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April 28, 2006
JOE STEVENS: Whistle mania, Mimi and the X-Man
One thing I believe about sports journalism is that a writer should hardly ever focus on officiating. Winners and losers alike always have a beef with calls, and in theory, the calls even themselves out in the long run.
In Game 3, though, there were just too many to not focus upon. Sixty-eight fouls in a 48-minute game. That game was brutal to watch. If I were a casual fan, I'd flip from TNT and try to find Celebrity Poker. You never know what that Mimi Rogers is thinking.
Without them flat-out saying it, the Clippers believe they are better than the Nuggets. I think they're right, so the big question is if they have enough poise to actually beat them. Game 4 will be key and a chance for the Clips to re-assert their authority.
Another thing I believe about sports journalism is that making predictions is fruitless. Yeah, maybe the Clips will take control in Game 4, or who knows? Maybe they're still too inexperienced to do that....
In other news, my dream of playing Dunleavy in one-on-one, hunting down a Web cam and creating the Web site, www.joebattlesdunleavy.com, will not come true. The coach says his left knee prevents him from playing, and there will be no battle.
However, the coach said he would play me in H-O-R-S-E. Shooting happens to be my speciality, but Dunleavy once led the NBA in 3-point shooting. I have no chance. I know this guy back East simply known as ``The X-Man'' who could give him a run for his money. The X-Man is psychologically one of the best shooters in the history of the game. With every shot, he yells, ``Short!'' And all of the shots undoubtedly fall.
Posted by Joe Stevens at April 28, 2006 10:49 AM
Comments
Joe,
I have been meaning to e-mail for more than a year. Every time I read your article (I am a daily subscriber to the Whittier Daily News), I feel some level of pride. I am not a Clipper fan by nature. Pure Laker Purple & Gold here. But, you're an inspiring writer. Very honest & direct. Maybe it's just my slighted opinion, but I believe your style has improved since we first met. You really speak from the fans perspective. I like that a great deal. You've never come across like a 'know-it-all' that's been there, done that. You say the things many times we're saying to ourselves or those around us as we watch. Yes, the Sexton's watched that 'awful' playoff game in Denver. LA should be up 3-0. The Nuggets almost begged the Clips to win. S-L-O-P-P-Y spells Game 3 of the Playoffs? I'll continue looking for your name on top on the Clipper articles. Those I read. NOT those from the Associated Press dude. Take care. Jerry (562) 961-5673 :)
Posted by: Jerry Sexton at April 28, 2006 02:46 PM
Kobe Bryant, in my opinion, has already surpassed super-stardom. I like the Laker team but I don't think they can go all the way without a big time center. I see too many easy lay-ups -- even by smaller men. But I could be wrong. If you go by my right-vs.-wrong quotient, I,m usually wrong. I'ts like the Sports Illustrated front cover jinx -- now that I have opened my big mouth!, the Lakers are going all the way, And they have me to thank.
Posted by: Laurence Johnson at May 4, 2006 03:09 PM
Joe,
The X-Man is psychologically one of the best shooters in the history of the game???? I played with a guy called the X-man back East. I remember him folding like a cheap suit at the first sight of any physical contact. One hard foul and he would disappear.
"Short" was just a code we used to let you know you could stop busting your ass getting position for an offensive rebound. When he said nothing we knew we were in trouble. He made his way to the other end of the court as bodies bounced around like a pinball under the basket. I still have the scars to show for it.
Sure we are talking about the same X-Man? As someone who never committed a foul, travelled, and was constantly hacked, I dont remember him the same way.
Best Wishes.....
Posted by: G-Man at May 5, 2006 09:43 AM
Damon Jones says that he is the world's greatest shooter. Xman would be happy to meet Dunleavy in a game of horse. We're about the same age and I still have the touch...........and like Jones, I feel that I am the world's greatest.....old-fart shooter...........BUT I take great offense from G-man's inferring that I played soft in my prime..........just because I did not average a technical a game as G-man did, does not mean that I was soft.....maybe G-man will recall the many times I hit the winning shot as time ran out.........BRING ON COACH DUNLEAVY!
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