Song "Like it's your Birthday"

Verse 1
Lord, Thank you for your gift
Now can I make a wish?
I know anything I do it won’t amount up to your presence
but I wish I could have been there to witness your resurrection

you came up out that grave and now my life is saved
so I have eternal joy and peace through gray and cloudy days
but sometimes I lose my confidence when I feel I can’t accomplish this
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through you’re acknowledgement

pull me closer to you, for me, to know you lord
as we build up this relationship I want to know much more
so I will give you all my time, to love you harder than before
as I look back on my past I say it’s time to shut the door

When my weakness got exposed, many people walked away,
so I don’t trust anybody when they tell me that they’re here to stay
and I will never trust a culprit who fake it for any reason
So when my love is lost I will depend on my Jesus

hook:

Lord I know you love me so I bring my gift to you

Give me the strength and courage to forever live through you
Navigating through this journey I know you with me on my worst day
So I will give you my attention like every day your birthday

Verse 2

Why – we come to you with our hands out
why --we lose our power in a drought
but expect for you to fix it like technicians on the curb
see the bible is the plug so I’m connected to your word

but I was once filled with ignorance and I acted so belligerent
you gave me the fruits of the spirit so we can become a little more intimate
you building me up, I’m praising you now, once was lost but now I’m found
Love, joy, peace, patience, some of my characteristics now

You died on that blue cross, and your soul began to lift off
And I still fall, but I’m packing up, moving on- uhaul
Sometimes I feel alone cuz nobody shares my dreams I feel like a franchise player on a mediocre team
2nd Corinthians 6:13 don’t hang around those who don’t believe

When my flaws got exposed, those I loved walked away
I wish they would have told me that they wasn’t here to stay
So I will never trust a culprit who fakes it for any reason
So when my love is lost I will depend on my Jesus!

hook:

Lord I know you love me so I bring my gift to you

Give me the strength and courage to forever live through you
Navigating through this journey I know you with me on my worst day
So I will give you my attention like every day your birthday

Verse 3
I just I just, can’t figure this out, NO
I just I just don’t understand the route
Of how we make you secondary when you are extraordinary
But use my heart to file away your love - I’m your secretary

But it’s kind of hard to try and be, the man in this plan you set for me
When I lose hope, you bring faith- believing in you who I can’t see
Omniscience, listen, the road to repentance, you the one gave me - existence
You calling the shots and I will be of your assistance

The road could be so long, the wait is making me strong
Sometimes I want to quit and you say boy you just hold on
Cuz your friends don’t even see the plan that I’m creating
So follow my lead cuz heaven is your final destination

When my flaws got exposed, my friends walked away
Man I wish they would have told me that they wasn’t here to stay
I will never trust a culprit who fake it for any reason
So when my love is lost I will depend on my Jesus

hook:

Lord I know you love me so I bring my gift to you

Give me the strength and courage to forever live through you
Navigating through this journey I know you with me on my worst day
So I will give you my attention like every day your birthday

Spoken Word "I Was Afraid"

What if I told you that Kadeem, had a big dream

Of emulating, Dr. Martin Luther King

But truth is, I was Afraid of living out my dream

Because that mean, I would have to change a couple things

I was Afraid, to be a real man of God

Because the world would look at me like “he’s kind of odd”

So it’s no surprise I stumbled in my walk

But I never put on a façade to try and play it off

Really, I was Afraid to go the extra mile

I felt like, giving part of my life away is something I would allow

I recollect the results are bitter sweet

Because every time I fell I rose to my feet

But, I can’t say the same for others

Most are lost and some are gone forever

Because: they’re Afraid, they’re Afraid

Yea, they’re Afraid, they’re Afraid

To commit to you, because they’ll feel captured

See they’ll only come to you when life is a disaster

Or, we can look at it the other way around

Some people feel “I don’t need church right now”

Because life is going well, look at me can’t you tell

And I’m saved, so I know, I won’t be living in hell

And then you have those who treat church like an option

They say “God you know my heart,” but I’d rather go shopping

But I’ll say prayer, isn’t that enough?

Because building a relationship with You is just too much!

See, that’s why I was Afraid, I would have to make a sacrifice

Would I miss out on anything if I give you my whole life?

I don’t know, but I’ll take a chance and walk down this road

I just hope I find a click full of soldiers, who really want to grow

2 Corinthians 6:14 - don’t be joined with unbelievers

So I will surround myself with a team - full of overachievers!

Spoken Word: "How Come"

How Come right seems wrong, and wrong seems right

How Come it seems wrong, to give you our life?

The hardest thing for us to do is cooperate with you

Because the flesh is telling us to do what “we want” to do

Those who believe in you seem to struggle the most

That’s why many people tend to lose some of their hope

The backsliders, the sinners, seem to have it all

The house, the cars, and money to show it off

How Come right seems wrong, and wrong seems right

How Come it seems wrong, to give you our life?

It would be better though, if we could see you through a telescope

For you to pierce through the sky, and make your love tangible

Sometimes I get angry, because I feel like I’m living a lie

Wish I could throw a rope in the air and pull you out of the sky

Because it’s making me sick, to see these imbeciles getting rich

And it makes me wonder, is the plan you have for me really legit

But I’m not all about the money; I just want what I deserve

That’s when you remind me, all I deserve is your word!

Because the greatest gift, is something money can’t buy

So Lord, thanks for not being mad at me for writing this alibi!

Michael Vick: A second chance at $100 Million



Eagles QB Michael Vick

Michael Vick has been on an uncharted journey within the last five years. Vick had gone from one of the biggest stars in the NFL to one of the most hated athletes in America when he plead guilty to a federal felony of illegal dog fighting in 2007. Due to his actions Vick lost his NFL salary, his endorsements, and spent 21 months in prison followed by two months in home confinement.

Fast forward to August 31, 2011 and the Newport News native is thankful for the opportunity that the Philadelphia Eagles have given him. After two seasons with the Eagles, the franchise has rewarded Vick with a six-year $100 million deal that includes $40 million in guaranteed money.

“I never thought I would come to this point to be honest,” Vick said. “But like I said earlier it goes to show how much I know and I’m very thankful for the opportunity that’s been given by this organization….. I’m just thankful because I never knew that this point would come in my life, they committed two years ago and they’re still committing so now I feel like the feeling is mutual.”

The former No.1 pick in the 2001 NFL Draft was the 2010 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, and he finished second in the MVP race to quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots after passing for 3,018 yards, 21 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. With a $100 million deal, the signing of cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, the addition of quarterback Vince Young and the return of star receiver DeSean Jackson, the pressure is on Vick to bring this organization a Super Bowl ring.

"Nothing will make me happier than to put a ring on this guy's finger right here next to me, and mine as well," Vick said Tuesday, sitting next to Andy Reid, the ink barely dry on the new deal. "That's my focus. That's what I'm setting out to do. And that's what I'll rally this team to do." (Ashley Fox of ESPN.com)

At 31-years-old, Vick’s persona has changed. Vick appears very humble and grateful for the blessings he has received from the Eagles. Vick is no longer selfish and arrogant; he is now a leader in the locker-room, on the field, and he has gained the respect of his teammates.

With this contract many analysts and fans will be critiquing Vick’s demeanor to see if his motivation remains at a high level. Many wonder if he will become settled, or show the passion that is needed to lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl.

Eagle’s Nest commencement speech, June 19, 2011

Morehouse College Commencement 2011

I LOVE MY LIFE. After all of the things that I have endured, the last three years have really been a relief. It has been full of excitement, and to top it off I can be mentioned in the same sentence as Spike Lee and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as graduates of Morehouse College. My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has opened the doors for my friends and I to fly, and we have been blessed.

After completing my freshman year at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona I decided to transfer because my dream, since my youth, was to attend Morehouse or UCLA. In the fall of 2008 I embarked on a journey to attend Morehouse College which demanded that I go on a faith walk to get there; I had less than half of the money to attend school, but I refused to stay in LA and I put my whole mission in God’s hands. After a month on campus, I was rewarded with the Coca Cola scholarship and a couple of private loans that allowed for me to matriculate and to become the first college graduate in my family.

Attending a prestigious institution to attain a higher education was the ultimate challenge for me. It took time, dedication, and persistence to achieve this academic foundation. My God given dogged determination to succeed empowered me to overcome my dysfunctional and marginalized background.

Therefore, I would like to say thank you to my mother, Gayle Johnson. Together we have experienced many trials and tribulations that have presented many challenges. I know that you have been challenged with my rebellion, expulsion from schools, and my father rejecting raising me. In spite of it all we made it. Many hardships could have led to the demise of our relationship, but as the first of the four spiritual laws state, God loves me and offers a wonderful plan for my life.

My life has moved from the ordinary to one that aspires to a life of substance. Therefore I am now determined to shape my identity by denouncing mischievousness, intemperance, and anger, by embracing servitude, responsibility, and accountability. Does my past mean nothing? No. It means that I will allow God to exalt me through the wisdom that God has enabled me to learn from my past.

Now I’m on a journey that God has solely mapped out for me, which is to be a role model for those who are traveling down the same path that I was blessed to escape. This expedition is a ride that I have loved since August 23rd 2007, the day I rededicated my life back to Christ, and it continues to get better. Even when life’s pressures peak, I know that God will not allow for me to be shaken. My intestinal fortitude is founded in Philippians 4:13; I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me! Thus, when life has its sharp edges and thorns, just remember to always *Pray Hard, Pray Tough, and Pray Strong*

2011 NBA FINALS



(left) LeBron James (right) Dirk Nowitzki



The Dallas Mavericks upset the Miami Heat in game 2 of the 2011 NBA Finals by rallying from a 15-point deficit with less than seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. The Heat led 88-73 before the Mavericks, led by Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry, engineered a 22-5 run with six minutes remaining to defeat the Heat.

The Mavericks were in a bit of a shooting slump throughout the first three quarters, but their defense remained honest even though the Heat were able to pull ahead by 15. Nowitzki turned on his “clutch” gene and was able to nail the final nine points for the Mavs. The comeback was sealed when Nowitzki tied the game at 90-90 after converting a left-hand layup with 57 seconds to go after an Udonis Haslem turnover.

Nowitzki game winning layup

Nowitzki hit the go ahead three with 26 seconds remaining, but Mario Chalmers responded with a corner three to tie the game 93-93. With eight seconds to go, Nowitzki ran an isolation at the top of the key and converted another left-handed layup to give the Mavs a 95-93 lead with three seconds left. Dwayne Wade missed a last second three that would have won the game for the Heat.

Though the Mavs ended well, scoring didn’t come easy.

“Their defense is suffocating, we really couldn’t get any good looks until the end” Nowitzki said.

The series now heads back to Dallas tied 1-1 with three straight home games for the Mavs since the NBA Finals format is 2-3-2. Throughout the playoffs the Mavs have been shocking their opponents with late game comebacks; they stunned the Los Angeles Lakers in game 1 by overcoming a 16-point deficit, and rallied from 15 down against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.

In his reaction to the disappointing loss, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra conveyed:

“We have a lot of guys with character and toughness that will be able to respond in moments like this… we have a resilient group and by the time we get on the plane they will get their minds, bodies and spirits ready for game 3.”

Wade led the Heat with 36 points and six assists, LeBron James added 20 points and eight rebounds, and Chris Bosh chipped in with 12 points and eight boards. The “Big 3” had a little help from Mike Bibby who scored 14 points, but it wasn’t enough.

Mavs celebrating win

“They played very well, we pride ourselves on defense, but they were able to break us down at the end and we made some mental mistakes…. they deserved the win and we didn’t” Wade said.

Nowitzki led the Mavs with 24 points and 11 rebounds, Shawn Marion scored 20 points and grabbed eight boards, and Terry added 16 points and five assists.

Many analysts are looking forward to game 3 to see if the Heat can rebound from their fourth quarter downfall. Game 3 is in Dallas on Sunday June 5^th at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Heat Advance: Eastern Conference Finals



Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, LeBron James

LeBron James and Dwayne Wade have finally gotten the Boston Celtics monkey off their backs. Wade and the Miami Heat were defeated by the Celtics 4-1 in the first round of the 2010 playoffs, and the Celtics defeated James’s Cleveland Cavaliers 4-2 in the Conference Semifinals. This postseason, things turned out differently.

The Heat dismissed the Celtics from the 2011 playoffs in game five with an epic performance by James. Tied at 87-87 with 2:30 left in the fourth quarter, James scored the Heat’s final 10 points by sinking two three’s and converting two dunks to put the Heat up 97-87.



James with the dunk

With 4:29 remaining the Celtics had a six point lead 87-81, but they couldn’t hold on to force a game six back in Boston. Ray Allen had the hot hand for the Celtics as he shot 5-10 from behind the arc, Kevin Garnett chipped in with 15 points and 11 rebounds, but Paul Pierce struggled with foul trouble and only contributed 12 points.

Many analysts believe that this dismissal is the end of the Celtics era as an elite team because of their age and injuries. After their all-star point guard Rajon Rondo suffered a dislocated left elbow in game three, the Celtics could not run their offense smoothly and effectively in games four and five. Though Rondo played in the final two games, he was not able to participate in the fourth quarters. 

By defeating the Celtics, and with the sweep of the Lakers by the Dallas Mavericks, the Heat are now the favorite to win the NBA Finals. Their “big three” has been playing very well and their offense has been phenomenal in this playoffs. James is averaging 26 points, nine rebounds, and four assists per game, Wade is pouring in 26 ppg, seven boards, and five assists per game, while Chris Bosh is putting up 16 ppg and nine rebounds per game.

Wade celebrating Heat's win

James admitted before game five that their trio was inspired by the Celtics to form a “super team,” as the Celtics did in the summer of 2007 when they added Garnett and Allen. Some critics also believe that the rumor of relations between James’s former teammate, Delonte West, now a member of the Celtics, and James’s mother, Gloria James, played a role in his decision to “take his talents to South Beach.”

Thus, with the Heat’s trio playing this well, it will be hard for their opponents to defeat them.

The next challenger for the Heat will either be the Chicago Bulls, who are led by the league’s MVP Derrick Rose, or the Atlanta Hawks. The Bulls and Hawks will face off in game six tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Oklahoma City Thunder Advance



Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant has led his Oklahoma City Thunder team to the second round of the 2011 NBA playoffs for the first time in his four-year NBA career. The 22 year-old continues to evolve as one of the best players in the league and he is carrying this squad to great heights. After winning their series against the Denver Nuggets 4-1, Durant and the Thunder await the winner of the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies series.

The Thunder will be the favorite in their second round matchup. If they face the Spurs, the Thunder will look to use their speed and athleticism to outrun the aging veterans. If the Grizzlies are their opponent, then the Thunder will rely on Durant and Russell Westbrook to outshine the “starless” Grizzlies.

Durant fading away

Over the past two seasons, Durant and Westbrook have emerged into some of the NBA's brightest stars and their team has made great progress. Last season the Thunder made the playoffs for the first time since the franchise moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City and changed their name from the Sonics. They made one of the greatest improvements in NBA history by winning 50 games after only accomplishing 23 wins in the 2008-09 season; this season the Thunder finished fourth in the West with 55 wins.

Durant led the NBA in scoring for the second straight year with 27 ppg, and Westbrook, 22, has entered the category as one of the best point guards in the association. A dynamic duo built on youth, skills, talent, and athleticism, the two are hard to defend because of Durant’s length and shooting range, and Westbrook’s blazing speed and leaping ability. This tandem also makes their teammates better by sharing the ball and allowing them to contribute in many ways.

James Harden, 21, and forward Serge Ibaka, 21, made valuable impacts during the first round as both averaged 10 ppg, and Ibaka grabbed 11 rebounds per game. With the addition of Kendrick Perkins at the center position, it provides some strength and “attitude” that this team was missing. The Thunder acquired Perkins for “hybrid” forward Jeff Green at the February trading deadline because they needed someone who could contend with the big men in the Western Conference.  

Westbrook with the slam

With the makeup of this team, no one will  be surprised if the Thunder advance to the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder have a defensive minded big man in the middle, the best scorer in the league in Durant, an All-Star point guard in Westbrook, and a consistent bench. The Thunder can play at a fast pace, and they can also function in half-court sets.

The Thunder will await the winner of tonight’s contest between the Spurs and the Grizzlies to find out who they will play in the second round. The Grizzlies lead the series 3-2, but if the Spurs win, then the Thunder will have to wait another game to find out who will be their next opponent.

New York Knicks: Swept



Carmelo Anthony

 The New York Knicks have been dismissed from the 2011 NBA playoffs by the Boston Celtics in four games. Many analysts did not expect for this series to be one-sided, but after Chauncey Billups suffered a knee injury in game one the Knicks could not stay afloat. Though the Knicks showed great efforts in the first two games, the last two outings were dreadful.

Without their vocal leader on the floor the Knicks could not run their offense smoothly and they appeared out of order. Some of their disorder can be credited to the Celtics defense, but

team chemistry has been an issue for the Knicks since their midseason trade for Carmelo Anthony. The lack of unity was an element that hurt the Knicks in their series against a veteran Celtics team.

Anthony on the drive

Games one and two were matchups that the Knicks lost within the last few seconds. After Ray Allen nailed a three pointer to put the Celtics up 87-85 with 13 seconds remaining in game one, Anthony had an opportunity to win the game, but he missed a pull-up three as time expired.  In game two Anthony had another chance to give the Knicks a win, but Jared Jeffries dropped Anthony’s pass under the basket with four seconds left on the clock.

Anthony carried his team in game two by scoring 42 points and grabbing 17 rebounds, but he shot 4-16 from the field in the Knicks 113-96 game three loss. Amar’e Stoudemire did not contribute much either as he scored only seven points while struggling with back spasms.

The Knicks got off to another slow start in game four and fell behind by 23 points. Midway through the fourth quarter the Knicks cut the Celtics lead down to four at 84-80, but the Celtics held on to win 101-89. This was the Celtics first sweep since eliminating the Indiana Pacers in the 1992 NBA playoffs.

The Celtics defense was their biggest asset in this series. They forced the Knicks to shoot 38 percent from the field, 34 percent from three-point range, and out rebounded the Knicks 44-40.

Kevin Garnett defending Stoudemire

The Celtics offense was also spectacular. Allen shot 75 percent from behind the arc, Paul Pierce averaged 25 ppg, and Rajon Rondo dropped 12 assists per game. Rondo also set a Celtics playoff record with 20 assists in game three. Rondo broke the record of 19 assists he previously held with Bob Cousy.

While the Celtics head back to Boston to prepare for their next opponent, who will most likely be the Miami Heat, the Knicks will look to make a few more changes to their roster during the offseason. This was the Knicks first playoff berth since 2004, so with star players like Anthony and Stoudemire the city of New York shall have Eastern Conference contenders to root for in the future.

Lamar Odom: NBA Sixth Man of the Year




Lamar Odom receiving award

Lamar Odom of the Los Angeles Lakers received the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award for the 2010-11 season. This is not only a great accomplishment for Odom, but also for the Lakers franchise because Odom is the first in the organization’s prestigious history to achieve this feat. There have been some well-known sixth men for the Lakers over the past two decades, such as Michael Cooper and Kurt Rambus, but Odom stands alone in Lakers history.

This year was not Odom’s best campaign as a pro statistically, but it was his best “all-around” season as a well-rounded player. The point-forward averaged 14.4 points, eight rebounds, and three assist per game, but his experience with Team USA at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey helped Odom mature as a vocal leader. Serving as a co-captain along the side of Chauncey Billups of the New York Knicks, Odom returned to LA with a gold medal and a will to “lead.”

Standing at 6-foot-10 and weighing 230 pounds, Odom has the size of a power forward, shoots like a small forward, has the handle of a two-guard, and exhibits the court vision of a point guard. Odom’s skillset is very unique and it allows for him to cause matchup problems for his opponents. Odom can play inside the paint, on the perimeter, and take bigger defenders off of the dribble when  isolating.

With these assets and the newly found leadership traits within Odom’s persona, the Lakers benefited from his presence throughout their “perplexing” season. Odom provided great energy when the Lakers were in slumps and looked a little lethargic during their short losing streaks. Though the Lakers season seemed puzzling at times, they managed to finish second in the Western Conference to the San Antonio Spurs at 57-25 and are on verge of conquering their third consecutive NBA championship.

Life in the NBA has not been easy for the former No. 4 pick in the 1999 NBA Draft. In the early part of his career as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers, Odom endured consecutive losing seasons and received multiple suspensions for violating the league’s substance abuse policy in 2001.

From 2002-03 he dealt with a severe ankle injury that hampered his career; in the 2003 offseason Odom signed with the Miami Heat. After one season in Miami, Odom was traded to the Lakers for center Shaquille O’Neal. In 2006, Odom’s 6½-month-old son, Jayden Odom, died in his sleep.

As one can see, the Queens, NY native has overcome some of the darkest moments of his 11 years in the NBA. Now a two-time NBA champion and a newly married man to reality star Khloe Kardashian, Odom’s career has turned out to be a success.

Odom and the Lakers will take on the New Orleans Hornets Sunday night in New Orleans for game four of their first round matchup at 9:30 pm ET on TNT.  

Morehouse Football: Spring Training

Morehouse Maroon Tigers

Spring training is underway and the Morehouse Maroon Tigers are currently gearing up for another successful season. The 2010 season was filled with great triumph as the Maroon Tigers finished the regular season with their highest ranking ever at No.5 with an 8-3 record, and made the Division II playoffs for the first time in school history.

A few players such as running back David Carter and offensive lineman Stacy Louis were superb. Carter led the SIAC in rushing with 122 ypg, 1347 on the year, and scored 10 touchdowns while Louis received multiple SIAC player of the week honors.

Head coach Rich Freeman looks forward to getting his players into the best shape physically and psychologically in order to duplicate the success. Though the Tigers will lose its leading defensive lineman, senior Derrin Nettles, the Tigers remain confident about their upside in 2011.

Sophomore quarterback Donnay Ragland is confident in his team, as he expounds on the Tigers work ethic during spring training:



NFL Draft prospect Derrin Nettles

“Yes, everyone is working hard and our goal is to get better on the small things. We already have a great team, now we have to be discipline and continue to play fast hard and smart, which is our team philosophy. We want to get better each day and build from last year’s success.”

The Compton, Ca native is excited to get back onto the field, and conveys that the coaching staff is doing a great job at developing the team psychologically. Players such as Elijah Anderson, Derek Hector, and Jarvis Canty are also contributing their leadership in order to keep the Tigers on the right track. They are giving it their all every time that they step onto the field.

At 6-foot-2 and weighing 180 pounds, Ragland is exhibiting his leadership by running the offense with confidence and putting his teammates on his shoulders in order to gain their trust. Ragland and junior quarterback Byran Ingram will compete for the starting quarterback position, but despite who gets the starting job, the two look forward to making quality contributions.

  

“Our goal is to win a championship, Ragland said. “We want to continue to build on the small things such as being discipline, getting stronger in the weight room, and listening to what the coaches are teaching us. If we work on the small things, we’ll be able to beat the big teams in our conference such as Tuskegee and Albany State.”

The Morehouse football team will hold its annual Maroon and White Spring Game, Saturday, April 9, at 3 p.m.

2011 NBA PLAYOFFS

The 2011 NBA Playoffs begins on Saturday April 16 and this year may be the most anticipated postseason since 2008. In 2008 the Boston Celtics formed a dominant trio when they added All-Stars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in order to compliment Paul Pierce. The Celtics went on to win the championship by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

This postseason all eyes are on the Miami Heat. The Heat emulated the Celtics tactics by forming their “big three” with the likes of LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade. After the backlash that the Heat received last summer because of James' hour long “Decision” special on ESPN, and the celebration held at American Airlines Arena, the Heat managed to finish second in the East to the Chicago Bulls at 58-24.

Bosh, Wade, and James celebrating their alliance

Many wonder if the Heat can finally defeat the third seeded “aging” Celtics if the two meet in the second round. Since the Celtics traded center Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder, they have been inconsistent with a 14-12 record.  Though slacking, some analysts believe that the Celtics can reach the Finals because of their experience as a veteran team; the Celtics did win the season series against the Heat 3-1.

The Bulls, who are the No. 1 seed in the East, look to continue their spectacular season. At 62-20, the Bulls are led by their two-time All-Star Derrick Rose. Rose is the leading candidate for the 2011 NBA MVP award because of his phenomenal season. Rose has established himself as arguably the best point guard in the NBA with averages of 25 points, seven assists, and four rebounds per game.

The last two “serious” contenders in the East are the fourth seeded Orlando Magic, led by perennial All-Star center Dwight Howard, and the sixth seeded New York Knicks. Howard had an MVP-type season by averaging 22.9 points, 14.1 rebounds, and two blocks per game, but the Magic’s success will rely on the play of the supporting cast. For the Knicks, Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, and Amar’e Stoudemire look to carry their team past the Celtics in the first round. The Knicks ended their season strong by winning seven out of their last 10 games.

In the West, the San Antonio Spurs finished with the No. 1 seed at 61-21. A few analysts did not expect for the Spurs to have such a great season because of the aging Tim Duncan. Since the all-star break, the Spurs have remained consistent besides their six-game losing streak toward the end of the season. Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili plan on leading their team deep into postseason, but they will be on the lookout for the defending NBA champions, the Los Angeles Lakers.  

Kobe celebrating 2010 Finals victory

In the second half of the season the Lakers were perceived as the best team in the league before their five-game skid. The Lakers, led by 2010 Finals MVP Kobe Bryant, had won 17 out of 18 games before their losing streak so the Lakers are still favored to win their third consecutive NBA title. At the No. 2 spot, the Lakers ultimate success will depend on the health of center Andrew Bynum who suffered a bone bruise in his surgically repaired right knee against the Spurs last Tuesday.

The Dallas Mavericks are the third seed in the West followed by the Thunder and the Denver Nuggets. The Mavericks are led by All-Star Dirk Nowitzki and they look to gain some respect amongst their Western Conference foes by reaching their first NBA Finals since their 2006 appearance.

The Thunder is the team that others fear the most because of their upside. Led by Kevin Durant, who won his second consecutive scoring title with 27.7 ppg, and point guard Russell Westbrook, the Thunder have the potential to reach the Western Conference Finals. With the edition of Perkins in the middle, and a consistent bench, the Thunder can push any team to its limit.

2011 Playoffs matchups

           EAST                                        WEST

#1 Bulls vs #8 Pacers                 #1 Spurs vs #8 Grizzlies

#2 Heat vs #7, 76ers                 #2 Lakers vs #7  Hornets

#3 Celtics vs #6 Knicks            #3 Mavericks vs #6 Trail Blazers

#4 Magic vs #5 Hawks             #4 Thunder vs #5  Nuggets