by Paul Knepper Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal doesn’t have the pageantry of the Super Bowl, the tradition of Michigan vs. Ohio State or the rancor of Red Sox – Yankees; what makes their matches so spectacular is the quality of play. Theirs is a rivalry built on brilliance and artistry, desire and power, spins andContinue reading “The Greatest Show in Sports”
Author Archives: Paul Knepper
The Unremarkable Odyssey of Joba (Steve) Chamberlain
by Paul Knepper On August 7, 2007, the Yankees called up 21-year-old flamethrower Joba Chamberlain to fill their desperate need for a set-up man for Mariano Rivera. All the kid did was strike out 34 batters, while allowing just one earned run in 24 innings and help the Yankees recover from a dreadful start ofContinue reading “The Unremarkable Odyssey of Joba (Steve) Chamberlain”
Ten Greatest NBA Duos
by Paul Knepper Basketball is a team game, though often performed at the highest level when two players work in concert. The pick-and-roll remains the most productive offensive set and no play is more enthralling than an alley-oop. Rarely has a lone superstar carried a team on his back to an NBA championship. Shaq neededContinue reading “Ten Greatest NBA Duos”
Cuban Allows Players to do the Talking
Since he purchased the team in 2000 Mark Cuban has been the face and voice of the Dallas Mavericks, even more so than his star forward Dirk Nowitzki. The young dot-com entrepreneur has been brash, outspoken, often controversial and a relentless self-promoter. Now, with the Mavs at the precipice of their first championship, their ownerContinue reading “Cuban Allows Players to do the Talking”
Tommy’s Take on Fernando-mania
Legendary Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda was always quick with a joke. During the summer of 1981, the skipper was asked what terms his Mexican-born pitching sensation Fernando Valenzuela might settle for in his upcoming contract negotiations. Lasorda’s responded: “He wants Texas back.”
Dirk and the Mavs Stun the Heat
by Paul Knepper Five years ago, the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat met in the NBA Finals. The Mavs won the first two games at home and were poised to put a strangle hold on the Heat in game 3, leading by 13 points with just six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Then theContinue reading “Dirk and the Mavs Stun the Heat”
A Tale of Two Buckeyes
Ohio State University head football coach Jim Tressel resigned yesterday amid mounting accusations of violations within the Ohio State program and his role in covering them up. During his ten seasons in Columbus, the man known for his trademark red and gray sweater-vests won a remarkable seven Big Ten titles, the 2002 National Championship andContinue reading “A Tale of Two Buckeyes”
I Was Wrong About LeBron
by Paul Knepper My voice could be heard among the chorus of boos across this country when LeBron announced that he was “taking his talents to South Beach” last summer. Like many basketball fans, I felt he violated the code of the playground – that the best players split up and try to beat each other – andContinue reading “I Was Wrong About LeBron”
The General Doesn’t Do NBA
I’ve found this year’s NBA playoffs to be riveting, though I’m sure Bobby Knight would not agree. The General made his opinion of NBA basketball clear several years ago when he uttered these famous words: “If the NBA were on channel 5 and a bunch of frogs making love were on channel 4, I’d watchContinue reading “The General Doesn’t Do NBA”
Bosh vs. Noah
by Paul Knepper One of the key matchups in the Eastern Conference Finals between the Heat and Bulls has been Chris Bosh against Joakim Noah. On paper Bosh is the better player. The six-time All-Star has averaged 20 points and 9.2 rebounds for his career, though his numbers took a hit this season as heContinue reading “Bosh vs. Noah”
Paul Knepper 