Say it aint So?!?!

Allen Iverson retiring? After 13 seasons in the NBA Allen Iverson has decided to retire from the NBA. “When I first heard the news I was shocked. I really hope he changes his mind” said Jade Cosby from Virginia. Iverson the 6ft 165 pound guard out of Georgetown was the number one pick in the prestigious 1996 NBA draft class; that included the likes of Ray Allen, Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, and Stephon Marbury to name a few. Throughout his NBA career Iverson accomplished much success. He was a ten time NBA all-star, three time NBA scoring champion, and 2001 NBA MVP. He’s regarded by many as the best “lil man” in the history of the NBA. “If Iverson was taller like say 6’6 I think people would be talking about him like they talk about Michael Jordan” said Arthur Cochran of Washington DC. “I think he would be the best player in NBA history if he was taller”. Iverson had most of his success in Philadelphia where he played for the 76ers for 10 seasons leading them to the NBA finals in 2001. However he was much travelled the last three years of his career playing for the Denver Nuggets for almost two years, Detroit Pistons for a year, and the Memphis Grizzlies for three games. “I’m always going to remember when he played for the 76ers, he pretty much dominated then, those were some great times” said Howard senior and Philadelphia native Ade Osalu.
The news of Iverson’s retirement came as a shock to many NBA fans, and even NBA players. Most people around basketball hope that Iverson will decided to come back. Lebron James told reporters that he hoped that Iverson would come back, saying that “if he is retiring he’s left a lot of good things behind”. Iverson’s former coaches John Thompson (Georgetown) and Larry Brown (76ers) have both said they plan to talk to Iverson soon to talk him out of retirement. “I hope somebody talks him into coming back. Whether that is coaches, players, or family I just want him to comeback” said longtime Iverson fan Krystle Evans of California.
Whether it’s the end or not Allen Iverson has had a hall of fame career, with many highlights and many memories. However we all hope this truly isn’t the end for Allen Iverson.

Rivalry Recap

Same rivalry with the same results. Today’s battle with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Washington Wizards proved to be the same old story for Wizards, and Cavaliers fans. “It seems like they (the Cavaliers) have our number” said Wizards fan Daymond Green of Howard. The Cavaliers beat the Wizards 102 to 90. However much of the game was closer than its final score indicates. At the end of the first quarter the Wizards actually led 31 to 17. However after that Cleveland won the rest of the remaining three quarters. “Cleveland kind of scared me a little bit, that first quarter was bad” said Cavaliers fan Arthur Curry of DC. He and other Cavaliers fans were worried about the start, but Lebron James and company would eventually regain the lead. “It was a good game I wish the Wizards could have won, but that’s ok” said Peete Simpson of DC.
Game Box Score: Cleveland Cavaliers 102 vs. Washington Wizards 90
Washington Wizards: C. Butler 22 points and 6 rebounds B. Haywood 8 points and 9 rebounds M. Miller 12 points and 8 rebounds G. Arenas 22 points 5 rebounds and 7 assist A. Blatche 7 points and 8 rebounds
Cleveland Cavaliers: L. James 27 points 8 rebounds and 6 assist S. O’neal 21 points and 8 rebounds A. Varejao 10 points and 10 rebounds A. Parker 5 points M. Williams 15 pointsand 6 assist D. Gipson 14 points

Rivalry Renewed

The rivalry gets renewed today for the Washington Wizards. Since Lebron James entered the NBA in 2003 there has been a growing rivalry between his Cleveland Cavaliers and the Washington Wizards. “I have a love hate relationship with the Lebron James. I love the way he plays basketball, but I hate when he plays the Wizards” said Daymond Green of Howard. The rivalry between the two Eastern Conference teams started with the repeated meetings in the playoffs between the two teams. However Cleveland has pretty much dominated the Wizards in all their playoff meetings, they have eliminated them every single time. Then the rivalry escaladed with the Lebron James and Wizards guard Deshawn Stevenson’s war of words. Stevenson told reporters that he felt as though Lebron James is overrated. Lebron unfazed by such words told reporters that, “Deshawn is like Souja Boy, and I’m like Jay Z what he says doesn’t mean anything to me”. Through the many physical playoff meetings, and the war of words between the two teams this rivalry is a fan favorite. “I always love when they play, plus my Cavaliers always win anyway” said Cavaliers fan Arthur Curry of DC. However Wizards fans feel very different about the rivalry, “I hate the Cavaliers, and Lebron James is overrated to me Deshawn was right” said Wizards fan Amber White of Maryland. She’s not the only one with such harsh feelings. “I hope the Cavaliers lose every game, I never want them to have any type of success” said Wizards fan Peete Simpson of DC.

Fans from both sides couldn’t disagree more, however a lot is always settled when the two teams meet on the court. “We always beat the Wizards so it’s not much of a rivalry” said Curry. He’s right the Cavaliers won three out of four against the Wizards last year, and have eliminated the Wizards three times in the playoffs since Lebron James entered the NBA. However fans know that’s all in the past, the new season has started and the rivalry is renewed today.

Game time is set for 7pm at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. It’s the first of four meetings between the two teams this season.

Check back to my blog later to get a full game recap!!!