Luol Deng and the Chicago Bulls may have crashed out of the NBA Playoffs in five games against the Cleveland Cavaliers but the GB star could not be faulted.
Charged with spearheading the Bulls offence and guarding Cleveland dangerman LeBron James, Deng rose to the challenge and cemented his standing as a talented small forward.
Though James, this season's MVP, averaged more than 31 points in the series, Deng played gritty defence on the Cavaliers' number 23. Despite giving up 30 pounds, he pushed James all the way.
Deng also chipped in consistently at the offensive end. With his trademark jump shot looking smooth, he scored 18.8 points in the series.
The Cavaliers are many people's favourites to win the NBA Championship this season. Yet the Bulls were not disgraced and, believe it or not, they can a lot of heart from that.
Now Deng must wait patiently to see how the summer unfolds in Chicago. The Bulls cleared enough cap space just before the trade deadline to chase a top free agent, such as the Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade, who is a Chicago native, or Chris Bosh of the Toronto Raptors.
With a strong, young core, which includes Deng, point guard Derrick Rose and center Joakim Noah, Chicago should be better equipped to make an impact in next year's post season, depending on their success in wooing a top free agent.
There could be a coaching change too. Head coach Vinny Del Negro's position has been the subject of speculation for the bulk of the season, even though he guided a solid but not spectacular Bulls roster into the Playoffs.
So there is plenty for Deng to digest as he enjoys a well earned rest this summer. After an injury hit year, the GB talisman is rediscovering his best form and it is perfect timing because next season promises to be the most exciting for Bulls fans since the great Michael Jordan left town.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Soccer: FLASHBACK - Nigeria win over fans at USA '94 in World Cup debut
The 1994 World Cup was a special event, hosted by a scorching USA and graced by some of the true greats of the game from Roberto Baggio to Romario to the controversial Diego Maradona. Viewers were treated to a combination of stunning goals, questionable haircuts and some major surprises.
The Republic of Ireland shocked the Italians with a 1-0 victory in the group stage while Bulgaria and Sweden reached the semi-finals. And then there were the Nigerians.
Making their World Cup debut, Nigeria were drawn in Group D with powerhouse Argentina, Bulgaria and Greece. It was a daunting group and few fancied the Nigerians’ chances of reaching the second round. However, manager Clemens Westerhof and his players had other ideas.
Nigeria made a dream start against a Bulgarian team featuring star man like Hristo Stoichkov. In front of more than 44,000 in Dallas, the Nigerians’ physical, athletic approach caught Bulgaria napping and by half-time they were two goals ahead. Rasheed Yekini opened the scoring after 21 minutes and Daniel Amokachi – who would later join Everton – doubled the lead two minutes before the break.
When Emmanuel Amunike netted a third ten minutes into the second half, the Nigerians were in dreamland. Instead of displaying nerves in their first World Cup game, they had seized the moment with a 3-0 victory.
However, a sterner test awaited in the shape of Argentina, who had hammered Greece 4-0 in their opening fixture. Striker Gabriel Batistuta, who smashed a hat-trick against the Greeks, was among the world’s best while Maradona was showing flashes of his genius again. And yet Nigeria took an eighth-minute lead through Samson Siasia.
With the world order in grave danger, the Argentines responded impressively as a Claudio Caniggia double turned the game on its head in the space of just seven minutes. Westerhof rolled the dice by throwing on Mutiu Adepoju and belatedly Jay Jay Okocha but ultimately the Nigerians fell to a valiant 2-1 defeat.
All was not lost, though. Nigeria travelled to Foxborough knowing that a victory over Greece would confirm their place in the second round. This World Cup adventure was bringing out the very best in the Nigerians and they duly punched their ticket for the last 16 with a 2-0 win, courtesy of Finidi George and Amokachi.
To add to the jubilation, Bulgaria stunned the Argentines with a 2-0 victory, meaning Nigeria finished as group winners. It was a deserved reward for the fearless performances that Westerhof’s side had produced in the searing heat.
Yet topping Group D also seemed a mixed blessing as it set up a second round clash with Italy. The Italians had begun the tournament slowly and looked out of sorts but still possessed some incredible talents, including Roberto Baggio, Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini. It would be veterans against newcomers.
A crowd of more than 54,000 arrived at Foxboro Stadium and witnessed Nigeria make a flying start. Buoyed by their surprise run through the group stage, the Super Eagles once again took the lead against a superior opponent. Amunike, who had been on the scoresheet against the Bulgarians, netted after 25 minutes to set the game up perfectly. Could the Nigerians spring another surprise?
Predictably, the Italians responded with plenty of possession but when Gianfranco Zola was sent off with 15 minutes to go it seemed that Nigeria were in the clear. But, just two minutes away from reaching the quarter-finals, disaster struck for the Nigerians as Roberto Baggio levelled the scores.
Visibly deflated, Westerhof’s men headed into extra-time but were unable to capitalise on the numerical advantage. And that man Roberto Baggio broke Nigerian hearts in the 110th minute as his penalty sent Italy into the last eight.
Even after this emotional exit, there was plenty for the Nigerians to reflect on proudly. Expected to just make up the numbers in the group stage, they had rocked the established order and topped the group table.
And this wonderful performance paved the way for future Nigerian teams to prosper on the world’s biggest stage. Nigeria’s 1994 World Cup debut was followed by appearances in 1998 and 2002, with mixed results.
This summer, their tournament total will reach four when current boss Lars Lagerback sends out his team in South Africa. With a bit of luck, they might even go further than the heroes of ’94.
The Republic of Ireland shocked the Italians with a 1-0 victory in the group stage while Bulgaria and Sweden reached the semi-finals. And then there were the Nigerians.
Making their World Cup debut, Nigeria were drawn in Group D with powerhouse Argentina, Bulgaria and Greece. It was a daunting group and few fancied the Nigerians’ chances of reaching the second round. However, manager Clemens Westerhof and his players had other ideas.
Nigeria made a dream start against a Bulgarian team featuring star man like Hristo Stoichkov. In front of more than 44,000 in Dallas, the Nigerians’ physical, athletic approach caught Bulgaria napping and by half-time they were two goals ahead. Rasheed Yekini opened the scoring after 21 minutes and Daniel Amokachi – who would later join Everton – doubled the lead two minutes before the break.
When Emmanuel Amunike netted a third ten minutes into the second half, the Nigerians were in dreamland. Instead of displaying nerves in their first World Cup game, they had seized the moment with a 3-0 victory.
However, a sterner test awaited in the shape of Argentina, who had hammered Greece 4-0 in their opening fixture. Striker Gabriel Batistuta, who smashed a hat-trick against the Greeks, was among the world’s best while Maradona was showing flashes of his genius again. And yet Nigeria took an eighth-minute lead through Samson Siasia.
With the world order in grave danger, the Argentines responded impressively as a Claudio Caniggia double turned the game on its head in the space of just seven minutes. Westerhof rolled the dice by throwing on Mutiu Adepoju and belatedly Jay Jay Okocha but ultimately the Nigerians fell to a valiant 2-1 defeat.
All was not lost, though. Nigeria travelled to Foxborough knowing that a victory over Greece would confirm their place in the second round. This World Cup adventure was bringing out the very best in the Nigerians and they duly punched their ticket for the last 16 with a 2-0 win, courtesy of Finidi George and Amokachi.
To add to the jubilation, Bulgaria stunned the Argentines with a 2-0 victory, meaning Nigeria finished as group winners. It was a deserved reward for the fearless performances that Westerhof’s side had produced in the searing heat.
Yet topping Group D also seemed a mixed blessing as it set up a second round clash with Italy. The Italians had begun the tournament slowly and looked out of sorts but still possessed some incredible talents, including Roberto Baggio, Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini. It would be veterans against newcomers.
A crowd of more than 54,000 arrived at Foxboro Stadium and witnessed Nigeria make a flying start. Buoyed by their surprise run through the group stage, the Super Eagles once again took the lead against a superior opponent. Amunike, who had been on the scoresheet against the Bulgarians, netted after 25 minutes to set the game up perfectly. Could the Nigerians spring another surprise?
Predictably, the Italians responded with plenty of possession but when Gianfranco Zola was sent off with 15 minutes to go it seemed that Nigeria were in the clear. But, just two minutes away from reaching the quarter-finals, disaster struck for the Nigerians as Roberto Baggio levelled the scores.
Visibly deflated, Westerhof’s men headed into extra-time but were unable to capitalise on the numerical advantage. And that man Roberto Baggio broke Nigerian hearts in the 110th minute as his penalty sent Italy into the last eight.
Even after this emotional exit, there was plenty for the Nigerians to reflect on proudly. Expected to just make up the numbers in the group stage, they had rocked the established order and topped the group table.
And this wonderful performance paved the way for future Nigerian teams to prosper on the world’s biggest stage. Nigeria’s 1994 World Cup debut was followed by appearances in 1998 and 2002, with mixed results.
This summer, their tournament total will reach four when current boss Lars Lagerback sends out his team in South Africa. With a bit of luck, they might even go further than the heroes of ’94.
NBA: Playoffs begin with a bang
For those of you just tuning into the 2010 NBA Playoffs, the matchups are as follows:
EAST
Cleveland-Chicago
Orlando-Charlotte
Atlanta-Milwaukee
Boston-Miami
WEST
Los Angeles Lakers-Oklahoma City
Dallas-San Antonio
Phoenix-Portland
Denver-Utah
Day 1 of the Playoffs saw the home teams go 4-0. The Cavaliers topped the Bulls 96-83 behind 24 points from LeBron James. Cleveland built a 14-point first quarter lead, let Chicago close to within seven then pulled away down the home stretch. Derrick Rose poured in 28 for the Bulls.
The Atlanta Hawks took Game 1 of their series with the Bucks after using their advantage in the paint to establish a 22-point lead at the break. Milwaukee, behind an outstanding 34 points from Brandon Jennings, threatened to make a bold comeback but Joe Johnson, with 22 points, closed the door in the final minutes.
Boston and Miami certainly ensured the Playoff physicality was there from Game 1. Kevin Garnett was ejected for two technicals - the second for an elbow on Quentin Richardson - but the Celtics held on for an 85-76 win. The Heat led at half-time but managed just 19 points in the final 15 minutes, including a measly 10 in the fourth quarter.
But the most impressive individual performance came in Saturday's final game. Carmelo Anthony erupted on the Utah Jazz, scoring 42 points on 18-25 shooting as the Nuggets won 126-113. Melo, who averaged nine free throw attempts a night this season, did not even need the charity stripe (he took just four shots in Game 1). JR Smith added 20 and Nene chipped in with 19. Deron Williams paced the injury-hit Jazz with 26 points and 11 dimes.
The law of averages suggests that Day 2 will see an upset and that will be on the minds of the Lakers, Mavericks, Magic and Suns. The post season is well and truly underway and on Sunday eight more teams begin their Playoffs journey. It is sure to be mouth-watering action.
EAST
Cleveland-Chicago
Orlando-Charlotte
Atlanta-Milwaukee
Boston-Miami
WEST
Los Angeles Lakers-Oklahoma City
Dallas-San Antonio
Phoenix-Portland
Denver-Utah
Day 1 of the Playoffs saw the home teams go 4-0. The Cavaliers topped the Bulls 96-83 behind 24 points from LeBron James. Cleveland built a 14-point first quarter lead, let Chicago close to within seven then pulled away down the home stretch. Derrick Rose poured in 28 for the Bulls.
The Atlanta Hawks took Game 1 of their series with the Bucks after using their advantage in the paint to establish a 22-point lead at the break. Milwaukee, behind an outstanding 34 points from Brandon Jennings, threatened to make a bold comeback but Joe Johnson, with 22 points, closed the door in the final minutes.
Boston and Miami certainly ensured the Playoff physicality was there from Game 1. Kevin Garnett was ejected for two technicals - the second for an elbow on Quentin Richardson - but the Celtics held on for an 85-76 win. The Heat led at half-time but managed just 19 points in the final 15 minutes, including a measly 10 in the fourth quarter.
But the most impressive individual performance came in Saturday's final game. Carmelo Anthony erupted on the Utah Jazz, scoring 42 points on 18-25 shooting as the Nuggets won 126-113. Melo, who averaged nine free throw attempts a night this season, did not even need the charity stripe (he took just four shots in Game 1). JR Smith added 20 and Nene chipped in with 19. Deron Williams paced the injury-hit Jazz with 26 points and 11 dimes.
The law of averages suggests that Day 2 will see an upset and that will be on the minds of the Lakers, Mavericks, Magic and Suns. The post season is well and truly underway and on Sunday eight more teams begin their Playoffs journey. It is sure to be mouth-watering action.
Monday, April 12, 2010
NBA: Raptors on the brink of disappointing ending
The mood inside the Air Canada Centre on Sunday after the Toronto Raptors' 104-88 loss to the Chicago Bulls said it all. A season that promised so much is now on the verge of disaster.
At the All-Star Break, the Raptors seemed certainties for the playoffs and were well-placed to secure the number five spot in the East. Now they look set to miss out on the post season altogether.
The injury to Chris Bosh could not have come at a worse time but the team's soft centre has been a problem throughout the past two months. Hedo Turkoglu looks a lost soul after a woeful year, Andrea Bargnani was schooled on the boards by the Bulls' Joakim Noah and continues to lack the physicality in the centre spot, while Jose Calderon is getting exploited defensively night after night.
There have been bright spots, namely Jarrett Jack, Amir Johnson and the improved Sonny Weems, but it may well be too late for this year's playoffs.
The Bulls have a tricky remaining schedule in the battle for eighth, facing the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Bobcats, but there is nothing to suggest the Raptors can apply pressure by beating the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks.
One thing is for sure: if the Raptors end up missing the playoffs, you can be sure that there will be some new faces in Toronto come October.
At the All-Star Break, the Raptors seemed certainties for the playoffs and were well-placed to secure the number five spot in the East. Now they look set to miss out on the post season altogether.
The injury to Chris Bosh could not have come at a worse time but the team's soft centre has been a problem throughout the past two months. Hedo Turkoglu looks a lost soul after a woeful year, Andrea Bargnani was schooled on the boards by the Bulls' Joakim Noah and continues to lack the physicality in the centre spot, while Jose Calderon is getting exploited defensively night after night.
There have been bright spots, namely Jarrett Jack, Amir Johnson and the improved Sonny Weems, but it may well be too late for this year's playoffs.
The Bulls have a tricky remaining schedule in the battle for eighth, facing the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Bobcats, but there is nothing to suggest the Raptors can apply pressure by beating the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks.
One thing is for sure: if the Raptors end up missing the playoffs, you can be sure that there will be some new faces in Toronto come October.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
NBA: Celtics still a playoff threat
It has been an odd season for the Boston Celtics. Injuries continue to plague this aging team, the addition of Rasheed Wallace has yet to bear fruit and both Cleveland and Orlando have left Boston trailing.
But not rule them out just yet.
Whilst it is true that teams cannot just switch the quality play on for the playoffs, the Celtics know that it is the post-season where they will really be judged and they have plenty of proven weapons.
Rajon Rondo continues to be a revelation at the point. He has been the Celtics' star man this season and his speed and trickery give him an advantage in matchups with almost every guard in the league.
And the Big Three might be a little older but they are still outstanding talents. Though injury concerns persist for Kevin Garnett and now Paul Pierce, it seems as though Boston will enter the playoffs with a fully fit roster.
Anyone watching the Celtics against Cleveland and again in Toronto this week witnessed how dangerous Ray Allen still is as a perimeter scorer. Allen was the subject of much trade talk in February but he remains a key cog for Boston with his smooth shooting stroke and off the ball movement.
The Celtics will face either Milwaukee or Miami in the first round and their balanced attack should be too good. When the stakes are raised, expect to see the Garnett and Pierce of old resurface.
But then a showdown with the Cavaliers would potentially await in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. The teams split the regular season series but LeBron James has had a field day in recent meetings. Boston would be underdogs but any team boasting Rondo and veterans like Allen, Pierce, Garnett, Wallace and Michael Finley cannot be discounted.
The elder statesmen on the team know this could be their last swing for a ring and that will provide a little extra motivation. The Celtics are outsiders to reach the NBA Finals but do not be surprised if the playoffs bring out the best in Boston.
But not rule them out just yet.
Whilst it is true that teams cannot just switch the quality play on for the playoffs, the Celtics know that it is the post-season where they will really be judged and they have plenty of proven weapons.
Rajon Rondo continues to be a revelation at the point. He has been the Celtics' star man this season and his speed and trickery give him an advantage in matchups with almost every guard in the league.
And the Big Three might be a little older but they are still outstanding talents. Though injury concerns persist for Kevin Garnett and now Paul Pierce, it seems as though Boston will enter the playoffs with a fully fit roster.
Anyone watching the Celtics against Cleveland and again in Toronto this week witnessed how dangerous Ray Allen still is as a perimeter scorer. Allen was the subject of much trade talk in February but he remains a key cog for Boston with his smooth shooting stroke and off the ball movement.
The Celtics will face either Milwaukee or Miami in the first round and their balanced attack should be too good. When the stakes are raised, expect to see the Garnett and Pierce of old resurface.
But then a showdown with the Cavaliers would potentially await in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. The teams split the regular season series but LeBron James has had a field day in recent meetings. Boston would be underdogs but any team boasting Rondo and veterans like Allen, Pierce, Garnett, Wallace and Michael Finley cannot be discounted.
The elder statesmen on the team know this could be their last swing for a ring and that will provide a little extra motivation. The Celtics are outsiders to reach the NBA Finals but do not be surprised if the playoffs bring out the best in Boston.
NBA: Update on race for number two spot in West
A big win for the Dallas Mavericks in Portland on Friday night kept them in pole position for the second spot in the West - but there are bound to be more twists and turns over the final five days of the season.
The Denver Nuggets sit third at present - and host the San Antonio Spurs tonight - while Utah moved into fourth with a battling win in New Orleans.
And a loss for the Phoenix Suns against Kevin Durant's Thunder dropped Steve Nash and company down to the number five spot.
Dallas' remaining games: @ Kings, @ Clippers, v Spurs
Denver's remaining games: v Spurs, v Grizzlies, @ Suns
Utah's remaining games: @ Warriors, v Suns
Phoenix's remaining games: v Rockets, v Nuggets, @ Jazz
The Denver Nuggets sit third at present - and host the San Antonio Spurs tonight - while Utah moved into fourth with a battling win in New Orleans.
And a loss for the Phoenix Suns against Kevin Durant's Thunder dropped Steve Nash and company down to the number five spot.
Dallas' remaining games: @ Kings, @ Clippers, v Spurs
Denver's remaining games: v Spurs, v Grizzlies, @ Suns
Utah's remaining games: @ Warriors, v Suns
Phoenix's remaining games: v Rockets, v Nuggets, @ Jazz
Soccer: Manchester United enter must-win territory
Sir Alex Ferguson has been in the game long enough to know that if his Manchester United side fail to win against Blackburn at Ewood Park on Sunday, they can forget about a fourth straight Premier League title.
Ten days ago, United looked a good bet for a Treble. But their season now lies in ruins after losing to Chelsea and being dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
Their league hopes are not dead yet though. Chelsea must still visit Tottenham and Liverpool in the next few weeks and may well drop points. But United have to be perfect over the rest of the campaign.
Starting on Sunday, against an improving Blackburn side, the champions need a big response.
Ten days ago, United looked a good bet for a Treble. But their season now lies in ruins after losing to Chelsea and being dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
Their league hopes are not dead yet though. Chelsea must still visit Tottenham and Liverpool in the next few weeks and may well drop points. But United have to be perfect over the rest of the campaign.
Starting on Sunday, against an improving Blackburn side, the champions need a big response.
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