3-0 #ATL

by: Aryan Javan

It did not look good at the beginning, but the Atlanta Falcons came from behind for the second straight week to top the Dallas Cowboys! The Falcons trailed going into the fourth quarter for the second straight Sunday but managed another victory on the road.

Atlanta got steamrolled early, by the top-rated Cowboys offensive line. Joseph Randle was running wild in the first half and gave the Cowboys a quick 14-0 lead. Atlanta, who trailed the entire first half, was able to linger around with two Devonta Freeman touchdowns and a late-first-half field goal by Matt Bryant. Darren McFadden and Randle were able to find the end zone as well to extend the lead to 28-17. The defense did not look the part as they did in previous games, but they settled down and looked fantastic in the second half! They did what they have done so far all year, swarm to the ball.

Matt Ryan and Julio Jones went unconscious in the last 30 minutes of action. The two were in sync like no other as Jones hauled in 12 receptions, 164-yards, two-touchdowns. The crazy thing was he was not the best Falcon out there today. NFL sophomore, Devonta Freeman, had an absolute field day! He finished with a final stateline of 30 carries for 141 yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, and five receptions for 52 yards. The dynamic young running back out of Florida State stepped up to the challenge Sunday with his backfield mate, Tevin Coleman (ribs), being out. He looked incredible! Running in between tackles, bouncing to the outside and even catching the ball. Freeman single handedly changed the momentum of this game.

The defense was able to cement the Cowboys offense in the second half. Stop after stop, Cowboys backup quarterback, Brandon Weeden, could not get anything going. An ill-advised pass from Weeden at the beginning of the third quarter gave Atlanta the ball with a short field. Matt Ryan and the Falcons were able to capitalize and cut into the lead 25-28.

This is a Dallas team that is riddled with injuries and they came out strong at the beginning of this game. But Atlanta just wore them down and stuck to the X's and O's of their game. Another great win for the Falcons as they move to 3-0 against the NFC East and 3-0 overall. Atlanta may have a chance to go 5-0 with their next two games at home against opponents with an under .500 record.

The Falcons will host the Houston Texans (1-2) next Sunday, October 4th at 1:00 p.m.

FALCONS 2-0?!?1

by: Aryan Javan

Yes Falcons fans, we are 2-0!

After knocking off the Philadelphia Eagles at home and the New York Giants on the road, the Falcons have improved to their first 2-0 start since 2012. The 2012 season was also the last time the birds made the playoffs (I still hate the 49ers for that by the way).

The most surprising part about this 2-0 start is the Falcons actually look good. Not perfect, but good. The offense finally looks like it has an identity again, led by franchise quarterback Matt Ryan and superstar in the making, Julio Jones. In addition to the skill positions, it looks like we may finally have a stable offensive line (if we can stay healthy). The emergence of rookie running back, Tevin Coleman (who will be out for a couple games with a rib injury), and second-year man, Devonta Freeman, have also finally given Atlanta a running game. The Falcons have been at the bottom of the league in terms of rushing stats for the past two seasons.

The defensive side of the ball has resembled the old Falcons at times during the first two games. But there is something new about them. Something fresh. They swarm to the ball much like that 2012 team that almost went to the Super Bowl (I still hate the 49ers, did I say that already?). We even have been able to force some turnovers. In the Giants game, the defense stood tough in some pivotal moments to get vital stops that our offense needed. The Eagles game we made Sam Bradford uncomfortable in the pocket. Yes, we still got shredded in the secondary, but the point is we got the stops when needed. Which is way different then the Falcons defense from the past two seasons. Bottomline is there is hope.

Head Coach Dan Quinn has already implemented his touch physical brand of football on our Atlanta squad. The emergence of the running game and the new found physicality in the trenches (on both sides of the ball) can directly correlate to the former Seahawks defensive coordinator. He has brought a championship culture and a different vibe to our Atlanta franchise.

The Falcons next opponent is the 2-0 Dallas Cowboys, Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

The Cowboys look to keep their season afloat as they prepare to go without their star quarterback, Tony Romo, who was injured last Sunday in Philly. He will be out with a collarbone injury for multiple weeks, along side star wide receiver, Dez Bryant (foot), and maybe even tight end, Jason Witten (knee/ankle). If the Falcons can get a victory in Dallas that means they will advance to 3-0 against the NFC East opponents (one of the NFL's tougher divisions).

Eastern Conference Finals Preview

By: Aryan Javan

CLE

LeBron James 26.5 PPG

LeBron James 10.2 RPG

LeBron James 7.9 APG

Offensive Numbers

99.6 PPG

43.2 FG%

Defensive Numbers

92.6 Points Allowed

40.8 Opponent FG %

ATL

DeMarre Carroll 17.1 PPG

Al Horford 9.9 RPG

Jeff Teague 7.4 APG

Offensive Numbers

99.8 PPG

43.4 FG %

Defensive Numbers

95.7 Points Allowed

42.5 Opponent FG %

Ladies and gentlemen, the pinnacle of the NBA season is upon us. The playoff field has been whittled down to just four teams, and an NBA title is on everyone's mind.

In the Eastern Conference, we have the Atlanta Hawks versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. Atlanta has fought and clawed its way to this position through pesky opponents (the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets). Cleveland took care of business in round one, sweeping the young Boston Celtics side, and came out on top against Chicago in a tough, hard-nosed series. The two are interesting opponents when we take a closer look. The Hawks are a model of what the NBA is turning into, more team-orientated basketball, with the ability to go 11 or 12 players deep and relying on perimeter shots. LeBron and the Cavs are the more traditional business model. A team has to get a superstar player and fill the void with capable role players. 

LeBron James looks poised to lead this young Cavaliers side to its first NBA Finals appearance since 2007. But a worrisome thought for Cleveland is that they are banged up at a bad time. Irving should be a go for Game 1, but who knows how is knee and hamstring hold up. Irving knows he has to play in what is going to be another hard fought series. In Game 6 of the Chicago series, there was a point in the game where LeBron was clearly bothered by his back. Obviously the elephant in the room, Kevin Love is still out for the postseason. For the most part, I think Cleveland will be ok. LeBron is looking to make his fifth finals appearance in a row! That is a truly extraordinary feat. He will need his whole cast of mates with him to defeat a tough Atlanta side.

As for the Hawks, they have been playing like...the Hawks. Frustrating their fans in the first two rounds with inconsistent play, but this year something was different, real different. They were actually able to advance past the second round. Something that the Hawks as a franchise have not been able to do since 1970, before the Conference Finals were formed. Led by a lethal starting five the Hawks have been able to get down and dirty with the Wizards and Nets and emerged victorious in both bouts. To even be in this spot seems like a huge monkey off Atlanta's back. But for the Hawks this means they need to believe themselves, and that they can actually win this whole damn thing. 

With Budenholzer at the helm, the Hawks most take to the mentality of a team such as, San Antonio (Budenholzer's former team, assistant coach). The Conference Finals is not enough. To get this far and lose would be even more painful and devastating. The Hawks have a perfect chance to knock off a partially healthy Cleveland side. Yes, LeBron James will get his, but cut his resources off. Five guys will beat 1 or 2 any day (i.e. San Antonio in the 2014 NBA Finals Spurs Starting Five versus James and barely Wade and Bosh from Miami). The Hawks must play the most perfect series. To knock off a once in a generation talent like LeBron James, it will take the effort of maybe 10 or 11 people from this Hawks team. Guys like Muscula, Scott, Mack, Schroeder, or Bazemore. Everyone who steps on the floor must make an impact for Atlanta

Prediction

The Hawks caught Cleveland at the right time. Atlanta is due for a good shooting series. They have been subpar most of the playoffs. The defense is there for both clubs, but in my opinion, the deciding factor will be the offensive side. If both offenses are clicking I think the advantage goes to Atlanta. Their team ways will overcome the one-man-show of LeBron James and ATL will play the best series of basketball that this team is capable of to defeat the Cavaliers in seven games. Home court will be huge factor. 

2015 NBA Playoff Preview

By: Aryan Javan

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. It is that time in school when the work is piling up and you forget that you created a blog. But I am back, and just in time for the NBA Playoffs!

As of last night the playoff field has been set and it should be a dandy! The Western Conference is going to be a bloodbath and who knows who will represent them in the NBA Finals. The East is honestly a crap-shoot, but headlined by favorites Atlanta and Cleveland. Lets look at some of the first round match-ups.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Atlanta Hawks vs. #8 Brooklyn Nets (ATL won season series 4-0)

ATL

Paul Millsap (16.7 PPG)

Paul Millsap (7.8 RPG)

Jeff Teague (7.0 APG)                    

BKN

Brook Lopez (17.2 PPG)

Brook Lopez (7.4 RPG)

Deron Williams (6.6 APG)

This should be a quick series for the Hawks in my opinion. The Hawks are trying to prove themselves worthy of a number one seed and the playoffs is the place to do it. Brooklyn is a mess of a team that slid in the playoffs despite a 38-44 record. Atlanta should proceed with caution cause they have given number one seed's a run for their money, twice, as an eighth seed (Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers both 7-game-series). But I think ATL is focused this year and will end this in 4 maybe 5 games.

#2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #7 Boston Celtics (Regular season series tied 2-2)

CLE

LeBron James (25.3 PPG)

Kevin Love (9.7 RPG)

LeBron James (7.4 APG)

BOS

Isaiah Thomas (19.0 PPG)

Jared Sullinger (7.6 RPG)

Evan Turner (5.5 APG)

Obviously, LeBron James and the Cavaliers are the overwhelming favorite to win this series. It's LeBron vs. the C's yet again, but a little different this time around. No Paul Pierce, KG, Ray Allen or Rondo. Let's give credit to the Brad Stevens and the Celtics though. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for them but this team fought hard all year and claimed a playoff berth. Well congratulations Boston, you got LBJ and the favorites to come out of the East. I expect this one to be done in 4.

#3 Chicago Bulls vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks (CHI won season series 3-1)

CHI

Jimmy Butler (20.0 PPG)

Pau Gasol (11.8 RPG)

Derrick Rose (4.9 APG)

MIL

Michael Carter-Williams (14.1 PPG)

Zaza Pachulia (6.8 RPG)

Michael Carter-Williams (5.6 APG)

This is an interesting series. Jason Kidd leads the surprising-young Bucks (no pun intended) to their first playoff appearance since the 2012-2013 season. They will meet their Central Division rival, the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have a lot of questions coming into the playoffs, headlined by the health status of Derrick Rose. If Rose is a 100 percent or anywhere close to that this series could be over quickly. The Bulls are seen as the toughest test for Cleveland in the playoffs if they advance that far. In my opinion, I think this series may be closer than people think, I think the Bucks will be able to win 2 games but eventually fall in 6 to the more experienced Bulls side.

#4 Toronto Raptors vs. #5 Washington Wizards (TOR won season series 3-0)

TOR

DeMar DeRozan (20.1 PPG)

Jonas Valanciunas (8.7 RPG)

Kyle Lowry (6.8 APG)

WAS

John Wall (17.6 PPG)

Marcin Gortat (8.7 RPG)

John Wall (10.0 APG)

From the Eastern side, this is about the only series you could say there is no definitive favorite. Both teams had great years for their respective franchises, and both teams will want to keep their seasons going. The Raptors sort of limped into the playoffs due to some unfortunate injuries to key players, but all the Raptors should be 100 percent ready for the playoffs. The Wizards will be led by their dynamic point guard, John Wall, and his backcourt mate Bradley Beal. I give the edge by a little to the Wizards because I like how Nene and Gortat handle the paint and post. I think that gives them a bit of an edge over Toronto. I expect this one to go 7 and it can go either way but for the sake of making a selection I'll take the Wiz in 7.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Golden State Warriors vs. #8 New Orleans Pelicans (GSW won season series 3-1)

GSW

Stephen Curry (23.8 PPG)

Draymond Green (8.2 RPG)

Stephen Curry (7.7 APG)

NOLA

Anthony Davis (24.4 PPG)

Anthony Davis (10.2 RPG)

Jrue Holiday (6.9 APG)

The Pelicans beat out the Thunder to claim the ultra-competitive Western Conference's final playoff berth. Their prize a date with the number one team in the NBA the Golden State Warriors. According to ESPN, the Warriors are the first team since the legendary '95-'96 Bulls to not lose more than 4 games in any month during the regular season...that's really good. Led by first year head coach, Steve Kerr, and presumed-to-be-MVP, Steph Curry, the Warriors in my opinion will handle the Pelicans with ease. Again, who knows the West is full of good teams, but I feel this is the only series where a definitive favorite exists. Expect this series to be a sweep or maybe 5, if NOLA is able to eek one out at home.

#2 Houston Rockets vs. #7 Dallas Mavericks (HOU won season series 3-1)

HOU

James Harden (27.4 PPG)

Dwight Howard (10.5 RPG)

James Harden (7.0 APG)

DAL

Monta Ellis (18.9 PPG)

Tyson Chandler (11.5 RPG)

Rajon Rondo (6.5 APG)

A Texas showdown here in round one and ooh it will be a great one! Dallas struggled toward the second half of the season and has struggled with implementing point guard Rajon Rondo into their system. But they are a dangerous playoff team. Houston is led by MVP candidate, James Harden, and for them this looks like the year the Rockets could possibly make a run at the Finals. Houston was dealt a blow when the lost point guard Patrick Beverly for the season, and Dwight Howard's health is always an issue so we will see how that affects them come playoff time. But if all the components are healthy for both sides, I give a slight edge to the Rockets. This will be an awesome series and has the potential to develop into a heated rivalry because these two sides do not like each other. I say Rockets in 6 or 7.

#3 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #6 San Antonio Spurs (Regular season series tied 2-2)

LAC

Blake Griffin (21.9 PPG)

DeAndre Jordan (15.0 RPG)

Chris Paul (10.2 APG)

SAS

Kawhi Leonard (16.5 PPG)

Tim Duncan (9.1 RPG)

Tony Parker (4.9 APG)

This to me is the most intriguing match-up out of all the first round match-up's, in either conference. You got the defending champion San Antonio Spurs, primed and ready for another deep playoff run. Then you have the Clippers who have actually flown a little bit under the radar this year, but nevertheless a team that has played great basketball all year under Doc Rivers. You have to wonder, if this Clippers team can not get to the Conference Finals again, does the Clipper management think the trio of Griffin, Paul and Jordan can get it done? And they are taking on a red-hot Spurs team who could have easily been a two seed. In my honest opinion, I just can not see anyone beating the Spurs, they are my pick to come from the West. I actually think this may be a relatively short series. I pick the Spurs in 5 or 6.

#4 Portland Trailblazers vs. #5 Memphis Grizzlies (MEM won season series 4-0)

POR

LaMarcus Aldridge (23.4 PPG)

LaMarcus Aldridge 10.2 RPG)

Damian Lillard (6.2 APG)

MEM

Marc Gasol (17.4 PPG)

Zach Randolph (10.5 RPG)

Mike Conley (5.4 APG)

The Trailblazers have been marred by the injuries all year and again right before the playoffs. They are going to face a grind-it-out Grizzlies team that has all the tools to make it to the NBA finals (the Grizzlies and Spurs are my picks to make it to the West Finals F
YI). Even Lillard and Aldridge have been playing through injuries all season, so it does not bode well against a team that they were swept by in the regular season. I would pick the Grizzlies in 5, but I think Portland will put up a fight but eventually lose in 6.

GET READY THE PLAYOFFS ARE GONNA BE LIVE!!!!!

PICTURES PROVIDED BY FLICKR.COM 

Finesse? The Shift in Sports by AJ Loco

By: Aryan Javan

If you think about it we are at the doorstep of evolution in sports. Guys we all used to look up to are slowly leaving into the sunset. The Kobe Bryant's, the Peyton Manning's, the Derek Jeter's (already gone), and the new wave arrived,  the Steph Curry's, the Andrew Luck's, the Yaisel Pugh's. Their generation is upon us and the changing of the guard is happening. Even guys like LeBron James and Aaron Rodgers are now in their thirties too. The 1990's generation is here and ready to make an impact.

The games have evolved more than ever now; from strength and physicality to finesse and agility. Sports have become way faster then their old school predecessors. People like Michael Jordan and that whole era, I mean, it almost looked like a pick-up game at your local gym. No rules, physical, straight moves, and clutch jumpers. Now-a-days the game has evolved into a fast-tempo-dunk fest and dribbling showcase. The handles have gotten incredible and the dunks more creative and powerful.

The game has changed to a free agent blood bath. No loyalty really remains with one team. I believe the reason for that is the new generation likes to move around. They are more cultural and more open to seeing new places. The new wave likes the concept of teaming up and playing with friends. As to the old days, you were drafted somewhere and you stuck it out for the most part.Thus there were more rivalries because you were seeing the same guys on the same team, over and over and over. The dynasties were formed from chemistry and continuity. For some reason, the young guys now can just team-up play for a couple years, win a couple titles and then leave to start somewhere new.

In football, the games are less physical than before. This is a direct effect of rule changes and regards to player safety, which is good. Yet, football is naturally a violent sport so this of course changes the dynamic of the game. The speed and agileness has taken over as well. Most quarterbacks have the ability to run and throw (Michael Vick in my opinion changed the QB position forever with his running ability). Receivers are all down field threats for the most part. And running backs are used till spent and the next man up. It is all about putting on the moves and going off to the races. Granted there are outliers, like Marshawn Lynch, who still stick with a punishing brand of football. But those type of guys are far and few between. The physicality takes a toll on their bodies.

The NFL and college football for the most part has become pass happy. In the NFL, teams do not waste high draft picks on running backs anymore. They are prone to injuries and teams can find value at that position later in the draft. It is all about finding a "franchise" QB. In some regards this is the same as NBA. In the NBA it is all based on potential and finding the next superstar.  If a player does not produce early and efficiently they are considered a bust. There are guys in the NBA now ages 23-26 who are considered busts. They just maybe have not had the best draw or found the best system yet. Same in the NFL. It is all about the stars now and what team can snag them.

I believe as a result to becoming more of a finesse game compared to a physical game, this is why we are seeing more injuries. People contort and move their bodies in ways thought not humanly possible. A prime example, Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls. It was almost like his injuries were a result of him being too athletic for his own body. I am not saying that the older generation did not have injuries, but for the most part they were able to gut it out or were not as severe. The athletes these days are so tightly wound up, athletic and lean that there is no bulk or meat to stop major injuries from happening. ACL tears are spreading rampant across the sport's world. This injury is usually career altering and very hard to come back from again. It most be from being so finely tuned physically. The body needs substance besides just straight muscle to properly function.

I truly have noticed this trend the past couple years. I grew up watching football and basketball from 1998 to the present, and you can see how the games have evolved. You can see the difference in how games were played back in the day as to the present. The Seahawks remind me of the old NFL, and that is why they are successful in my opinion. They are not flashy (they make awesome plays though), but just stick to X's and O's and play a physical brand of football. The San Antonio Spurs showed how team basketball and continuity prevails over superstar lineups and the dunk-fest-dribbling showcase. The game maybe changing, but to be a champion teams always go back to the old school roots.

Hawks Get Blown Out in Best vs. Best Showdown

By: Aryan Javan


The Hawks were humbled Wednesday night in Oracle Arena as they fell to the Warriors 114-95. Golden State looked unstoppable. They controlled the game from start to finish. The Hawks were able to stay in the ball game due to Golden State turnovers in the first half and second chance opportunities (Hawks rank dead last in this category via ESPN). But the Warriors pulled away big in the second half.

Golden State controlled the pace with their fast break game and excellent passing (39 assists). They shot a red-hot 46.7 percent from the three point line! Golden State's bench also chipped in with 50 points, led by Andre Iguodala with 21 points. It was a dunk fest for the Warriors as they just bullied the Hawks in the paint. The Warriors were without their second-leading scorer, Klay Thompson (sprained ankle). It did not seem to affect them. Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green both stepped up scoring 25 and 18, respectively.

"What I take away from it is the number players who made an impact," said Golden State Head Coach, Steve Kerr.

Atlanta had won the previous meaning between the two in Atlanta, but just were simply outplayed in this one. They had one of the worst shooting nights of the season, shooting 35.6 percent. It was just one of those nights. They had good looks but could not buy a bucket. The Hawks looked out of their game the whole night and were not able to settle in. Kyle Korver's absence (broken nose) was definitely noticeable. The spacing and normal passing was just not there. This is their fifth game out of the six-game-road trip. They wrap up the Western road trip at Oklahoma City.

"Any time you're playing teams with better records in the league, you're going to be tested, you're going to be challenged," commented Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer, "and you kind of want to rise to that. You want to meet that test. Tonight wasn't our best showing."

Hawks vs. Golden State Pt. 2

By: Aryan Javan

The Atlanta Hawks continue their six-game Western Conference road trip in Golden State, Wednesday night on ESPN. The Hawks are currently 3-1 on the current road trip and most recently snagged a victory in Sleep Train Arena against the Kings. They have beat the Kings 13 straight times, two times in the past week. The Hawks have rested various starters throughout the road trip and shooting guard Kyle Korver will miss the next two games with a broken nose. Atlanta currently has won 8 of their last 10 games.

The Warriors barely scraped by the lowly-LA Lakers Monday night, maybe looking ahead to the highly anticipated matchup with the Atlanta Hawks. The Warriors have also won their last 8 of 10 and look to get revenge against the Hawks. The Hawks beat the Warriors in Atlanta in early February. Both teams come in hot, an immovable object meets an unstoppable force. It will definitely be an exciting one to watch in the Oracle.

Bad Road Losses of ATL

By: Aryan Javan

After knocking off the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers last Friday night, the Hawks have dropped two of three against to teams with an under .500 record.

They lost to the lowly-Philadelphia 76ers Saturday, 84-92. Granted the Hawks rested starters Paul Millsap, Kyle Korver and DeMare Carroll. Still there is no excuse to lose to one of the worst teams in the league. The Hawks depth is what has carried us all season so they should have stepped up and played better. Al Horford stated how it was just one of those off-nights in basketball.

"I couldn't get a basket. A lot of our guys had good looks as well. Is just happens."

The Hawks shot a putrid 39 percent from the field. This also snapped the Hawks 6-game-winning streak.

To their credit, the Hawks rebounded Monday night at home against the Sacramento Kings. They shot an amazing 55.6 percent from three-point land and hit 20 three-pointers! They shot an overall 60.2 percent from the field. Let's just say, they may have been angry from the loss against the 76ers. All the starters played in that game. This would be the last home game for the Hawks until March 22nd when they host the San Antonio Spurs.



The Hawks started their 6-game-road trip last night in Denver. And it was another poor effort against a mediocre team. The Nuggets came out and shot lights out. Denver finished the game shooting a respectable 50 percent from the field. The Hawks have not won in Denver since December of 2006! Danilo Gallinari led all scorers with 23 points in about 24 minutes of action. The Nuggets also put together a great 54-point performance off their bench. the Hawks staged a furious comeback rally in the end but had dug themselves too big of a hole to come out of.

"We had fun. We enjoyed tonight, " stated Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets, "Atlanta is still a top team, one of the top teams in the league. We were able to show, 'Hey maybe the Nuggets can really play and maybe the Nuggets are worth watching."'

DeMare Carroll gave the perspective from the Hawks side, "We're a good team, but no team in the league is good enough to look at another person's jersey, look at another person's record and come out and play like that. We got down big. Thought we could come back, like we normally do. They kept their foot on the pedal."

The Hawks continue their road trip Friday night in Phoenix, who is still very much alive in the Western Conference Playoff race. They then travel to Los Angeles to play the Lakers, Sacramento to play the Kings, the huge showdown in Golden State on March 18th, and end their road trip in Oklahoma City against the Thunder.

One of a Kind: ATL Hawks

By: Aryan Javan

The Atlanta Hawks are off to their best 60-game start in franchise history. The Hawks are in the midst of a five-game-winning streak. They are the first team in the NBA, this season, to clinch a playoff berth, after their comeback win over the Houston Rockets Tuesday.

The Hawks are 17-4 against the "superior" Western Conference, the best record by anyone against the West. Coach Budenholzer has the team playing at an elite level every night. The "no-superstar" status is the best thing that ever happened to the Hawks. They do not have any players with big egos and play for one another night-in-night-out.

Their next opponent is the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers who will roll into Atlanta Friday. The Hawks are 2-1 against the Cavaliers this season.

NBA All-Star Weekend RECAP

By: Aryan Javan

The 2015 All-Star break is officially over and it was a great success! The Saturday night festivities did not disappoint from the 3-point contest to the dunk contest.

Warriors PG, Steph Curry, lit the nets up in the 3-point shootout to walk away with the hardware. Rookie, Zack LaVine of the Minnesota Timberwolves, dazzled the crowd with his crazy dunks. Some say it was the best showing in a dunk contest since Vince Carter in 2003!

The All-star game itself was an exciting one to watch. The first half was very lackadaisical and full of offense and the second half became a bit more competitive. Russell Westbrook earned his first All-Star MVP honors, after dropping 41 points! 1 point shy of tying Wilt Chamberlain's record in an All-Star game!

Notable other facts from All-Star weekend.

-Mo'ne Davis can ball, she put a nasty spin move on Kevin Hart in the celebrity All-Star game Friday night.
-The World team beat team USA in the rising stars competition (Dennis Schröder of the Hawks had 13 points and 9 assists).
-The 3-point contest did not disappoint! It really was a contest between the best shooters in the league.
-Victor Oladipo from the Magic can throw it down and sing!!
-The dunk contest was highlighted by Zach LaVine and Oladipo! The 2 were creative and spectacular!
-Carmelo Anthony played 30 minutes in the All-Star game. It is rumored that Anthony is going to shut it down after the All-Star break, yet he played 30 minutes in an exhibition game? Personally, I do not think it is a big deal he wanted to give his hometown fans someone to root for.
-LeBron James was spectacular as always. He finished with 30 points. He is now behind Kobe for all-time point in an All-Star game.
-At one point on the floor there were 4 Hawks players (Al Horford, Paul Millsap, Kyle Korver and Jeff Teague) and LeBron James. That is everyone's dream if you are a Hawks fan!
-Dirk Nowitzki dunked!!! That is amazing in itself.
-Westbrook's energy and relentlessness earned him MVP honors. He shot the ball 28 times...sounds like Westbrook. His teammate Kevin Durant looked hobbled by his toe injury and lightly participated.
-The scoring record was broken with a combined total of 321 points (163-158)!

Overall, a very successful weekend for the NBA. Now it is time to look forward to the second half of the season. Be on look out for the NBA trade deadline and any high-profile moves. Thanks again New York City and Madison Square Garden for a great show!

NBA ALL-STAR 2015

By: Aryan Javan

Last Thursday, the NBA All-Star starters were selected by the fans. And as for every year this open a can of worms of whether the fans should or should not be allowed to vote. For the Eastern Conference the starters are, G-Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors), G-John Wall (Washington Wizards), F-LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), F-Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks) and F-Pau Gasol (Chicago Bulls). As for the West their starters are, G-Steph Curry (Golden State Warriors), G-Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers), F-Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers), F-Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans) and C-Marc Gasol (Memphis Grizzlies), respectively.

For the Eastern Conference, there is really not too much debate besides for two things. First, why no one from the Eastern Conference-leading Atlanta Hawks was voted in as a starter. It almost seems that the Hawks are so efficient as a team that it hindered them from receiving any All-Star accolades. Yet, when the roster is reviewed PG Jeff Teague and PF Paul Millsap, each have statistics worthy enough to be starters. Teague averages 31 minutes a game and in those thirty minutes he puts up 17.1 points per game, 7.5 assists per game and about 2 steals per game. Compare that to All-Star starter John Wall, who averages 36 minutes a game and puts up 17.2 points per game, 10.2 assists per game and 2 steals a game. Not to say John Wall is not deserving but Teague has a better team and very comparable stats. In my opinion, he should get the nod over Wall. As for Millsap, his numbers are 17 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 3.2 APG and 1.75 SPG, a stat sheet filler. His case would be against forward Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks. Carmelo is currently on the worst team in the league, the lowly-New York Knicks. Now it is no surprise the All-Star voting by fans is a popularity contest, but just in the scope of basketball, Millsap has been more of a contributor to his team then Carmelo. According to ESPN Player Efficiency ratings Millsap is at an even 20.0 and Melo is at a 21.7. Think of it in context though, Millsap has a 20.0 rating on the best team in the league as Melo is on the worst team in the league and only 1.7 better. Now we all know Melo is a great player, but  I do not believe he should be rewarded over Millsap for playing well on a horrible team. Just this one year he could have been selected as a reserve. Keep in mind, the All-Satr game is in New York City this year, so that did probably play an integral role for his selection as a starter. The good news for us Hawks fans is that most likely Teague and Millsap and possibly Kyle Korver and Al Horford may all be voted in as reserves by the coaches vote.

For the Western Conference, there was one glaring anomaly. The elephant in the room is Kobe Bryant. We all love him, I love him, but there is no reason he should have been a starter over James Harden. The All-Star game participants should be decided by what they are doing this year, not for past accomplishments. Harden is playing at an MVP level right now averaging 27.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 6.8 APG and 1.96 SPG. Just like I mentioned before, the fan voting is a popularity contest. Fans around the world all know Kobe Bryant and his accomplishments so he was almost a shoe-in before the season. Bryant did tear his rotator cuff last week and is out for the remainder of the season. Most likely Harden will be his replacement which is decided by Western Conference All-Star head coach, Steve Kerr. That to me was the most glaring imperfection of the starters. Now we can make a case for other guys who were not selected as starters but I think for the most part fans got it right. Demarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings was overlooked but I think it plays into what I said about Carmelo. He is on a bad team so his stats may seem 'inflated'. He most likely will be voted in as a reserve. The case for LaMarcus Aldridge over Blake Griffin is a viable one. Griffin is averaging 22.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 5.1 APG, respectively. Aldridge is averaging 23.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG, and 1.9 APG, respectively. Aldridge is also on a better team so in my opinion he should get the nod over Griffin. 

So all of these statistics and points of view, where am I getting at here? In my opinion, I think the NBA should change the format of All-Star voting. I think it should be reversed, I believe the starters should be voted in by the coaches and reserves be voted in by the fans. The starters are players who have played extraordinarily throughout the year and should be rewarded for doing so. I feel as though the coaches would get it more correct than the fans. By leaving the fans with the reserves they can vote in the "fan favorites" and keep the popularity contest still going.

Notable infromation about the 2015 All Star Game. It is the first time two brothers have been voted in as All-Star starters, Pau and Marc Gasol. This marks the 11th time LeBron has been selected as an All-Star. Steph Curry led the fan vote with 755, 486 votes, besting LeBron James. First time selection for starters include Kyle Lowry, Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol, John Wall, and Anthony Davis.

The All-Star reserves will be selected January 29th, 2015 at 8 PM on TNT.

HAWKS SOAR AGAIN

By: Aryan Javan

In a game where the Hawks were out-rebounded 61-42, the relentless Hawks cruised to there 13th victory in a row! The Hawks hosted the Detroit Pistons for the annual MLK Day game in Phillips Arena. The game was very much back-and-fourth with a Detroit team that had won their last 7 out of 10. Hawks point guard Jeff Teague struggled much of the afternoon, shooting 4 of 15 from the field, respectively. But the Hawks stuck to their roots, and played true team basketball to come away with another victory. Atlanta has not lost since December 26 against Milwaukee. Their next game will be against the Indiana Pacers Wednesday January 21st in Phillips Arena.
For Detroit this is a team that has gone through some what of a metamorphosis since the release of power forward Josh Smith. Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond dominated the glass today with 20 and 18 rebounds, respectively. It was still not enough to overthrow the Hawks. The Pistons also turned the ball over 19 times and shot a dismal 9 of 35 from beyond the arc. The Pistons will host the Orlando Magic Wednesday night in Michigan.

ATLANTA HAWKS STAY SOARING

By: Aryan Javan

The Atlanta Hawks just keep winning and winning. Their latest culprit was against the Boston Celtics in Boston. DeMarre "The Junkyard Dog" Carroll led the way with 22 points on 8/13 shooting. The Hawks put together another great team performance and sailed to a smooth 105-91 victory at the TD Garden.

Hawks point guard, Jeff Teague, put the win in perspective for the team, "It's just the start. It's a long season, so we're not too excited."

Even if the Hawks players are nonchalant the fans should be ecstatic. The Atlanta Hawks are solely in first place of the Eastern Conference for the first time in 17 years. They are currently on a 10 game winning streak, also the longest streak since the 97-98 season; and have won an outstanding 10 straight road games. Everything right now is going the Hawks way as they continue to win-win-win
no matter what!

Paul Millsap, Jeff Teagues and DeMarre Carol all got the nigh off in Philly when the Hawks cruised to another easy victory over the 76ers.

"I don't like it, but it's Coach's call and it paid off for us," said Millsap, who had 18 points and 10 rebounds for his ninth double-double of the season.

The Hawks next road game is against the third-place Toronto Raptors. The Raptors have won the last two meetings beating Atlanta in Atlanta and once in Toronto. They look to extend their road-game-winning streak to 11 against a very formidable opponent. The Raptors are led by all-purpose guard Kyle Lowry and the return of superstar, Demar Derozan, should make it an interesting challenge for the A.