Hoops in the Sun

 

  With the NBA post season coming to a close, the summer will focus on draft prospects, trades and conditioning within each team, in preparation for next season. But if you are a basketball enthusiast like me, you want basketball all year round. What better way to spend the summer, than at one of the premier street-ball leagues like Hoops in the Sun.

  Hoops in the Sun, Inc. is a community based street-ball program that takes place at Orchard beach in Bronx, New York. The program was founded in 2000 by Joe “Pops” Cruz Sr. and his sons Joe Jr. and Randy.The organization has created a platform for college standouts and professional ballers highlighting their individual skills. What once was an 8-team league for men 18 years and older, has now expanded to a 10-team league for men, women and a youth division.   

  To tip off the summer, Hoops in the Sun also had a spectacular spring league that just wrapped up yesterday for the men and youth divisions. Having attended the most recent games of the spring season I can personally attest to the phenomenal talent on display. I will have the pleasure of working with Joe Jr. and Randy Cruz this summer to bring all the news, highlights, play-by-play and statistics featured right here at http://www.hoopsandstyle.com and  http://hoopsinthesun.net/  Also games will stream live via U-stream at http://ustre.am/VfFN .

  Come out, enjoy a day at the beach and get your basketball fix this summer by attending the games. Trust me you don’t want to miss this. The summer league starts on June 8th, stay tuned.

-@SarahTresChic15

Semi-finals Recap

The NBA Finals will be here sooner than you think and now that the Eastern and Western Conference finals are underway, let’s recap round two of the playoffs.

Eastern Conference

Miami vs. Chicago: Miami wins 4-1

The reigning champions took on the short-handed Chicago Bulls, for the second round of the playoffs. Without their key players which included, Kirk Hinrich and of course Derrick Rose, most analyst counted Chicago out and predicted a sweep. The Bulls surprised everyone in Miami during game 1, when they came out on top stealing home court. Nate Robinson would lead his team with 27 points for this big win. Although Chicago managed to pull out a victory in Miami, I believe this loss was a wakeup call for the Miami Heat, as they wouldn’t lose another game for the remainder of the second round. During the following game, Chicago struggled on every end of the floor and was pretty much embarrassed. Miami came out on top to defeat the Bulls by 37 points, the largest lead was as high as 46. This game was filled with lots of tension and it got physical. Chicago got hit with six technical fouls, which eventually led to the ejection of Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson. The Bulls were hoping to gain some momentum once the series shifted to Chicago; it wasn’t enough as Lebron James and Chris Bosh lead the Heat for the win. This was a disappointing loss especially since they were home. Tom Thibodeau wasn’t pleased with the officiating during this game and spoke about it during the post-game press conference. Unfortunately he was fined $35,000 for his comments. The struggles continued into game 4 with the Bulls finishing with 65 points total including only 9 points in the third quarter. Before this loss, Chicago had never scored fewer than 69 in a playoff game. Nate Robinison, who led his team to victory in game 1, finished this game with not one point, 0-12.  The series headed to Miami for game 5, which would be the final game of this round. The Heat got off to a fast start with the lead early in the first; however the Bulls would outscore them for the next 2 quarters. Seemed as if Chicago would pull out on top to avoid elimination, but Miami went one a run in the fourth, 25-14. And the second round came to a close; as the Heat pushed pass the Bulls to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

New York vs. Indiana: Indiana wins 4-2

The New York Knicks advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2000. The Knicks led by Carmelo Anthony had their eyes set on a bigger prize but neglected to focus on the task at hand. For game 1, the Pacers beat the Knicks in Madison Square Garden to take away home court advantage. The best defensive team in the league dominated the boards to get the first win of the second round. Game 2 continued in New York, where the Knicks tied the series after a disappointing loss in game 1. Carmelo scored 32 points leading his team to a much needed victory before the series headed to the Field House. Once in Indiana, the Pacers protected home court, beating the Knicks in game 3, 82-71. This game was all Indiana, as they only allowed the Knicks to take the lead one time. J.R. Smith continued to struggle; he didn’t shoot well and had a fever before the game. His difficulties go back to his suspension in round 1 against Boston; the sixth man of the year hasn’t played the same since. Amare Stoudemire returned for the Knicks after being out for two months due to a knee injury. He wasn’t too productive, scoring only 7 points in his first game back. Indiana defended the ball well; making their previous lost a distant memory. Before going back to New York, the Pacers took a 3-1 lead after another win in game 4. The Knicks struggled, had difficulties offensively and couldn’t rebound the ball. Carmelo Anthony scored 24 points but got into foul trouble, fouling out towards the end of the game. Eliminating the Knicks was within their grasp, as the Pacers headed back to New York for game 5. The Knicks avoided elimination with a huge victory at home, 85-75. Carmelo Anthony once again led his team with 28 points and got some help from Chris Copeland and J.R. Smith. The Pacers were without George Hill, who apparently sustained a concussion during game 4. Indiana committed 19 turnovers and New York took advantage, and lived another day. The celebration was short lived once the series went back to Indiana. Native new Yorker Lance Stephenson had a playoff career-high, 23 points to help eliminate the Knicks, 106-99. Carmelo Anthony led in scoring with 39 points but had no help from his teammates. George Hill returned to the Pacers lineup after missing game 5 to the delight of his team and fans. The Knicks had plenty of chances to force a game 7 but missed ample opportunities and got into foul trouble. Tyson Chandler, Iman Shumpert and Kenyon Martin all fouled out. For the first time since 2004, the Indiana Pacers are heading to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Western Conference

Oklahoma City vs. Memphis: Memphis wins 4-1

 

What a surprising outcome between the defending Western Conference Champions and the 5^th seed Memphis Grizzlies. Throughout the 5 games, the largest deficit wouldn’t get pass 6 points. It was a battle but Memphis would get the edge over Oklahoma City. Without floor general, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant had to carry majority of the load for the Thunder. He followed suit during game 1, scoring 33 points to lift his team to a victory, 93-91. The Grizzlies two big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph made it challenging for Oklahoma City, who trailed for most of the game. Both teams matched up well and were practically even as far as rebounds and points in the paint go. Now game 2 was slightly different. Mike Conley scored 26 points including a big 3-pointer with less than 2 minutes to go. Memphis went on to score 10 straight points to tie the series in Oklahoma, 99-93. Kevin Durant, who made clutch shots in game 1 couldn’t knock down similar shots down the stretch. Nonetheless, he had another big game and finished with 36 points and 11 rebounds. Neither team led by double digits but the Grizzlies outscored the Thunder in the paint 48-30, and also took advantage of the Oklahoma City’s 21 turnovers, gaining 26 extra points. With the series tied at one game apiece, we headed to Memphis. The  Grizzlies would take a 2-1 lead after beating the Thunder 87-81. Key in this game was free-throws. Back in Oklahoma City, Memphis had difficulties at the line but made 6 in the final minute of the game. 91 percent free-throw shooter Kevin Durant missed 2 major ones with less than 40 seconds left. The Thunder had a horrible night offensively, Kevin Durant along with his teammates combined for 23 of 69 attempts. Surprisingly Oklahoma City outrebounded Memphis and outscored them in the paint, but wasn’t able to pull ahead.  The Thunder missed a chance to tie the series before heading back home in Game 4 as the Grizzlies would get the win in OT, 103-97. Memphis continued their winning streak at home in the post season after being down as much as 17 points. Mike Conley scored 24 points and Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph both finished with double doubles. The Grizzles didn’t repeat what happen during their 2011 post season, where they blew a double digit lead allowing the Thunder to tie the series. During this game Oklahoma City had the huge lead, but Memphis went on a 20-8 run to stay in the game. With the game tied at 94 apiece, the Grizzlies had a chance to win in regulation. Serge Ibaka blocked the game winning shot to send his team into overtime. Once in overtime the Thunder struggled. Kevin Durant would finish with 24 points in 48 minutes, missing his last 5 shots in overtime. Kevin Durant finially got some help from his teammates including, Kevin Martin with 18 points and Serge Ibaka with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Memphis outscored Oklahoma City 9-3 to give them the win and put the Thunder on the verge of elimination. Game 5 headed to Oklahoma City were the Thunder was hoping to extend the series. Unfortunately Kevin Durant struggled offensively finishing with 21 points on 5-21 shooting and with 6 seconds left he missed a key jumper to tie the game. For the first time in franchise history the Memphis Grizzlies advanced to the Western Conference Finals.  After losing their all-star point guard, the Thunder went 2-6 in their playoff run. After being down 12 at the break Oklahoma City rallied and managed to get within 2 during the last 15 seconds. Zach Randolph would go on to miss his two free-throws, giving the Thunder another chance. After Kevin Durant’s missed shot, Tony Allen grabbed a rebound and would get fouled and made his 2 at the line sealing the win at 88-84.

Dwyane Wade, Questionable Fashion

Well, that was fast. Dwyane Wade did it again last night in his polka dot Gucci suit, which included capri pants and loafers.

 

 

Sorry DWade, I have to agree with Charles Barkley on this one, you are making your way to the worst dressed list. This look would have looked best as a full length pant.

 

-@SarahTresChic15 

 

 





Miami Heat Playoff Attire

 

The reiging champions made quiet a fashion statement after Game 3 against the Chicago Bulls. Here's a look at what the Big 3 wore in their post-game press conference. 

 

 

Lebron James kept it simple with a striped v-neck sweater.

 

 This look on the 4x NBA MVP isn't doing enough for me. Although the sweater looks comfortable, it doesn't highlight his sense of style.

Dwyane Wade added lots of color with his Versace jacket & matching shirt, along with Giuseppe Zanotti sneakers

Now here is an example of doing too much. Dwyane Wade should of wore the Versace shirt without the jacket to match. I would of added a black blazer to toned the ensemble down, it would have still shown his style. 

Chris Bosh wore an interesting silver pink suit after his big 20 points and 19 rebound game

Im not sure how I feel about this silver pink checkered suit on Chris Bosh. The suit is taliored well but im not a fan of the color.

 

Charles Barkley called the Miami Heat, "the worst dressed team in the NBA" What do you think ? Stay tuned

 

-@SarahTresChic15



 

 

Round 2: Golden State vs. San Antonio

Game 2: The Warriors tie the series 1-1

Klay Thompson recorded a career-high 34 points for a huge victory against the Spurs in game 2, 100-91. The Warriors evened the series at 1-1 and finally got their win in San Antonio for the first time since Valentine’s Day 1997. Stephen Curry scored 22 points, Harrison Barnes had 13, Carl Landry finished with 10 and Andrew Bogut had 6 points along with 11 rebounds. During the first half it was all Klay Thompson, who scored 29 points and was 7 for 8 from the perimeter; Golden State led by 19 at half time. Then it seemed like deju vu when the Spurs rallied by going on a 16-4 run to cut into the Warriors lead late in the third. Heading into the fourth, Golden State led by 11 and the Spurs continued to battle. Manu Ginobili saved his team during the previous game with a big 3-pointer. In this game he did so again to help San Antonio get within 97-89 with 4 minutes left in the game; however they only made 1 of their last 5 shots. Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 23 points, Tony Parker had 20. Manu Ginobili scored 12 points and Kawhi Leonard added 11 points and 12 boards.

Golden State will host Game 3 on Friday.

Game 1: Spurs lead 1-0

 

Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals between the young Warriors and the veteran Spurs was a thriller. After going into double overtime, Manu Ginobili hit a clutch 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds left for the win, 129-127. Tony Parker finished with 28 points, Danny Green had 22 and Tim Duncan scored 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Kawhi Lenoard added 18 points and Manu Ginobili ended with 16. San Antonio trailed by 16 with 4 minutes left in the game. Down the stretch, Golden state missed nine shots, allowing the spurs to go on an 18-2 run, to tie the game at 106. During overtime the Warriors were down by 5, but responded with six straight points, giving them the lead with less than 4 seconds left. San Antonio was down by 1 point, and with Manu Ginobili’s huge three sealed the deal for the Spurs. Stephen Curry had a big night with 44 points and 11 assist, Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes both finished with 19, Jarrett jack scored 15 and Andrew Bogut had 10 points and 15 rebounds.

The Warriors have not won a game in San Antonio since 1997. They will have chance to do so in Game 2 on Wednesday. 

 

-@SarahtresChic15





Semi-finals :Indiana vs. New York

 Game 2: Knicks even the series 1-1

After a disappointing game 1 against the Pacers, the New York Knicks tied the series on Tuesday, 105-79. Carmelo Anthony got out of his shooting slump and scored 32 points. Iman Shumpert played well, finishing with 15 points, including a stellar put-back dunk and Raymond Felton added 14 points. Pablo Prigioni and Kenyon Martin both finished with 10 points respectively. New York lead early once again, but the difference during this game was, they extended the lead throughout. The Pacers continued to battle and finally took a 64-62 lead late in the third. New York responded with a 10-2 run to end the period. Once in the fourth, Indiana struggled offensively and committed more turnovers, they would finish with 21 turnovers in total. The game started off close and eventually turned into a blowout. The Pacers lost momentum in the fourth, when the Knicks went on a 30-2 run, outscoring Indiana, 33-13. Paul George had 20 points, David west ended with 13 and George Hill added 12.

The Pacers will host Game 3 at the Field House on Saturday.

Game 1:Pacers lead 1-0

 

On May 7^th 1995, the Indiana Pacers took on the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern conference finals.  The Pacers were trailing the New York Knicks 105-99 with only 18.7 seconds left it seemed like the Knicks would come out on top..so we thought. Reggie Miller stunned New York and scored 8 points in 8.9 seconds leading his team to victory 107-105.

On Sunday in Game 1 of this season’s semi-finals, the Pacers returned to New York spoiling their first second round Game since 2000, as they came out on top with the win 102-95. David West finished with 20 points and Paul George scored 19. Indiana lived up to their name as the best defensive team in the league and mixed in steady offense. Roy Hibbert and George Hill both ended with 14 points and native New Yorker Lance Stephenson added 11 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. The Knicks led early in the first half but the Pacers went on a 13-4 run during the last five minutes of the second quarter. After a clutch 3-pointer by George Hill, the Pacers took a 52-46 lead at halftime. Indiana continued their solid offense, outscoring the Knicks, 21-11 and entered the fourth quarter with an 81-65 lead. Although New York managed to find some offense during the final 12 minutes, but it wasn’t enough, as the Pacers held on to snag home court. Carmelo Anthony got into foul trouble late and ended with 27 points along with 11 rebounds. Raymond Felton scored 18 and J.R. Smith added 17 points.

Game 2 returns to Madison Square garden on Tuesday, where the Knicks hope to tie the series at 1-1.

-@SarahTresChic15

Oklahoma City vs. Houston

Game 6: The Thunder advance to the semi-finals, 4-2

 

The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading to the second round of the playoffs, after defeating former teammate James Harden and the Houston Rockets on Friday, 103-94. After losing their All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant was forced to carry most of the load offensively, but with six players in double figures this win was a team effort. Kevin Durant had 27 points, Kevin Martin had a great game after poor shooting in game 5 with 25 points and Reggie Jackson added 17 points and dished out 8 assist. Although the Rockets started off the game with the lead during the first 12 minutes, the Thunder responded and went on a 12-2 run in the second quarter, putting them up by 5. This was Kevin Martin's most efficient part of the game, with 21 of his 25 in the first half. I’m sure Oklahoma City knew that closing out a series against James Harden wasn’t going to be easy, as he knocked down a 3-pointer bringing them within 58-54 at the break. Heading into the third, Oklahoma City picked up their defense, limiting the Rockets to 23 points for the entire quarter. That was a major difference from the previous two games. Once in the fourth quarter, the Thunder went on a 14-4 run extending their lead to 92-81. And with two clutch 3-pointers by Derek fisher and Kevin Durant, the Thunder secured their spot in the semi-finals. James Harden ended with 26 points, Chandler Parsons added 25 and Omer Asik finished with 13 points and 13 boards.

Oklahoma City will take on Zach Randolph and the Memphis Grizzlies. Game 1 is on Sunday.

-@SarahTresChic15

Indiana vs. Atlanta

Game 6: Pacers eliminate Hawks

The Indiana Pacers snapped their 13-game losing streak in Atlanta, with a victory over the Hawks,81-73. David West and Paul George both had 21 points and the Pacers advanced to the second round. Roy Hibbert scored 17 points and 11 rebounds and Lance Stephenson grabbed 11 rebounds along with 8 points. Atlanta struggled for most of the game and they even set a franchise record with only 9 points in the entire second quarter. The Hawks had a lot of trouble finding their range and went 1 of 21 from the field. Indiana was leading by 15 entering the fourth, and the Hawks finally found some rhythm, cutting into the Pacers lead 76-73. However Indiana’s stifling defense didn’t allow Atlanta to get any closer. In addition defense, the Pacers dominated the boards, grabbing 53 over Atlanta’s 35 rebounds. Al Horford had 15 points to lead the Hawks and Josh Smith and Devin Harris scored 14 each.

Indiana will head to New York to face the Knicks for game 1 of the semi-finals. Now that Atlanta’s season is officially over they will have to deal with a lot of questions. With only three players under contract, we can predict a lot of changes. Will long time member Josh Smith remain a Hawk? Stay tuned

-@SarahTresChic15

 

New York vs. Boston

Game 6: Knicks win the series 4-2

After blowing two opportunities to eliminate the Celtics, New York got their victory with a win in Boston, 88-80. The Knicks have finally advanced to the semi-finals for the first time since 2000. Carmelo Anthony had 21 points, Iman Shumpert had a great game with 17 and rookie from Argentina Pablo Prigioni finished with 14. New York led for the entire game with their lead being as much as 26. But the Celtics didn’t give up. During the fourth quarter, Boston went on to score the next 20 points to put them within striking range, and they got within 79-75 and had a sense of hope as the period was coming to a close. The Celtics were on the verge of a chance to extend the series with this major comeback until, Carmelo Anthony knocked down a clutch jumper. Jeff Green ended with 21 points before fouling out and Kevin Garnett scored 15 points with 10 rebounds. Paul Pierce and Jason Terry both finished with 14 and Avery Bradley added 10 points.

New York will take on the Indiana Pacers for this next round of playoff action. Game 1 will be on Sunday at Madison Square Garden. The aging Celtics will have a lot of decisions to make this summer to prepare for next season. Will Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo get another chance to play together? Or will Boston rebuild with fresh bodies ?

-@SarahTresChic15

Denver vs. Golden State

Game 6: Golden State Advances to the Second Round 4-2

After a physical game 5, and Mark Jacksons accusations about “cheap play” by the Nuggets that earned him a $25,000 fine, the Warriors sent the Nuggets home for good with a 92-88 victory. Stephen Curry made 4 of his 8 3-pointers, finishing with 22 points; Rookie Draymond Green had a career-high 16 points and 10 rebounds and Andrew Bogut had a great game with 14 points and grabbed 21 boards. The Nuggets knew this was a “win or go home” game and came out fighting with an early 34-23 lead. But Andrew Bogut kept his team close grabbing big rebounds. Golden State would continue to dominate the boards ending the night with a 55-44 advantage. At the break, the Nuggets only led by 2. The Warriors took over and by the end of the third quarter they were up 73-62. During the fourth quarter the Nuggets struggled offensively, until they made 13 straight to get them back in the game. For Golden State, sloppy possessions led them to 10 turnovers. Denver pulled within 2 with only 32 seconds left. Wilson Chandler missed a clutch lay-up, then got a second attempt with a put-back shot, missed it and eventually the ball went out of bounds. After video review the ball was out on Denver ruining their chances for a win. Andre Iguodala led his team with 24 points and Ty Lawson had 17. Kenneth Faried and Wilson Chandler both ended with 11 each.

The Golden State Warriors have advanced to the second round for the first time in six years. The Semi-finals will begin on Monday in San Antonio against the Spurs. Miraculously David Lee was cleared to play during this game after what was supposed to be a season ending injury. Although he missed his one shot attempt he did get 1 rebound. Stay tuned for second round coverage.

Game 5: Denver avoids elimination, 2-3

The Denver Nuggets avoided a early playoff exit on Tuesday, with a 107-100 win over the Golden State Warriors. Andre Iguodala had 25 points and 12 rebounds, Ty Lawson had 19 points along with 10 assist and Wilson Chandler also scored 19 points. Kenneth Faried who energized his team, finished with a double-double, 13 points and 10 boards. After losing 3 straight, the Nuggets were off to a good start and went back to playing their style of basketball. Denver was up 44-31 and the game started to get a little chippy, as Andrew Bogut tossed Kenneth Faried to the floor by his neck. Andrew Bogut would receive a flagrant foul to the delight of the fans at the Pepsi Center. At the end of the first two quarters the Nuggets had a 66-46 lead. Golden State eventually cut into Denver’s lead by going on an 11-0 run in the fourth quarter, but the Nuggets continued to stay ahead. Harrison Barnes led the Warriors with 23 points and 9 rebounds, Jarrett Jack scored 20 and Klay Thompson ended with 19. Klay Thompson’s backcourt counterpart, Stephen Curry struggled with his perimeter shot before finally making one with 5 minutes left in the fourth quarter, to get his team within 5. He would only make 1 of 7, finishing with 15 points.  

The series heads over to Oakland for Game 6. Golden State will have another chance to eliminate the Nuggets and Denver will make a push for a win to extend the series to Game 7.

Game 4: Golden State leads 3-1

The Golden State Warriors took a 3-1 series lead on Sunday, as they defeated the third seeded Nuggets, 115-101. Stephen Curry scored 31 points including 22 in the third quarter. Jarrett Jack had 21 points and 9 assist, Klay Thompson added 13 and Andrew Bogut with 12 points and 5 rebounds. The game stayed close for most of the first half, with Stephen Curry only scoring 7 points. With a little over 4 minutes to go, Denver cut the deficit to 1 and then Stephen Curry hit his first 3-pointer. Golden State scored the last 11 points to close out the first half with a 56-44 lead. Entering the third, the Nuggets went on a 14-4 run, reducing the Warriors lead, to get within 62-58. However, Stephen Curry was just getting started. He hit 5 of his 8 3-point attempts that extended the Warriors lead to 91-72. The Nuggets continued to trail for the rest of the game.Ty Lawson had 26 points for Denver, followed by Andre Iguodala with 19 points and 8 rebounds.   

Game 5 will take place in  Denver were the Warriors have a chance to close out the series.

- @SarahTresChic15