Windows to Win

The NBA and NHL playoffs have gotten underway and the inhabitants of the United Center have already participated in the drama. While the Blackhawks are merely trying to win a game, the Bulls are gearing up for what many expect to be along postseason run. The Bulls won game 1 of their series against the Indiana Pacers despite a lackluster performance for most of the game. From the outset, the Bulls lacked the defensive intensity that been their trademark this season. They neglected to contest shots, lazily fought through screens and feel asleep during long stretches of the game. The Bulls were rescued by their MVP Derrick Rose who carried the team to victory by leading a parade to the free throw line.

Although many observers expected the Bulls to waltz their way into the Eastern Conference finals, game 1 is an example that playoff victories are not handed out but earned. The Bulls, much like the Blackhawks of last season, are trying to overcome youth, playoff inexperience and the incorporation of new pieces on their way to a championship. While many media members are optimistic about the Bulls having many years of title contention, the Blackhawks provide a needed reminder that teams must capitalize on their championship aspirations when they are presented.

As a result of salary cap restrictions, the Hawks had to dismantle their team from a year ago and many of the important role players are playing elsewhere this postseason. With the potential lockout looming after this season and the potential for a hard salary cap, the Bulls may find themselves in similar circumstances when the NBA season gets under way next year. The Bulls may not be able to afford the tenacity of Ronnie Brewer, the shot making of Kyle Korver or understated game of Taj Gibson.

In addition to salary cap implications, the play of Carlos Boozer has left a lot to be desired. Boozer, just 29 years old has lacked lift this entire season and unlike fine wine, athleticism doesn’t get better with age. The Bulls must also capitalize on having Derrick Rose at his peak in terms of explosiveness. As evidenced by Dwayne Wade and Allen Iverson, the pounding of 82 games and long playoff runs can take their toll on the body of smaller players. Watching Derrick Rose fly through the air is a wonderful sight to behold, but verticals and leaping ability decay. While the Bulls may have opportunities in the future, there are no guarantees. Just ask the defending Stanley Cup Champions who are on the verge of elimination.

Final Rounds

Golf is a game that slowly devours the confidence of a player. If an individual is struggling with self assuredness, the sport will expose that lack of belief. Whether it’s a teenager just learning the game on a local par 3, an aging weekend warrior who’s unsure if he still has the game or a professional with the eyes of the sporting world on him, the game will find weakness. On a gorgeous Sunday afternoon at Augusta National, Rory McIlroy was the latest victim of the cruel game.

The 22 year old from Ireland spent the first three days of The Masters taming the course. His stride was confident and his disposition was relaxed. He looked like he was impervious to the pressure associated with trying to capture his first major championship. McIlroy entered the final round leading by four strokes, which guarantees nothing expect expectations.

On Sunday afternoon, everything unraveled for the young man from Ireland. His smooth stride dissipated into a series of frantic steps as his lead began to evaporate. He looked less like a major champion and more like lost kid trying to find his parents in a crowded mall. While everyone watching may not have been rooting for McIlroy to win the fabled green jacket, surely no one wanted to see the disaster that transpired. Of course, that’s the nature of this game. It can beat down a person’s confidence and leave them upon their knees. McIlroy will probably have more opportunities at a major championship. He’s too young and too talented. There are no sure things in golf. The only certainty is that the game will claim more victims in the future.

Aging Gracefully

Grant Hill was once possessed breathtaking athleticism. He seemed to effortlessly glide through the air on his way to the basket. He had that unique combination of body control and explosive leaping ability that all the great ones seem to own. In addition to his athletic prowess, Grant had an ideal family background that many athletes could only dream about. His father, Calvin Hill, was a star running back for the Dallas Cowboys. His mother, Janet, was a highly successful attorney and college roommate of Hilary Clinton. His solid upbringing and well spoken nature made Hill an ideal fit for family friendly endorsement deals with Sprite and McDonald’s. Hill showed tremendous promise early in his career, winning the Rookie of The Year and being selected to the All Star team seven times.

Sadly, his body began to betray him. After signing a lucrative deal with the Orlando Magic, he played in only four games in his first season and a combined 43 games in the subsequent two seasons. The explosiveness he once demonstrated was slowly fading away while the notoriety and popularity began to vanquish. His highlight real dunks became fuzzy memories and folklore.

While some athletes may have thrown in the towel, Grant Hill has persevered. He signed with the Phoenix Suns in 2007 and has seemingly found the fountain of youth. Over his last three seasons, he’s averaged a stunningly impressive 78 games played per season. He only shows flashes of his athletic brilliance, but his tremendous basketball IQ and knowledge of positioning have allowed him to thrive on the defensive end. The endorsements are gone and the comparisons to Michael Jordan are a distant memory. Although his career has been turbulent, his triumphant return has been an absolute joy to watch.

Walking among Giants

Basketball is a game dominated by giants. It’s a game that rewards the sheer power of Shaquille O’Neal, the artistry of Olajuwon and intelligence of Bill Russell. While big men can always impose their will on the game, when the NCAA championship game tips off tonight in Houston, the best player on the floor will be listed at just 6 feet tall. Every so often, a little guy can challenge the conventional structure of the game.

Kemba Walker is the next in a long line of pure shot makers to wear the UCONN uniform. Ray Allen still possesses the purest stroke in the game, Richard Hamilton can run defenders ragged off screens before drilling a mid range jumper and Ben Gordon drain threes with defenders in his face.

Kemba has never been the tallest one on the court. One can just imagine how much that fuels his competitive spirit. He’s the undersized kid at playground who never had the growth spurt, getting his shots blocked by the taller more athletic guys. While lacking height is surely a disadvantage, it also breeds creativity. The diminutive guards are always the most imaginative and most compelling players on the court. They invent floating shots called giant killers. They fire off balanced shots that have coaches reaching for Maalox. They incorporate inspired moves that players of larger stature seemly don’t need to rely upon.

He’s led the Huskies on an inspired run, winning five games in five days during the Big East tournament before escorting them to the title game tonight. Surely, Kemba Walker has been told numerous times by scouts that his size won’t allow him to thrive at the next level. While that may prove to be the case, I’m not going to best bet against him.