NBA: Carmelo Anthony traded to New York in huge deal

Today was a huge day in the NBA as the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks made trades. The New York Knicks received a big boost to help out tall man Ama're Stoudemire. Forward Carmelo Anthony and Guard Chauncey Billups, both stand-out players, have been added to New York's roster. 

I think that the Knicks got the better deal in this trade as far as being good sooner is concerned. The Nuggets received $3 million in cash which they can either spend soon to buy a player or save up to get a star. But overall Denver will need to be patient and wait until they can have real success again. 

Tearing apart two star players from a lineup can leave bad team morale and it will take time for both teams to get to play well together but especially for Denver as they are losing two great players and are not receiving anyone particularly good.

It will also take time for a rookie to play to play at his best in the NBA so it could take up to 4 years until the Denver Nuggets play really well and get the most out of their first-round pick. 

New York should start playing very well sooner rather than later. They now have two star players who are also great leaders. Chauncey Billups is a four-time NBA all-star, Carmelo Anthony is also a four-time NBA all-star and  Ama're Stoudemire is a five-time NBA all-star. 

Source: www.nba.com

Knicks get:

G Chauncey Billups

G Anthony Carter

F Renaldo Balkman

F Carmelo Anthony

C Shelden Williams

Nuggets get:

G Raymond Felton

F Danilo Gallinari

F Wilson Chandler

C Timofey Mozgov

$3 million in cash

2014 first-round pick

2012 second-round pick (originally Warriors' pick)

2013 second-round pick (originally Warriors' pick)

News: Christchurch hit by 6.3 magnitude earthquake

Damage to the Christchirch Cathedral caused by the quake.

This morning the city of Christchurch in New Zealand was hit with a 6.3 magnitude earthquake. This comes just 5 months after the city was struck by a 7.1 magnitude quake. Severe damage has occurred to building and roads. 


Multiple fatalities have been reported and two buses were crushed by toppling buildings, A doctor and emergency services are attending," police said in a statement. Reports have come through of people being trapped in or under buildings and debris, fires in buildings in the CBD and several building collapses. 


The steeple of the Christchurch Cathedral collapsed and it is unknown if people are trapped underneath.


The quake struck at 12:51pm. Students were at schools and people were at work, it was a very busy time of day. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key could not rule out whether there had been any fatalities but could confirm that there had been significant damaged caused by it. All flights in New Zealand have been grounded as the national air traffic control center is in Christchurch.


Aftershocks are still being felt as far up as Wellington. New Zealand is situated on the so-called "Ring of Fire", the boundary of the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates, and experiences up to 15,000 tremors a year. It averages at least one a day that is magnitude 4.0 or stronger. 


I think that this is horrible. The fact that it is the second strong one in 5 months just makes it all the worse. Hopefully emergency services can save as many people as possible.


Source: www.theage.com.au 


   

Ice Hockey: NHL game of the week: Montreal Canadiens @ Boston Bruins

It was bound to be a rough game as the two rivals met in Boston on Wednesday. Both teams played hard but in the end the Bruins won in a 14 goal game, 8-6.  

Boston scored twice in 12 seconds to take a 2-0 lead heading into the second period. Montreal scored the next two goals in the second period to tie it up at 2-2. It was an intense game in the second period and Boston lead 6-4 heading into the final period.
Montreal couldn't come back from there and lost 8-6.

Boston goalie Tim Thomas let in a season high 6 goals but added excitement to the game when he fought with Montreal goalie Carey Price. The two best goalies in the league squared off in a fight where neither of the goalies wanted to hurt the other.

Gloves were dropped 6 times and fists were flying all night in the violent game.

 "Today was a big game. A lot of points were on the line. Important points," Gionta said. "It's just an emotional game, and that's what you saw out there." The Montreal captain had 1 goal and 1 assist on the night.

Boston has now moved ahead of Montreal in the Northeast division by 4 points and lead the Northeast.


I believe that the Boston Bruins played very dirty and were annoying the Habs players all game. The fighting was very unsportsmanlike but it was fun to watch.

Source: http://www.nhl.com/