NBA Game 3 up...

NBA Game Three on tap

The NBA Finals series has moved to Dallas tied at 1-1 after the Mavericks pulled off yet another improbable victory to tie the series in Miami.

Miami will be looking to finish strong if in position to do so as opposed to blowing a late lead. Dallas in turn will be looking to get ahead and hold on for once in this series. The Heat will hope to get better production from Chris Bosh who has been woeful from the field. Additionally to jump back ahead, they will need a solid contribution from the bench as a whole and possibly a big contribution from one bench player, i.e., Mike Miller.

Dallas on the other hand will rely on the veterans, Nowitzki, Terry, Marion, Kidd and Terry. Any positive contributions from J.J. Barea and the rest of the Dallas bench could see them gain the ascendency in this series.

I’ll throw my hat in the Heat’s ring. I think Bosh may turn his game around enough to be effective and the Miami crew will win another close one. I will stick to my Heat in six prediction from the start of the finals.

Elsewhere in the Hoop World

I will join the chorus in wishing the Big “Whatever he wants to be” Shaquille O’Neal all the best in his retirement. Thanks for all the memories, sound bites and antics. There are even rumours out of a city called Townsville here in Australia have their sights set on the big man with the local NBL team the Townsville Crocodiles offering this invitation on their website: Former NBA player in the Crocs’ sights . Hmm…The Big Crocodile or The Big Croc Hunter!!

 

Also the WNBA season has kicked off with a smattering of Aussie talent on show. Of course there is Lauren (MS. Jackson) Jackson in Seattle, new sensation Elizabeth Cambage in Tulsa, Jenna O’Hea in Los Angeles, Sandy Brondello (assistant coach) Los Angeles, Penny Taylor in Phoenix, Erin Phillips in Indiana, Tully Bevilaqua in San Antonio and Belinda Snell who is also playing in Seattle. Good luck on the season ladies.

 

Ok, back in a couple of days to check in…..

WNBL Grand Final this afternoon

Bulleen hoping for charm of third time

The Bulleen Boomers will face the Canberra Capitals in the WNBL Championship for the third consecutive season today. The Boomers are looking to reverse their fortunes of the last two and get over the hump. Meanwhile Canberra, holder of a number of championships will be looking for their first three-peat.

The teams split their two regular season matches before Bulleen pulled out a 71-67 win in the First Semi Final of the playoffs. Canberra gained posted an 83-78 win over Bendigo last week to earn a return match today.

Bulleen will as always rely on the play of Elizabeth Cambage in the post to lead their efforts. Cambage averaged 22.6 points per game for the season to go along with her stellar rebounding and inside defence. The Boomers are hoping to have Kylie Reid and Rachel Jerry healthy for the match.

Canberra is hoping to have a healthy Susie Batkovic to battle Cambage inside. The trio of Carly Wilson, Jessica Bibby and Mariana Tolo will need to again step forward if the Capitals are going to three-peat.

Prediction:

I should probably say “kiss of death” for the team I pick to win with the way my predictions go but I will pick Canberra to win 70-64 and gain their third straight title.

The action starts at 3pm AEST on the ABC Network