Golden State, You've Lost That Loving Feeling

Why do all of you have to be hating?

Ever since writing that Kevin Durant deserted the Oklahoma City Thunder, people have asked me why I have so much contempt for the Golden State Warriors now.

"It's not their problem KD signed with them."

"Of course you'd choose to be better."

"You're just bitter he didn't choose Boston."

All those statements are perfectly legit, especially the last one. (I am damn bitter because brother, he would've looked great in green and it would've been a bigger challenge than to "bye cheap jewellery" as Reggie Miller claimed.)

But I have a perfectly good reason to declare my love for the Warriors is over.

The Warriors were the NBA darlings.

They were the underdogs who became the Cinderella fairytale in earning a near-impossible 2015 NBA Championship who then went on to rewrite the records books and seize a historic 73-win season.

Everyone, including me, doubted they could even become legitimate championship contenders with their unconventional style of relying on three-point shooting.

But they paid no attention to the naysayers and continued to capture hearts and momentarily steal breathes with their heart-stopping pulsating play that revolutionised basketball.

Having saving all that, it wouldn't be fair to label them as only being an offensively-minded team as they became a premier defensive unit that were committed and focused on the other side of the ball.

Even individually, from the top to the bottom of their playing roster, every player was an unlikely success that was discarded or picked up in the draft.

Steph Curry is the most unlikely MVP in the history of any sport, let alone the size-orientated NBA.

After being drafted seventh with no real sense of excitement and a number of serious ankle injuries, Curry seemingly morphed overnight into a global superstar and caught the NBA by surprise.

In 60 years of MVP voting, Curry was the first to earn the award by unanimous decision this season, effectively claiming back-to-back MVP titles.

Other members of the Warriors championship side includes other draft projects Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes who were drafted 11th, 35th and 7th respectively. Like Curry, Thompson and Green were given little hope of evolving into fully fledged starters let alone into All-Stars , while Barnes has become the Dallas Mavericks' franchise player, signing a monumental deal for $95m for four years.

Moreover, cornerstones of the team, Andrew Bogut, Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingstone, Marries Speights, and Leandro Barbosa, were all outcasts from former teams that Golden State threw lifelines to in revitalising their NBA careers.

All season long, we heard the Warriors proudly declare "Strength in Numbers".

There was once a time they refused to give up any players to trade for a bonafide star in Kevin Love. They refused to believe they weren't a championship contender without Love.

Now, all that "Strength in Numbers" talk seems like a very distant memory.

In their relentless pursuit of Kevin Durant, everything that was endearing about the Warriors was lost in a heartbeat.

In signing Durant, they lost Barnes, Bogut, Barbosa, Speights, Brandon Rush and Festus Ezeli.

The 2015-16 Warriors were arguably the greatest NBA team, even greater than the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls because they won more than 70 games in their championship defence where every team aimed up for them (unlike the Bulls' season which was their first championship since Michael Jordan returned from baseball).

The Warriors were the endearing underdogs, stealing not just a fairytale championship, but the hearts and minds of sports fans globally.

In a league of ego and selfishness, they preached a team-first mentality who many believe overachieved in reaching their goals.

But it's hard to warm to them now, after all their "Strength in Numbers" and team talk.

The Warriors have lost that loving feeling...

Why I Love The Warriors Is Why I Hate Them

PHOTO: EZRA SHAW/GETTY IMAGES

I'm incredulous.

I'm outraged that the 2014 MVP and Future Hall of Famer, Kevin Durant, has left the Oklahoma City Thunder. And not because he deserted the side that he led to the Western Conference Finals four times in the past six years as well as the 2012 NBA Finals.

It's not that he left the Thunder high and dry - it's that he left to join the very team that defeated him.

It makes ZERO sense that after relinquishing a commanding 3-1 series lead, Durant would then join that very same team that beat him. It's not as if the Thunder were swept and Durant was ineffective. 

Durant was stunning in returning from season-long injury and was a revelation defensively which lead to the Thunder deciding to trade their defensive stud Serge Ibaka away.

The Thunder were on the brink of championship greatness. 

But Durant abandoned that glory of bringing a coveted championship to the working town of Oklahoma. The same city that he called "the perfect place for me".

He deflected responsibility after a long track record of being a leader, made even more sour when he claimed greatness isn't all about rings.

For the first time ever, I actually agree with Stephen A. Smith of ESPN. It's not even that he left the Thunder. That's understandable.

But Durant decided to jump on the Warriors bandwagon and take a massive shortcut to claiming a championship ring.

And the reasons for why he left for Golden State is exactly why I'm pounding this keyboard furiously.

You see, I'm plagued by Durant's decision to join the Warriors who broke the NBA record books with a magical historic 73-win season.

I'm plagued because all the things I loved about the Warriors is what makes me hate them now.

And more than Klay Thompson, Steph Curry, Andre Iguodala or Draymond Green, I might hate Zaza Pachoulia even more (and not just for this clip because nothing will ever be more easy now).

Durant is going to love it in Golden State for the same reasons I came to admire the Warriors. They're humble, unselfish, love sharing the ball in offence, are committed and focused defensively, thrive on having fun on and off the court and possess absolutely no ego on the team. 

The Warriors are the opposite of what the Thunder are. Durant and Russell Westbrook were constantly engaged in who was the alpha-male of the team, while team mates bickered and argued in an environment that fostered drama. 

How much fun is it watching Westbrook mindlessly dribble the ball into oblivion?

And like all the girls, Durant just wants to have fun. 

I mean, if you thought it was the Line Up of Death before, it's the Line Up of the Apocalypse now. Just take a look.

Durant will love it with the all-preaching Christian line-up consisting of Thompson, Curry, Green, Iguodala and himself. This is the Christian rock-band of the NBA now.

But for a team that took no shortcuts in patiently building its championship core through the draft, their relentless pursuit of Durant will leave a sour and spoiled taste in many mouths.

Especially mine.

Previewing Tonight's Playoffs Games - Bulls @ Wiz, Clips @ Warriors, Raps @ Nets and Rockets @ Blazers

Looking Ahead:

Game 4 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals

Chicago Bulls @ WASHINGTON WIZARDS (-1.5, 182.5)

1PM ET, ABC

Series: 2-1 WASHINGTON

Nene has been suspended for Game 4 for butting foreheads and grabbing the head of Jimmy Butler. The Wizards will miss his presence and will lament missing an opportunity to seize the series with a 3-1 lead.

Chicago will exploit the opportunity and level the series 2-2.

Prediction: Chicago Bulls 100, WASHINGTON WIZARDS 95.

Game 4 Western Conference Quarter Finals

Los Angeles Clippers (-2, 209.5) @ GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

3:30PM ET, ABC

Series: 2-1 Los Angeles

An already fiery series was added another dimension with Clippers-owner Donald Sterling’s controversial racial remarks.

“We had a great team meeting this morning about it,” Doc Rivers said. “A lot of guys voiced their opinions. None of them were happy about it. This is a situation where we're trying to go after something very important for us. Something that we've all dreamed about all our childhoods. Donald or anyone else had nothing to do with that dream and we're not going to let anything get in the way of those dreams."

Rivers will have to coach his team beyond the distractions and focus on continuing their momentum on the road in Golden State.

After crushing the Warriors by 40 points in Game 2, the Clippers managed to barely hold on to an 18-point 3^rd quarter lead to win 98-96 in Game 3.

With the controversy surrounding a young inexperienced team, the Clippers won’t be able to win Game 4 on the road in Golden State.

Prediction: GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS 114, Los Angeles Clippers 100.

Game 4 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals

Toronto Raptors @ BROOKLYN NETS (-4, 192)

7PM ET, TNT

Series: 2-1 BROOKLYN

Having played in front of some energetic crowds in Boston, Kevin Garnett has called for a wild and raucous Brooklyn crowd.

"They could do better," Garnett said Saturday. "I was expecting Brooklyn to be real hostile, New York-style. I know what it's like to come here as the opposition, so our crowd could do better, but they were there when we needed them, and we fed off of them."

Paul Pierce and Garnett are really bringing the playoff intensity that the Nets were so desperate for this season. Be sure that Garnett and Pierce will not allow the Nets to let up at home and take a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Prediction: BROOKLYN NETS 104, Toronto Raptors 94.

Game 4 Western Conference Quarter Finals

Houston Rockets @ PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS (-2, 214.5)

9:30PM ET, TNT

Series: 2-1 PORTLAND

This series has been epic. There have already been two overtime games.

LaMarcus Aldridge has been an absolute monster. In the first two games, Aldridge scored more than 40 points but was contained to 23 in Game 3 with the Rockets starting Omer Asik.

James Harden finally came into form in Game 3 and will have to look to continue his streak if the Rockets can steal another road victory.

With Aldridge bouncing back with a big game at home, the Trailblazers will squeak another overtime victory to take a 3-1 series lead.

Prediction: PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS 120, Houston Rockets 119.

Game 3 Western Conference Quarter Finals: DALLAS MAVERICKS 109, San Antonio Spurs 108

 Vince Carter hit an impossible double-pump 3-pointer at the buzzer for the Dallas Mavericks to steal a 109-108 victory over the San Antonio Spurs to take a 2-1 series lead. 

With the score tied at 106 each, Manu Ginobilli dribbled the clock down to bank a 5-foot shot for the Spurs to take a 108-106 lead with 1.7 seconds left. 

 But Carter provided the heroics for the Mavericks faithful as he caught an inbounds pass to hit the game-winner in a closely contested match between two experienced teams. 

 It appeared that the Spurs had capitalized on the Mavs’ numerous turnovers in the fourth quarter with a 100-95 lead with 2 minutes remaining. 

Led by Monta Ellis, who scored 7 of his 29 points in the final 2 minutes, the Mavs came roaring out of the timeout to tie the game. 

 The Spurs will have a chance to tie the series in Game 4 in Dallas on Monday before they return home for Game 5.

Game 3 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals: Miami Heat 98, CHARLOTTE BOBCATS 85

Miami take a commanding 3-0 series advantage led by LeBron James’ stat line of 30 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists including an emphatic open-court dunk after staring down Bobcats owner, Michael Jordan.

The Bobcats started strongly again leading 27-23 after the first quarter due to Al Jefferson’s 15 points.

However, the Heat began to resemble a championship-calibre team in the second quarter as they limited Jefferson to just two points and outscored the Bobcats 35-19 in the second quarter to lead 58-46 at halftime.

The Heat continued their dominance in the second half and would be forgiven for already looking ahead to facing Toronto or Brooklyn in the next round.

Looking Ahead to Tonight's NBA Playoffs - Grizzlies @ Thunder and Warriors @ Clippers

(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Game 2 Western Conference Quarter Finals

Memphis Grizzlies @ OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (-7, 189)

8PM ET, TNT

Series: 1-0 OKLAHOMA CITY

Game 1 was a tale of two halves as the Oklahoma City Thunder almost squandered a 25-point lead over the Memphis Grizzlies. The Thunder lead 56-34 at halftime before the Grizzlies came roaring back to trail by four points.

The Grizzlies outscored the Thunder by 18 points in the third quarter by dominating inside with post players Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. The Grizzlies’ best chance to win is to play an entire game like the third quarter.

“It was real important,” Randolph said. “We see what we can do. We know what we can do and we’ve got to come like that at the beginning of the game.”

It will be interesting to see if the Grizzlies will defend Kevin Durant with Tony Allen again. Allen held Durant to 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting (36%) while Durant scored 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting on everyone else.

Expect the Grizzlies to come out of the gates faster than Game 1 but they won’t have enough answers to contain Durant and Russell Westbrook at home. Or will they?

Prediction: OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER 92, Memphis Grizzlies 89.

Game 2 Western Conference Quarter Finals

Golden State Warriors @ LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (-8, 212)

10:30PM ET, TNT

Series: 1-0 Golden State

There were 51 fouls called in Game 1 and Blake Griffin fouled out in 19 minutes. Chris Paul also found himself in foul trouble that took him out of rhythm throughout the game as he struggled down the stretch with missed shots and turnovers.

This series was expected to be physical and confrontational with a lot of bad blood between the Warriors and Clippers. Doc Rivers, believes the officials overreacted in calling fouls that limited Griffin but says the Clippers will bounce back in Game 2.

There’s a lot of things we can do better,” Rivers said. “We had a lot of opportunities; we just didn’t capitalize on them. They did. They made all the big ones.”

6^th Man of the Year candidate, Jamal Crawford, scored 9 point on 2-of-11 shooting and will aim to be more of a factor.

For the Warriors, Klay Thompson says all the pressure is on the Clippers. “They can’t afford to go down 0-2 and go on the road,” Thompson said. “It’s tough to come back down 0-2.”

Andre Iguodala was also hindered with foul trouble and played only 20 minutes. Iguodala will have more of an impact in Game 2 and will add another dimension for the Warriors. However, expect a faster paced game with less fouls being called.

I’m betting on the Clippers to win with the home-crowd support.

Prediction: LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS 114, Golden State Warriors 106.

Game 1 Western Conference Quarter Finals: Portland Trailblazers 122, HOUSTON ROCKETS 120

(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)

LaMarcus Aldridge pushed the Portland Trailblazers to an epic Game 1 overtime victory over the Houston Rockets, scoring a career-high 46 points along with 18 rebounds.

The Rockets lead 112-106 in overtime and looked to have seized momentum to close the game. However, the Trailblazers wouldn’t go away and hit back-to-back three-pointers to go on an 8-0 run in taking the lead.

Aldridge fouled out with the scores locked at 116-each with a minute remaining in overtime and Jeremy Lin scored at the basket on the subsequent play for the Rockets to reclaim the lead. Damien Lillard responded with his own drive to the basket and converted the free throw before Joel Freeland hit one-of-two free-throws to hold on for a stunning postseason road victory. 

Making the playoffs for the fist time since 2011, it was going to be a difficult task for a young and inexperienced team to play on the road in Houston but the Trailblazers jumped to an early lead and lead 27-20 after the first quarter.

The Rockets took control to lead by 11 but the Trailblazers countered with a 15-5 run to trail 49-48 at halftime. Again, the Rockets jumped to an 86-73 lead in the final quarter. Trailblazers coach, Terry Stotts, employed the Hack-A-Howard strategy that resulted in a 10-0 run to tie the game at 98 with 2:45 remaining. Dwight Howard missed four straight free throws during the run.

Lillard scored 31 points with 9 rebounds including a three-pointer that tied it up at 104-all before James Harden put Houston up with two free throws. Aldridge’s tip-in with 2.9 seconds left tied it again at 106-all and Harden missed the final shot to win the game in regulation.

Howard and Harden finished with 27 points each. Harden struggled early in scoring only 2 points in the first 19 minutes. Chandler Parsons also scored 24 points for the Rockets.

The Rockets had numerous chances to seal the game and will have to recover for Game 2 on Wednesday night. Coach Kevin McHale has to decide whether to limit Aldridge by double-teaming him in the post. Harden will look for a better start and Howard has to avoid foul trouble for the Rockets to tie the series going back to Portland. Although the Trailblazers are young they may struggle without any contribution from their bench who scored only 7 points.

Game 1 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals Recap: Pierce and KG drive the Nets to steal home court from the Raptors Featured

Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images

Game 1 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals: Brooklyn Nets 94, TORONTO RAPTORS 87 

Game 1 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals: Brooklyn Nets 94, TORONTO RAPTORS 87

Different city, different colors, different team- Same “old” Truth.

Paul Pierce scored 9 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter for the Nets to steal homecourt and take a 1-0 series lead over the Toronto Raptors.

With little impact in the first three quarters, Kevin Garnett and Pierce saved their best for last.

The Raptors rallied from a 8-point deficit to tie the score at 73 before the Nets called a timeout to put Garnett and Pierce back in with 6:25 left in the fourth quarter.

Not scoring since the first quarter, their playoff experience paid off for the Nets as Garnett and Pierce scored 11 straight points.

Pierce hit a 3-pointer to take an insurmountable 82-76 lead with 2:38 left for the Nets who had missed 19 straight 3-pointers before. The Nets struggled all night from 3-point range hitting only 4-of-24.

Joe Johnson and Deron Williams scored 24 points each, from a combined 16-of-33, that fuelled the Nets to a 25-13 lead in the first quarter before the Raptors came back to trail 50-46 at halftime.

It’s early but after an early first-round exit in the playoffs last year against the Bulls, the Nets’ trade for Pierce and Garnett appears to have gone to plan.

While the Nets played with the focus and patience of an experienced team, the Raptors were rushed and panicked in their offence.

Kyle Lowry led the Raptors with 22 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds, and Jonas Valanciunas had 17 points and 18 rebounds.

DeMar DeRozan struggled throughout the game hitting only 3 field goals to finish with 13 points from 3-of-13.

Next game is Tuesday night in Toronto and this series could end more quickly than people thought.

Game 1 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals: Washington Wizards 102, CHICAGO BULLS 93

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

 Game 1 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals: Washington Wizards 102, CHICAGO BULLS 93

The Washington Wizards rallied from a 64-51 deficit in the third quarter to steal home court from the Bulls.

The Bulls looked ready to blow out the Wizards but were outscored 30-18 in the fourth quarter as they struggled to find anyone to score down the stretch. During the final quarter, the Bulls missed 8-of-10 field goals as the Wizards went on a 18-6 run to win the game.

It was a strong team performance for the Wizards. Nene Hilario and Marcin Gortat proved too powerful for the Joakim Noah-led Bulls. Nene dominated with 24 points and 8 rebounds, including a powerful dunk to start the game. Gortat added 15 points and 13 rebounds. In their postseason debuts, John Wall and Bradley Beal combined for 29 points and 13 assists. Trevor Ariza also scored 18 points including three 3-pointers.

The Bulls tried hard but struggled offensively and shot 5-of-20 from the 3-point line. Noah led the Bulls with 10 points and 10 rebounds while Kirk Hinrich and D.J. Augustin both scored a team-high 16 points each.

The Bulls will have to recover quickly from a shattering loss in time for Game 2 on Tuesday.

Game 1 Western Conference Quarter Finals: SAN ANTONIO SPURS 90, Dallas Mavericks 85

(Photos by D. Clarke Evans/NBAE via Getty Images)

After playing all season for home court, the San Antonio Spurs almost lost it in their first game of the playoffs against Texan rival Dallas Mavericks.

The Spurs had to overcome a 10-point deficit as the Mavs lead 81-71 with 7:45 remaining in the fourth quarter.

During the third quarter, Spurs nation held their collective breath when Tim Duncan hobbled to the bench, holding his knee. But Duncan returned to put the Spurs on his shoulders to overcome the Mavs by scoring nine of his 27 points in the fourth quarter on 4-for-5 shooting in the paint.

The Spurs tied the game with 4:54 remaining before Tony Parker drove to the basket to take a 83-81 lead. Parker finished with 21 points and 6 assists.

The Mavs restricted the Spurs to 3-of-17 from the 3-point line but Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis had little input in scoring only 11 points each and both shot 4-of-14 from the field. Devin Harris came off the bench to lead the Mavs with 19 points and 5 assists.

In compounding a difficult lost opportunity for the Mavs, the Spurs have a 24-4 playoff series record when winning Game 1 under coach Greg Popovich. 

Game 1 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals: MIAMI HEAT 99, Charlotte Bobcats 88

(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Miami Heat began their championship defence in the playoffs with a little more difficulty than was expected as they sealed the game with a 18-4 run in the fourth quarter.

The Heat have now beaten the Bobcats 17 straight times and although it was their first national television appearance this season, Charlotte rose to the occasion as they jumped to a 16-9 lead on the back of Al Jefferson.

Jefferson- the Bobcats only playoff-experienced starter- was 4-of-4 from the field before he left to the locker room at the end of the first quarter with a foot injury. He returned in the second quarter to finish with 18 points and 10 rebounds but his performance suffered.

After trailing the Bobcats 23-19 at the end of the first quarter, the Heat closed the half on a 19-2 run to lead 49-42 at half time.

However, the Bobcats responded after halftime on the back of Kemba Walker, who finished with 20 points, as they went on a 13-0 run to retake the lead.

Eventually, the Heat proved too powerful in the fourth quarter with LeBron James and Dwayne Wade who scored 27 and 23 points in the game, respectively. LeBron passed Larry Bird to become the eighth highest playoff-scorer.

What was already a near-impossible task, may now have become a hopeless situation for the Bobcats. In a worrying sign for Bobcats fans, and for any hope of their first franchise playoff win, Jefferson left the arena in a walking boot.

Pacers Learning from their Past

The Indiana Pacers are making up for their mistakes of the past.

They stand on top of the NBA with the league's best record (38-10) and many are proclaiming that this year is Indiana's best chance to win their first NBA championship.

The closest they came to tasting championship glory was in 2000 when they were led by the legendary, Reggie Miller, to the NBA Finals. They lost in six games to the LA Lakers (which would be the first of their three-peat).

However, the Pacers were a legitimate title contender in 2004-05. Led by Miller, they had a bolstered roster featuring All-Stars, Stephen Jackson, Ron Artest and Jermaine O'Neal.

Artest and O'Neal were both considered elite defenders. Artest was the league's best perimeter defender and O'Neal was the game's premier post-defender.

Until the infamous Malice in the Palace, Artest and O'Neal were destined to help the Pacers achieve championship success.

It is Artest's greatest regret.

“The biggest regret of my life, really, is bailing out on that Pacer team,” Artest said. “I mean, outside not going to church every single Sunday, bailing out on that Pacer team is my biggest regret. 

“When I saw Jermaine [this season], I felt like I didn’t even belong in the same room as him,” Artest said. “I felt like a coward. I don’t like feeling like a coward, and I feel like a coward. That’s the biggest regret of my life. Steve Jackson, Jermaine, Jamaal, even Jeff [Foster] — a blue-collar guy like him, put his life on the line for us on the court, and I totally disrespected him. And of course Reggie. I was in a position to win a championship, Reggie was in position, and I bailed out on Reggie. I feel like a coward. A big-time coward. It’s hard for me to even speak to them, hard for me to see them.”

Even Miller acknowledges the opportunity they squandered.

"Jermaine and Ron constantly had problems and it was my job to bring them together because if they had gotten it right, and they never did, they would’ve won multiple championships. 

"To have the best perimeter defender and the best low post defender at the one time on the same team, and I was trying to get them to understand if they could communicate and not worry about their offensive game, the offense would take care of itself.

"If they could come together and set aside their differences…they could’ve been so good together. It’s really is (sad) because we had a hell of a team."

Fortunately, this current crop of Pacers aren't repeating the same mistakes. 

Roy Hibbert and Paul George are the new and improved version of Artest and O'Neal. 

Hibbert, last year's defensive player of the year, and  George, an MVP candidate, are elite defenders in the post and perimeter. 

They preach a team-first attitude and it looks to be paying off as they vie for Pacer's first championship.

Play to your strengths

I'm really tired of all the Dwight Howard criticism.

Whether it's from Shaq, Chuck or Kareem, I don't want to hear it anymore- I'm just over it.

"Dwight has no low post game"

"He's mentally-soft"

"He's a good player but not a great player"

"You can't build championship teams around Howard"

"He's too much of a goof"

"Dwight is too worried about whether fans like him"

All this might be true. But who cares?!

Now, he's (over)reacting to his non All-Star starting selection. (Just check out this ridiculous pledge)

Seriously, so what? Roy Hibbert has been one the most in-form players this year-certainly more dominating than Dwight Howard in leading the Pacers to the top of the league- and was snubbed by the fans.

It's a fact that centers are the the hardwires of basketball and have to get their hands dirty in providing their team with the physical nitty gritty. Centers have to use their physicality under the rim, they protect the rim and must out hustle strong opponents for rebounds.

Take Bill Russell as your case study. He is the greatest center to ever play basketball. Russell averaged 22 rebounds, 15 points and 4 assists per game.

He was an 11 time NBA champion, 5 time season MVP and 12 time All-Star.

Although Russell is renown for his defence and rebounding, he was an excellent scorer.

But scoring was never his primary concern. His concern was to play to his strengths.

Former teammate, Don Nelson said, "There are two types of superstars. One makes himself look good at the expense of the other guys on the floor. But there's another type who makes the players around him look better than they are, and that's the type Russell was."

Dwight Howard could be the new modern version of Bill Russell. But he's too concerned with his offense, always looking to become more of a low post scorer.

Why?

Is it because he's like everyone else and likes to score points?

Does he want the fantasy stat line?

Does he want the limelight in looking to be included on daily highlight reels?

Is it for his image?

I don't know.

He isn't the only player in the NBA who becomes distracted with scoring in neglecting the rest of their game.

I just know that if Dwight Howard played to his strengths, the Rockets and himself would jump to another level.

 If he really came to Houston to win a championship than Dwight should be like Russell. He should focus on his defence in getting blocks and rebounds for outlet passes and finish the fast break with endless highlights of emphatic dunks.

I can let go now

I have put this off for too long.

I can't put it off any longer.

But now I have no choice to confront the reality- Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are no longer Celtics.

The Big Three 2.0 era is over.

I've been mulling what I would write for months now.

Although it was official during the preseason, I refused to believe it was over.

My mind couldn't digest that Pierce and KG would no longer be wearing Green.

But tomorrow will be the final nail that hammers home the reality as KG and Pierce return to Boston to face the Celtics.

Ironically, it falls in the same week that the Celtics face the Heat and Thunder- Ray Allen and Kendrick Perkins were the other two members of the Celtics 2008 Championship team who have since departed Boston.

Many remember the 2008 championship as the the highlight of the Big Three era. The Celtics dominated the league with a 66-16 record and looked primed to go back-to-back.

It couldn't be a better time to be a Celtics fan. I was in my early 20s having finished high school and trying to find myself as I entered what seemed like a new world to me. It was a world where 20 year old somethings have something to prove and feel pressured to do so.

For me, the 2008 season became everything I tried to emulate in my life.

Growing up, at times, I used to be lazy and ill-disciplined towards my studies. I rarely fully applied myself, merely satisfied with an adequate effort as I coasted through life. It was as if I was waiting for my life to take course on its own.

As I slowly realised the reality I faced, fears and uncertainty flooded in.

However, I slowly began to find myself as the 2008 Celtic team became my blueprint for how I approached life.

I created a hybrid version of myself in taking certain qualities of each player. (Think Sylar from Heroes)

Ray Allen was the ultimate professional who ensured he was prepared for any situation by training hard. Kendrick Perkins was known for his fierce scrawl in intimidating opponents. Paul Pierce played with his whole heart and soul in doing whatever the team needed. Kevin Garnett was inspirational and passionate, and was never afraid to show it.

That championship team pushed themselves to levels that they had never attained before. You know the story- KG couldn't get it done in Minnesota, Ray Allen was known only as a three point shooter and the Celtics were coming off a miserable season with a 24-58 record featuring a franchise record 18 game losing streak.

Similarly I was motivated to do the same. I pushed myself to levels I never envisioned.

Fitness became a priority for me and I promised to fully apply myself in my studies.

But a funny thing happened. It wasn't the success that I fell in love with. It was about the effort.

After missing the 2008 NBA Finals, I felt I had to travel to America to watch the Celtics replay the Lakers in 2010 Finals. I travelled to LA and Boston and back to watch all 7 games.

I was left heartbroken after the Celtics lost game 7 in LA. It is still a painful and bitter memory that I must change the channel when replays are televised.

2010 was a very challenging year for me personally. My Grandmother, who I was very close with, passed away and I felt a poignant moment where I was wondering what would become of the rest of my life.

In hindsight, that 2010 Celtic team is my favourite team.

To me, they embody what the Celtics and the rest of sport should truly be about.

That team suffered multiple injuries during the course of the season, including KG who was still troubled with his season ending knee injury from the 2009 season.

The Celtics stumbled through the season losing to lowly teams and many critics proclaimed the Celtics were as dead in the water as their chances of winning another championship.

But the Celtics refused to listen to the doubters as they defeated the heavily favoured Cleveland Cavaliers (led by season MVP, LeBron James) and Orlando Magic (led by Dwight Howard) on the way to the Finals.

It was my sports-spiritual awakening.

Although the Celtics lost in the Finals, I was thoroughly entertained along the ride.

It was my first lesson in learning that it's not the destination that counts, but ultimately it's all about the journey.

We can't control what happens in life. All you can do is best manage your situation. It's about how well you embrace the challenge and learn the lessons that come through.

Sport can be annoyingly tacky and preachy. Moreover, sport is just so trivial in the grand scheme of it all.

But even the smallest gatherings turn out to be the special occasions the same way beauty can come from the unlikeliest of places.

For what seems so insignificant to many, has become a very profound moment in my life, and I will always cherish that when I reminisce over all the memories I have for the KG and Pierce-led Celtics during their return to Boston tomorrow.

Lance Stephenson is not All-Star worthy

Lance Stephenson is not worthy of being selected as an All-Star this year.

And it's not only because of his ridiculous campaign video. (Trust me, I've seen worse-here's looking at you Chris Bosh).

The fourth-year guard is second on the Pacers in scoring 13.7 points a game, first in assists with 5.1 per game, third in rebounding (6.6) and third in field goal percentage with 50.2%.

Moreover, Stephenson also leads the league with three triple doubles.

Is it enough for him to get an All-Star nod in the East?

Most probably but only for the reason that coaches select players based on team records and in the Eastern Conference, picking players based on team records is not a task anyone would envy.

I know I am not a coach but I wouldn't pick him.

Let me explain.

Stephenson is a product of the system.

Do you think he would have the same production if he weren't playing for the Pacers?

The Pacers are currently first in the league with a 32-7 record and are holding opponents to a stingy 88.2 points per game (8.4 points ahead of the Spurs who are second in allowing opposition points with 96.6).

Offensively, the Pacers are a match-up nightmare for everyone.

Paul George is a threat at both ends of the floor as a tenacious defender and specialist scorer. Roy Hibbert is one of the few true big-man centres and is near impossible to either defend or score on.

With David West able to play in either the post or stretch the floor, George Hill and Lance Stephenson are unleashed to capitalise on the match-up advantage.

Don't get me wrong, I am thoroughly entertained whenever I watch Stephenson play with that New-York flair he grew up with. (I thoroughly encourage you to watch the coolest sports doco-Gunnin' For That Number 1 Spot )

But with the Pacers submitting Paul George, Roy Hibbert and David West, there isn't enough room for Lance Stephenson.

Now the East is really bad but there's still the Kyrie Irvings, Carmello Anthonys, Joakim Noahs and Joe Johnsons that are ahead of Stephenson.

Then again, having said all that, the East is not just bad-it's atrocious and maybe Indiana deserve to have four All-Stars for having the best record.

Desperate times call for desperate measures as Coach Kidd suffers spill

Brooklyn Nets coach Jason Kidd was lamenting his ninth loss in 11 games.

How could this happen?

 How could a team with arguably the best starting-five in the NBA (featuring Brook Lopez, Deron Williams, Joe Johnson as well veterans Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett), begin the season with a meagre four wins from 15 games?

 The Nets were a team touted as contenders; they were supposed to be a top seed in the Eastern conference standings as they went on to dethrone the defending champion Miami Heat.

 But the Nets find themselves languishing at the bottom of the Atlantic division with a 4-12 record. Brooklyn Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov has spent $102,211,009 million (well over the $58 million NBA salary cap) on salary for his star-studded lineup.

 Prokhorov has nothing to show for his lucrative investment.

As the pressure mounted on the rookie coach, Kidd resigned to desperation.

Down by two points, with 8 seconds remaining against the LA Lakers, and without any timeouts, Kidd ployed to delay the game by spilling a drink onto the court.

 The ploy was a desperate tactic to create a final play for his team.

But did it work? Nope.

 The Nets wound up losing its ninth game in 11 games, this time to the lowly Lakers, and Kidd was fined $50 000 for his deliberate act.

 But Kidd's act cost a lot more than $50 000 and wasn't just about another loss.

The coach's act signified a team that had so much promise this season is now unravelling.

It was a desperate act during a desperate time which displayed a lack of composure from the coach.

Kidd's poor act demonstrated a loss of confidence in a team that is quickly plummeting this season.

Kidd did a lot more than just spill his drink; he spilt his marbles too.

Reunion cancelled as Pierce and KG sit out with injury

Yesterday I was excited beyond belief.

I was ready for the last opportunity to reminisce and appreciate all the memories I had of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce's time at the Celtics.

Paul Pierce was in Boston for his first 15 seasons in the NBA.

KG joined Pierce in 2007 where he transformed the culture of the team in his 6 year stint with the Celtics.

What did those 6 years for the Celtics mean to me?

Appart from reaching the Finals twice and winning a championship, it was an extremely meaningful period for my life on a personal level. 

We will get into all that mushy stuff another time.

I just wanted the opportunity to pay homage in person because who knows how much longer KG and Pierce will be playing?

I'd been holding onto this opportunity since I saw the schedule in Australia.

Hearing that KG and Pierce weren't playing was heartbreaking.

I have seen them play many times for the Celtics but I feel like I missed my last opportunity to enjoy watching KG and Pierce again.

Garnett and Pierce weren't even in Staples Center. Their absence in itself was just like the old days.

"I know when Kevin doesn't play he never comes to the game," Doc Rivers said. "Paul either for that matter. That's something we set up in Boston."

But how does that make me feel?

It's like Doc was mocking me, teasing me about the good ol' days.

Don't patronise me. Don't antagonise me.

Let me be.

Am I overreacting? Absolutely.

I'm mad and sad.

I know I'll get over it but in the mean time I'm going to reminisce on the good ol' days on youtube.

KG, Truth and Doc Reunite for first time since parting ways

Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Doc Rivers reunite for the first time time since leaving the Celtics.

You all know the story of how in 2008 KG joined Doc and Pierce to help bring the championship back to Boston for the first time since 1986.

In their time in Boston, Pierce endeared himself to Celtics fans like me, Doc helped Pierce mature into a man, and KG brought a whole dimension of dedication, passion and devotion to the Celtics.

It's surreal to see the three of them together but on different teams.

I don't know how much longer they will be playing. Pierce has one year remaining and KG has two but can call it a day after this year.

I hoped to attend this game since the schedule came out. Luckily for me I happen to be in LA and have tickets for the game as if it were destiny.

If I can get past how surreal it is, it will be very emotional for me.

Seeing them leave was hard to swallow.

It will still be hard for me to watch but I have to see them for one last time.

It's my last chance to see them in person and appreciate the memories I have of what they mean to the Celtics.

Iggy Pop salvages the day for the Warriors

Down by 14 in the fourth quarter in Golden State and a day after losing to the Clippers in LA, you would be forgiven for thinking the game was over for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

There was relentless energy between the two sides as they played to a 62-62 tie at halftime.

There were 16 lead changes, nine ties and countless breath taking shots. Neither team led by more than seven until the Warriors began to pull away late in the fourth quarter. 

It appeared the match was over for the Thunder.

To make things more difficult for the Thunder, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook sat much of the fourth quarter due to foul trouble.

Somehow the Thunder clawed their way back. 

Or did the Warriors allow them to come back?

This writer felt the Warriors deserved to lose when Westbrook hit a three to take a 115-114 lead with 2.3 seconds remaining.

There's no way a home team should surrender a 14 point lead at home against a team that played the night before.

It would have been easy for the Warriors to start self-victimising themselves.

But credit where credit is due, Andre Iguodala's baseline fadeaway as time expired to win the game was an incredible moment for a building championship franchise.

"That last timeout, it was pretty dark in that huddle," Warriors coach Mark Jackson said.  "You look up and you say, `How did they climb all the way back? How?' You start beating yourself up. That's when you have a moment. They looked at each other and realized there is still time left and we can execute because we work on it every day."

It is a special ability to look forward in trying to make the best of any opportunity. 

Lesser teams would have shrunk but the Warriors showed they are ready to grow towards championship aspirations.