Month: April 2021

Sports Throwback Thursday: 1999 New York Knicks

Welcome to another edition of Sports Throwback Thursday! The 1999 New York Knicks is an incredible Cinderella team. They were the No. 8 seed that went all the way to the NBA Finals. They eventually lost to the San Antonio Spurs, but their playoff run is something to never be forgotten.

Knicks center Patrick Ewing had battled injuries that year. He had tore his Achilles. Therefore, he would need more help. Marcus Camby and Kurt Thomas were very instrumental for the Knicks during that year. Of course, I could never forget the signing of Latrell Sprewell. Many fans were concerned about this move because Sprewell’s reputation took a hit after he chocked his ex-coach PJ Carlisimo. But Sprewell turned out to be okay for the Knicks. He averaged almost 17 points per game and I’ll never forget his performance in Game 5 in the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. My favorite Knicks player of all time is Allan Houston. I really hate that injuries derailed his career because he was very good. I loved his jumpshot and competitive nature. Houston and Sprewell were an underrated duo for the Knicks from 1999-2001.

Knicks finished with a 27-23 record. It was a short lockout season. Knicks faced off the No. 1 seed Miami Heat. They were major rivals at the time. It was their third consecutive year facing off each other. Allan Houston hit a game winning jumper in the decisive Game 5 to give the Knicks a 78-77 win and move on to the next round. Basketball games can still be exciting when it’s a low scoring game. It’s totally different in today’s NBA.

Knicks went on to defeat the Atlanta Hawks, rival Indiana Pacers to win the Eastern Conference Finals. When the Knicks reached the Finals, it was too much to handle going up against the twin towers (David Robinson and Tim Duncan.) The Knicks had no answer for the front court duo. They were completely mismatched. Spurs won in five games, capturing the franchise’a first NBA championship.

The NBA needs more surprising stories like the 1999 New York Knicks. Super teams have ruined the game to a degree. The Knicks haven’t won a title since 1973 and they haven’t been to the Finals since ‘99. As a Knicks fan, I can only hope to see them win a title during my lifetime.

My Trip to Puerto Rico

Good Morning! Happy Tuesday! I know I have several days without writing on my blog, but I’m back in a big way. Last week, I went to Puerto Rico for the first time. Going to Puerto Rico is a dream come true because I had my eye on this trip for such a long time. I went for two days only, but I had an amazing time. I stayed at the Hampton Inn and Suites hotel. Great hotel for one person and for couples.

This is located in Old San Juan

Puerto Rico was my first vacation trip since December 2019, when I went on a cruise trip with a neighbor of mine. I mostly stayed in the city of San Juan for this trip. Old San Juan is incredible. I had the privilege to walk around Old San Juan and take several pictures and videos. The weather was humid. It must’ve been like 89 degrees. I caught a headache, but I didn’t let that stop me from having fun. One of my first stops in Old San Juan was La Fortaleza.

La Fortaleza! There used to be umbrellas in the air, but now it’s pink. Still looks beautiful though.

After La Fortaleza, I walked to Calle Imperial. I needed a picture with the Puerto Rican flag door.

There are many good restaurants in Old San Juan. You have La Factoria (which the music video Despacito was filmed), La Barrachina, Cafe Manolin, and many more. However, I needed to pick one restaurant because after walking so much, I got hungry. This restaurant was brought to my attention from an old friend of mine. It’s called “Raices Restaurant.”

Rice with beans and Mofongo.

If you come to Puerto Rico, it’s a must to try the Mofongo. After waiting for about 15-20 minutes, I finally got a table for me to sit and eat. Raices is a restaurant you should keep an eye on.

Calle Norwegazay
Playa de Isla Verde
The Pool at Hampton Inn and Suites
I needed to get one of these shirts before leaving Puerto Rico

LaMarcus Aldridge Retires

Brooklyn Nets center LaMarcus Aldridge announced on Twitter on Thursday that he is retiring from the NBA after experiencing an irregular heartbeat during his final appearance with the team.

This is sad. Aldridge had a chance to win a title this year. However, health and family is the number one priority right now. This reminds me of Chris Bosh who had to retire prematurely because of health issues.

Aldridge is a 7-time All-Star with five All-NBA selections.

Jamal Murray Out For The Season

The Denver Nuggets received a devastating loss by one of their best players.

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament of the left knee and will be out indefinitely, the team announced Tuesday.

Murray suffered what appeared to be a non-contact injury during the Nuggets’ 116-107 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Monday night. He crumpled to the ground in pain, clutching his left knee and pounding the court with his hand after trying to split two Warriors defenders on a drive with 50.6 seconds remaining and the Nuggets trailing 111-104.

This makes me mad because I hate seeing good, talented players go down because of injuries. Murray’s injury puts the lid on the Nuggets’ title hopes for this season. Michael Porter Jr and Will Barton will have to step up in the absence of Jamal Murray. Injuries are part of the game. He’s another name on the list of players who have dealt with injuries this season.

Miguel Cabrera Heading To The Disabled List

Good Morning! I wish everyone a happy Sunday. I start today with some news about Miguel Cabrera; injuries continue to be a problem for the future hall of famer. The Detroit Tigers placed first baseman on the 10-day injured list Sunday with a left biceps strain.

Cabrera, 37, is 3-for-24 in seven games with one home run and three RBIs. The two-time MVP and former Triple Crown winner needs 12 homers to reach 500 for his career.

A-Rod, Lore To Purchase Timberwolves

Happy Saturday Night! Today, I heard some very random news in the Sports world. Former baseball player Alex Rodriguez and billionaire Marc Lore are finalizing a deal to purchase the Minnesota Timberwolves from majority owner Glen Taylor.

It’s random because I never thought that A-Rod would have plans to buy a basketball team, especially the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves. I do believe that the management needs some profound changes. After what happened with Jimmy Butler, some of us basketball fans questioned their mentality as a basketball franchise.

Who knows? Maybe A-Rod can change the organization around. He is a champion and an intelligent businessman. So I’ll be watching to see how this will play out.

Miguel’s Friday Thoughts

It’s a somber day for Hip Hop, especially here in New York. Rapper DMX has passed away. He was 50 years old. You get the feeling that it was coming, but it’s still devastating because it’s DMX. He is someone I grew up listening to his music since I was eight years old. The first time I heard one of DMX’s songs came from my oldest sister’s 17th birthday party, May 1999. When the “Ruff Ryders Anthem” was playing, it was one of the party’s best highlights. Many of the guys from my old block who were at the party were singing the song aloud. Ever since that day, I became intrigued by who DMX was. The “Ruff Ryders Anthem” song is still being played to this day. You can hear this song in cars and at parties too. The beat is just too sick.

DMX had so many incredible songs. “Slippin” is the song that resonates with me the most because I went through many tough times during my teen years, including depression. “Slippin” helped me get through those rough days. If I were to meet DMX, which I won’t be able to now, I would’ve thanked him for making that record and helping me to get back on my feet.

I wasn’t old enough to witness how sad it was when Biggie passed away. Some people I know, who are a little older than I am, have said that Biggie’s death was devastating, and New York was mourning. When Biggie died, people were wondering who was going to fill the void in New York. DMX, alongside Jay-Z and Ja Rule, helped fill that void from 1998 through 2002.

DMX has battled drugs throughout his life and fought so many demons. He had a rough childhood. It’s sad how his life and career derailed because of drugs. I will always admire DMX for evoking his emotions through this music. He made you felt his words.

Rest in Peace, X. You’re one of my favorite rappers of all time, and it’s been a privilege to listen to your tracks throughout these years.

Sports Throwback Thursday: Wrestlemania 19

What’s up, everyone? We are back for Sports Throwback Thursday. Since we are four days away from Wrestlemania, it makes perfect sense to go back in time to talk about Wrestlemania. Today, I will talk a bit about Wrestlemania 19.

Wrestlemania 19 is considered one of the best Wrestlemanias ever; Wrestlemania 19 took place in Seattle. The Rock and Stone faced off for the third and final time. Before their match, Austin’s life was at stake. Shortly before the event, Austin had suffered a mild heart attack. Can you imagine how Wrestlemania would’ve been if Austin had passed away? It would’ve been devastating. Thank god Stone Cold Steve Austin is still with us. Back to the match, The Rock finally got over the hump and beat Austin at Wrestlemania. This was Austin’s last match. The Rock would wrestle once more time the following month against Goldberg at Backlash before leaving the company temporarily. Regardless, it was the end of an era. The Rock and Stone Cold were the biggest reasons why the Attitude Era flourished.

The match between HHH and Booker T still pisses me off to this day. All I’m gonna say….BOOKER T SHOULD’VE BEEN THE DAMN WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!!!

Brock Lesnar defeated Kurt Angle to win the WWE title. After Wrestlemania, Kurt Angle stepped away to get neck surgery done. Lesnar continued his physical dominance in the company.

Shawn Michaels versus Chris Jericho was an exciting matchup. Both of them are phenomenal wrestlers. Their rivalry became when Shawn Michaels appeared on Jericho’s Highlight Reel. Jericho insulted Michaels by telling him that he’s washed up. He said this because HBK lost to HHH at Armageddon 2002. After mocking Michaels and threatening to attack him, Jericho turned around into Michaels’ Sweet Chin Music. Michaels would go on to defeat Jericho at Wrestlemania 19.

Reminiscing Mario Chalmers Big Shot

Before winning two championships with the Miami Heat, Mario Chalmers was a college star for the University of Kansas.

Thirteen years ago today, Mario Chalmers sinks a game-tying 3-pointer for Kansas to force overtime vs. Memphis and would go on to lead the Jayhawks to a national championship. Memphis had their future 1st overall pick on their team by the name of Derrick Rose.

Chalmers was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2008 NCAA Tournament.