By: Laureen I.

(Photo taken from CBS Sports Online)

I can’t lie: watching the New York Knicks lose Game 6 to the Indiana Pacers was EXTREMELY painful.

Going into Saturday night’s matchup, the Pacers were up 3-2 in the series. Even though the Knicks entered the series with home court advantage, they lost Game 1 at Madison Square Garden, which would set the stage for Game 6 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. During the course of the regular season, both teams had major success at home, but struggled and came up short out on the road. Needless to say, this was a must-win for the Knicks, which would’ve brought Game 7 back to NY and increased their chances of moving on to the next round: the Eastern Conference Finals to face the Goliath of the league, the Miami Heat.

Unfortunately, despite a close game and an electrifying 3^rd quarter performance by Iman Shumpert, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Copeland, the Knicks fell short in the 4^th quarter, handing over the victory to Indiana in a 106-99 loss, ousting them from this year’s playoffs.

OUCH!

After taking all of Sunday to lament, recover, and simmer in a state of frustration, anger, and pure disbelief, the numbness began to fade and I began to think clearly again. One of the questions that arose out of my deep state of thought was:

Was this a successful season?

Many have differing views. During the team’s exit interviews Monday morning, Shumpert deemed this season a failure due to the fact that they didn’t achieve their goal of competing in the Eastern Conference Finals. However, team captain, Carmelo Anthony, felt this season was a success, viewing the strides made as a step in the right direction. I will have to agree with Melo on this one. Why? Well, let’s look at this year’s accomplishments:

• 54-28 Record (Best Since 1996-1997 Season)
• 13-Game Winning Streak from 3/18-4/9 (3^rd longest streak in team history)
• Clinched #2 seed in the Eastern Conference
• 1^st Atlantic Division Title since 1993-1994
• Defeated Boston Celtics in 4-2 1^st Round Series Win (1^st playoff series win since 2000)
• Led NBA with 891 3pt FG made
• Sixth Man of the Year awarded to SG J.R. Smith
• NBA Scoring Title awarded to Carmelo Anthony
• NBA Sportsmanship awarded to Jason Kidd

Clearly, the formula that GM Glen Grunwald has put together is working. The Knicks went from barely making the 8^th seed last season to maintaining their spot in the top 3 Eastern Conference teams all of this season. Many of the leading teams in the NBA, such as the Heat and the Spurs, have played together for a number of seasons, allowing them to gel and perfect their style of play. So if you look at this season through this lens, for a team that is relatively newly assembled, much was accomplished. If Grunwald can manage to keep the core of the Knicks together while filling in the necessary gaps, I’m almost certain they can secure an appearance in next season’s Eastern Conference Finals.

In the meantime, what can the players do during this off-season to keep up this year’s momentum? Let’s take a look at some of my suggestions:

Melo and Tyson: REST AND RECOVERY! The two pillars of this team have had very busy year. Since their 1^st round exit last season, they immediately went into training and competing in the Olympic Games in London over the summer. After bringing home the gold medal, they had very little time off before entering training camp for the regular season. Mid-way through the season, both were selected to represent the east in the NBA All-Star Game, then returned to a grueling and difficult 2^nd half of the season, which ended in Game 6 of the Playoff Semi-Finals. Throughout this year, both players have suffered injuries, including a nagging shoulder injury that clearly effected Melo’s style of play throughout the 2nd round, and Tyson missing the last few games of the regular season due to a neck injury. Now these two pivotal pieces to the Knicks puzzle can focus on getting adequate rest and fully bouncing back from the effects of these injuries.

Melo: along with rest, I would love to see Melo continue to hone his defensive abilities. During this season, expanding his skill set to include good defensive ability earned him praises from many experts, and may have possibly been a huge contributor to his ranking in the MVP race. If he continues to build on that during this off-season, I’m certain he will pick up right where he left off in the MVP conversation, and will be a reputable threat.

Tyson: along with rest and recovery, weight gain, if possible, would do him some justice. Since his neck injury, it was reported that Tyson lost some weight, which affected his playoff performance. He has the finesse, but some girth, as well as improved offensive abilities, would be a huge service to the next year’s championship pursuits.

Amare: just make sure to NEVER get injured again. He should call Kobe, go to Germany, do what he did, and come back as explosive as ever before.  Stay in the great shape that he is in, and work towards putting the pieces together and make this big 3 work!

(*I personally think that he, Melo, and Tyson, along with Coach Woodson, should meet several times over the summer to make it work. No press. No other staff. Just the 4 of them.)

JR: This year was a ying-yang year for Smith. A year that started off with him, under the close monitoring of Coach Woodson, controlling his talent, coming out of his shell and showing the league his full repertoire, earning  him the Sixth Man of the Year Award. This year also came with ridicule: after being ejected in game 3 of the Boston series, his high-octane performance suddenly got cold. That, coupled with allegations of him partying the night before a game or after a loss just added fuel to the fire, makes JR seem irresponsible, careless, and like a fluke. Many Knicks fans, including myself, truly believe in JR.  We have always seen that glimpse of talent that Coach Woody saw, and we are proud that the world finally sees it as well. My only suggestion to Smith is to be more cognizant and aware of his actions, especially off the court. He is a grown man, and has the right to do whatever and be wherever he pleases. However, as one of his supporters, I really hate seeing his accomplishments, drive, and potential be overshadowed by rumored sightings and a possibly damaging reputation.

Copeland: Cope has shown his offensive skills and talent ever since pre-season, which aided in securing a roster spot for this season. However, defense isn’t his strongest point. By the end of the season, he has shown much improvement on the defensive end, but there is definitely room for more growth. This should be his main focus during this off-season. An improved defensive presence, gifted offense, and the humility he possesses will get him very far in this league for many years to come. (And I REALLY hope that Grunwald puts on his wizard hat and finds a way to keep him.)

Pablo Prigioni:  JUST SHOOT THE DAMN BALL!!!!!!!

Next season will bring back a healthy Rajon Rondo to the Boston Celtics, a lethal Chicago Bulls team with a healthy Derrick Rose, and a young, sharp, and strong Pacers squad. The Miami Heat isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. And who knows what will occur during this year’s draft and free agency season (which begins in 6 weeks). However, while many fans feel this was the year that the Knicks had their best chances, I feel this year put out a warning:

The New York Knicks are coming, and after all that they just went through, they aren’t just hungry, they’re STARVING.

So now I turn the conversation over to you: what were your thoughts of the Knicks overall season? Was it a success or a complete bust? What do you think the players should do to get ready and stay on course for next season? Let’s chat……!!!!

This is the type of sports movie fanatchicks really want to see. It’s made by sports fan, with $0 budget but in HD quality.  Most importantly, there are no actors. Just the true ball players themselves and the passion for the game of basketball.  Here’s a sneak peek:

So Bobbito Garcia and Kevin Couliau are now taking this documentary to theaters across the country. It is currently in very limited release but you can see if it is scheduled or pending to be shown in your city this year.  I am hoping to help bring it to Orlando where many New Yorkers have settled and many basketball fans reside. It will only show here on June 5 IF enough people reserve a seat by May 29, so click, reserve and share so we can watch this on the big screen.  Check to see if there are screenings scheduled in your city and spread the word.  You can also buy a copy to keep for yourself but you KNOW you wanna see this on the big screen.

CLICK, RESERVE YOUR SEAT AND SHARE TO BRING THIS MOVIE TO ORLANDO ON JUNE 5, 2013

OKC Thunder, Kevin Durant…

Praying for the victims of the Tornadoes in OKC these last few days..Everybody stay safe!

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) May 20, 2013
New York Mets, Jeremy Hefner…
 

Oklahoma is a special place with very special people.. Please keep them in your prayers.. twitter.com/jeremy_hefner5…

— Jeremy Hefner (@jeremy_hefner53) May 21, 2013
 
Los Angeles Dodgers, Matt Kemp…

I’m giving $1000 for tonight’s HR and every HR until the All-Star break for the victims of my hometown in OKC. #PrayforOklahoma

— Matt Kemp (@TheRealMattKemp) May 21, 2013

Cleveland Browns QB and former Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden…

Devastating damage to Moore, Oklahoma due to Tornadoes. Please keep these people in your prayers. Thankfully @melanieweeden family is safe.

— Brandon Weeden (@bweeden3) May 20, 2013

Watch this Tuesday, May 14 at 8:30pmET and post questions and/or comments about the job search in the competitive sports industry below, on our facebook page or on twitter using hashtag #FCLife

Lakers fans take out your brooms and assume the position!

SWEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I NEVER ever thought I’d say this but the San Antonio Spurs SWEPT the Lakers in an unprecedented fashion.

And to make it better or worse, if you will, Dwight Howard got ejected Sunday as the Lakers ended their tumultuous season with a loss 21-point loss.

The Lakers haven’t gotten swept often over the years but they were swept in 1967.

And guess who beat them?

The SAN FRANCISCO WARRIORS!

The irony is that on a day that the San Antonio Spurs beat the Lakers 103-82 the Golden State Warriors {of Oakland} beat the Denver Nuggets 101-115 and Stephen Curry showed us all why he is the MAN!

All I can say is WOW!

I won’t pour salt in the wound with stats but I will say that the Lakers have gone fishing and the Warriors play on Tuesday and could seal the deal in Denver and advance to round two.

Most fans knew that the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder would be here beasting in the post season, but, I for one didn’t see this coming when the season started in October.

This is crazy, but it’s another reason why we all love this game.

###

Over the last few years we’ve seen a major increase in fashion options for fanatchicks and I’m so excited to have one of the great companies on Fanatchicks TV LIVE! on April 23.  Meesh & Mia has an amazing selection of stylish clothes for different occasions that allow women to rock their favorite college colors and soon NFL teams!

Tune in Tuesday at 8:30pmET and shoutout your favorite team or fashion question using hashtag #FCLife.

Check out why I love Meesh & Mia so much! Don’t you?

Hosted by River Oaks Country Club, the men’s Clay Court Championship is a favorite event among the well-to-do Houstonians. Between cocktail parties, golf outings, ladies day, jazz brunches and fashion shows, the actual tennis matches were a footnote in this prominent social week. Donning their highest Louboutins, gorgeous leather purses and sleek sundresses, these ladies were fit to walk to runway.

For those who have never been to a tennis tournament before, I have created a “cheat sheet” on what to wear.

Think simple, chic, and polished.

For the casual observer: White is still the ultimate chic accessory, but you need to be careful – it is easy to get dirty. I suggest wearing skinny white ankle jeans and pairing it with a high-low colorful sleeveless blouse. Stay away from the flip-flops and go with simple leather sandals for a more polished look. Add a pair of wayfarers and a few silver bangles – and you ready for some tennis! For those more daring, belted high-wasted shorts with a simple fedora adds a little edge to the preppy look.

For the high society functions: A simple white sundress belted, of course, is the way to go. Stay away from high heels and stick with a pair of wedged sandals for an easier time walking. Add a light scarf for when the day begins to cool and a boyfriend-style rose-gold watch. A statement purse adds some attention and a hat can keep the sun away, but be careful not to over-accessorize.

What do you like to wear to tennis tournaments?

Let’s recap!

The Lakers reloaded during the offseason, adding c to the roster and then opened the season with the worst losing streak the organization has seen. As a result, Coach Mike Brown is fired and Coach Mike D’Antoni is hired. Nash gets hurt, Howard is Howard and then the drama began with talks of a beef between him and Kobe.  Playoff hopes begin to fade…Kobe does what he does and puts the squad back in the hunt, he gets banged up a bit but hey he’s immortal right?

WRONG!!!!

Friday as the Lakers defeated  the  Golden State Warriors the ‘Black Mamba’  became mortal.  I was sitting on my couch shouting for the Warriors to close it out when Kobe dribbled left, collapsed and began grabbing his leg, he later left the game. The Lakers won and minutes later the news broke.

Kobe Bryant suffered a season ending injury after tearing his Achilles tendon, he had surgery Saturday and team announced that he would be out six to nine months.

Kobe shared his feelings on Facebook:

“This is such BS! All the training and sacrifice just flew out the window with one step that I’ve done millions of times! The frustration is unbearable. The anger is rage. Why the hell did this happen ?!? Makes no damn sense. Now I’m supposed to come back from this and be the same player or better at 35?!? How in the world am I supposed to do that??

“I have NO CLUE. Do I have the consistent will to overcome this thing? Maybe I should break out the rocking chair and reminisce on the career that was. Maybe this is how my book ends. Maybe Father Time has defeated me.”

Bryant went on to call the injury the first step in a new challenge.

“One day, the beginning of a new career journey will commence. Today is NOT that day,” he wrote.

This sucks on so many levels! This is NOT the way it was supposed to end for Kobe. He’s the heart and soul of the Lakers organization but he’s only one person; he can’t do it all and I guess now we will see what the other men on the squad are made of…it’s now time to sink or swim.

As for Kobe….we are all wishing him the best. Like him or not the man is a BEAST and deserves to leave the game that he loves so much in an honorable manner.

So is this the end?

I say NO! He hears the naysayers and sees the headlines and if we know anything about him it’s that he uses it all as fuel.

If anybody can come back from such an injury; the Mamba can and I for one will be waiting!

###

In one way or another we all know the Jackie Robinson story. This movie focuses on that period of American history where the boundaries were pushed. The “game changers” had and made enemies along the way but they also had supporters that went beyond color.

The movie starts out in 1945 when Jackie –who was brilliantly played by Chadwick Bosman, mostly known for his work in All My Children- was playing in the Negro Leagues with the Kansas City Monarchs. The title reflects Jackie’s symbolic number but the movie is as much Jackie’s story as it is Branch Rickey’s –played by Harrison Ford who never falters as keeping in character-let me tell you, every story that I read about Branch Rickey has me believing that is exactly what I saw in this movie. Branch was the GM that defied the rules and gave Jackie a spot in the roster of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 amid the “unwritten rule” of the color barrier in Major League Baseball.

The actors were able to portray the different emotions. You could feel the anger, the frustration, the triumph from different angles, including Jackie’s wife Rachel (Nicole Beharie), of what they were facing.

Some scenes may be hard to watch but nevertheless they were the reality they had to live through.

The movie is also surprisingly funny and the script has many memorable quotes. I was trying to remember as many quotes as possible but it was practically impossible because the movie provides many thought-provoking sequences.

But I think my favorite quote- to sum it all up and not to give that much away – was when PeeWee Reese (Lucas Black) tells Jackie:

Maybe tomorrow we will all wear 42. That way they won’t be able to tell us apart.

Side Note: I encourage everyone to read more about Jackie’s tribulations, the history of the Negro Leagues and how it all transcends the theme of equality. When you watch it, I want to know what you think.