I hate to say it, but LeBron's not making the playoffs. Barring major health concerns to the teams he's chasing, the Kings, Clippers and Spurs; the listless Lakers are not making the postseason based on another terrible showing against Memphis. They continue to lose the games they have to win in order to gain ground in the standings. There was no cohesion and not enough fight shown in their 110-105 loss. LeBron looks good sometimes, but can a triple double that wasn't hunted for be ugly? Ingram and Kuzma cannot continue to be an either or, they both need to produce consistently on offensive and become constant threats. Especially if James is going to be just good.
LeBron's body language is not looking fun. The Lakers are on a one way trip to nowheresville. It doesn't help that their offense is basic and stale. Possibly the result of James, or maybe because everyone is miserable? The same can be said about their nonchalant defense. Being miserable can be tolerated if winning. It's a pair of cement Nikes pulling you down if you're two games below five hundred and four games back in the loss column. The Lakers are now tied with Minnesota for tenth, yikes. As a team they have a negative point differential(-1.4) and are a net negative in fourth quarters this season. Those stats do not reflect a team hungry for the playoffs. With 22 games LA is on the outside looking in.
In losing to the Grizzlies, LeBron became the first player to be in the top ten of assists and points all time. He's fifth in scoring and now tenth in assists, an amazing accomplishment. He would have rather remembered it with a win. Unfortunately for him they lost again, his team mates look disinterested, his front office might be horrible and the easiest part of their schedule after the all star game just went up in flames. I think they're done now. Space Jam can start scheduling if LA loses twice to New Orleans in a span of five days. I just don't think anyone thought it would begin in the spring. Neither did I. Somebody tell Bugs Bunny.
Fifteen years of Younger, 600 miles away and still foraging for the tasty nectar, some things never change. By nectar, I mean Pliny The Younger, the OG triple IPA. Russian River holds a place in my heart. I remain loyal, especially when I can get Younger on my side of The Willamette. Below are some of our tasting notes from February 19th.
An apricot-like nose and sweet stone fruit. The clarity and carbonation are reminders of how Russian River can stand above the trends. Maybe because they created them? This year's batch is trouble because it's so damn drinkable. Agent M remarked, "I don't remember it being so smooth." Yea, what she said. There is so much going on in this Younger. It embodies an absolute mastery of their craft. It's so balanced that you forget you're drinking a triple IPA, well done Russian River. This Younger is so good. I'm stoked I was able to have some. It's safe to say I'm not alone in thinking that. For those who haven't had it, good luck finding it. Enjoy responsibly.
Homemade soup is mmm mmm good and this recipe hits all the tasty taste buds just right. Beer cheese soup anyone? Last thing's first, the beer. Which type is up to you, but I would definitely recommend a brown ale or an amber ale. My go to suds for this soup are, Anderson Valley's Boont Amber Ale, Modern Times Dank Amber or Big Sky's Moose Drool. The malty backing tames some of the spice and works well with the cheddar. Also, I tend to go with TapatÃo or Texas Pete hot sauce.
Ingredients
2 table spoons butter, 1/2 cup diced onions, 1 tablespoon of fresh minced garlic, 1/4 cup flour, 2 cups veggie or chicken broth, 1-1/2 cups heavy cream, 12 ounces dark ale, 1-1/2 tablespoons of Dijon, 2 dashes hot sauce or to taste, 3/4 cups diced pimientos, 10-12 ounces shredded cheddar, 1/2 teaspoon pepper flakes, salt & ground black pepper, garnish with mini pretzels
Instructions
In a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in onion and cook until translucent, or about 3-5 minutes. Now add garlic and cook less than 1 minute. Next add flour, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes or until golden. Slowly add the broth and then the cream, whisk constantly until it is fully incorporated. Stir in the beer, mustard, hot sauce and pepper flakes. Increase heat to med-high and bring soup to a boil while frequently whisking. Reduce heat to medium and let it gently simmer, whisk often or until slightly thick (12-15 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in cheddar little by little until it becomes velvety. Now stir in pimientos and season to taste with salt and ground pepper.
Choose your favorite bowls and ladle in the deliciousness. Don't forget the pretzels! You can make it look pretty initially upon serving, but you'll probably want more as you destroy the bowl in front of you. I suggest pairing it with the beer used, or if you want to, a nice pilsner or lager typically goes well with it. Enjoy the warming goodness of beer cheese soup as we weather the cold collectively.
NBA All Star weekend has come and gone, and with it, some post-trade deadline laundry was aired out (Anthony Davis needs to be more tactful for his own sake and more mindful of the worker employer dynamic). I thought Diallo's repertoire of dunks were awesome. The three point shootout continues to be the best event, perhaps of the entire weekend. Who knew Joe Harris would take down the elder Curry? Then came the actual game in which Team LeBron fought back to win. The third quarter push with Dame and Klay was fun to watch. The fourth quarter was pretty good too, especially that final lineup of Bron, Kyrie, Harden, Dame and KD. Yikes! The only way that five didn't score was if they missed. Durant lead his team in scoring and was awarded his second All Star MVP. There were subplots for the rumor mill as well, the Kyrie KD whispers make me smile.
As the Association gears up for the last third or so of the season, I wanted to touch on a few topics before games begin again after the break. Below are some hoop thoughts bouncing in my mind.
Eastern Conference
The East is a top heavy foursome, sorry Pacers. Watching how the top seeds in the east shuffle into the playoffs is the second most fascinating storyline as the regular season winds down. More on the most fascinating in a bit. Two to three of these teams will go into the off season supremely disappointed. Their reward for the blood bath battle that will be the second round in the East, and then the ECF. Trying to predict which teams will enter the off season licking unsolved wounds, is anybodies guess. There will be some who will immediately try and rearm themselves, hey Danny Ainge! Either way, it's probably safe to assume that these teams will look different come next year. Maybe even the team that does make The Finals will reshape their roster depending on how their mission went to upset the Death Star. All scenarios are possible.
What is known, is that teams are going for it, just look at the trades made before the deadline. Certain trades in particular reflect the gravity of the post-LeBron era in the Eastern Conference: Gasol to Toronto, Mirotic to Milwaukee and Harris to Philadelphia. The tea leaves tell me that all four teams believe it's possible for them to make The Finals. I'll say this, I wouldn't be surprised by any combination of Philly, Boston, Toronto or Milwaukee in the ECF. I personally believe that the Celtics or Sixers are the only two who could give the Death Star something to worry about.
MVP's
James Harden, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paul George, That's it...
Next two: Nikola Jokic, Damian Lillard
RIP CITY
The Trailblazers are a dark horse threat to take down the Death Star. Rip City and OKC are the two teams out west I think can add some intrigue to the playoffs. It's time the Blazers got some more ink, or at least some more keystrokes. Dame gives the guards in Oakland trouble, he's like Kyrie in that fashion. He has no fear and is a threat from anywhere on the court to score. Al-Farouq Aminu plays hard and will make Durant work. Collins, Layman, Hood and Harkless all have different abilities offensively, and yet they possess enough size and athleticism to compete on defense as well. Plus they all kind of play with an attitude that could give two shits about the all time greatest team from the Bay. Nurkic can at least bang on Boogie and do some high screen and roll, making Cousins work on defense is ideal. Mix in some serious CJ playing out of his gourd, and we could have some drama in the west. There's no easy way to upend the champs, but teams with heart, chemistry and a known system stand a better chance than most. Rip City believes in Rip City.
LA LA LAnd
The NBA hasn't had a playoffs without LeBron since 2005. Think about that. Other than his first two years, he's always made the tournament. That's 13 straight years not counting this Lakers pursuit. Each time he's advanced to the second round at minimum. Nine of his 16 years has seen him competing in The Finals. Whether or not LeBron can get these Lakers into the playoffs, is now the most fascinating story in the NBA. Nothing else is as remotely interesting as how the Lakers regular season unfolds.
LeBron and the Lakers have 25 games to right a shit ton of wrongs. Not only will he have to play at an MVP level, he may have to broker a peace deal. A negotiation that may, or may not, go over so well with those who were named in the trade. He will then have to motivate this same group as well. It sounds like a lot, because it is. This is the Western Conference, the path he chose. I have faith in him, he's overcome incredible obstacles before, but this one's pretty sticky. There may be a reason the saying is, go west young man. Until proven otherwise, I'll stick with LeBron. Besides, as much as I love Fox and what the Kings are doing in Sacramento, LeBron's capable of catching them and the Clippers. Whether or not he will is the million dollar question. If he can pull them to the seven spot in order to avoid the Dark Side in the first round, that would be herculean. Or maybe it's LeBron-like.
Luka Lone Star
Luka did Houston. His tour continues. The Force is strong in him. Only in the NBA.
"The Joke" | Brandi Carlile | by the way, I forgive you You're feeling nervous, aren't you boy? With your quiet voice and impeccable style Don't ever let them steal your joy And your gentle ways, to keep 'em from running wild They can kick dirt in your face Dress you down, and tell you that your place Is in the middle, when they hate the way you shine I see you tugging on your shirt Trying to hide inside of it and hide how much it hurts - Brandi Carlile
eightychoices.
