Yesterday while the Boston Bruins “foregone conclusioned” the NHL’s top “reg” record (not usually a big deal), the Boston Celtics kept their still longshot chances alive for such in the NBA, (one would think a bit, if not discenibly more important as related to’offs, specifically achieving titles success), routing the top mark, Milwaukee Bucks.
No city/region has ever won both the NBA and NHL crowns in the same Fall-Spring-Summer Year.
The Bruins have a superb 58-12-5 mark, not to be rated with the ’76-’77 Montreal Canadiens, who finished 60-8-12 with ties allowed then but not now as the “5” regarding the Bruins’ record represent overtime losses.
Meanwhile the Celtics gained on both the Bucks (Mil. is up by one and a fraction as the Celtics have the tiebreaker) and the Denver Nuggets.
2021 champion Milwaukee, which lost a tough 7 game “quarter,” sans home advantage, to Boston last year, has a magic # of 4 vs Boston and 2 vs Denver, to get the top mark.
Unofficially, as I think Denver has the t/bker vs Boston, the Celtics have a magic number of 5 to secure a better record than Denver.
The great player, Hakeem Olajuwon, cited by me in a dollar store yesterday, for playing through despite fasting for Ramadon, is pictured above.
Mr. Olajuwon led the Houston Rockets to titles in both’94 and ’95, the former denying the closest bid for one city/region winning both the NBA and NHL crowns.
In ’94, a year my father, who endured my “anti,” died–the New York Rangers won their first title in 54 years while the Rockets denied the Knicks in both games 6 and 7 in Houston, to win their first title.
Here is a surprise, kudos to Jim Nantz and whomever/whoever garnered the Jim Larranaga note put forth, as Miami under Larranaga, duplicated George Mason, also coached by him.
They did so by gaining national semis entry, exactly 17 years apart on Sunday March 26th.
If I had known ….. and better spirits, regarding this upsets filled tournament.
I did know, cite here, yet completely “dogged” Miami/Texas.
The fact that Miami vaulted to the college pig title forty (a 5/10 number)years ago passing, among others, Texas on 1/2/84 as noted here last week.
The ‘Canes also defeated a Houston team, albeit one nowhere near as highly regarded as the hoops team it “regional semi’d” last Friday, in the regular season, in that memorable title run in ’83.
Finally, regarding Miami/Texas, the former ripped the latter in the ’90 season Cotton Bowl telecast on CBS, with you guessed it Nantz, as the lead announcer.
Jim Larranaga, pictured above, also guided an even more unlikely team, George Mason to the national semi-finals.
Then in ’06 after “regional final-ing” Connecticut, eventual first of two straight national titles team, Florida beat them in the semis. I did not watch it, perhaps as I recall being in one of the late, great Joe Franklin’s named establishments.
Their 2023 semi opponent is Connecticut a team, now a 3 to 2 “fave” to win the crown.
Busses and subways with delays, could not take away the fact I saw, admired and derived pleasure from the outstanding production of “This G*D Damn House.” (Playing at the Chain Theatre, 312 West 36th Street through April 8th).
It was poignant, definitely relatable to many, even most and certainly to both my friend and me.
Written by the talented, via Scotland/Florida and New York, “triple threat,” Matthew McLachlin, the play sizzles with emotions that brilliantly stagger in time, before being fully revealed. That made great drama.
The director is Ella Jane New, who among other works, brought us the provocative “MACBITCHES.”
There is a superb five person cast in ” This G*D Damn House,” that includes Kirk Gostkowski, he being so outstanding in the so relevant and magnificent “Garbageman.”
Sachi Parker, playing “Angie,” the “complicated,” hoarder mother is magnificent. She looks like her great performer mother, Shirley MacLaine, additionally evoking great memories with some similar, seriously good “acting chops.”
Again the whole cast is magnificent. Gabriel Rysdahl, Rice de Ocampo and Christina Perry all give inspiring performances.
I highly recommend seeing “This G*D Damn House,” presented by The Chain Theatre.
The presentation moved me and thoughts of it kept me moving and alert, as I sojourned back home.
Click below for more information, including that involving tickets purchase.
www.chaintheatre.org › this-gd-damn-houseThis G*d Damn House — Chain Theatre
Three teams, all from either southern Florida (Florida Atlantic and Miami) or southern California (San Diego State) are in their first national “semi,” joining Connecticut, which is (-125) to “take” a 5th crown.
On Saturday, Florida Atlantic won (plus2) by 3 vs Kansas State followed by 2 plus point(s) “fave,” U.Conn ripping Gonzaga.
Yesterday a Trammell (no San Diego team has ever won a major crown, the Chargers won the ’63 AFL such while it was the Tigers’ Alan Trammell, who was World Series MVP, in one of two S.D. Padres W.S. losses, that in 1984), San Diego State’s Darrion, who “split the pair,” (ode to the great broadcaster Joe Tait) making the second, tied at 56, with one second plus remaining, getting S.D. State to the national semis, having opened (-2) vs Florida Atlantic.
In the pre 60 Minutes, last “quarter,” 4 point underdog, Miami Florida came back to sink Texas.
This 2023 NCAA Basketball Tournament, whose “quarters” commence today, are the first ever, without any tournament “one seeds” still playing
Each earlier Friday night regional “semi” manifested in top seeds being eliminated.
In “staggered” starts, (say a half hour apart), first San Diego State (plus 7 and a fraction) and then Miami Florida, say plus 6, took out Alabama (were they “allowed” to win with a horrible incident on campus lingering, no matter what really happened) and Houston respectively. (In sick fashion, “paid” say 120 to keep it from Nantz getting Houston in Houston, in this the last of his 32 tournaments (’91-2023, no tournament in 2020 due to a pandemic and wondering if he did work on others before his ascent to lead announcer).
Thus we have Kansas State, whose guard, Markquis Nowell set an NCAA Tournament record with 19 assists in the Manhattan Kansas team, Wildcats’ overtime win vs Michigan State, in the far better known, Manhattan in New York, as a slight one plus point(s) “fave” vs Florida Atlantic in today’s first “quarter”/regional final game.
Next, probably the two highest rated remaining teams meeting in the quarters, with Connecticut a 4 time champion say (-2 plus) vs Gonzaga.
Tomorrow, in the still day time (2;20 Daylight Savings Time in the East), (unlike the round of 32 they are not complete “whores” regarding the times, as it is a “school night”)Creighton is (-1 plus) vs San Diego State while Texas is (-4) vs Miami.
The Miami/Texas matchup evokes memories of forty years ago college football.
Then Miami claimed the first of what would be 4 titles in 9 seasons (one a 1991 “share” with Washington University), matching the aligned numerically (S.F.) 49ers, who turned the rather incredible feat in the NFL (’81-’89), vaulting from 5th to first, after a (31-30) win vs top ranked Nebraska and getting help from Georgia (a current 2 time champion in college pig), upsetting second ranked Texas earlier on that Monday January 2nd bowl day.
There were other games involving third ranked Auburn which won and 4th rated Illinois, which lost, but it is likely, Miami, upon news Texas had lost, knew its claim would be “stamped” if they won in their home Orange Bowl vs a pretty much great, Nebraska team.
Markquis Nowell, pictured above.
The round of 16 continues tonight with the two remaining top seeds, Houston (-7 vs Miami) and Alabama (-7 plus vs San Diego State) in action in the pair of earlier games.
The second tilts are Texas (-4) vs Xavier following Houston in the Midwest and Creighton (-10) vs Princeton following ‘Bama/S.D. State in the South.
Only 12 teams remain alive for the 2023 crown and only Connecticut which has 4 crowns (’99,’04, ’14) among the “paucity of titles dozen,” has any previous titles.
Thus it was likely and is the case that no 5/10 years ago or same calendar previous title teams will get the 2023 title.
More such notes and a review/preview as the “quarters” commence tomorrow.
Fifty years ago ’twas U.C.L.A. led by Bill Walton’s incredible game in the final vs Memphis State that took the crown.
Last night they were ousted by Gonzaga.
Major League Baseball is back and the New York Mets home opener is on Thursday, April 6th vs the Miami Marlins.
The sexy dancers who perform at Rick’s Cabaret New York, the world famous gentlemen’s club in midtown Manhattan known for providing the best in VIP treatment, are excited to entertain both the fans and the players at the three-story club’s Baseball Viewing and After-Parties this season.
“Watch the games with us or come for the After-Parties,” said Rick’s girl Lucinda.
“The baseball season has started and I couldn’t be happier,” said Rick’s Cabaret Girl Fiona. “Both the Mets and the Yankees have good teams this season. That’s a great reason to party—but we never need a reason—it’s always a party at Rick’s with so many hot girls!”
Rick’s Cabaret New York has earned a number of awards reflecting the finest in entertainment and hospitality. Guests can enjoy private suites, deluxe sky boxes, and the top-rated Rick’s Steakhouse on the second floor which is under the direction of acclaimed Chef Jayson Margulies, offering daily lunch specials, dinner, and late-night dining.
Last night’s regional semi-final sites are worth noting.
One the venerable, traditional, Madison Square Garden for the East Regional and the “desert stop for G.I’s”, once condemned by sports now promoted (neither being good, in fact each is/was bad) Las Vegas.
In the tilts, I continue not to watch, in the East, Kansas State won in overtime, eliminating Michigan State and its over rated coach, Tom Izzo. (I did see the K-St late OT bucket to put them up 3, on my little phone)
Next, Florida Atlantic, surely in its first regional semi, advanced to Saturday’s regional final game vs Kansas State, winning (plus 5 and a fraction), vs Tennessee.
Out West, in the opening game Connecticut ripped Arkansas before Gonzaga, a bit of an “anti,” as its fan Susan rejected and “screens,” took U.C.L.A.– keeping them from a title for the 47th time in 48 seasons, this after they won an incredible 10 crowns in 12 seasons under the great coach, John Wooden.
Julian Strawther, pictured above hit a “straight away” long “3” giving Gonzaga a 2 point lead with under 12 seconds to play vs U.C.L.A.
More details and notes, I suppose, later.
A truly great basketball player, especially from the center position, and an integral member of the only two New York Knicks’ title teams, Willis Reed, who died today at age 80, was an even better person.
I met him once and interviewed him before a game when he was coaching. He was gracious, insightful and truly appreciated my remembering his 36 point/ 36 rebounds game 5/’70 “quarters,” vs the Bullets, as deep down or not so deep, he knew 36 is many more points than 4!!
A basketball expert and friend, Andy Roth, recently told me Willis was not doing well and would not attend the ceremony honoring the Knicks’ 1972-1973 team.
A stickler for good basketball fundamentals, Andy talked of all he learned and still regards as holy, when he attended Willis Reed’s basketball camp, now so many years ago.
On some level, I am still haunted by “my” Lakers’ title round losses to the Knicks in both ’70 and ’73 (they did win vs the Knicks in ’72 with a (69-13) team that won 33 straight games) but knew the Knicks were an incredible, clutch shooting, team basketball emphasized, albeit slightly over rated team.
Willis was not over rated. He was an excellent forward and when a trade brought Dave DeBusschere to that great team, enabling Willis to play center, they took off, winning two crowns, making 3 final rounds and the semis 6 straight seasons (’69-’74).
He was the Knicks’ leading scorer in 8 of their 9 semis and final round games in the ’70 title season, before being injured in the 5th game of the final.
Somehow, the Knicks won that game, coming from behind, lost #6 in L.A. when Wilt had 45, before another great, Walt Frazier with 36 points, led the team’s game 7 triumph.
Willis had been introduced as a starter to a thunderous ovation and scored the first two baskets for the Knicks in that May 8th game.
Perhaps, legendary public address announcer John F.X. Condon is introducing him now. Surely if so, it would be to a great ovation from the many good people above.
Willis Reed, pictured above.
Only Michigan State, which won the ’79 and 2000 titles, among the 4 teams remaining in the East Regional to be contested at New York’s Madison Square Garden, has a previous crown.
In fact, on the side of the bracket (East and South) that will produce one of the two finalists in “Pooh” Nantz’ (he of the “meaningless basket” comment, when it affected millions), Houston Texas, those are the only previous titles, among the 8 teams.
Michigan State is (-2) vs Kansas State while Tennessee, which knocked out Duke in the second round, is “menos” 5 vs Florida Atlantic.
Those games will be played on Thursday night.
The South region remaining teams, none with titles, are Alabama, San Diego State, Creighton and 15 seed Princeton, a third straight “such” and just 4th in history, to advance into the round of 16.
Playing off that, consider the low quality of the poor shooting, “unders”abounding games and to me, it is NOT SWEET!!
The great Princeton star and 2 time NBA champion and U.S. Senator, Bill Bradley, pictured above.
Andy B Sports 