Here we are, another week in the books! This week we saw quite a bit of the usual craziness, from the NBA trade deadline to tightening European league races to the return of the racing season. Early February means the NFL is done, and it's time for someone else to steal the spotlight. And who stole the biggest spotlight on this first post-NFL week? Had to be the NBA trade deadline
The NBA Trade Deadline was an absolute thriller! On a deadline where the biggest name on the market of them all, Anthony Davis, didn't get traded, it felt like the trades never stopped. Let's begin with the hometown team: The Toronto Raptors. The Raptors made a necessary move given their win-now attitude. The team traded Lithuanian Pizzaville Uber Eats star Jonas Valanciunas, along with Delon Wright, a 2024 2nd round pick and CJ's PJ's star CJ Miles to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Marc Gasol. While the Raps did give up quite a bit, you do need to give up something to get something.
Gasol is part of this year's motto: WIN NOW! In the middle of all this, the Raps have decided not to lose the core of their young players, putting them in position to possibly compete down the road should Kawhi Leonard not decide to continue with the team. The team also obtained Jeremy Lin as a third PG. When you have Lin as a 3rd PG, you are positioning yourself for a long playoff run. Every competing team basically in the east got better: Tobias Harris to the Sixers, Stauskas to the Pacers, Mirotic to the Bucks. Clearly there is a real opportunity to get to a finals that hasn't presented itself with Lebron gone. It should be one of the best playoff races in years, stay tuned!
Speaking of playoff races, we are getting to that point in the NHL season where every point counts. I really dislike the 3 point games, it's putting an extra point in play for a percentage of the season's games. I'm a proponent that if you want to have a "loser" point in overtime, then make a win a 3 point game. I feel like winning in regulation is not being benefitted as much as it should. Now, I understand this means that there won't be as many competitors in the race to make the playoffs. But, because of the 3 point game, I feel we could see bigger comebacks and bigger gaps. All of a sudden, a 20 point gap could theoretically be wiped out in the span of 7 games.
The Maple Leafs are positioning themselves for a playoff run. Lots of controversy has been playing out because of the Leafs power play. It really doesn't make much sense as the talent on this team should lead the league with the man advantage. But I think Babcock knows what he's doing, the team is preparing for a stretch run. They want to position themselves to make some surprising moves and position themselves to succeed in the playoffs. I like what I see!
As a Benfica fan, I really liked what I saw from the team this past weekend. This is an obvious comment when a team wins 10-0. Best game I have ever seen from Benfica EVER! It had been over 50 years since Benfica scored 10 goals in a game. The team is looking hungry and has gotten to within a point of Porto. I'm definitely not saying Benfica is the favourite, let alone that they'll win the championship. Porto is a very strong team and they've only lost points to teams in the top 6. There is still lots to be decided, and Braga is within 2.
It's not just in Portugal that things have tightened up. England has a race now with Man City's clobbering of Chelsea 6-0. Liverpool might break under pressure given they haven't been in this position. There is a lot riding on this championship for them! Guardiola may have them where he wants them. And let's not forget Tottenham, who is not far at all. Also, although not as tight, Germany has a 5 point gap between Dortmund and Bayern. Never count Bayern out! And Spain is now 6 points between classic rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid. The Merengues are closing in!
Finally, the racing season is back! NASCAR made some rule changes, and frankly they really need to shoot some darts at a board and hope they stick. This is a big year for them and they need momentum to change. Too many sponsors and people are leaving. Biggest race of the year is the Daytona 500. I'm taking Brad Keselowski. He's due for a 500. The other driver due? Kyle Busch. Some of the best never got to celebrate winning the Superbowl of NASCAR, but I think both of the mentioned drivers will one before their career is out. I expect Kyle Busch to win his 2nd championship, the team looks poised.
And congratulations to SportPesa Racing Point F1, Canada has a Formula 1 team. And they have a Canadian, Lance Stroll, on the team. More on F1 to come in the future, but it's awesome to see it happen!
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