Professional Sports

Hello Playoffs: What to Expect from the Brooklyn Nets

4.20.13 at 7:41pm by Kenny Ducey

Derrick Rose isn’t playing (yet), and that means Deron Williams is ready for the spotlight in his first playoff stint as a Net. “I feel good, I definitely feel confident. I’m excited about being back in the playoffs; it’s been two years since I’ve been there. I’m ready to go,” said Williams after Wednesday’s win over Detroit. Williams last played postseason ball in 2010, for the Utah Jazz, and averaged over 24 points per game. This time, though, he won’t be dishing to Carlos Boozer, Andrei Kirilenko, and Paul Millsap.

New Look Knicks Seeking Revenge Against Celtics

4.20.13 at 2:48pm by Steve Simineri

Just last spring the Knicks were eliminated in five quick games by the Miami Heat, but for Knick fans that feels like a decade ago, as the team had their best regular season in nearly twenty years. In a short few months fans have all but forgotten about Linsanity and barely recall two Aprils back where the team was quickly swept by the Boston Celtics in the first-round.

On Deck: April 18th - Jeter Out Until After the All-Star Break

4.18.13 at 6:21pm by Kenny Ducey, Kris Venezia

Kenny Ducey and Kris Venezia discuss Derek Jeter's setback and how the Bombers will adjust to life without their captain. Plus, Bryce Harper's eventful week and Jose Bautista's back injury.

State of the Yankees: Kevin Youkilis, from Villain to Acceptance

4.17.13 at 9:58am by Nolan Silbernagel

It’s a warm, early spring night in the Bronx. Kevin Youkilis steps up to the plate, and hits a ground ball that goes just past the shortstop and third baseman for a base hit, his second one of the night.

A long chorus of “Yoouuukkkk” from the 34,000 fans echoes throughout Yankee stadium. If a similar scene were to occur within the past few years, when Youkilis was on the hated Boston Red Sox squad, one can almost guarantee the home New York crowd would have replaced “Youk” with “Boooo”.

It’s amazing how fast allegiances can change in sports.

Knicks' Competent Leadership a Major Asset

4.16.13 at 7:14pm by Steve Simineri

After Pat Riley’s bolted town for Miami following the 1994-1995 season the likes of Don Nelson, Jeff Van Gundy, Don Chaney, Lenny Wilkins, Larry Brown, Isiah Thomas and Mike D’Antoni have come to lead the Knicks back to the promised land. But, all failed. In fact the group failed to land even a single division crown.

At long last behind the leadership of Mike Woodson, the Knicks first round draft choice in 1980, the franchise has secured their first division title in 19 seasons and first 50 win season in over a decade. Both achievements were goals he set for his team at the start of the season, despite New York being overlooked by many (in fact, not one of the 35 ESPN.com NBA writers picked them to win the Atlantic).

On Deck: April 15th - HIROK!

4.15.13 at 10:22am by Kenny Ducey, Kris Venezia

Kenny Ducey and Kris Venezia wrap up the Yankees' and Mets' weekend series wins, including sparking performances from Hiroki Kuroda and Matt Harvey. They also go out west where they discuss the recent brawl between the Dodgers and Padres, and the first Home Run of the season for Josh Hamilton.

The Masters with Hank Gola

4.14.13 at 11:01am by Mike Watts

Hank Gola of the NY Daily News gave us twenty minutes from Augusta National to talk the Masters this week on One on One. Jake Kring-Schreifels and I ask Hank where the best place to watch the greatest event in golf, while Hank was more interested in what was happening in New York. Tiger Woods' penalty, Tianlang Guan making the cut, the relative unknowns at the top of the leaderboard and the "sub-par" efforts of Graeme McDowell and Phil Mickelson.

The Isles (and John Tavares) Control Their Own Destiny

4.13.13 at 12:48pm by Mike Watts

Maybe the writing was on the wall nearly four years ago when John Tavares first donned a blue and orange Islanders jersey. No flashy ceremony to say “New York hockey is back," but a fresh face for a failing franchise. More likely, you probably viewed the first overall pick of the 2009 draft as another future star who would toil away in a bad organization like Rick Nash (Columbus), Ilya Kovalchuk (Atlanta) and Rick DiPietro (New York Islanders) before him. With seven games left in the 2013 season, The Islanders officially controls their own destiny to the postseason, and their young alternate captain is the reason why.

On Deck: April 11th - Yankees Rolling

4.11.13 at 6:16pm by Kenny Ducey, Kris Venezia

Kenny Ducey and Kris Venezia discuss the recent power surge with the New York Yankees, and if it can sustain this level of success. They also touch on the Mets interest in Giancarlo Stanton and Carlos Gonzalez, and Aaron Harang's new home.

Mets Look to Keep the Ball Rolling

4.10.13 at 8:56pm by JT Mercurio

The Amazin’ Mets have opened up the season at 5-3. To be honest, it’s really difficult to get your hopes up when it comes to the boys from Queens. For the past couple of seasons, the Mets have gotten off to some great starts, instilling hope and pride in their fans from around the Tri-State area. As soon as the All-star break comes, though, things start to head downhill and the team usually finishes several games out of first and a record sub-.500.