*NOTE: Our thoughts are with Matt O’Shea (Tall Matt) and his family, as his mom, Erna, passed early this morning. Mama-O was our biggest fan and we will miss her dearly.
HOLBROOK, NY – Greetings to all after maybe the most exciting day in NY sports in many years. Here is today’s topics. Streaking Mets, Knicks Win One, Western Conference Predictions, Scottie Scheffler’s Historical Dominance
Streaking Mets
After an 0-5 start to the season, it appeared the Mets season was over before it had even begun. However, to the surprise of us, all they’ve shown excellent resiliency going 12-3 since. I’ll be the first to admit it, I thought this team was finished. The big three of Alonso, Nimmo, and Lindor have finally begun to hit after a brutal start. Harrison Bader and Tyrone Taylor have proven to be excellent depth additions to a lineup that badly lacked it in recent years. It was expected this team would have a solid offense that would carry them on nights they needed, however it’s been the pitching that’s been surprisingly among the best in baseball. They currently sit sixth in ERA and fourth in strikeouts. I can’t emphasize enough how stunned I am at the turn around by this team. Not to mention they’re getting JD Martinez back in the next few weeks and then their ace Kodai Senga in hopefully a month. The Mets will go for the sweep this afternoon in LA with Adrian Houser on the bump for NY and Tyler Glasnow for the Dodgers.
Knicks Win One
The Knicks took game one at the Garden from the 76ers in what was a truly insane back and forth game. It saw the Knicks lead and trail by 10+ points throughout the game. Jalen Brunson wasn’t his typical self until the 4th quarter. Anunoby scored just 10 points, and they shot just 39% from the field as a team. Even with all that, they managed to take the decisive game one from Philly. The only thing stopping the Knicks from rolling through this series is a healthy Joel Embiid and I don’t think he’s anywhere near 100%.
MANAGEMENT INSERT: How about a sweep of Philly?!
Western Conference Predictions
Suns v Timberwolves. The T-Wolves took game one at home from the Suns, however I think Phoenix will bounce back and defeat Minnesota in seven. The Wolves are a very solid team, particularly defensively, however I think the Suns’ experience and big three of Durant, Booker and Beal will prove to be too much for Minnesota to handle.
Nuggets v Lakers. As much as I’d love to see a deep playoff run for LeBron and the Lakers, I just don’t see it. Denver is the best team in the west and maybe all of basketball. I’ll take Denver to swiftly handle the Lakers in 5 games.
Clippers v Mavericks. On paper this may be the best matchup in all of the playoffs. The Mavericks are playing some incredible basketball, going 18-9 since the all star break. The Clippers really turned it around after a rough start following the James Harden trade, however as is typically the case Khawi Leonard is dealing with some kind of injury and simply put I don’t trust James Harden in a big spot. I’ll take Dallas in 6 games.
Pelicans v Thunder. If Zion Williamson were playing I think New Orleans could upset the Thunder. Unfortunately he’s not. I expect Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander to lead the young Thunder to the second round, defeating the Pelicans in 6 games.
Scottie Scheffler’s Historical Dominance
Another week, another dominant showing from Scottie Scheffler. Most players who win the Masters, take the following week off. Not Scheffler, he leads the RBC Heritage after three rounds at -16. If Scheffler wins it would be his 4th victory in his last five starts. We’re witnessing the most dominant player in the game of golf since peak Tiger.
