The Official Redszone NBA Playoff Thread, now with more accuracy!

[Kingspoint]

...and it wasn't an upset.

The Blazers, with or without Brandon Roy, are a better team than the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix can't play any defense without fouling. As long as the Blazers stay calm and consistent and take the ball inside most of the game, they will outshoot their opponents at the foul-line and win most of their games just like they did tonight against the Suns.

Portland didn't even play that great. They just played calm and consistent.

Phoenix "might get lucky" and win 2 games, but they'll still lose the series.

Blazers in Six games. Then the Blazers will dispatch the winner of the Mavs/Spurs series before taking on LA in the Western Conference Finals.

The Blazers will then eliminate the Lakers with the help of Brandon Roy and get ready to face the Cavs.

Then, it's anybody's series at that point.

[Homer Bailey]

Interesting.

[Razor Shines]

May want to tap the brakes on printing those Western Conference Champs banners.

[Kingspoint]

May want to tap the brakes on printing those Western Conference Champs banners.

You can print them.

There was expected to be a couple of games where the Blazer bigs would get into foul trouble allowing the Suns to "get lucky" and win a couple in the series.

With Batum getting his 2nd foul four minutes into the game and LaMarcus being in foul trouble the entire game, Phoenix was able to "steal" one in the series. It will probably happen one more time before the Blazers dispatch them in six games.

No worries.

[Razor Shines]

LOL, they luckily won by 29. I"m beginning to think that you're a Suns trying a little reverse Jinx on the Blazers.

[Kingspoint]

LOL, they luckily won by 29. I"m beginning to think that you're a Suns trying a little reverse Jinx on the Blazers.

After the Blazers actually do dispatch the Suns in six, you'll see that I was right, and that it wasn't just optimism.

[Razor Shines]

After the Blazers actually do dispatch the Suns in six, you'll see that I was right, and that it wasn't just optimism.

So the Blazers squeak out game one and the Suns win game two by 29 and you see that as the Suns stealing one?

[Kingspoint]

So the Blazers squeak out game one and the Suns win game two by 29 and you see that as the Suns stealing one?

Yes.

The Blazers didn't even play that well in game 1 and they won easily. They didn't "squeak out" the game as you say.

The Suns win because the Blazers' bigs got in foul trouble.

The proof is all I need because when the Blazers win in six, I will say it loudly, "I told you so".

[Razor Shines]

Yes.

The Blazers didn't even play that well in game 1 and they won easily. They didn't "squeak out" the game as you say.

The Suns win because the Blazers' bigs got in foul trouble.

The proof is all I need because when the Blazers win in six, I will say it loudly, "I told you so".

Foul trouble? Jared Bayless is now considered a big? He's the only player on the Blazers with more than 3 fouls tonight. Aldridge had 3 and Camby had 2. Now I really don't believe that you're being sincere and I feel rather foolish.

[Kingspoint]

Foul trouble? Jared Bayless is now considered a big? He's the only player on the Blazers with more than 3 fouls tonight. Aldridge had 3 and Camby had 2. Now I really don't believe that you're being sincere and I feel rather foolish.

You obviously didn't watch the game, so your comments are worthless.

[Razor Shines]

I saw the end of the 2nd quarter on. In the 3rd quarter fouls were not an issue and the Suns really opened it up.

Yeah the Suns "got lucky" and held on by 29, but the Blazers didn't get lucky to win the first game. I did watch that whole game and it was close the whole way. I would think the Blazers would consider themselves lucky that Nash missed a wide open 3 to tie it with 5 seconds left.

I really don't care who wins and am not really saying the Suns will win. Actually the Blazers set them selves up nicely by stealing the first one, generally the underdog just wants to steal one of the first two. I just don't see it as the Blazers clearly being better than the Suns especially without Roy.

[texasdave]

Suns will move on in that series, IMO.

[Unassisted]

I'd be more excited to see "Thunder Win!!!" in the thread title. Picking the winner of a 4-5 matchup in the playoffs is about as exciting as predicting whether the grocery store will have everything on my grocery list. ;)

[BuckeyeRed27]

I was just happy that I could say Jazz win the other night (without Okur and Kirilinko). Let the Kyrlo Fresenko era begin!

[Boston Red]

I was just happy that I could say Jazz win the other night (without Okur and Kirilinko). Let the Kyrlo Fresenko era begin!

Don't forget Kosta "Boom *****es" Koufos!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn1_f1oHOSA

[BuckeyeRed27]

Don't forget Kosta "Boom *****es" Koufos!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn1_f1oHOSA

I'm really glad this is catching on more. I knew he said it when I was watching the game and was cracking up.

[KoryMac5]

Spurs-Mavs should be one of the best opening round series if game one was any indicator. These teams know each other so well and will learn to hate each other by game 3.

[NorrisHopper30]

Let's go JAZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NorrisHopper30]

By the way, Suns in 6.

[Razor Shines]

Phoenix squeaks out another one, so they've now stolen their two games.

[Homer Bailey]

Phoenix is clearly the inferior team. Only a 29 point halftime lead last night IN Portland that can obviously only be attributed to luck.

[Boston Red]

Jazz somehow manage to grab a 2-1 series lead over Denver despite zero points from Koufos.

[Razor Shines]

That Spurs - Mavs series has been a lot of fun to watch.

[NorrisHopper30]

UTAH. Called it. Let's go Jazz!

[texasdave]

UTAH. Called it. Let's go Jazz!

Don't bet the house just yet. =)

[KoryMac5]

That Spurs - Mavs series has been a lot of fun to watch.

These two teams do not like each other at all because they always play each other year after year. Home court doesn't matter in this one, and it should go 7.

[BuckeyeRed27]

UTAH. Called it. Let's go Jazz!

It is interesting how much better defensively they are with Fresenko in there. I actually believe they are a better overall team without Okur right now. The Nuggets just look flustered.

[goreds2]

What a freakin' physical series the Mavs/Spurs matchup has been! This is like old school 1970's/1980's playoff style of no layups.....you foul and not give up the basket!

It is on TNT at the moment with around 7 minutes left.
:cool:

[improbus]

What a freakin' physical series the Mavs/Spurs matchup has been! This is like old school 1970's/1980's playoff style of no layups.....you foul and not give up the basket!

It is on TNT at the moment with around 7 minutes left.
:cool:
This is why I love the NBA. I especially loved Kevin Harlan's "Jason Terry is a Flame-Thrower!" call.

C'mon Dirk, finish it off.

[texasdave]

Spurs take a 3-1 series lead on the #2 seeded Mavs and are on the verge of closing out the team with the best record in the NBA after the ASB. Maybe it wasn't wishful thinking after all. The series isn't over yet but I am thinking "Next!".

[Boston Red]

Koufos scores again!!! That's 57 points for him now (when you combine the regular season and the playoffs). Secret weapon for the Jazz looking to get the 3-1 lead.

[NorrisHopper30]

3-1 jazz

[Razor Shines]

Wow, that Spurs - Mavs series has been great, I don't want it to end. Anyone else think Najara was put in the game just to foul the piss out of someone?

[Unassisted]

Going into yesterday's games, the lower seed in each Western Conference matchup had 2 wins. I guess that's a sign of a well-balanced division.

People here are ecstatic about the Spurs performance in their series, as they take a commanding 3-1 lead on Dallas. :)

[Razor Shines]

Going into yesterday's games, the lower seed in each Western Conference matchup had 2 wins. I guess that's a sign of a well-balanced division.

People here are ecstatic about the Spurs performance in their series, as they take a commanding 3-1 lead on Dallas. :)

Yeah, it's been pretty cool. All of my family down here are Spurs fans and I've always kind of rooted for the Spurs but during this series I've pretty much become a full on Spurs fan.

Especially last night after watching IUPUI's own George Hill go off.

[KoryMac5]

Spurs-Mavs is old fashioned playoff basketball that makes me remember why I used to watch the NBA. No doubt about it Najera was sent into the game to get physical with the Spurs. I don't think Carlisle had in mind a flagrant 2 but with Blair roughing guys up underneath something was going to happen. I think the Mavs will win at home in game 5 but game 6 in San Antonio to close it out will be a blood bath.

[Razor Shines]

I think it's hilarious that the Charlotte fans boo every time JJ Redick touches the ball. He's an average NBA player and they're giving him that much attention.

[gilpdawg]

Not looking too good for Portland right now, LOL.

[Homer Bailey]

Incredible upset AGAIN by Phoenix last night. Unbelievable!

[goreds2]

Go here for your NBA playoffs information.

http://www.nba.com/playoffs2010/index.html

[reds44]

Kingspoint, you gotta be kidding me man. Nobody can be that big of a homer.

I'm fully expecting a Lakers/Spurs WCF.

[reds44]

Also, I hope the performance Kobe Bryant posted tonight gets the attention it deserves. For how everybody talks about how the NBA is a me first stats league, Kobe did something I'm not sure many superstars would do.

4-9
13 points
7 assists
3 boards
29 minutes

Not exactly a classic Kobe line? You're correct, but I'll give you three lines that tell the story of why Kobe's game tonight was great.

Gasol: 25 points (10/16), 11 boards
Bynum: 21 points (8/19), 11 boards
Westbrook: 15 points (4/13), 8 turnovers, -26

Westbrook absolutely killed the Lakers in the first four games, so Kobe took it on himself to check him. He did, and it made a world of difference.

Just an awesome, unselfish game from Kobe last night.

[BuckeyeRed27]

In this series it is pretty obvious the Lakers will be much more successful if Kobe plays more of a facilatator role and lets the big guys go to work. OKC doens't have the talent down low to stop Gasol and Bynum if used correctly like they were last night.

I'll be interested to see what he does in a close game because I doubt he will be so generous.

[Hoosier Red]

Also, I hope the performance Kobe Bryant posted tonight gets the attention it deserves. For how everybody talks about how the NBA is a me first stats league, Kobe did something I'm not sure many superstars would do.

4-9
13 points
7 assists
3 boards
29 minutes

Not exactly a classic Kobe line? You're correct, but I'll give you three lines that tell the story of why Kobe's game tonight was great.

Gasol: 25 points (10/16), 11 boards
Bynum: 21 points (8/19), 11 boards
Westbrook: 15 points (4/13), 8 turnovers, -26

Westbrook absolutely killed the Lakers in the first four games, so Kobe took it on himself to check him. He did, and it made a world of difference.

Just an awesome, unselfish game from Kobe last night.

Perhaps my favorite moment of the playoffs happened Saturday night when a Phil Jackson coached team gets blown out in an early round road game, and everyone acts surprised.

"Wow, the Lakers sure didn't look like the defending world champion last night,"
"Does this call into question whether the Lakers are a lock to get out of the west?"
"Well the series is 2-2, it's anyone's series from here."

Phil knows how to push his guys for the grueling marathon the playoffs are. This is one of his tricks, he did it with the Bulls, and he does it to the nth degree with the Lakers. He knows that he has a team that could spot OKC 3 games and still probably win the series, so why push them now, when you're going to need to pull on that energy and motivation come late May and June.

[texasdave]

I agree that when the Lakers come out motivated that OKC has almost no chance at all to win the game. But why not sweep The Thunder and get a week off as opposed to dragging things out for six or seven games? How exactly does that keep the troops fresh? And you keep letting other teams hang around for a game seven and you might find yourself flukishly out of the playoffs earlier than expected. Phil Jackson may want to rethink that strategy. This is analgous to all those track runners in the Olympics who don't advance through the heats because they were trying to save something for the finals. You can't do anything in the finals if you don't make it there.

[Patrick Bateman]

Kingspoint continues to prove that no matter how confidently you speak about a subject, you still actually need some kind of facts or, at minimum, a hint of sane logic in order for anyone to actually care.

[reds44]

I agree that when the Lakers come out motivated that OKC has almost no chance at all to win the game. But why not sweep The Thunder and get a week off as opposed to dragging things out for six or seven games? How exactly does that keep the troops fresh? And you keep letting other teams hang around for a game seven and you might find yourself flukishly out of the playoffs earlier than expected. Phil Jackson may want to rethink that strategy. This is analgous to all those track runners in the Olympics who don't advance through the heats because they were trying to save something for the finals. You can't do anything in the finals if you don't make it there.
I'm not saying I disagree with you, but everybody was up in arms last year about how the Lakers played early in the playoffs last year (specifically the Rockets series), and they ended up winning it all.

And I don't think it's a matter of not trying in Oklahoma City. I knew before the series started it was going to be hard to win there.

[Hoosier Red]

I agree that when the Lakers come out motivated that OKC has almost no chance at all to win the game. But why not sweep The Thunder and get a week off as opposed to dragging things out for six or seven games? How exactly does that keep the troops fresh? And you keep letting other teams hang around for a game seven and you might find yourself flukishly out of the playoffs earlier than expected. Phil Jackson may want to rethink that strategy. This is analgous to all those track runners in the Olympics who don't advance through the heats because they were trying to save something for the finals. You can't do anything in the finals if you don't make it there.

Well it's worked 10 times so maybe I'll trust his judgement.
I think the best analogy is to a tennis player who's down 4-1 in the 2nd set of a 5 set match. Sure he can put all his effort into winning the next 5 games before his opponent can win two. But even putting out full effort, there's a good chance he may still lose and because tennis of course resets itself every set(sorry no pun intended) he would gain nothing.
The smarter play is to do what you can to make the other player work hard to win the 2 games without working as hard yourself.

That said it can certainly come back to bite the Lakers and has on a few occasions.

[Scrap Irony]

Well it's worked 10 times so maybe I'll trust his judgement.

It's not like Phil Jackson has planned this. If asked, I'm pretty certain Jackson (and any other coach worth his whistle) will want to win every game, home or away. There are a ton of advantages to it and very little downside.

1) You can rest. Aching knees, shoulders, and wrists get better. Backs get stronger. Starters can play more minutes, rather than exposing a weak-ish bench.
2) You can prepare better for the next team, rather than having to game-plan for the current one.
3) Did I mention rest?
4) More games mean a much better chance of injury, both nagging and serious. Half-speed generally gets you hurt. Full speed may. No speed won't.
5) Less games mean less of a chance of mental fatigue. Players get overwhelmed sometimes and the pressure to win can be difficult. (One of the reasons, IMO, Jackson held out Bynam last year was to allow him to recharge his batteries for the big push late in the playoffs.) A sharper team is often the difference between winning and losing, especially in a conference as tough as the West, where best team and "worst" team is a roll of the dice each night.

[reds44]

Bynum blew out his knee (again) last year, it had nothing to do with recharging his batteries. He was also invisible in the playoffs last year.

I'm not sure if I buy the mental fatigure argument. The Lakers went 12-3 in the first three rounds two years ago, only to lose to the Celtics in the finals. Last year they were tested by both Houston and Denver, and ended up winning the title.

When you consider how banged up Kobe is, the Lakers need as much rest as possible. I just don't think you can take the Lakers struggling with OKC as any idea of what may happen in later rounds.

[Hoosier Red]

It's not like Phil Jackson has planned this. If asked, I'm pretty certain Jackson (and any other coach worth his whistle) will want to win every game, home or away. There are a ton of advantages to it and very little downside.

1) You can rest. Aching knees, shoulders, and wrists get better. Backs get stronger. Starters can play more minutes, rather than exposing a weak-ish bench.
2) You can prepare better for the next team, rather than having to game-plan for the current one.
3) Did I mention rest?
4) More games mean a much better chance of injury, both nagging and serious. Half-speed generally gets you hurt. Full speed may. No speed won't.
5) Less games mean less of a chance of mental fatigue. Players get overwhelmed sometimes and the pressure to win can be difficult. (One of the reasons, IMO, Jackson held out Bynam last year was to allow him to recharge his batteries for the big push late in the playoffs.) A sharper team is often the difference between winning and losing, especially in a conference as tough as the West, where best team and "worst" team is a roll of the dice each night.

Yes, if you could guarantee that by being laser sharp and getting everyone to give 100% effort they'd win every series 4-0 I'm sure Phil would rather do that. But again, there have been a number of games while Phil's been with the Lakers and the Bulls before hand, where they have come to an opposing stadium, and for lack of a better term packed it in.

As I said, I think this is Phil playing the percentages and understanding that even if everyone plays with 100% focus and intensity, we're still less than a 50/50 shot to win. In cases like those, he allows the team a "mental health" day. Knowing that a) the team will come out the next game with that much more of an edge, and b)he believes the opposing team has little to no shot to win a series.

Actually looking back on it, I was surprised to see it didn't happen as often as I had thought. There does seem to be a few consistent themes to some of the situations where I've felt that it has happened.

1) It seems to happen in Game 4 on the road. This is an absolute must have for the opponents and not for the Lakers. The Lakers know they're coming home with at worst a 2-2 split.

2) It seems to come against teams the Lakers are confident they can beat at home. Phil doesn't mess around with tough teams like the Spurs. He knows there is no gimmee back at Staples Center, as opposed to say the Thunder who he knows worst comes to worst, he'll win game 7 at home.

[KoryMac5]

Spurs and Mavs tonight at 8pm should not disappoint NBA fans. San Antonio better close them out in game 6 tonight at home. Should be tough physical basketball!

[15fan]

I think the Spurs came to play tonight.

I don't think the Mavs came to play tonight.

[Revering4Blue]

I think the Spurs came to play tonight.

I don't think the Mavs came to play tonight.

No doubt.

Perhaps everyone proceeded to throw dirt on the Celtics and Spurs prematurely.

What's up with the Hawks blowing a large lead at home against a crippled Bucks team?

I guess it doesn't matter..The winner of the that series is likely to get smashed by the Magic, anyway.

[KoryMac5]

Dirk with 4 fouls in the first half. I don't think he has had 4 fouls in a game all year. Spurs with a 13 point lead at the half as the Mavs did trim it down in the last 3 mins. Can't see San Antonio blowing this lead, too many players on that team with testicular fortitude.

[Razor Shines]

Mavs come right out and cut it to 5. They look like they have the momentum but one foul by Dirk and I think that goes away.

[15fan]

Hawks?

From Mark Bradley in my morning fishwrap:

http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/

"This was the Falcons blowing the lead against Danny White and Dallas in January 1981. This was Mark Wohlers hanging the slider to Jim Leyritz in October 1996. Only it wasn’t. It was worse."

Meanwhile, Mavs - Spurs is shaping up to be a great finish tonight.

[KoryMac5]

Spurs and Mavs continue to trade baskets. This kid Beaubois for the Mavs looks like he is going to be a good one for them. Gave them a definite lift off the bench.

[KoryMac5]

Spurs up there lead to 9 after Dallas missed a few easy ones under the basket. 9 mins left in the game. Spurs look to be in the driver seat.

[texasdave]

NEXT!

[Razor Shines]

Well just as Kingspoint told us the Suns dispatched the Blazers in six games.

I think the Suns and Spurs will be a fun series to watch.

[KronoRed]

After the Blazers actually do dispatch the Suns in six, you'll see that I was right, and that it wasn't just optimism.

Soo...what happened here?

[joshnky]

This thread is hilarious.

[Razor Shines]

Soo...what happened here?

I'm telling you Kingspoint is a HUGE Suns fan and he was just trying some reverse logic to put the jinx on the Blazers and it worked like a charm. He hasn't gotten back in the thread yet because he's been out partying in Phoenix.

[NJReds]

Soo...what happened here?

He was right about the six games part.

[Unassisted]

Listening to sports talk radio from Dallas today, just for fun. Some random snippets from what I heard:

- Mark Cuban's endless whining about the officiating was partly responsible for the Mavs losing that series. Calls that could go either way won't go the Mavs' way when Cuban is constantly berating the officials from his seat and to the league office. Cuban's praise of Tim Donaghy's book last December didn't endear him to officials either.

- There was no shame in losing to the Spurs.

- If you want to win in the playoffs, play for the Spurs. If you want to be treated like a rock star and be with soft teammates, play for the Mavs.

- Rick Carlisle's job is in jeopardy. (As it should be, IMO.)

[Boston Red]

Jazz/Denver series to be decided tonight in SLC. Can't see any way Utah wins a Game 7 in Denver, so tonight is it.

[Razor Shines]

Listening to sports talk radio from Dallas today, just for fun. Some random snippets from what I heard:

- Mark Cuban's endless whining about the officiating was partly responsible for the Mavs losing that series. Calls that could go either way won't go the Mavs' way when Cuban is constantly berating the officials from his seat and to the league office. Cuban's praise of Tim Donaghy's book last December didn't endear him to officials either.

- There was no shame in losing to the Spurs.

- If you want to win in the playoffs, play for the Spurs. If you want to be treated like a rock star and be with soft teammates, play for the Mavs.

- Rick Carlisle's job is in jeopardy. (As it should be, IMO.)

I heard that one last night listening to the Spurs post game show.

Seemed like most of the Spurs radio people are blaming Cuban for the way the team the team plays.

As for the fouls, Dallas just doesn't have anybody that drives the ball to the basket. And their centers combined to average 7 pts per. You just aren't going to get many foul calls if you take a bunch of jump shots.

I wonder how much Shawn Marion misses Steve Nash. I have a feeling Amare would run into the same struggles that Marion has faced if he leaves Phoenix.

[Unassisted]

I heard that one last night listening to the Spurs post game show.

Seemed like most of the Spurs radio people are blaming Cuban for the way the team the team plays.
You're right about the "rock star" take coming from San Antonio radio. I threw that one in there because IMO it was an interesting take. :D

I forgot to mention one that I heard on the Dallas station... speculation that Jason Kidd was hurt during the series and Dallas never revealed it. He seemed slower and was much less of a factor after Game 1.

Cuban has deliberately set himself up as the target of San Antonio fans' ire, ever since his comments about the "muddy" San Antonio river a couple of years ago. Fans and local radio love to hold him up as the scapegoat when the Mavs underachieve. It was interesting to hear the Dallas station blaming him, too. Maybe now, he'll stop supplying bulletin board material to his team's rivals. ;)

[Roy Tucker]

I will never figure out why the Mavs let Nash go. Cuban has a lot of money.

Spurs look pretty darn dangerous. That ain't no #7 seed.

[15fan]

I will never figure out why the Mavs let Nash go. Cuban has a lot of money.

Spurs look pretty darn dangerous. That ain't no #7 seed.

Agree on both fronts. I think Nowitzki is condemned to be Larry Bird without the supporting cast. It's astounding that a guy his size can be lethal from pretty much anywhere on the court. Pair him with Nash and it's akin to Stockton/Malone.

When the Spurs have their main guys healthy and get contributions from the role players (a la George Hill last night), they're tough to beat.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Jazz/Denver series to be decided tonight in SLC. Can't see any way Utah wins a Game 7 in Denver, so tonight is it.

Big opportunity tonight for DWill tonight. If he can have a big game and help end this thing, he will do a lot to make sure he is included in the best players in the NBA conversation. He is already having a great series, but the really great players make sure their teams win games like this one.

[WMR]

C'mon Kingspoint, you can't make the posts you did in this thread and then totally abandon it. Get in here and take your lumps like a man. :D

[Roy Tucker]

Late note...

Watching Lebron dismantle Chicago in the last game of their series, I was very surprised at how good of a NBA player Joakim Noah became. He's like Bill Laimbeer v2.

[texasdave]

You make enough predictions you are going to 'airball' a time or two. Everyone does.

[KoryMac5]

I think the biggest thing that we have learned so far from the playoffs is that the West is stacked from top to bottom. No easy teams and no easy draws.

As far as Cubes goes I think several years ago he was labeled and rightly so as a guy who wouldn't shut up. He definitely put a big old target on his team as he was constantly whinning about the refs. The last couple of years he has really done a good job of staying away from controversy. I think Carlisle will keep his job though. Can't see Dallas changing coaches for the 2nd time in a span 4 yrs.

Spurs/Mavs proved to be a good series, hopefully the Suns/Spurs continues that trend.

[Boston Red]

Jazz/Lakers on Sunday. Nice!

Hopefully the Birdman didn't break D-Will's arm on that pick after the game was already decided.

[Razor Shines]

C'mon Kingspoint, you can't make the posts you did in this thread and then totally abandon it. Get in here and take your lumps like a man. :D

He's got to think up a bigger reverse jinx for the Spurs so his Suns can move on. I'm thinking the Spurs in 3, the Suns forfeit because they realize they don't have a chance in game 4.

[reds44]

I will never figure out why the Mavs let Nash go. Cuban has a lot of money.

Spurs look pretty darn dangerous. That ain't no #7 seed.
I would not be surprised if the Spurs end up winning it all. As a Lakers fan, they've been my biggest fear in the West since the playoffs started.

[improbus]

The Celtics are looking good so far. They might be old, but they still have a number of guys who can put the ball in the basket. They are very versatile.

[KoryMac5]

I will never figure out why the Mavs let Nash go. Cuban has a lot of money.

Spurs look pretty darn dangerous. That ain't no #7 seed.

Cuban has talked about not wanting to give max money to Nash due to several reasons. One being that he was in way over the luxury tax threshold. The other being that Nash had some injury concerns, and the last being that Dallas had drafted Devin Harris. Obviously he was wrong on his gamble. Nash has played with a few nicks but he hasn't broken down, and Harris was sent packing for Kidd. Bad move and one that still pisses me off to this day.

Nowitzki not being definitive on whether he stays or goes scares me even more. Nash and Nowitzki remain the best of friends. Could they reunite?

[Boston Red]

The Celtics are looking good so far. They might be old, but they still have a number of guys who can put the ball in the basket. They are very versatile.

It's amazing how ordinary Kevin Garnett is now.

[NorrisHopper30]

utah let's go!!!

[Boston Red]

utah let's go!!!

[texasdave]

Utah has no shot. None.

[Boston Red]

Utah blew a golden opportunity today. Oh well. Just need to get one in L.A. They're obviously capable of doing that.

[NorrisHopper30]

Utah has no shot. None.

None? A team with a bunch of 23 year olds took 2 games from LA.

[texasdave]

None? A team with a bunch of 23 year olds took 2 games from LA.

Just an opinion. Five games is what I am thinking. Maybe six. I just feel that if push comes to shove the Lakers can put Kobe on Deron Williams and then what? Kobe Bryant is the difference. I would LOVE to see the Lakers lose this series. I just don't see it.

[Boston Red]

Kobe can't guard Deron Williams anymore than you or I can.

[improbus]

Just an opinion. Five games is what I am thinking. Maybe six. I just feel that if push comes to shove the Lakers can put Kobe on Deron Williams and then what? Kobe Bryant is the difference. I would LOVE to see the Lakers lose this series. I just don't see it.

The difference is that LA has 3 good seven footers and Utah's post guys are 6'8''. LA is going to get a TON of offensive rebounds and putbacks.

[reds44]

The Jazz have zero chance of winning this series.

They have nobody who can matchup with Gasol and nobody to matchup with Kobe. Other than that, they're great.

[Boston Red]

The Jazz have zero chance of winning this series.

They have nobody who can matchup with Gasol and nobody to matchup with Kobe. Other than that, they're great.

Did you miss today's game? It was a toss-up. I think this will be a very close series. Definitely expect the Lakers to win it, but the Jazz are definitely capable of beating them.

[reds44]

Did you miss today's game? It was a toss-up. I think this will be a very close series. Definitely expect the Lakers to win it, but the Jazz are definitely capable of beating them.
Have you ever watched the Lakers play basketball? They dominated the first half, were up comfortably after three quarters, and then went to sleep at the start of the 4th. The Jazz went up 4, and then the Lakers woke up and finshed the job.

At no point today did I think the Lakers were going to lose. The Jazz will get one in Utah, they may even get two, but they have zero chance of winning this series.

The Thunder were a bigger challenge.

[WMR]

I think I need to hear from Kingspoint before I decide. :redface:

[Boston Red]

Have you ever watched the Lakers play basketball? They dominated the first half, were up comfortably after three quarters, and then went to sleep at the start of the 4th. The Jazz went up 4, and then the Lakers woke up and finshed the job.


Essentially, the Lakers were unconscious most of the game, dominated for the most part, and still almost lost. The Lakers are likely to win the series, but it's pretty silly to act like the Jazz have no shot.

[reds44]

Essentially, the Lakers were unconscious most of the game, dominated for the most part, and still almost lost. The Lakers are likely to win the series, but it's pretty silly to act like the Jazz have no shot.
Nothing tells me the Lakers won't do whatever they want all series on offense.

The Jazz can't matchup with the Lakers two best players, it's really that simple.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Nothing tells me the Lakers won't do whatever they want all series on offense.

The Jazz can't matchup with the Lakers two best players, it's really that simple.

I actually feel better about the Jazz chances in this series after this game than I did before it. The Lakers will get easy buckets from time to time in this series, but they won't shoot as well outside as they did today. That was the major difference.

The other factor I like as a Jazz fan is at some point Kirilenko is going to come back in this series and there are some rumors that will be in the next game. Now I don't expect a giant impact from him right away, but even a small impact could shift this series.

Also Bynum clearly isn't healthy and won't be able to make an impact on the series and from a match up stand point that is huge for the Jazz.

[MasonBuzz3]

Kobe can't guard Deron Williams anymore than you or I can.

change "Deron Williams" to any good NBA swing/guard...


Have you ever watched the Lakers play basketball? They dominated the first half, were up comfortably after three quarters, and then went to sleep at the start of the 4th. The Jazz went up 4, and then the Lakers woke up and finshed the job.

At no point today did I think the Lakers were going to lose. The Jazz will get one in Utah, they may even get two, but they have zero chance of winning this series.

The Thunder were a bigger challenge.

couldn't agree more about the Thunder being a bigger challange. OKC is many times more talented than the Jazz, it's just that the Jazz can run their offense to perfection nearly nightly. The Jazz just simply can not defend los Lakers, especially w/o AK47 and Okur. The Lakers grabbed an easy second round reguardless if it was the injury-riddidled Jazz or Denver w/o George Karl and all the distractions. PHX or SA will provide a bit more of a challange, especially if Manu can man up and not wear a maxi pad on his face and get the mask.

[NorrisHopper30]

It's LA's big men on defense more so than offense..how many times did they swat a layup tonight?

I will still have faith in my Jazz..but they do stand a chance.

[reds44]

It's LA's big men on defense more so than offense..how many times did they swat a layup tonight?

I will still have faith in my Jazz..but they do stand a chance.
Lakers in 5.

Bynum, Gasol, and Kobe were a combined 25-42 from the field, I honestly don't see that changing at all.

[reds44]

I actually feel better about the Jazz chances in this series after this game than I did before it. The Lakers will get easy buckets from time to time in this series, but they won't shoot as well outside as they did today. That was the major difference.

The other factor I like as a Jazz fan is at some point Kirilenko is going to come back in this series and there are some rumors that will be in the next game. Now I don't expect a giant impact from him right away, but even a small impact could shift this series.

Also Bynum clearly isn't healthy and won't be able to make an impact on the series and from a match up stand point that is huge for the Jazz.
The Lakers were 2-12 from 3.

[Roy Tucker]

I agree about the Lakers and Jazz. The Lakers have too many shot blockers while the Jazz have a bunch of short-armed guys. Jazz might win a game or 2, but the Lakers are a horrible match up for the Jazz.

I see the Spurs getting by the Suns and posing a challenge for LA.

I've been surprised at how well the Celtics are playing.

[BuckeyeRed27]

The Lakers were 2-12 from 3.

I was referring more to the mid range jumpers and fade aways. They made a lot more of those than I feel they will in the rest of the series.

Another thing I'd like to see is a little more isolation with DWill against whoever is attempting to guard him. It's the only match up where the Jazz have an advantage, but its probably the biggest mismatch for either team. It's not something that the Jazz normally do in their offense, but some adjustments are obviously needed against the Lakers.

[Scrap Irony]

I was referring more to the mid range jumpers and fade aways. They made a lot more of those than I feel they will in the rest of the series.

They make a lot of those all the time. That's Kobe's bread and butter and Artest, Fisher, Odom, and Farmar are all adept at it, too. Absolutely demoralizes the other team's fanbase to see great D for 23 seconds, then a fade-away 21 footer that goes drain-o as the buzzer sounds.

The old Celtics used to do that almost every possession.

[Jack Burton]

Obviously it will be the Cavs/Lakers in the finals, it's what the NBA wants.

[Unassisted]

Obviously it will be the Cavs/Lakers in the finals, it's what the NBA wants.Boston's making that a little tougher to agree with by stealing home court advantage tonight.

[reds44]

Obviously it will be the Cavs/Lakers in the finals, it's what the NBA wants.
People said the same thing last year.

[Will M]

I will never figure out why the Mavs let Nash go. Cuban has a lot of money.

Spurs look pretty darn dangerous. That ain't no #7 seed.

i haven't watched a lot of NBA in the last few years. however, i have seen a few Suns playoff games. Nash is amazing. the entire Sun's offense flows around him whether in open court or in half court. he is one of the best point guards i have ever seen.

[Roy Tucker]

Boston's making that a little tougher to agree with by stealing home court advantage tonight.

Cleveland is lucky not to be down 0-2.

Lebron looked flatter than a pancake last night for 3 1/2 quarters.

[Jack Burton]

Boston's making that a little tougher to agree with by stealing home court advantage tonight.

Keeps people interested, can't have a sweep in every round. Dangle that carrot.

[reds44]

Cleveland is lucky not to be down 0-2.

Lebron looked flatter than a pancake last night for 3 1/2 quarters.
This looks exactly like the Orlando series last year. If you remember, the Cavs were outplayed in both of those games but LeBron bailed them out in game 2 with his buzzer beater.

Give me Celtics in 6.

[Razor Shines]

i haven't watched a lot of NBA in the last few years. however, i have seen a few Suns playoff games. Nash is amazing. the entire Sun's offense flows around him whether in open court or in half court. he is one of the best point guards i have ever seen.

Yeah, he's pretty incredible. I think he could have had 50 last night, but he just doesn't look for his shot that often and his team is probably better because of it.

That said, I'm still thinking the Spurs take this series. Wouldn't be surprised if it goes 7 though.

[NorrisHopper30]

cavs in 5

[Hoosier Red]

Keeps people interested, can't have a sweep in every round. Dangle that carrot.

If the NBA had as much control as you think, the following teams would not have made the Finals in the past 10 years.

2000: Indiana Pacers
2002: New Jersey Nets
2003: New Jersey Nets, San Antonio Spurs
2004: Detroit Pistons
2005: San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons
2007: San Antonio Spurs
2009: Orlando Magic

Quite honestly the NBA might do a better job getting the matchup it wants if it stops trying as hard as the conspiracy theorists give them credit for.

[improbus]

If the NBA had as much control as you think, the following teams would not have made the Finals in the past 10 years.

2000: Indiana Pacers
2002: New Jersey Nets
2003: New Jersey Nets, San Antonio Spurs
2004: Detroit Pistons
2005: San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons
2007: San Antonio Spurs
2009: Orlando Magic

Quite honestly the NBA might do a better job getting the matchup it wants if it stops trying as hard as the conspiracy theorists give them credit for.
Couldn't agree more.

[Boston Red]

Hopefully Fesenko has played his last NBA minute. Koufos is a lot better than Fesenko....and Koufos is horrible.

[reds44]

Time for the backups to suck again.

[Razor Shines]

It's nice to see that the Magic got a 2nd round bye.

[reds44]

It's nice to see that the Magic got a 2nd round bye.
They may get to the ECF in 8 games.

[Razor Shines]

They may get to the ECF in 8 games.

It didn't work out too great for the Cavs last year. I wouldn't be surprised to see them drop one to ATL, just out of sheer boredom.

[Boston Red]

Another game right there for the Jazz in the fourth quarter. Not gonna win too many in L.A. when Boozer and Williams don't bother to show up.....against the Clippers, much less against the Lakers.

[reds44]

Another game right there for the Jazz in the fourth quarter. Not gonna win too many in L.A. when Boozer and Williams don't bother to show up.....against the Clippers, much less against the Lakers.
Have you ever watched the Lakers play? This was another game where the Lakers were up by 10 the entire game, and they just stop trying in for awhile.

Neither of these games have ever been in doubt.

[Boston Red]

Have you ever watched the Lakers play? This was another game where the Lakers were up by 10 the entire game, and they just stop trying in for awhile.

Neither of these games have ever been in doubt.

Sure. The Jazz easily could have won both games. Time to hold serve in SLC.

[reds44]

Sure. The Jazz easily could have won both games. Time to hold serve in SLC.
No, especially not this one.

[Boston Red]

You're right. That four point game with five minutes left was out of reach the whole way. Williams shooting 4-16 didn't matter at all in the outcome.

[reds44]

Kobe had 30, 8, and 5
Gasol had 22 and 15
Bynum had 17 and 14.

They have no answer for those 3. It's not going to change. It's Lakers in 5 at the most. If going back to Utah makes the Jazz taller, than they are in great shape.

[Boston Red]

All those things being true, the Jazz were right there with a chance to win in the last minutes of both games. Hard as it is to believe, the Jazz are a pretty good team, too.

And the Jazz probably will get taller Saturday.

[Jack Burton]

If the NBA had as much control as you think, the following teams would not have made the Finals in the past 10 years.

2000: Indiana Pacers
2002: New Jersey Nets
2003: New Jersey Nets, San Antonio Spurs
2004: Detroit Pistons
2005: San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons
2007: San Antonio Spurs
2009: Orlando Magic

Quite honestly the NBA might do a better job getting the matchup it wants if it stops trying as hard as the conspiracy theorists give them credit for.

You can't make it obvious.

[Hoosier Red]

You can't make it obvious.

It's a brilliant conspiracy I must admit.
Allowing the Spurs to win 4 times in 9 years, in fact making it more possible through somewhat controversial suspension of several key players of the more popular Suns team in 2007 would have thrown off less ardent theorists.

But to know it was all a ruse to make people believe they weren't orchestrating all the games behind the scenes. David Stern is truly brilliant.

The only shame of it is that I now know the Pacers weren't actually any good in the late 90's. They were only propped up to create a rivalry with the Bulls and the Knicks.

[Jack Burton]

It's a brilliant conspiracy I must admit.
Allowing the Spurs to win 4 times in 9 years, in fact making it more possible through somewhat controversial suspension of several key players of the more popular Suns team in 2007 would have thrown off less ardent theorists.

But to know it was all a ruse to make people believe they weren't orchestrating all the games behind the scenes. David Stern is truly brilliant.

The only shame of it is that I now know the Pacers weren't actually any good in the late 90's. They were only propped up to create a rivalry with the Bulls and the Knicks.
Lol. You have heard of Tim Donaghy, correct? You have witnessed Jordan, and now Kobe & LeBron get phantom calls, correct? The NBA is a fraud, teams are not on level playing fields. When you are informing your refs to make calls in favor of a certain team it obliterates the integrity of the game.

[Hoosier Red]

Lol. You have heard of Tim Donaghy, correct? You have witnessed Jordan, and now Kobe & LeBron get phantom calls, correct? The NBA is a fraud, teams are not on level playing fields. When you are informing your refs to make calls in favor of a certain team it obliterates the integrity of the game.

Oh I see. So Donaghy was an agent of the NBA's vast conspiracy as opposed to some jerk ref who tried to use his knowledge to profit and had it blow up in his face.

Did Jordan get calls? Sure. Same as Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux getting a little extra on the black. Umpires and Referees are human. Some are good, some aren't. Almost all referees are affected by the home crowd. Almost anyone is affected by a superstar.

But if what you're suggesting is the case, all 32 teams are in on it, Mark Cuban complaining to Stern is just a cover and every team not named the Lakers, Celtics, Bulls, Spurs, or Pistons has essentially decided not to play for a championship but have seen little benefit.

[NorrisHopper30]

Jazz will win 3 but I have a feeling LA will steal one in Utah.

[Jack Burton]

Oh I see. So Donaghy was an agent of the NBA's vast conspiracy as opposed to some jerk ref who tried to use his knowledge to profit and had it blow up in his face.

Did Jordan get calls? Sure. Same as Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux getting a little extra on the black. Umpires and Referees are human. Some are good, some aren't. Almost all referees are affected by the home crowd. Almost anyone is affected by a superstar.

But if what you're suggesting is the case, all 32 teams are in on it, Mark Cuban complaining to Stern is just a cover and every team not named the Lakers, Celtics, Bulls, Spurs, or Pistons has essentially decided not to play for a championship but have seen little benefit.
Not saying 32 teams are in on it. It only takes a few calls to sway a game in one teams favor. The less people involved the better.

[Hoosier Red]

Not saying 32 teams are in on it. It only takes a few calls to sway a game in one teams favor. The less people involved the better.

Oh so in your mind, David Stern talks to two refs before a big game or before the series and tells them which team is going to win?

And that hasn't gotten out except through a convicted felon trying to justify his behavior?

So Stern's been able to keep this going for 25 years but why is he so incompetent at it? I mean 9 crappy TV markets in 10 years certainly is more than (well he just wanted to make it look honest,) I mean why is he leaving so much money on the table?
The Knicks in 2000, the Celtics in 2002, the Heat in 2005, the Cleveland Lebron's last year and that's only the eastern conference.

[Jack Burton]

Oh so in your mind, David Stern talks to two refs before a big game or before the series and tells them which team is going to win?

And that hasn't gotten out except through a convicted felon trying to justify his behavior?

So Stern's been able to keep this going for 25 years but why is he so incompetent at it? I mean 9 crappy TV markets in 10 years certainly is more than (well he just wanted to make it look honest,) I mean why is he leaving so much money on the table?
The Knicks in 2000, the Celtics in 2002, the Heat in 2005, the Cleveland Lebron's last year and that's only the eastern conference. Enjoy your NBA, I heard the WWE has some good programming as well.

He went "rougue", funny stuff Stern.

[Razor Shines]

This thread is getting even more funny considering that the Suns are two wins from the WCF.

I really expected the Spurs to get one of the first two in Phoenix. Nash and Amare are playing like they know this is their last go around.

[Scrap Irony]

So far, the Suns and Celtics look best out of any playoff teams. That said, it's still way, way early, and old teams have a habit of playing worse and worse as the teams and games get longer and tougher.

Man, a Phoenix/ Boston titlt for all the marbles would be fun to watch. Amare against The Big Ticket. Allen and Richardson battling it out and shooting 3's from 30. Hill and Pierce willing their teams to wins. Best of all, Rondo and Nash, the two best performers so far this post-season.

[Chip R]

For the record, I think it's ridiculous that BOS and CLE have 3 days off between games 2 and 3. I know this is hardly a new thing but it's just silly.

[RBA]

I think the Lakers go to the NBA finals.

[texasdave]

For the record, I think it's ridiculous that BOS and CLE have 3 days off between games 2 and 3. I know this is hardly a new thing but it's just silly.

Jazz-Lakers same thing. Playing Tuesday and then Saturday. Ridiculous.

[reds44]

A great first 3 quarters in the Magic/Hawks game.

[Razor Shines]

A great first 3 quarters in the Magic/Hawks game.

Then the Hawks went all Hawks in the 4th.

[Homer Bailey]

Can't believe the Magic came back and covered last night. I'm destroying these NBA playoffs.

[Roy Tucker]

Orlando looks pretty good.

With Lebron's elbow being all ow-ey, I think the NBA East is up for grabs.

[texasdave]

Are the Lakers and the Jazz going to play any more games? It seems like forever since they last threw the ball up.

[Boston Red]

Are the Lakers and the Jazz going to play any more games? It seems like forever since they last threw the ball up.

They're waiting for Okur's achilles to heal. So maybe in six months or so.

[UKFlounder]

So was this a "statement" game from the Cavs?

[reds44]

So was this a "statement" game from the Cavs?
It was a statement game by LeBron.

[Roy Tucker]

Goran Dragic? Dang.

[Unassisted]

Goran Dragic? Dang.Column in the local paper today talks about how he was a Spur for 30 minutes when he was drafted in a prearranged deal with Phoenix. He was asleep on the other side of the planet at the time, got a call from Phoenix welcoming him to the team a few hours later, and didn't find out until much later about the draft day trade.

One of my Facebook friends said Dragic was a young Manu Ginobili last night.

Only question that remains is whether the Spurs will phone it in for Game 4. 88 teams have tried to come back from 3-0 playoff deficits. 88 teams have failed at it.

[texasdave]

The Spurs don't strike me as a "phone-it-in" type of ballclub. That is, however, an impossibly tall mountain to climb.

[Razor Shines]

Nice of the Hawks to give the Magic a night off.

[Boston Red]

Well, 3 of 4 lower seeded teams have been pounded now in their home openers. Hopefully the Jazz can buck the trend.

Interesting that the Jazz were 7 and 6 point dogs in Games 1 and 2 in L.A., and they're 4.5 point favorites tonight. Interesting dynamic where the Jazz almost never lose at home (though they split at home with the Lakers this year), but haven't won in L.A. in about 5 years.

[Boston Red]

Damn. Great game, but it's always going to be tough to beat the Lakers when Fischer and Artest shoot like that.

This second round is pretty awful. All three games in this series have been close, but it's over now. The Celtics still have a shot to make that series interesting, but it's hard to see them coming off the mat after last night.

[texasdave]

The Jazz fought all the way to the finish and I would expect nothing less from a team coached by Jerry Sloan. When I said Utah had no chance at the beginning of the series I certainly wasn't trying to disrespect them as a team. I just felt that Kobe Bryant was going to be the difference in this series. I definitely don't want to see this come to fruition, but I sense the Lakers lifting the trophy again this season. Upsets welcomed here.

[reds44]

Jazz played a hell of a game, but with AK47 (evem though he played) and Okur hurt, they just don't have enough firepower to beat the Lakers.

That non-call when Fisher got mugged on the inbounds was one of the worst calls I've ever seen.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Jazz played a hell of a game, but with AK47 (evem though he played) and Okur hurt, they just don't have enough firepower to beat the Lakers.

That non-call when Fisher got mugged on the inbounds was one of the worst calls I've ever seen.

Yeah it was just as bad as the no call when Boozer got mugged two plays before.

I can't imagine a worse way to lose a basketball game. That was completely gutwrenching.

[Homer Bailey]

Damn. Great game, but it's always going to be tough to beat the Lakers when Fischer and Artest shoot like that.



They won't, don't worry.

[texasdave]

Did that make game four of the Cavs-Celtics series a Rajon Rondo statement game?

[texasdave]

Yeah it was just as bad as the no call when Boozer got mugged two plays before.

I can't imagine a worse way to lose a basketball game. That was completely gutwrenching.

NBA officiating is horrible.

[RBA]

NBA officiating is horrible.

High Def and Slo-Mo makes the viewer great couch potato refs.

[improbus]

High Def and Slo-Mo makes the viewer great couch potato refs.
It is by far the hardest sport to officiate.

[texasdave]

High Def and Slo-Mo makes the viewer great couch potato refs.

NVM.

[Chip R]

It is by far the hardest sport to officiate.

I would think hockey would be. It moves so quickly and it's such a big surface.

[Roy Tucker]

The Suns have really surprised me as to how they took care of the Spurs.

I think they'll play the Lakers better than the Jazz, but I'm afraid they'll suffer from the same match-up problems with the tall Lakers.

Nash got himself a good looking hamburger eye. Still plays well with one eye.

[Razor Shines]

The Spurs don't strike me as a "phone-it-in" type of ballclub. .

No, they weren't. When Hill hit that three and got fouled to cut it to two, I thought they have a chance.

[Boston Red]

I doubt the Jazz will phone it in, either. Hell, if nothing else the Jazz players can get a free trip out of Utah to L.A. if they win tonight. That's some motivation. Also, Jerry Sloan might kill a player if they didn't play hard in an elimination game.

Granted, they'd have no chance in Game 5. L.A.'s players would, I'm sure, do everything in their power to avoid having to spend any more time in SLC.

[Unassisted]

The silver (and black ;)) lining to the sweep by the Suns, IMO is that the sooner the Spurs FO could get to working on next season, the better. Too many of the solutions they tried last off-season didn't work.

Richard Jefferson didn't fit, wasn't happy and could opt out of his deal. Keith Bogans underwhelmed and likely won't be back. The one change that did work was McDyess... that guy probably won the Dallas series for them.

Tony Parker is rumored to be unhappy going into the last year of his deal and might be traded.

They have the rights to Euro League sensation Tiago Splitter. Hopefully they find a way to bring him over.

Tim Duncan needs all the time he can get to rest those knees.

[texasdave]

They have the rights to Euro League sensation Tiago Splitter. Hopefully they find a way to bring him over.



That name alone makes him one of my favorite players.

[texasdave]

I doubt the Jazz will phone it in, either. Hell, if nothing else the Jazz players can get a free trip out of Utah to L.A. if they win tonight. That's some motivation. Also, Jerry Sloan might kill a player if they didn't play hard in an elimination game.

Granted, they'd have no chance in Game 5. L.A.'s players would, I'm sure, do everything in their power to avoid having to spend any more time in SLC.

In a way the Jazz are victims of their own success. They have only one losing season in forever so they never get the top draft choices - aside from Deron
Williams. I guess you can be too good at what you do.

[Boston Red]

The Jazz have the Knicks' first round pick this year, which will be either #1-#3 (unlikely), or #9-#12, depending on the outcome of the draft lottery. So hopefully they wind up with an impact player from that.

[Boston Red]

Looks like the Jazz didn't bother to show up for their season finale. On the plus side, at least I won't have to see Carlos Boozer in a Jazz jersey ever again after tonight.

[reds44]

Lakers smelled blood in the water early tonight.

[Cedric]

Wow. I had no idea that anybody still watched the NBA.

[Boston Red]

Mercifully over for the Jazz. The only drama was whether Sundiata Gaines would outscore Boozer in a minute and a half. It was close.

[gilpdawg]

Wow. I had no idea that anybody still watched the NBA.
If people aren't watching the NBA right now, and they like basketball, they're missing out. This isn't the same old boring NBA of the post Jordan era. The talent in the league right now is staggering. LeBron, Wade, Melo, D Williams, Durant, Chris Paul, all young guys.

[BRM]

If people aren't watching the NBA right now, and they like basketball, they're missing out. This isn't the same old boring NBA of the post Jordan era. The talent in the league right now is staggering. LeBron, Wade, Melo, D Williams, Durant, Chris Paul, all young guys.

It's the one-on-one, isolation style of play in the NBA today that turns a lot of people off. I watch a lot of Nuggets games living in Colorado and I have to say, I find them more entertaining to watch when Melo is out. They play a more team-oriented style when he's not in the lineup.

[Razor Shines]

I enjoy watching most NBA, but I can understand not wanting to see all the isolation plays. I'd submit that the Suns and Spurs would be entertaining. Especially the Suns, I think Nash is the most entertaining player in the league right now.

[BRM]

I enjoy watching most NBA, but I can understand not wanting to see all the isolation plays. I'd submit that the Suns and Spurs would be entertaining. Especially the Suns, I think Nash is the most entertaining player in the league right now.

Agree there. The Suns are an entertaining team to watch, for me anyway.

[Puffy]

Agree there. The Suns are an entertaining team to watch, for me anyway.

Me too - they are the one team that I will watch throughout the rest of the playoffs.

I am hoping (as a Knick fan) that the finals is either Suns-Magic or Suns-Celtics. Need LeBron to realize he is never winning it all in Cleveland and a Bosh-LeBron in NY with D'Antoni and boatloads of money is the way to go. The NBA is more fun with the Knicks to hate

[reds44]

You'd rather watch Steve Nash than LeBron James?

Really?

[BRM]

You'd rather watch Steve Nash than LeBron James?

Really?

Yes. I'd rather watch team basketball than a lot of isolation, one-on-one offense.

[reds44]

Yes. I'd rather watch team basketball than a lot of isolation, one-on-one offense.
That's ridiculous. There's literally not one thing that Steve Nash can do on a basketball court that LeBron can't. Watch a Cavs or Lakers game, and actually watch it, and you'll see that there's very little one on one basketball. Late in games? Sure there is, as there should be.

[BRM]

That's ridiculous. There's literally not one thing that Steve Nash can do on a basketball court that LeBron can't. Watch a Cavs or Lakers game, and actually watch it, and you'll see that there's very little one on one basketball. Late in games? Sure there is, as there should be.

To each their own.

[Cedric]

To each their own.

I've got a friend that is a die hard Cleveland fan. He agrees with you and says their offense is boring as hell. Just players standing around and Lebron taking over.

[Unassisted]

Impressive that 3 of the 4 conference semifinals have ended in sweeps.

As for the series that isn't a sweep... Colin Cowherd said the other day on his show that an NBA insider told him that if the Cavs don't make it to the Finals, LeBron is gone from Cleveland.

[Scrap Irony]

I'd rather watch Nash, too. LeBron is not all that aesthetically pleasing, as he's strong enough to bull his way to the hoop, get fouled, and cash in on free throws. Nash, OTOH, is a slight, undersized, floppy haired point guard playing against (and succeeding) while often almost a foot shorter.

To put it another way, Nash = modern-day Maravich.

And, as to the Knicks, I'd love to see them sign Bosh and LeBron, then re-sign David Lee. That trio could be fun to watch. But who's going to get them the ball?

[Puffy]

I'd rather watch Nash, too. LeBron is not all that aesthetically pleasing, as he's strong enough to bull his way to the hoop, get fouled, and cash in on free throws. Nash, OTOH, is a slight, undersized, floppy haired point guard playing against (and succeeding) while often almost a foot shorter.

To put it another way, Nash = modern-day Maravich.

And, as to the Knicks, I'd love to see them sign Bosh and LeBron, then re-sign David Lee. That trio could be fun to watch. But who's going to get them the ball?

I don't think they can sign all three Scrap - I think David Lee is going to be a sign and trade. They have enough for two max contracts (and the most money to spend of any NBA team). But its still only enough for two.

As for who would get them the ball - LeBron would be primary ball-handler. And hey, maybe Kahn will trade us Rubio.

[Razor Shines]

That's ridiculous. There's literally not one thing that Steve Nash can do on a basketball court that LeBron can't. Watch a Cavs or Lakers game, and actually watch it, and you'll see that there's very little one on one basketball. Late in games? Sure there is, as there should be.

No one's saying Lebron isn't an incredible basketball player, him and Kobe are 1a and 1b.

But Lebron can't shoot nearly as well as Nash, he has shot 43% from the 3pt line for his career. Lebron is an excellent passer and ball handler but he's not as good at either of those as Nash.

But it's more about entertainment, no one is saying that Nash is better than James. I will submit that Nash does more to make the players around him better.

[WMR]

No one's saying Lebron isn't an incredible basketball player, him and Kobe are 1a and 1b.

But Lebron can't shoot nearly as well as Nash, he has shot 43% from the 3pt line for his career. Lebron is an excellent passer and ball handler but he's not as good at either of those as Nash.

But it's more about entertainment, no one is saying that Nash is better than James. I will submit that Nash does more to make the players around him better.

Add FT shooting to the list as well. Nash is one of the best in NBA history.

[cincrazy]

That's ridiculous. There's literally not one thing that Steve Nash can do on a basketball court that LeBron can't. Watch a Cavs or Lakers game, and actually watch it, and you'll see that there's very little one on one basketball. Late in games? Sure there is, as there should be.

The Cavs offense makes me want to tear my eyeballs out. LeBron is a great player, but Steve Nash is more entertaining to watch. If I had to start a team tomorrow, I'd pick LeBron. If I want to watch an entertaining basketball game that's going to keep my attention, instead of 20 seconds of dribbling and fadeaway 3 pointers, give me Nash.

[texasdave]

Last home game for Lebron in Cleveland? Could be. And whither MVP Lebron? Stay tuned.

[RedLakerFan24]

lol at the Cavs

[gilpdawg]

Impressive that 3 of the 4 conference semifinals have ended in sweeps.

As for the series that isn't a sweep... Colin Cowherd said the other day on his show that an NBA insider told him that if the Cavs don't make it to the Finals, LeBron is gone from Cleveland.

If they don't beat a not great Boston team, I think he's out of there, and it's not looking good right now. A lot of people don't realize that after the Celtics hot start of 23-5, they were only 27-27 the rest of the year. So the Cavs are going to lose to a team that played .500 ball for over half the season.

[Roy Tucker]

Cavs really stink up the joint last night. Celtics are playing well, but not *that* great. Cavs generate a lot of points off their defense but the NBA post-season is a lot of half-court games. And that's when the Cavs run Lebron 1 on 5 and the C's throw the kitchen sink at him. Its a testament to his level of skill and talent he does as well as he does.

And I think Lebron is a fantastic basketball player and stupendous athlete, but I'd rather watch Nash endlessly create. Like listening to a sax jazz solo.

[Sea Ray]

Admittedly I'm not an NBA fan so those that follow this stuff all season long, can you explain to me why this Celtics team looks better top to bottom than the Cavs yet during the regular season the Cavs had a much better record. Someone like me who rarely ever watched during the regular season, now watches a few of these playoff games, then I come away thinking "how in the world did these Cavs have such a better record than the Celtics"?

[Boston Red]

The Celtics have old guys like Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Rasheed Wallace who absolutely cannot bring it every game for 82 games in the regular season. In the playoffs, though, as long as they're healthy and well rested (and the breaks between games help), and with a guy like Rondo to get them going, they can be as good as anyone.

[blumj]

Admittedly I'm not an NBA fan so those that follow this stuff all season long, can you explain to me why this Celtics team looks better top to bottom than the Cavs yet during the regular season the Cavs had a much better record. Someone like me who rarely ever watched during the regular season, now watches a few of these playoff games, then I come away thinking "how in the world did these Cavs have such a better record than the Celtics"?

I'm not an NBA fan at all, I'm not even watching so I REALLY don't know what I'm talking about at all, but I'm listening to Boston talk radio and hearing lots of criticism of the Cavs coach.

[Tony Cloninger]

LeBron may be great...but all that NY cap wearing......always looking like he has one foot out the door.....NY this...NY that. Never trying to deny anything about leaving.

Fine if he wants to leave but he basically shows no respect at all to CLE and last night it looked like he was in a daze....He knows he might be gone and he looked distracted. Like he a commercial to go shoot.

Did he anoint himself the label of Michael Jordan II? Did his handlers?
This guy has less than 1/2 the heart that he did.....and When I am AGREEING with Skip Bayless in regards to his opinion on ESPN 1st Take this morning....Then that is really bad.

Let him go to New York and rot there...if he wants to so bad.
The only people who can be OK with this performance are the die hards and hangers on.

[Jack Burton]

Cavs in 7 over Boston, Cavs in 7 over the Magic, Cavs in 7 over LA

[cincrazy]

It's not even so much that the Cavs lost by 32. It's that they lost by 32, on their own home court, and barely seemed to care. I saw no fits of rage, no passion, no going down with a fight. The team has taken on the personality of their superstar. LeBron is a great player, but something is just NOT THERE. Going through the motions like that is embarrassing, for all the talent that man has.

[reds44]

My "favorite" part of LeBron's effort Tuesday night was him saying "I spoil a lot of people with my play."

Really LeBron? Who have you spoiled? How many parades have you brought to Cleveland?

[texasdave]

I would classify his effort in Game Five as "spoiled" without hesitation.

[Homer Bailey]

Mike Brown is single handidly taking the Cavs home.

[dabvu2498]

That was sad.

[Scrap Irony]

Anyone else think Rajon Rondo has blossomed into one of the 10 best players in the NBA this playoffs? He's had a monster playoffs. Only Steve Nash can say he's had one as good.

[dabvu2498]

Anyone else think Rajon Rondo has blossomed into one of the 10 best players in the NBA this playoffs? He's had a monster playoffs. Only Steve Nash can say he's had one as good.

I'd say he's a lock as 2nd best PG in the league right now. Not sure that puts him in the top 10 overall, but nonetheless.

His playoff numbers are exceeding his already impressive regular season numbers by a good bit.

[RBA]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a78/nursetpd/TSB/Rondo_Takes_Out_Cavs.gif

[Patrick Bateman]

Just throwing this out there....

I think it would be a useful excercise to use this new "thanks" system to the most of it's capabilities by having everyone to thank Kingspoint's original post in this thread to make it the best post ever. It is so hilarious and over the top. I think it should be remembered forever.

[Razor Shines]

This Playoff schedule is beyond stupid. There's not going to be another game for four days.

[Roy Tucker]

I can't say I've ever seen a team just give up the way the Cavs did. Down by 9 with about 50 seconds left, the straits are dire, but not hopeless. Its the NBA, weird things can happen. Get a steal, hit a couple 3 pointers, I've seen it happen.

But they just ..... gave up. Its a deciding game. If you lose your season is over. You had the best record in the NBA, you're the #1 seed. Do anything, try everything, battle to the buzzer. But no. Bizarre.

[Hoosier Red]

This Playoff schedule is beyond stupid. There's not going to be another game for four days.

Isn't that a result of having no game 7's?

I'd imagine for the conference finals and NBA finals they would need to schedule each game to hit on an exact day. So the fact that the series all finished early leaves a break.

[Chip R]

This Playoff schedule is beyond stupid. There's not going to be another game for four days.


The Celtics-Magic series will start on Sunday.

[Sea Ray]

The Celtics-Magic series will start on Sunday.

Exactly. This series ended a game early. I don't know what's so unusual about the next series starting on Sunday. They had to account for a game 7 in Cleveland

[Chip R]

I can't say I've ever seen a team just give up the way the Cavs did. Down by 9 with about 50 seconds left, the straits are dire, but not hopeless. Its the NBA, weird things can happen. Get a steal, hit a couple 3 pointers, I've seen it happen.

But they just ..... gave up. Its a deciding game. If you lose your season is over. You had the best record in the NBA, you're the #1 seed. Do anything, try everything, battle to the buzzer. But no. Bizarre.


That really surprised me. As a Celtics fan I was feeling comfortable with that lead with a minute left but I've seen enough NBA games to realize that a lead like that could disappear in that little time. Like that Reggie Miller game against the Knicks. But CLE just stood there and let BOS run the clock out. It was a bit disappointing to me.

[Puffy]

I'd say he's a lock as 2nd best PG in the league right now. Not sure that puts him in the top 10 overall, but nonetheless.

His playoff numbers are exceeding his already impressive regular season numbers by a good bit.

Who is 1? Nash? Or Deron Williams?

As for Rondo, he is still the 4th best point guard in my book. But he is closing fast. It still goes Paul, Williams, Nash (sentimental maybe, but the guy can still play) then Rondo.

[Puffy]

That really surprised me. As a Celtics fan I was feeling comfortable with that lead with a minute left but I've seen enough NBA games to realize that a lead like that could disappear in that little time. Like that Reggie Miller game against the Knicks. But CLE just stood there and let BOS run the clock out. It was a bit disappointing to me.

Can we "unthank?" First, I didn't know you were a Celtic fan and then you have to bring up the Reggie Miller game? Why not add in the Charles Smith missing 8 tips against Chicago too?

Jerk.

[Chip R]

Can we "unthank?" First, I didn't know you were a Celtic fan and then you have to bring up the Reggie Miller game? Why not add in the Charles Smith missing 8 tips against Chicago too?

Jerk.


That's OK, Puffy. You still have the Willis Reed game to hang your hat on. Or were you even born yet? :p:

[Razor Shines]

The Celtics-Magic series will start on Sunday.


Exactly. This series ended a game early. I don't know what's so unusual about the next series starting on Sunday. They had to account for a game 7 in Cleveland

Ok, so maybe I overreacted. It's not the first time and won't be the last, so deal with it, jerks. :D

[NJReds]

I can't say I've ever seen a team just give up the way the Cavs did. Down by 9 with about 50 seconds left, the straits are dire, but not hopeless. Its the NBA, weird things can happen. Get a steal, hit a couple 3 pointers, I've seen it happen.

But they just ..... gave up. Its a deciding game. If you lose your season is over. You had the best record in the NBA, you're the #1 seed. Do anything, try everything, battle to the buzzer. But no. Bizarre.

Remember Reggie Miller vs. the Knicks ... I do. The Cavs flat out quit in the last couple minutes of the game.

[Chip R]

Looks like Mike Brown's going to get the boot at around 2:30 today.

[dabvu2498]

Who is 1? Nash? Or Deron Williams?

As for Rondo, he is still the 4th best point guard in my book. But he is closing fast. It still goes Paul, Williams, Nash (sentimental maybe, but the guy can still play) then Rondo.

I'd say Nash, though most of that is because I see the Suns and C's play more than the Jazz or Hornets. And also because both Nash and Rondo have better dudes to play with.

[RedLakerFan24]

Lakers are going to repeat................You guys can't forget about Rose or Parker, Parker is a 3 time champion with 1 finals mvp

[improbus]

It is starting to look like Boston can win it all. Their defense has been stifling. They would be a very difficult match-up for LA. Rondo would absolutely destroy them (w/ Fisher guarding him).

[reds44]

It is starting to look like Boston can win it all. Their defense has been stifling. They would be a very difficult match-up for LA. Rondo would absolutely destroy them (w/ Fisher guarding him).
Fisher wouldn't guard him, Kobe would.

[texasdave]

It is starting to look like Boston can win it all. Their defense has been stifling. They would be a very difficult match-up for LA. Rondo would absolutely destroy them (w/ Fisher guarding him).

I wouldn't worry about that quite yet. I still think Orlando makes it through to the Finals.

[improbus]

I wouldn't worry about that quite yet. I still think Orlando makes it through to the Finals.
They have always done well against Howard and they match-up very well with Orlando. Rondo is probably the only PG in the East who can handle Nelson.

[texasdave]

They have always done well against Howard and they match-up very well with Orlando. Rondo is probably the only PG in the East who can handle Nelson.

The great thing about playoff basketball is that you don't have to wonder. The games will be played and the issue will be decided. I hope it goes seven games.

[Roy Tucker]

I must say, the Celtics have surprised me.

I thought with their lackluster second half of the season, their time was up. Their old guys had gotten too .... old. Being an old Royals fan, I've never liked the Celtics so I was secretly happy.

But I think Rivers just wanted to get them to the playoffs and wasn't going to flog them to finish as high as they possibly could. So they got healthier and Garnett and Wallace have decided to play ball again.

[texasdave]

I must say, the Celtics have surprised me.

I thought with their lackluster second half of the season, their time was up. Their old guys had gotten too .... old. Being an old Royals fan, I've never liked the Celtics so I was secretly happy.But I think Rivers just wanted to get them to the playoffs and wasn't going to flog them to finish as high as they possibly could. So they got healthier and Garnett and Wallace have decided to play ball again.

Then you will smiling pretty soon as I don't think they get past Orlando.

[RBA]

I'd say Nash, though most of that is because I see the Suns and C's play more than the Jazz or Hornets. And also because both Nash and Rondo have better dudes to play with.

Didn't see much out of Nash last night or the "better dudes". Maybe they are doing the old rope-a-dope on the Lakers. :eek:

Maybe if they played a little defense?

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a78/nursetpd/TSB/Lakers_Rock__Roll.gif

[Roy Tucker]

Maybe if they played a little defense?



Yup.

Los Suns need to revisit the concept of defense really quick if they want this series to go past 4 games. They were the masters of the matador olé move last night.

Kobe was fun to watch in the 3rd quarter. There was nobody on the planet that could defend him once he got going.

[Jack Burton]

Lakers over Celtics in 6

[RBA]

For some reason this thread is getting awful quiet. ;)

So maybe a caption contest will liven things up?

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/5539/c352a8a195c19a675a5bf84.jpg

[Roy Tucker]

Both conference finals have been pretty one-sided. Not much to say besides the Suns' D can't do a thing against the Lakers O and the Magic lacks firepower.

We'll see if the bludgeoning Celtics big guys can cover the more finesse Laker big guys. I think that will be a good series.

[texasdave]

I am hard-headed. I still expect to see Orlando advance into the Finals.

[Homer Bailey]

Boston over LAL in 6. If I had (guts) I'd say 5.

[reds44]

Boston over LAL in 6. If I had (guts) I'd say 5.
Boston won't win all of the middle 3, and they won't win twice in LA.

Lakers in 6.

[Homer Bailey]

Boston won't win all of the middle 3, and they won't win twice in LA.

Lakers in 6.

Lakers D has looked quite beatable in this series so far. Only reason they are up 2-0 is the Suns play absolutely pathetic defense. I've never seen so many wide open easy shots.

Boston actually has enough big bodies to throw at Gasol and Bynum, and Derek Fisher is going to have to guard one of Ray Allen or Rajon Rondo, which is huge trouble.

Boston is going to hit LA in the mouth, and I'm not sure LA is tough enough to handle that. Rondo is going to be a big problem for them.

[reds44]

Lakers D has looked quite beatable in this series so far. Only reason they are up 2-0 is the Suns play absolutely pathetic defense. I've never seen so many wide open easy shots.

Boston actually has enough big bodies to throw at Gasol and Bynum, and Derek Fisher is going to have to guard one of Ray Allen or Rajon Rondo, which is huge trouble.

Boston is going to hit LA in the mouth, and I'm not sure LA is tough enough to handle that. Rondo is going to be a big problem for them.
Lakers defense had been playing really well coming into this series. When you're able to do whatever you want on offense, your defensive intensity won't be as tough.

The Lakers are a much better team than they were two years ago, and they have an answer for Pierce and a physical big man in Bynum.

The Lakers starting lineup in game 6 of that series:
Fisher
Kobe
Radmanovic
Odom
Gasol

Luke Walton and Sasha were playing major minutes on that team. We're a better team this time around and we'll have home court.

And the Lakers handled both Deron and Nash with no problems.

[RBA]

The Lakers in Six!

Yes, the Lakers will win the next 6 games in a row. ;)

[Razor Shines]

The Lakers in Six!

Yes, the Lakers will win the next 6 games in a row. ;)

Sounds similar to this:


Anyone think that the Cavs can go 12-0 heading into the finals?

I see a sweep and 8 days of rest right around the corner and then facing a BOS/ORL team coming off of a 6-7 game series. 12-0 will be a stretch but the Cavs are looking unreal right now.

l

[Roy Tucker]

I wouldn't worry about that quite yet. I still think Orlando makes it through to the Finals.

You are quite optimistic. If the Magic had lost the first 2 in Boston, I'd say there is a chance. But losing the first 2 on your home court, that does not bode well at all.

The finals are shaping up as a classic Lakers-finesse vs. Boston-physical matchup. I think it will go 7.

[RBA]

Sounds similar to this:


Similiar, but I'm joking..... a little.

But I do think that Phil Jackson will be lighting up a cigar in Boston. :thumbup:

[Razor Shines]

Similiar, but I'm joking..... a little.

But I do think that Phil Jackson will be lighting up a cigar in Boston. :thumbup:

I know, so was I. And I think you're right.

[Chip R]

Similiar, but I'm joking..... a little.

But I do think that Phil Jackson will be lighting up a cigar in Boston. :thumbup:


He had a problem with that last time.

[RBA]

He had a problem with that last time.


Yup, he was missing Brynum and didn't have Artest. :D And Gasol game was not as good as it is now.

[Chip R]

Yup, he was missing Brynum and didn't have Artest. :D And Gasol game was not as good as it is now.


Neither was Rondo's.

[reds44]

Neither was Rondo's.
And Pierce and Garnett were better.

[texasdave]

Orlando-Boston going to tip off the start of the 2010-11 regular season in a bit. What? This is a continuation of their 2010 Playoff Series? I guess you are right, sir, I had forgotten about that series. Go Magic! Is it just me or does it seem like forever since Game 2?