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Red Nation has been crazy with anticipation with the Game 7 matchup between the Clippers and Rockets.

Special Edition Houston Rockets Nike

(www.PlaytimeCares.com) - The Houston Rockets are the best team in the hardest conference and division in professional basketball.

How can I make such a claim?  EVERY team in their division made the playoffs this year.  Every team...not a few...EVERY!!!  Every team has over a .500 winning percentage for the season as well. 

To add to their great play this year, they also have the player that should be the NBA's League MVP for the 2014 - 2015 basketball season.   That player is James Harden.  If you have been keeping up with my previous post about the league MVP, you will get the entire rundown of my logic of why Harden is the logical choice. 





You should know that the City of Houston, and the Metropolitan community, are in full force supporting the Rockets domination of the Dallas Mavericks.  It should be noted, that Houston and Dallas love a friendly competition in all sports, and all levels of playing of those sports!  If you do not believe me, just Google "Texas football" and comment back what  you research unfolds.

Video:

I decided to take my sports and foodie reporting self to the local Academy Sports and Outdoors
to see how strong the Rockets buzz was via merchandise in the store.  Not surprisingly, not too much Rocket merchandise left, and with every win, they say more merchandise is flying off the shelves.  When asked if they have any Mavericks or Spurs gear, an emphatic "NO" was given!  Texas has state love, but right now, we are only cheering on the Rockets! They actually only have 1 more pair of special edition Rockets Nike in a size 8, but I am sure by the time you read this, that pair was already purchased!

IF, like myself, situations do not afford you the opportunity to see game 5 live in the Toyota Center, as they wrap up the instate rivalry and series, then you have options all throughout Houston to catch the game in fabulous fan fare!  I know that Hooters on Katy Freeway, in Katy, TX is a great stopping point.  You know that you can rely on them to give you great service and their famous wings, but they will have the game on full blast.  They will have 16+ TVs playing the game at the same time inside, with 3 TVs outside playing the game, and they will also give MILITARY PERSONNEL a 20% discount on their meal.

Where will you watch the Rockets wrap up this series?

(www.PlaytimeCares.com) - Only a few days left in the 2014 - 2015 NBA regular season and many people have chimed in on the League Most Valuable Player (MVP) race.  Let's get one thing clear - LeBron James is the best player in the league...PERIOD!  Yet, this year does lend credence that someone else should be honored with MVP status despite the greatness that is LBJ.

ESPN thoughts on who should be in the NBA MVP race

I have been hearing and reading all different type of stuff about who should be considered for a variety of reasons, and I am here to chime in on what really matters...my 2 cents on what I think I know! 

Anthony Davis -

• Key injury:  Himself

Current Season Stats Averages Per Game:  

• Points: 24.5
• Rebounds: 10.3
• Assist: 2.1

Notable stats: 

• Points: 24.4 - #4 in the league
• Steals: 1.5 - #28 in the league
• Blocks: 3.0 - #1 in the league
• Rebounds: 10.3 - #9 in the league
• Field Goals Made and Field Goals Attempted: #1 in the league 
• Free Throws Made and Free Throws Attempted: #7 in the league

Keep in mind that he is 6' 10" tall!  Where does he rank in STEALS in the league?  This guy can do it all on the court.  Knock against him was that he will not even play 70 games this season.  It is harder to maintain your average when you play an extra 10+ games.

Russell Westbrook - Key injury:  Himself & Kevin Durant is done for the season Current Season Stats Averages Per Game:   Points: 27.7 Rebounds: 7.3 Assist: 8.7 Notable stats:  Points: 27.7 - #2 in the league Steals: 2.1 - #2 in the league Assist: 8.7 - #4 in the league Free Throws Attempted and Free Throws Made: #2 in the league A lot of people would really like to see this guy hoist the MVP trophy this year.  This was definitely the case when he went on a triple double tear over the last few weeks.  This guy is really aggressive on the court, and one of the most athletic basketball players in the league. Knock against him was that he will not even play 70 games this season.  It is harder to maintain your average when you play an extra 10+ games.

 James Harden -

• Key injury:  Dwight Howard, Terrence Jones and 3 people indefinitely injured currently

Current Season Stats Averages Per Game:  

• Points: 27.7
• Rebounds: 5.7
• Assist: 6.9

Notable stats: 

• Points: 27.7 - #1 in the league
• Steals: 2.0 - #5 in the league
• Assist: 6.9 - #9 in the league
• Field Goals Attempted and Field Goals Made: #9 in the league
• 3 pointers attempted and 3 points made: #5 in the league
• Free throws attempted and free throws made: #1 in the league

A lot of people would really like to see this guy hoist the MVP trophy this year as well.  This was definitely the case when he went on a carry the Houston Rockets to the second best record in the Western Conference, so far...despite injuries every other day seemingly!  Coach was injured brushing his teeth.  Mascot was injured putting on the costume.  Ball boy was injured helping regulate the psi on the Patriots footballs...you get the gist!  This guy is really consistent on everything that he does.  Look at those "notable stats" and tell me that I am exaggerating! He played every game so far as well, so can't knock him too much on anything.

James Harden should be the MVP because he has been the most consistent player in the league on one of the most inconsistent teams in regards to health.  If you lose Harden, this team would not be even a playoffs contender.  He continues to achieve despite everything that is thrown his way.

Please note that I am a New Orleans native, and it pains me to not say that Anthony Davis should get the league MVP after such a wonderful year.  Harden DESERVES IT - WITHOUT A DOUBT!

 Stephen Curry -

• Key injury:  Part of the healthiest squad in the league!

Current Season Stats Averages Per Game:  

• Points: 23.6
• Rebounds: 4.3
• Assist: 7.7

Notable stats: 

• Points: 23.6 - #6 in the league
• Steals: 2.0 - #4 in the league
• Assist: 7.7 - #6 in the league
• Field Goals Attempted and Field Goals Made: #10 in the league
• 3 pointers attempted and 3 points made: #1 in the league
• Free throws attempted and free throws made: #20 in the league

My West Coast biased people...step from behind the curry filled dishes you are eating...this Curry is not the MVP for this year.  Yes, this team is the #1 team in the league...I understand that.

Yes, Curry is having a great year on the best team in the regular season this year...I understand that.

Yes, he did hit 10 3 pointers against Dallas this year...that was nice...I understand that.

His team is too healthy.  You have to go through adversity to prove you are the real MVP.

KEEP IN MIND THAT LEBRON JAMES IS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE LEAGUE.  No one can argue that...and if you are arguing that...well...I just feel sorry for you!

This isn't a popularity contest...this is a ball is life status.  The boy can ball and there is no denying that.  He is just the #2 person in the MVP race discussion, behind James Harden.

(www.PlaytimeCares.com) - It's the time of the year again folks!  Yahoo is giving away $50,000 to the person or people who can get the correct tournament bracket for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament! That means, it's time for us all to get bracket focused. If you need an NCAA bracket, download your bracket right now right here.



EVERY YEAR, I think I have a winning bracket, then there is one team that completely screws up the entire bracket!  Hey, that's the power and appeal of college basketball.

Who do you have doing really well this year?  How are your brackets looking?  Did you sign up to win money on Yahoo? Comment and let me know what you think. Just for giggles, I also chimed in on the NBA's League MVP discussion.