Me, Sheed and the Denver Airport

The extreme Sheed lover that I am, you can imagine how disappointing it has been to see his weak-ass play while sporting the Green. His defense, the core of his ability to dominate, has diminished to the point where he is a severe liability. Especially during the the C's last 50 games, anytime Sheed was on the floor and the shot clock was winding down, opposing guards simply drove at him the paint. The result? Either Sheed gave them the matador and allowed an easy lay up, or he gave it a half-assed reach and gave away free throws. Sometimes both. Infuriating, to say the least.

To me, the true litmus test of whether a player you like still has it is during the playoffs. If you feel anxious every time they are on the court, the race is run and the player is done. But however far Sheed has fallen off, there still seems to be some special magic for me as a Sheed fan. That magic happens in the Denver Airport.

See, I was on a flight back from somewhere last summer and had an hour plus to kill in the Mile High city. Using Denver's painfully slow wi-fi, I uploaded the story of Sheed signing with the C's. The exhiliration I felt carried me home to Portland on a cloud of happiness. Rasheed a Celtic. I knew he was on the back end of his career, but how much did he need to do to make Boston better? 20 minutes of D and 3's sounded like a very achievable reality. Then the season began, and Sheed's decline was clear as day. Ughh. It was not even playoffs, and yet I had "Get him off the floor' mantra running by mid January.

At times he seemed dis-enchanted, other times lost..Doc dropped him below Glen Davis in Miami, which gave me relief. But even his 12 minute stints seemed to much. When Rivers mentioned after Game 1 vs the Cavs that he was thinking of elevating Dukie Shelden Williams, both Dave and I agreed it was likely for the best.

But then I returned to the Denver airport. I had a 60 minutes lay-over on my way to Little Rock, enough time to catch most all of the first half, and 13 point scoring outburst Mr. Wallace. While he still had suspect moments on D, his signature fire had returned, at least for a half. I landed in Arkansas a few hours later and logged on to see the Celtics had won in a romp. Sheed had for a game fulfilled the fantasies that were birthed in Denver some 9 months prior.

I am in Denver as I blog this, now returning home. My next trip through this airport in on June 1. Just in time for the Finals.

Great weekend with some big time Game 5's looming

Thought I would get a quick post up before tonight's main event get's underway. Despite some lopsided scores, Sunday had some great ball.

LeBron. Sorry HP. At least you know what being on the winning end is like from the Jordan era. King James is in search and destroy mode. Even with the sensational play of Noah and the force that is Derrick Rose, the Bulls provide no contest.

DWade exploded in what could be his last home game as a HEAT. After listening to the press going on for several days that he was slowing down in 4th quarters, Wade did what superstars do. Remarkable. Funny thing is that with better FT shooting and less turnovers, C's would have won anyways. Done in 5. Miami better get Wade some help.

You know I love him, so this is truer than true: Sheed has played like crap this year. He can redeem himself with a big moment or three in a playoff run, but his matador defense is earning him much pine. Luckily Glenn Davis is performing big. Same with wild man Tony Allen. Who knew. He and Finley give Boston all the depth they need if Ray, Rondo and Paul stay healthy.

One of the most exciting moments in the Game today is when Deron Williams starts using that high dribble as he accelerates up court. That dude is amazing. The whole Utah squad is playing outstanding team basketball, but maestro Williams is the cat guiding the injury riddled Jazz past Denver. Carmelo has been awesome, but Nene and JR Smith have played miserably.

Dallas and San Antonio looked a bit like NY and Miami in the mid 90's.

Final note on OKC and the Lakers: Any of you see how PISSED Magic Johnson was describing the Lakers' woes at halftime of the Boston-Miami game. HI-larious! He through Artest under the bus while waxing on about Ariza. Love it! Go Thunder!

Go Blazers!

Go Celts!

Bring that beat back

Check this post from way back in the day

Uh Oh

KG on Sheed:

"In the pickups we've played here, you already see it -- him and I on the same page -- we don't even have to talk a lot," said Garnett. "I can't even describe it, it's weird. And to be honest, it's just weird to see him here in the green, and see how our chemistry is without even touching the ball, just how we flow."