97.1 The Drive

Hey, how about a twofer weekend of posts?

I haven't had a chance to write lately with summer classes starting, but now that I am fully alone at my place you should get a few more. I really wanted to talk about the NBA Playoffs and the 2nd round action going on, along with some Cub thoughts. The title is just me missing being home, and my favorite radio station (along with 93.1 WXRT). If you know The Drive, then you probably also know that the guy's voice, who speaks on the commercials, is the coolest in the country. I wish I could have him narrate this post. Onward!

Celtics - Cavs
This series has been a pure disappointment to me so far. LeBron forgot how to face tough defenses. The rest of the Cavs (not including Big Z) have been absolutely terrible. This is how the Celtics should have played in the first round. However, I guess they somewhat did when they were at home, which is where games 1 and 2 were. We will really have to watch their progress on the road at the Q in Cleveland. Game 3 tonight, Celts lead 2-0.

Pistons - Magic
I'll tell you something that could have a huge impact on this series: Chauncey Billups' hamstring. If he is not healthy, then there goes your biggest advantage against the very small point guard crew of Jameer Nelson and Carlos Arroyo. So far the series has gone as planned, but seriously, if Chauncey can't be 100% then the Pistons may be in serious trouble. Dwight Howard is doing his best Superman impression, and they have no way to stop him. They can send Theo Ratliff at him, but it seems to me that Superman enjoys that little challenge. I am personally excited to see if Rashard Lewis can ever match what he did Wednesday night. If he can, that is another huge push in Orlando's favor. Game 4 tonight, Pistons lead 2-1.

Lakers - Jazz
We have two monsters at their home courts going at it. The Lakers are one of the four teams that beat the Jazz at home this year, and they will have another chance to do so tomorrow at 3:30 EST. Make sure you tune into this one. Carlos Boozer looks as if he has finally risen to play in this series, posting numbers of 27 points and 20 rebounds in last night's Jazz victory. Let's see Kobe go out tomorrow and put up 40 and let these Lakers jump on his back. Game 4 tomorrow, Lakers lead 2-1.

Hornets - Spurs
How fun is this series? Easily my favorite of the second round. You have the best point guard in the game(Paul), matched only by another unbelievably talented one(Parker). You have the best power forward in the game(Duncan), matched only by a young star that the press loves to call underrated (West). You have a top 5 shooting guard in the league (Ginobili) and to match the other side has a dead-eye shooter (Peja). When you add in great defensive play from Bowen and Thomas for the Spurs, and Chandler and the rest of the Hornets, you have yourself a fantastic series. All three games have gone to the home squads, and Game 4 will be just as exciting tomorrow. I am definitely looking forward to a Kobe-Paul battle in the West Semis, so I am hoping for the Hornets to pull one out in San Antonio tomorrow. Game 4 tomorrow, Hornets lead 2-1.

To change gears, the Cubs had a great game played yesterday. One early misstep from Ted Lilly was repaid by his bat in the 5th inning, and then his complete shutdown performance from then on led us to victory. Such a well-played game, it was honestly a treat to watch. We have the great surprise Ryan Dempster going today against young Max Scherzer for the D-Backs. The finale will be Zambrano and Randy Johnson going at it. For those of you who don't remember, Randy Johnson is 72-0 with a 0.68 ERA lifetime against the Cubs. Pretty scary even if these are completely falsified numbers. While this is not the Unit of the '90s, he still puts fear in the Cub hitters. Hopefully we can take this series from the best team in the league so far.

To keep bringing good news, Back Door Slam is in Bloomington just a month from today at the famed Bluebird. I highly recommend seeing them for all of you who enjoyed my post about them a few weeks ago. I have plenty of room to stay down here. So if you happen to make the trip, give me a call and we'll hook up before the show.

That conveniently leads me into the song of the day. And since it happens to be 72 and sunny here today, I am in fantastic spirits. Let's go with two songs today. Number one comes from the Steve Miller Band and their fantastic "Living in the U.S.A." This song just calls you to have a cheeseburger. Song two is going to have to be from the greatest guitarist of all time, Jimi Hendrix. One of my favorites by him, this is "Little Wing." Also along with this song is a real cool slide show of some Jimi moments. Enjoy, and have a great weekend.