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NBA Saturday: Miami Heat at Washington Wizards
Over the past few years the Washington Wizards have had very little success against the Miami Heat. This season it appears things might change. The Hear are already over ten games under .500, and it doesn’t seem like any relief will be coming anytime soon. The Wizards are among the hottest teams in the league, despite being with out Gilbert Arenas for at least another two months. Washington has won seven out of their last ten ball games, and with the plethora of young talent they have on their squad it seems they may be looking up for a long time to come.
One of the main reasons the Heat have started off so poorly is the declining play of their ageing warrior Shaquille O’Neal. After years of taking nightly punishment it is only natural that the big man starts to wear down, but it all happened a little too quickly for the Heat. Their back up center Alonzo Mourning is even older then Shaq, so that isn’t really an option either. Also, Dwayne Wade missed a good portion of the early part of the season battling a shoulder injury. While his numbers have improved, he still isn’t what he was in years past.
Nick Young, Antwan Jamison, Roger Mason, and company seem prepared to take over this game. They are younger, fresher, and playing at a very high level that is making them one of the most exciting teams. Compared to past years, they are even playing defense better, making their chances of a good season that much better.
NBA Sunday Boston Celtics vs. LA Lakers
A rivalry is reborn. All throughout the history of basketball these teams have been regarded as one of the greats. However, for the first time in years both of these teams are playing well, with both squads having dreams of NBA championships. The Lakers are led by Kobe Bryant, who is averaging 26.8 points a game. Also, for the first time in a few years, Bryant actually has a decent supporting cast. Andrew Bynum is averaging a double-double, and is quickly becoming a very good center. Streaky shooter Siberian born Sasha Vujacic has been more on then off lately.
Despite Kobe and his supporting cast gaining credibility, they don’t quite compare to the cast of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce. Long time Celtic Paul Pierce leads the team with 20.9 points a game. Right behind him are Garnett, who leads the team with over ten rebounds a game, and Allen, who leads the team in 3-point shooting. On this team the list of stars is just as long as the supporting cast, and that’s why they are off to a 20-2 start as of this writing. At this pace they won’t only be holding the NBA championship at the end of the year, but they will be the new holder of the best ever regular season record.
Playing in LA is always tough, but I believe this Boston team is up for the challenge. I expect Kobe to shine, but for the Celtics to leave LAX as the winner.
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