The Spurs are in their seventh NBA final, having gone (5-1) in previous, after never advancing to one in their and the ABA’s nine seasons (’68-’76).
S.A. (San Antonio) won their first four final round entities all in different, (spanning the four) possible #’s. They 5’d their ’26 opponent, the Knicks, in ’99, 6’d the New York/New Jersey area, Nets in ’03, won in 7, clinching at home vs defending champion Detroit (Pistons) in ’05 and sweeping Mr. James and the Cavs in ’07.
After a tough 7 game(s) loss to Miami (Heat) (and James, who made his first “jump teams” there for ’11 (he was great in #7, Ray Allen saved him and the team in #6), in ’13, the Spurs 5’d them in 2014.
The Knicks are in their ninth final round entity, (2-6) in previous, all contested vs teams from (or located there now) California or Texas. (Thrice vs the L.A. Lakers, winning in ’70 and ’73, losing in ’72 and twice against the Minneapolis Lakers, losing in ’52 and ’53), The Rochester Royals with Arnie Risen, Bob Davies, Bob Wanzer and the man who guided the Knicks to both of their titles, William “Red” Holzman won in 7 vs the Knicks in ’51 and after incarnations in Cincinnati (think Oscar Robertson and Jerry Lucas, the latter a big contributor to the ’73 title team), and Kansas City/Omaha (they became the Kings) are in California’s capital city of Sacramento as the Kings. Houston (Rockets) with the great and so under publicized, Hakeem Olajuwon 7’d the Knicks in the ’94 final, the same year the NHL Rangers ended a 54 year title drought by 7’ing the Vancouver Canucks in that league’s final).
William “Red” Holzman, as a Rochester Royals player, is pictured above.
Cue Prince, a “king,” (again why him and certainly why so much for him?!!–Tirico, and in what is a ’99 final round rematch, the Spurs, who 7’d defending champion and top ranked Oklahoma City, will face the New York Knicks.
“S.A.” (Spurs) (5-1) in final round play, won as a heavy favorite, in 5 games in that strike marred, certainly shortened ’99 NBA season. They are not that big a favorite, these 27 years (where did they go, where and what rate do they ever go?) later.
It begins with a 2-2-1-1-1 format (was (2-3-2) in ’99) in San Antonio, on Wednesday night.
Surely I will post notes (cue a refrigerator) as we go along.
Quick one: 10 years ago, current Knicks’ coach, Mike Brown guided the Cleveland Cavaliers to their lone crown. Fifty years ago the Cavs, swept in 4 by these ’26 Knicks were 6’d out in the same round as ’26, (the “semis”), by eventual champion, Boston (Celtics).
Also 50 years ago, the Spurs were 7’d out in the semis (that was the last ABA season and recently deceased “Superstar” Sterling, who I learned to deal with and whose play by play in multiple sports was very good, was “out of control” in his pro Nets bias. Let’s see Bias as in Len, who tragically died, the Nets nor Knicks have “titled” in a combined 99 (that #) seasons since and what a waste to care so much!!) by the eventual last ABA champion, Nets.
The Carolina Hurricanes, as noted above (12-1) in these ‘offs (6-0) road, (6-1) home), advanced to their third NHL final round, all three in years they beat the Montreal Canadiens, three of the now 33 consecutive seasons both Montreal, the last such team to do so or any Canada team, won the title, 5’ing the Habs as the Cup final was set for a second straight season on May 29th.
“Caro,” which had lost 4 straight “semis” after the wins in ’02 and ’06, and gone a woeful (1-16) in those tilts, the lone win last season, won 2 overtime games and won (4-0) and (6-1), the latter in last night’s clincher, to advance.
They lost the series opener at home (as I “warn” every year yet fail to “cash,” every team or at least the so great majority lose at least one game at home) but won the next four, reversing their final round loss vs Detroit (the great Scotty Bowman’s record breaking 9th and last title) when they won game 1 at Detroit but lost the next four.
In Montreal’s last three title wins, (4-1’s) abound. In fact in all three, ’79 vs the Rangers, ’86 vs the Flames and ’93 vs the Kings–Montreal lost game 1 but won the next four. Now again it is 33 years, Kenny Albert who “Olympic’d” the Canada final game loss “presided” for Bettman, who might be singing “No Canada” in the shower.
Carolina won it all in ’06, winning in 7 vs Buffalo (the Habs 7’d Buffalo in this year’s “qtrs” but … also do not kid yourself as I sound bitter “Caro” was by a good margin, the better team) and then in the same # they beat Edmonton, to grab its lone title to date. (They “opened” (-140) vs L.V. –the entity opens this Thursday, one day after the NBA final commences—its opponent who will be favored but not by what most thought, vs the (12-2) in the ‘offs Knicks to be determined tonight (“City” only (-3 plus vs San Antonio).
Carolina coach, Rod Brind’Amour, pictured above, now (1-3) as a coach in semis series and (5-13) in such tilts was a key member of the ’06 Carolina title team.
As Carolina, the Hurricanes are (3-0) vs Montreal in the ‘offs, all 3 times making the final round.
As the Whalers, the franchise was (0-5) vs those Habs including a tough game 7 “quarters” loss at the Montreal Forum when Claude Lemieux scored the winning goal.
I will include what I wrote before last night’s (who did not know “King” Tirico and NBC would get a 7th?!!) Spurs’ rout of the defending champion and best “reg” record, Thunder.
I cite the fact that within my thoughts and facts about Canadiens/Hurricanes nee Whalers history, the great clutch player Claude Lemieux’s name more than crossed my mind. A day or two later, Claude is gone.
Add Ed Asner as Axel Jordache in Rich Man Poor Man, when he says with his indomitable accent, “Pay Up Sinner.” The best? player on tour, Sinner and especially Gill Alexander and Steve Fezzik, who more or less called Sinner a “lock” to win ‘el’ French, ought to pay up now!
Now vitriol, but this has really “pushed” me at the wrong time.
Last night, the defending champion and best “reg” record, Oklahoma City Thunder, playing without two top players Jalen Williams and Wallace, won #5 (127-114) bet vs (-5 plus to -3 plus) to lead the San Antonio Spurs 3 games to 2 in their “semi.”
#6 is tomorrow night in Trump influenced Texas. Yesterday’s election peaks it, of course I am no supporter of any Bush, save G.W. Bush’s opposition to the wild card presence in baseball, but why not Jeb, certainly nowhere near as evil as Trump, in ’16. I suppose one must give Trump (that name, that verb, that nerve!!) credit as a pretty darn successful election result performer.
One more regarding Trump. That record would be that much more impressive had he not been a sore loser leading to a 1/6/2021 insurrection (those guilty getting off and dough and I’m worried regarding the Knicks, thus that Cassius line, regarding stars and ourselves. Then again what could I have done or do now, save rant on this, which some will like, some will not and almost all could live without).
Anyway Mr. Alexander had 30 leading “City,” while McCain in his first ‘offs start, dare I say “rifled” in 20. Please no 7th and in that upcoming tilt, San Antonio opened (-3 plus).
Speaking of the Knicks, they again ripped the Cavs Monday past completing an overwhelming sweep (the great Sammy Baugh’s73-7 answer, perhaps fits regarding would it have been different had “Cleve” (0-5 in series and (2-16) in tilts vs the Knicks in the ‘offs, held its late 22 point lead in game 1) and await the Thunder/Spurs winner.
Hypotheticals but “likelys,” are Thunder -6 plus and the Spurs 4 plus in potential game 1 clashes on June 3rd.
Of course the famed and meaningful quote, beyond relevant to me, is spoken by Cassius to Brutus. That is shown below. However below that, A.I. or whatever this insidious invasion is, cites the quote being spoken TO Cassius. Again HELP!
“The fault, dear Brutus” is the beginning of a famous quote from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Act I, Scene 2. Spoken by Cassius, it suggests that people are responsible for their own fate, not the stars or destiny.
Trust me, its mistake is there.
Instead view two broadcasts of Claude Lemieux’s #7/overtime “quarters” winning goal for the Canadiens vs the then Hartford Whalers and now the Carolina Hurricanes, who lead Montreal (3-1) in their semi.
Below the play/goal called by Ken Wilson. Why did he not get more and better assignments?
While the East top seed, Carolina Hurricanes (nee Hartford Whalers with an excellent broadcaster named Chuck Kaiton who I enjoyed via WTIC radio, were (0-5) as the Whalers vs Montreal in ‘offs series but (2-0) vs them as the Hurricanes) have won two straight (3-2) OT games, in which they led (1-0) and (2-1) to lead Montreal (not since Montreal won it 33 years ago has a team from Canada won the crown) (2-1) –the Las Vegas Golden Knights swept the President’s Trophy (how little that has meant in ‘offs play over the years) winning, Colorado Avalanche to advance to a somewhat incredible third final round in the franchise’s first nine seasons (2018 when, more incredible, they went to the final in their first season, losing games (2-5) as ‘they’ allowed Ovechkin and “Wash” to win a lone crown -2026, having 5’d Florida in the 2023 final, those Panthers won the last two titles before not even qualifying for these 2026 ‘offs).
Last night, as was the case in the rout Cup clinching home win vs Florida, Marc Stone, the team captain opened (I “vibed” but as always dogged it), Cole Smith added with 5 minutes left and with Hart in net, (2-1) L.V. as now they await the “Caro”/Montreal winner with game 4 in Montreal tonight. (Habs sans a title since leaving the hallowed Montreal Forum, at least the so disappointing Celtics, who once had 40percent of the NBA’s 40 titles and now have 18 of the 80, have 2 post Boston Garden crowns while the Yankees who won in their first 167th Street Yankee Stadium season, have gone (0-1) in World series play in the 16 seasons since. All the glory teams not quite- but the Habs, though a nice season under L.V. coach Tortorella’s friend and #6 final OT key goal in Tampa title winning ’04, St. Louis– are (2-5) at home in these ‘offs,-failing to “ring the bell” at the Belle Center).
After, as cited here in a previous post, Eichel (not ID’d by Kenny Albert as he skated in though there was time to do so) scored the #2 OT winner for Carolina, while Andrei Svechnikov, whose shot was a clear goal and Albert as usual was late, won #3.
L.V. netminder, Carter Hart is pictured above. Hockey as is the situation with baseball is a sport more conducive to upset results than say basketball or football.
However, the fact 21 of the last 23 President’s Trophy winning/NHL best record teams have failed to “title,” is astounding.
While the Las Vegas Golden Knights hold a nice advantage in their “semi” vs top ranked Colorado (Avalanche) having won the first two games on the road, the New York Knicks, winners of ten straight tilts enjoy an overwhelming one, up (3-0) vs Cleveland and almost certainly will advance to the final round for the first time since ’99 and just the third time since winning their second title in 1973.
Meanwhile defending champion and top record, Oklahoma City (Thunder) lead the second best record San Antonio Spurs two games to one in their semi-final series. Game 4 is tonight in San Antonio with the home team Spurs 2 plus point(s) favorites.
Last night Nikolaj Ehlers (2nd goal), scored in overtime, lifting the East top seed Carolina Hurricanes (9-1) (5-1) at home in these ‘offs, (3-2) vs the Montreal Canadiens (9-7) (7-3) on the road, to knot their “semi” at one game apiece.
Next it continues to spit out and into so many factual errors.
We turned it over to this, inundated with factual errors system of information.
Like You have so many factual errors!!
Dislike A Beatles song comes to mind: “Help”
1978 NBA Playoffs — Game 2: Knicks vs. Cavaliers
On April 14, 1978, the New York Knicks edged the Cleveland Cavaliers 109–107 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference First Round.
Series context
The 1978 Eastern Conference First Round featured the Cleveland Cavaliers (3rd seed) facing the New York Knicks (5th seed). The series was tied 1–1 after Game 1, with both teams having split the first two games Wikipedia.
Game 2 recap
- Date: April 14, 1978
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York
- Final score: New York Knicks 109 – 107 Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball-Reference.com
- Series after Game 2: Knicks lead 2–1
The Knicks’ victory came after a close battle. Cleveland had led at times, but New York’s offense and defense tightened in the final minutes to secure the win. The game was competitive throughout, with neither team pulling away by more than a few points in the final quarter Basketball-Reference.com.
Notable points
- This win kept the Knicks’ playoff hopes alive and gave them home-court advantage for Game 3.
- The Cavaliers would go on to win the series 4–2, advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals
Some mistakes are obvious (the series tied at (1-1) after game 1). Others are those which refute the fact that the Knicks won that best of 3 prelim in 2 straight games. Thus no game 3 and certainly no Cavaliers series win.
That series is the first of what will almost certainly be the 5th Knicks series wins against no losses (a current (15-2) mark in ‘offs tilts) vs the Cavs.
In the game 2/’78 prelims clincher both Spencer Haywood and Bob McAdoo hit for 27 points, leading Knicks’ scoring while Campy Russell, (no relation to Knicks ’70 title winning key player, Cazzie Russell) later a Knicks player, led all scorers with 32 points.
Both McAdoo, who was beyond fantastic and efficient in ’82 and also “titled” with “my” then Lakers in ’85 and Haywood, though suspended during the ’80 title season final round, won crowns with the Lakers.
Barney Frank:
There is much I could say, yet I will limit this brief post, as shown above a remembrance of the no matter your views, the truly courageous Barney Frank (32, my #, years as a representative) to those few words and will add the far more eloquent words of NPR’s Scott Simon.
Click below to hear those words.
Opinion: Remembering Barney Frank, trailblazing public servant
Barney Frank, amidst most of it, then and now, is pictured above.
I looked, ’twas (4-1) Habs (by the way, a Thursday night 53 years and 11 days later with Canadiens and Knicks wins,– then each won the title on the same night, I believe the only time it ever happened in major North American sports leagues, nowadays it can not happen).
Montreal/Canadiens/Habs “opened” at Carilina (Hurricanes) in their “semi” making “Caro” (8-1) (4-1) at home in the ‘offs.
Meanwhile the Knicks won their franchise record 9th straight ‘offs tilt (8-1) ATS, bet vs, down to (-5), they won by 16 points, to lead Cleveland (2-0) in their semi.
As I have “preached,” it is so rare for any team to go past the first round and most times even that (this year “Tor” (Raptors) was (3-0) at home, but out in 7 vs the Cavs) without losing at home. Now it is complete, as on successive nights in semis openers, first L.V. under ’04 Cup winning coach ‘con’ T.B. John Tortorella, “opened” top ranked Colorado, handing them just their second ‘offs loss and first at home. They stand (8-2) and now (5-1) at home.
Next and last night, Montreal under T.B. (Lightning) tremendous player, Martin St. Louis (I once “zoomed” to him the info that on the day he scored in OT in #6 that ’04 final, at Calgary (Flames) to force a 7th which T.B. won, “6-6-6” Reagan died and a horse bidding for the Triple Crown at Belmont, was denied it) roared out (4-1) and “opened” the Carolina Hurricanes, who are now (8-1) and (4-1) at home.
All 31 teams have lost at least one at home and the “Tort” (is not Tort a legal term and I applaud him (Tortorella), not talking to the media and their largely inane ?’s so what right does the NHL have to fine him?!).
I did see him talking so positively regarding St. Louis and while there is still “mucho wood to chop,”as both Montreal and L.V. are still series underdogs, but with Andy B. as always, “dogging it,” can’t you see Tort/St. Louis coaching vs each other in the final? As Carole King sang it’s too late baby, yet ….
Meanwhile the New York Knicks deserve much credit, perhaps more than I have given them (I have reasons) as the above cited record and the play of those ex Villanova players (in last night’s #2 ’twas Hart) is really impressive.
The Knicks are (10-2) in the ‘offs (9-3) ATS, their 2 losses by 1 point. After losing #1 of the ’69 “semi” at home vs the Celtics (that cost them as Boston won in 6 and then 7’d my then, truly loved Lakers with Wilt, Jerry and Elgin in 7 for their 11th crown in 13 seasons), they went (15-1) in their next 16 home tilts, including (10-1) in their ’70 (same calendar as this year) title season (see every team loses at home or almost every one especially with the greedy four rounds of some “you have to pay extra to watch ‘offs) before losing #7 at home to the then Baltimore Bullets, now the Washington (D.C.) Wizards, who have this year’s top draft pick.
One reason: ‘They’ got my guy, the great Earl Monroe.
The New York Knicks down by 22 points with less than eight minutes left/4th, rallied behind Jalen Brunson (38) and others notably Myk Bridges who hit two huge 3’s and opened “Cleve” by 11 in overtime, as 7 point(s) faves.
New York in its 80th season (only the Celtics have also played in all 80 NBA seasons in one locale, as the Warriors have also done so but in 2 locations Philly and the S.F./Oak Bay area far apart), won a less than projected by a fraction 53 “reg” games, however their road paved, have a true shot at winning their first NBA crown in 53 years.
They are (13-2) in ‘offs tilts vs Cleveland.
Elsewhere NBA: “City” even vs San Antonio and now only Carolina has not lost at home, in their case period, after Las Vegas “opened” top ranked Colorado.
The road!
Tonight, after the Spurs got 41 points and 24 rebounds from Victor Wembanyama, in an incredible performance, to hand Oklahoma City their first and it was a home loss (all teams almost always lose at least one at home and boy did this change the series odds, now considered even) in their semi, the New York Knicks host the Cleveland Cavaliers in their semis opener.
The Knicks coach Mike Brown guided the Cavs to their only crown 10 years ago.
Eight different New York area teams (I am including the New Jersey Nets and only the Mets among the possibles, has not) have met the three Cleveland teams in a total of 19 ‘offs entities, with the New York teams holding an 11-8 edge.
The Yankees, after losing two of their first three post- season clashes with the then Indians, have won the last four vs the Guardians nee Indians franchise, to lead (5-2).
NBA: While the Knicks are (4-0), all in prelims, one a best of 3, two a best of 5 and 2023’s best of 7, “Cleve” is (3-0) vs the Nets.
In football, the real Browns and the Giants, once as good as any NFL rivalry, met twice in unscheduled playoff games to decide conference crowns and title game entry.
Combining for an incredibly low 21 total points in the two tilts, the teams split–the Browns prevailing (8-3) vs the Giants in ’50 before winning a much different (30-28)game vs the Rams to win the title, while after the Giants won (10-0) vs “Cleve” in the ’58 Eastern Conference ‘off, the Colts prevailed in a different (23-17) first ever overtime NFL game.
Still the real Browns, they pulled a miracle comeback win vs the Jets in an ’86 “div round” tilt.
Cleveland baseball the Indians no longer the Naps, split with the two N.Y. baseball teams that moved west.
“Cleve” won 5 games to 2 vs Brooklyn in 1920, 34 years before Willie Mays, Dusty Rhodes, John Antonelli and others led the shocking Giants’ 4 game sweep of the record breaking, 111 wins Indians in ’54.
No Cleveland hockey though were not the Barons in the NHL at least one year?
Stan Coveleski is pictured above.
It is a first N.Y./Cleve NBA “semi,” so I hail the first P.S. Cleve/NY entity, picturing its star, he won 3 games, including a #7 of a best of nine, shutout.
Andy B Sports 