KINGDOM COME

   Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers found a way to win the NBA title and I couldn't be more salty.  The drought is over in Cleveland. No telling what that city did to make God angry but obviously the big guy had it out for that town when it comes to sports for the better part of the century. Losing in the most heartbreaking of scenarios can really make a city lose hope. But King James delivered the first major championship to Cleveland in 52 years in dramatic fashion that just couldn't be written. Coming from someone who hates both teams equally I don't think this series was rigged whatsoever. I thought the officiating on both sides were suspect but then again I disagree with every referees decision. So for those of you complaining about a conspiracy stop it! You're a bad look like the new chef curry sneaker. 

   Between Steph and Bron the 2 best players in the world today it was the winner gets bragging rights for the next year and the loser gets their face on a million of those played out Jordan crying memes. Steph was billed as the perfect guy with the perfect family and the perfect life with the perfect career and after one finals loss it was like immediately people turned on dude. He loses his religion one time and throws a mouthpiece at a fan and now people act like his legacy is tarnished. Steph was the well deserved MVP for a reason and in no way do I think he or the Warriors choked. In every contest there has to be a loser. Except if your Anderson Varejao who gets a ring regardless so technically he is still a winner but anyways sometimes the ball just doesn't bounce your way and in a series between two top teams this one could have gone either way. Golden States record breaking season should not be looked at with an asterisk on it just because they didn't get the chip.

   I like most people totally counted the Cavs out initially after they fell behind 0-2 in two not competitive games and losing Kevin Love to a concussion for game 3. I thought it was blatantly obvious Golden State was just the far superior team. Game 4 was the turning point in the series because Draymond Green found a way to finally get suspended for one of his actions. But in game 5 something happened. Kyrie Irving happened. For the first time in Brons career he had someone else who was equal and could take over a game. The shot he hit in game 7 with less then a minute remaining was epic. Not to mention Lebron's chase down dunk on Andre Iguodala was so freakishly athletic and will be forever remembered as one of the greatest plays in finals history.  Also JR Smith we're just proud of you for not getting kicked off the team. Lol no but his daughter is very adorable and JR hit so many buckets that gave his team a punchers chance I don't think they could have stayed close with out him.   The unsung hero of this series was no doubt Richard Jefferson I think his veteran leadership was pivotal. When he was inserted into the starting line up it was his momentum and never back down attitude that gave his whole team extra confidence. Hands down best way to retire after getting a chip.

   As much as I really did not want to see Bron succeed here because I do not want his legacy to surpass my favorite all time player Kobe's. I can't lie he made me a witness. He and his team made history by leading the series in every major statistical category and by becoming the first team to overcome a 3 to 1 deficit to win a NBA Finals. His emotion after winning the title was moving and I generally felt that it was the right outcome. As cheesy as all those Believeland quotes are they were appropriate here because it was a story book ending of being the ultimate underdogs and overcoming the odds to be victorious. For all of Lebron's shortcomings his homecoming way more then made up for it. He became the hero that kept his promise and gave his city hope and the championship they so long fully coveted. 

-Caleb Raves

PRAYERS FOR ORLANDO

 After the horrific events that took place in Orlando, Florida at club Pulse this past weekend my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who died and was affected by this tragedy. I was actually at a club myself when this took place and it got me wondering that something like this could have easily happened here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. At times I do feel it is unsafe to go out and have fun at times because there are too many crazy people with hate in their hearts that really just want to see the world self destruct. I will not mention the murderer by name nor will I ever in my posts because I do not believe in the exploitation of monsters but I do think that our country definitely needs stricter gun laws that makes it more difficult to purchase the type of weaponry to produce such a massacre. Let alone an individual who had been questioned by the FBI for being linked to terrorism. How many more of these disasters is it going to take? It is still unclear the motive behind this attack. Even if it was because of mental illness an association with a terrorist group or not agreeing with someones sexual preference, that does not give someone the right to commit such heinous acts. I think it was great that Baton Rouge as well as other cities across the United States stepped up to the plate and held candle light visuals commemorating those we lost. I think in trying times it is best for us as a nation to stand together and showcase that terrorism on any level against our country will not be tolerated.

-Caleb Raves

THE MAMBA

   Fresh off the Lakers receiving the second overall pick in this years NBA draft, it's time to usher in a new era for the purple and gold. Hopefully we can get someone that can be just as great as Los Angeles legends of the past but I wanted to take some time to pay respects of one who just decided he was moving on from the League. Kobe. Just like that it has all come to an end. Growing up in California it is needless to say that I was and still am a diehard Laker fan. Of course Kobe was my favorite player. I didn't want to be like Mike.
Kobe was my Mike. I even had a pair of those hideous Adidas moon boots he used to wear and  the afro. Partly because back then I couldn't afford a haircut but thats besides the point.
   Some of my favorite Kobe moments even though there are way too many to count were him scoring 81 when I was in high school, him hitting the game winner against the Suns in game 4 of the playoffs and the championship win over Boston. Watching his last game was bittersweet. I was glad to see him do well and come up with enough highlight plays that everyone paid to see. There was a dramatic ending with a come from behind victory and triumph as he became the only player to end his career with a 60 point game and the highest points scored in the NBA for this season. The mamba was very venomous through out the night. Even if you are not a fan of Kobe you wanted to see him do well. He was like the super cool villain which strangely had you rooting for the bad guy. Not having Kobe around anymore is really going to sting but his legacy will live on forever in the NBA. The reason why people chant mvp at free throw line, Kobe's work ethic and killer instinct is unparalleled. Even though my Lakers completely sucked the past few years I still ride with my team because when you are a Laker, you are a Laker for Life. Now that the ping pong balls have bounced in our favor I am excited to see what new superstar emerges and brings us right back to prominence!

Mamba Caleb out.