on November 3rd.
Don Nelson and the Golden State Warriors come to Dallas on Wednesday.
With that result, Dallas is in the midst of its first 3-game losing streak since January 11-14th of last year when the team dropped games to Sacramento, Denver and New Orleans. The Jazz, on the other hand, have won 10 of their last 11 and 8 in a row at EnergySolutions Arena.
The Mavericks were out rebounded 43-34 for the game, allowing 6 rebounds early in the fourth. With that help, Utah maintained a double-digit lead for the final 7:07 of the game.
The Mavs would have been in a better position if they could have held off Utah’s scoring runs, the 7-0 run early in the second and the 9-2 run going into halftime. The aforementioned run transformed a 30-24 Dallas lead into a 1-point deficit and the other allowed the Jazz to finish the half up 53-46 on a Ronnie Brewer 3-pointer as time ran off the clock.
Brewer would play limited minutes in the second half due to a bruised rib. It sure didn’t look like there was any physical issue when he hit the 3.
It was much easier to see Rodrigue Beaubois landing hard on the floor after he played just over a minute in the third. He did not return to action but did come back to the bench, sporting what looked like a large heating pad on his back.
Jason Terry and Dirk Nowitzki accounted for 22 of the Mavs 46 points in the first half. For the game, the Jet totaled 19 points and was 2 of 4 on 3-point attempts, Jason Kidd was also hot, going 2 for 5 on 3’s with 11 points. He also hit a shot that would have tied the game at 77, but it was ruled a 2-pointer.
After scoring 14 of his team-high 28 after the break, Nowitzki stayed quiet in the 4th quarter – a stark contrast to his 29-point fourth quarter performance against the Jazz on November 3rd.
Don Nelson and the Golden State Warriors come to Dallas on Wednesday.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Federer Notches 4th Australian Open: 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (13-11)
Andy Murray’s hopes to derail Roger Federer and become the first British/Scottish man to hold a Grand Slam trophy since Fred Perry were dashed Sunday.
He simply ran into a man who is better than all the rest. A man who after securing the first set is 171-5 in Majors against players not named Rafael Nadal. Yes, he is that good.
Federer’s record breeds confidence. Before the match, he said there was clearly more weight on Murray’s shoulders.
“I don’t really feel like the pressure is on me, having to do it again because I’ve done it before,” Federer said. “I think Andy really needs it more than I do, so I think the pressure is big on him.”
Federer plays a smooth get-it-done type of game. He is mentally strong and rarely gets rattled.
Murray had his chances on Federer’s serve but was just 2 of 8 when such opportunities arose. Federer broke 4 times and once to bring a 2-5 deficit back to 5-5 and force a tiebreak for the third set. Both these men are so good that they don’t need many tiebreaks. Early on in the year, Federer sat at 1-0 and Murray at 2-0.
Murray started with an ace in the tiebreak, one of 10 for him in the match, and took the early mini-break lead, but Federer fought back for 3-3. Murray went ahead 5-4 on another ace and 6-4 on a Federer error at the net. On his first of five set points, Murray also miscued on a ball at the net.
Murray hit a ball wide to tie it once again at 7. Federer served an ace to gain his first of three championship points.
A signature cross-court passing shot by Federer leveled the score at 9 apiece.
With the score even at 11, Federer wrong-footed Murray to go ahead 12-11 and forced a final error at the net to cap off the 13-11 tiebreak victory and his 16th Grand Slam title.
He simply ran into a man who is better than all the rest. A man who after securing the first set is 171-5 in Majors against players not named Rafael Nadal. Yes, he is that good.
Federer’s record breeds confidence. Before the match, he said there was clearly more weight on Murray’s shoulders.
“I don’t really feel like the pressure is on me, having to do it again because I’ve done it before,” Federer said. “I think Andy really needs it more than I do, so I think the pressure is big on him.”
Federer plays a smooth get-it-done type of game. He is mentally strong and rarely gets rattled.
Murray had his chances on Federer’s serve but was just 2 of 8 when such opportunities arose. Federer broke 4 times and once to bring a 2-5 deficit back to 5-5 and force a tiebreak for the third set. Both these men are so good that they don’t need many tiebreaks. Early on in the year, Federer sat at 1-0 and Murray at 2-0.
Murray started with an ace in the tiebreak, one of 10 for him in the match, and took the early mini-break lead, but Federer fought back for 3-3. Murray went ahead 5-4 on another ace and 6-4 on a Federer error at the net. On his first of five set points, Murray also miscued on a ball at the net.
Murray hit a ball wide to tie it once again at 7. Federer served an ace to gain his first of three championship points.
A signature cross-court passing shot by Federer leveled the score at 9 apiece.
With the score even at 11, Federer wrong-footed Murray to go ahead 12-11 and forced a final error at the net to cap off the 13-11 tiebreak victory and his 16th Grand Slam title.
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