NBA

[Whatitis]

The Bulls-Celtics series has been pretty damn fun to watch.

[YoungRemy]

what a great day to be a Rockets fan. I'm glad we got out of the First Round, but now we have to deal with Kobe, Pau, and Odom.

I think the ROckets can steal one in LA in the first two games.

[cubsfirstplace]

bulls will win game 7 after rondo gets a flagrant foul for trying to piledrive derick rose.

[saz]

at this point i can't see the rockets getting past the lakers, although isn't it fair to say that the lakers don't really have a strong bench?

go bulls (y)

[Whatitis]

I can see the Rockets getting one and even maybe two wins from Lakers. The Lakers lost a little out of thier bench with Walton out atm, he might not score much but dude can read plays, but the rest of the bench can hold thier own especially if Bynum steps it up cuz Odom will get sent to the second squad.

[saz]

i can't wait for the artest/bryant match-up, it will definitely be one of the more entertaining aspects in a sure lakers lock for this series. too bad t-mac won't be back.

word (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jVycGxCrhR8PGjwGVT0Zmtu-auPQD97VJABO0) has it that lebron is this year's mvp. obviously (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6j5CuLkAjc&feature=fvst).

the greatest game (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4foBzDPwjo) in the greatest nba series of all time? it certainly got the ratings (http://www.nba.com/2009/playoffs2009/05/01/TNT.bulls.celtics.game6/index.html).

[YoungRemy]

sure Lakers lock?

Defense Wins Championships

[saz]

obviously, but the lakers were the best team in the west this year so of course people are going to initially pick them to beat houston. an upset in the making? the rockets certainly brought their best game last night, but they're going to need ming and artest to not slack on offensive in every game in order to advance.

[YoungRemy]

I was just hoping the media, along with the myopic Laker fans, would have at least seen a tough matchup and/or a close series.

Of course I knew all along that the Rockets would keep the pace at their own comfort level, that it would be bang-it-out hardnose tough defense for 48 minutes. Did you see Battier's bloody face? That's Rockets Basketball.
Yao Ming coming back from the tunnel, demanding to get back out there and lead his team.

If the Lakers aren't prepared for that kind of play and they think they can cakewalk to the NBA Finals, they had a nice wake up call last night. They weren't very inspired and their defense is suspect.

Along with their bench.

P.S. The Rockets didn't play their best yet either.

[saz]

i'm not a lakers fan, in fact for years i couldn't stand kobe, but it seems he's matured since the shaq/championship years.

the rockets match up almost perfectly with the lakers. their defence could provide all sorts of problems. yao certainly has a lot of heart and i was glad he seemed okay afterwards and got back into the game. i think it really comes down to yao, artest and kobe, as kobe can easily take over a game, unless of course artest is shutting him down.

[Drederick Tatum]

on the strength of the first game, the Magic-Celtics series could be a sweep. the Magic match up real well with the Celts and Boston seemed tired after their insane series with Chicago.

[Whatitis]

Houston accoplished thier short tearm goal and won one of the first two in LA. I guarantee Kobe will be on fire tonight, I just hope the rest of the Lakers follow suit cuz if not Houston will win the series.

[YoungRemy]

good call.

I'm satisfied with the split. I really think the Rockets have the Lakers where they want them. LA never went and fixed the problem from last year-

they just aren't physical.

now Fisher could be suspended, and whether you love Kobe or Hate him, that's two games in a row where he is pulling cheap shots with his elbows.

predictions? LA could easily win one in H-Town, but if Houston can keep it's own composure (ie Ron Artest) they can go back to LA up 3-1.

Good Series!

[Drederick Tatum]

yeah this series could get even rougher. Battier and Artest won't back down from physical play and Yao throws elbows at face height.

[Whatitis]

Fisher suspended for game 3. I'm ok with that and think what Fisher did was standing up for his team, that and a little frustration from not hitting his shots. Artest will never learn, the more he tries to irritate Kobe, the more fired up Kobe gets. Game 3 will be interesting.

[saz]

Chuck Daly, NBA, Olympic Coach, Dies At 78

Larry Lage | May 9, 2009 01:24 PM EST | Associated Press


DETROIT — Chuck Daly, who coached the Dream Team to the Olympic gold medal in 1992 after winning back-to-back NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons, has died. He was 78.

He died Saturday morning in Jupiter, Fla., with his family by his side, the Pistons said. The team announced in March the Hall of Fame coach was being treated for pancreatic cancer.

Daly was renowned for his ability to create harmony out of diverse personalities at all levels of the game, whether they were Ivy Leaguers at Pennsylvania, Dream Teamers Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley, or Pistons as dissimilar as Dennis Rodman and Joe Dumars.

"It's a players' league. They allow you to coach them or they don't," Daly once said. "Once they stop allowing you to coach, you're on your way out."

Daly was voted one of the 10 greatest coaches of the NBA's first half-century in 1996, two years after being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He was the first coach to win both NBA and Olympic titles.

Daly had a career regular-season record of 638-437 in 13 NBA seasons. In 12 playoff appearances, his teams went 75-51. He left Detroit as the Pistons' leader in regular-season and playoff victories.

NBA commissioner David Stern said the "void left by his death will never be filled."

"Chuck did much more than coach basketball games," he said in a statement. "He positively impacted everyone he met, both personally and professionally, and his love of people and the game of basketball helped develop the next generation of coaches."

Daly had a golden touch at the Barcelona Games with the likes of Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Jordan and Barkley, using a different lineup every game.

"Chuck did a good job of keeping us together," Bird said. "It wasn't about who scored the most points. It was about one thing: winning the gold medal."

Daly humbled the NBA superstars by coaching a group of college players to victory in a controlled scrimmage weeks before the Olympics.

"I was the happiest man in the gym," Daly said.

Daly also made the right moves for the Pistons, who were notorious for their physical play with Bill Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn leading the fight, Rodman making headlines and Hall of Fame guards Isiah Thomas and Dumars lifting the team to titles in 1989 and 1990.

"He did an unbelievable job of taking a bunch of different personalities and molding them into a team," Mahorn said.


link (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/09/chuck-daly-nba-olympic-co_n_200968.html)

[YoungRemy]

Yao's done.

I'm sorry I was ever cocky enough to think my team had a chance.

Tmac and Yao are the curse of the Houston Rockets.

And Dikembe is done too.

Good Luck this afternoon Rockets. :(

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AlHqDTnjp8.vdd_7fw05eSi8vLYF?slug=ap-rockets-yao&prov=ap&type=lgns

[TurdBerglar]

what the fuck

is yao made of fucking popsicle sticks?

jesus christ

[Drederick Tatum]

great win for the Rockets. scoreline flattered the Lakers. NBA playoffs easily the best thing in American sports.

[saz]

dallas are still alive after nowitzki's mission last night. maybe it's just me, but i think he needs a better supporting cast. man, denver have really come together.

[Whatitis]

RIP Wayman Tisdale :(







...and the Lakers if they don't get their shit together.

[YoungRemy]

RIP Wayman Tisdale :(



cosign.

http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2009/05/15/nba_tisdale_music.nba/

[Gareth]

i didnt watch any playoffs
was ray allen's awful series the result of lockdown d from jj redick?
seems ridiculous
denver to really push the lakers...i can't pick a winner
odom, gasol and bynum need to make their presence felt against kmart, nene, birdman etc
cavs will take care of orlando

[saz]

i think denver will take the lakers. the nuggets look like a serious powerhouse on the rise. and of course the cavs, they are unstoppable.

i'm surprised though that the defending champs are out, i thought for sure they were going to make it to the eastern conference finals. the magic really stepped up.

[YoungRemy]

At this point, as long as the Lakers lose, I'm happy. They continue to play down to their opponents and do not deserve to be champions. Their leader is the anti-hero, disgusted by his own teammates at times.

I see Lebron winning it all.

[Whatitis]

They continue to play down to their opponents and do not deserve to be champions.

This is something I have to totally disagree with. I think it was Kenny Smith on TNT that said the same thing last night. Anyone who wins it all deserves it! Watching the Lakers so far in the playoffs has been frustrating as a fan but they did win in the end, deservedly cuz the won, period, and that is all that matters now. Hell, when the Celtics won it all last year after going 7 games with Atlanta in the first round, no one said they didn't deserve it. They went 7 games with Cleveland too but that was a bit more understandible.

[YoungRemy]

Once they get exposed in the next couple of Rounds then I will come back and say they didn't deserve it so it's legit.

What do you think about my sentiments on their leader?

[Drederick Tatum]

once you get Kobe into a mindset where he thinks he has to take every shot to win then you've won half the battle against the Lakers. despite being a great scorer, I think he's most dangerous when he's getting team-mates involved and running the team. if things start going badly, I too get the feeling that the Laker's chemistry could crumble.

also, Bynum can't back down against Nene, Martin, and Andersen. if he doesn't stay physical a soft inside could really hurt LA.

[jennyb]

WOO HOO LAKERSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!

*cheerleader jump*

(y)

[Whatitis]

What do you think about my sentiments on their leader?

I just don't see it. IMO Kobe has worked pretty hard the last few years to become a leader and get other teammates involved. Did anyone see the Spike Lee thing on Kobe Doin'Work? One thing that stood out was there was a teammate that was not shooting well in the game and kobe commented that he fed that teammate the ball to try and get him back into the feel of shooting. If you look at the way the Lakers conduct themselves around eachother, it's a team and seems even more of a team than the Shaq days. Consistancy has killed them, whether it's playing down to teams or what, and it will kill them if they don't get it together.

The LA/Denver series will be a good matchup and fun to watch but I really think Orlando has can hold their own and make it a good series against Cleveland.

[YoungRemy]

I just don't see it. IMO Kobe has worked pretty hard the last few years to become a leader and get other teammates involved. Did anyone see the Spike Lee thing on Kobe Doin'Work? One thing that stood out was there was a teammate that was not shooting well in the game and kobe commented that he fed that teammate the ball to try and get him back into the feel of shooting. If you look at the way the Lakers conduct themselves around eachother, it's a team and seems even more of a team than the Shaq days. Consistancy has killed them, whether it's playing down to teams or what, and it will kill them if they don't get it together.

The LA/Denver series will be a good matchup and fun to watch but I really think Orlando has can hold their own and make it a good series against Cleveland.

first off let me say I respect you as a poster and as a basketball fan, so I'm not going to let this turn into a bitter sports argument like in previous threads (The team from my hometown is better than the team from your hometown!!)

That being said, you are truly seeing things through the eyes of a Laker fan. I saw you comment on Yankee fans being myopic, with nothing to show for the team since 2000.

Isn't that the same for the Lakers since the 2002 Finals?

as for Kobe, you may not see it, but the rest of the country does. Speaking of Kobe Doin Work, I saw Kobe stroking his own ego because it's a documentary about himself.

"This is me making my teammates better"

You aren't supposed to diagnose yourself as a playmaker, you let your game speak for itself and the reputation follows!

What about the 2007 season, when they lost to the Suns for the second straight year? He was ready to throw the entire team under the bus and demand a trade. Remember all that drama that went along with that offseason? Kobe going from interview to interview trashing his teammates, Coach, General Manager, you name it, they were the target of Kobe's ire.

this article is a great take similar to my perspective...

Leave the scowl at home, Kobe

By Tim Keown (ESPN)

The strangest moment of the NBA playoffs took place during Game 3 of the Lakers-Rockets series, when Kobe Bryant hit an 18-foot turnaround jumper from the left elbow with Shane Battier's right hand in his face. Bryant immediately began shaking his head with a look that indicated he smelled something really bad. This -- as you know -- is Kobe's dismissive face, the one he now makes after nearly every basket.

But that wasn't the strange part -- after all, how can something be strange when it happens anywhere from 10 to 25 times a game? The strange part came afterward, when he started back downcourt and turned to the TNT broadcasters at center court and yelled toward commentator Doug Collins.

"He can't guard me," Bryant said. Shaking his head, his mouth curled downward in a semicircle of disgust, he stared down Collins and said it again, "He can't guard me."

We get it Kobe, no one can guard you. Now keep quiet and play the game.

There was a pause on the broadcast. OK, that was meant for us, you could almost hear them thinking. So ... what do we say now? They couldn't ignore it, because it was clear to everyone watching that they were taken aback and that Kobe was the reason. Kevin Harlan acknowledged that Kobe was targeting Collins, one of the most even and knowledgeable minds in the game. When Harlan asked his partner what it was all about, Collins sounded genuinely perplexed. "I'm not sure," he said, and they quickly and quietly moved on.

And that's the deal about Kobe: None of us is sure. How can a guy with that much talent play with such little joy? Why does he feel he has to put on that phony tough-guy show all the time? Underneath all that pre-fab armor, who is he? Does he even know?

It's sad, maybe, but Kobe will never be appreciated in a manner commensurate with his ability. He's in the process of turning himself into an antihero. (In many respects, he is similar to Alex Rodriguez, another tin-eared superstar.) Everything he does reeks of insecurity, which is a really weird trait for a guy who -- along with LeBron James -- is a once-a-decade basketball talent.

Unlike LeBron, though, Kobe can't let his game speak for him. He has to accentuate everything with the facial expressions and the dismissiveness. It's not enough for him to beat someone; he feels compelled to belittle that person in the process. That's why one of the best things about the Lakers-Rockets series -- and, really, it's turning into a 700-page novel -- has been Shane Battier's reaction to Kobe's antics. And that reaction is this: zero. None. He acts as though he can't hear or see any of it.

Hey, Kobe, we know you're great. You know you're great. Shane Battier knows you're great. How about letting someone else say it first every once in a while? The way it works now, you're telling us so often that we're getting tired of it. Let us be the judge of whether someone can or cannot guard you. It's pretty self-explanatory, to Doug Collins and everybody else.

You see, I want to be able to enjoy Kobe's talent. I want to see it the way I see LeBron's: transcendent, mostly pure and emanating outward. It probably will never happen, though. Kobe won't let it.

For a guy with such a constant flow of creativity running through his game, it's amazing to see how calculated he is about his image. He comes across as though he's reading a script, and he's all wrong for the part (maybe Alan Alda reading a part meant for Harvey Keitel). There are just too many false notes, and the worst part is, he actually seems to believe this is what people want from him. This is the persona he has cultivated, and he's going with it no matter what. It's really kind of sad.

And this is where Kobe veers from the arrogant antihero routine perfected by someone such as Barry Bonds. Bonds didn't care what you thought about him. He thrived off the anger he generated. But this preening, jaw-jutting, head-shaking character is what Kobe believes people want.

Maybe it's his attempt to answer the questions of the Lakers' toughness. I don't know, but in the playoffs, his performances generally follow one of two themes: (1) He takes over the game and taunts everybody in sight, demanding that all acknowledge his greatness or (2) he steps back and intentionally doesn't take over a game, in which case his attitude seems to be, "See what they look like without me?" Either way, it's a tough act to embrace.

In the wake of Sunday's Game 4 disaster, when Battier and Ron Artest did guard Kobe -- and after which Magic Johnson said the Lakers defiled the team's honor -- it's a good bet Kobe will be at his contrived best in Tuesday night's Game 5. He'll probably dominate, and he'll undoubtedly let us know.

But here's a radical idea: Stop with the smugness and the arrogance. Play your game and let your talent speak for itself. You might not know this, but it does a much better job than you do. And if you're not going to enjoy what you bring to the court, at least give us half a chance.

[saz]

i guess kobe hasn't really matured then since the shaq years. fascinating stuff, i guess when you live in the laker market you're obviously going to have more coverage and therefore a much more informed opinion. whenever i seem to think that kobe is likeable, it quickly changes.

on a related note, wolfman jack (http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/bhof/graphics/bhof_phil_jackson_wide.jpg) is no longer (http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/7197/philhk4.jpg) wolfman jack. :(

[Whatitis]

The article is very opinionated and I'm cool with that, we all have our side we see. Kobe is a very animated guy and to call him out for some trash talk or facial expressions and to play it off as masking his game is a bit petty. I don't like everything Kobe does on the court, especially when he flails after alot of shots to try and draw a foul, something I think that has more standing as a complaint against Kobe than his "smugness and arrogance" as Mr Keown put it. Its the NBA, there's alot of that. The article a has a lot of holes and is very one sided IMO. To tie Kobe with ARod and Bonds is purely vilifying Kobe and to put Lebron on a pedistal is part of the whole act. I love Lebron for his talent and the way he makes his team better. But Kobe does the same just in his way.

As far as the Yankee comment and the Lakers. And this is purely from my point of view. I am a Laker fan and hope the best every year. Unlike Yankee fan, alot of their short sightedness has to do with the New Yawk attitude, I do not expect a chamionship every year. When Shaq left, I knew there would be a rebuilding process. Especially with maturity on Kobes part. He has matured and if people can't see it they're short sighted.

I do remember the 2007 debacle. Kobe is a competitor and was frustrated with the way things were going and he let it be known. I do not agree with how he went about it but it obviously made management act more on building a better team around Kobe.

[jennyb]

My nephew (who's like the same age as me) lives in Denver... we've recently exchanged texts something along the lines of
[me] "looks like your boys are comin to LA"
[him] "bring it on... let the taunting begin"
[me] GAME ON!

I hope to be textin MAD shit talkin this week :p

[saz]

Kobe is a very animated guy and to call him out for some trash talk or facial expressions and to play it off as masking his game is a bit petty. I don't like everything Kobe does on the court, especially when he flails after alot of shots to try and draw a foul, something I think that has more standing as a complaint against Kobe than his "smugness and arrogance" as Mr Keown put it. Its the NBA, there's alot of that.

that's a great point. kobe might be arrogant and talks some trash, but how is that different from so many other players in the league.

tnt is pretty awesome, but the playoffs will never be the same without this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UooitEU6AtE). :(

[Drederick Tatum]

Clippers have won the lottery. they should take Griffin, but unfortunately they already have a PF and completely overpayed and unmoveable one at that. I pity the poor sap that has to go and play for Mike Dunleavy. awful coach.

I suppose they could trade the pick for something.

[Drederick Tatum]

that Laker win was rather unconvincing. Nuggets could definitely take this. they should continue to pound it down low, and defensively try to force the rest of the Lakers to beat them. Kobe's gonna get his, but some of the others are definitely not as reliable.

[Gareth]

i'd take griffin
it'll be interesting to see what OKC do, cos they seem to be stockpiling alot of good young talent
chad ford has them taking ricky rubio
and my team, GSW, taking brandon jennings

[Gareth]

damn, i thought orlando were done at the half
lebron was killing them and hedo/rashard had done nothing
good comeback, i really didnt think they had it in them

[Drederick Tatum]

yeah, they were rolling. if only they'd hit a couple more threes, instead of shooting 32%. I hope the loss reminds the Cavs that good teams usually play all 48 minutes. Lebron needs to make Hedo his bitch on both ends.

[YoungRemy]

good Conference Finals so far!

close games, comebacks and lost leads, big shot after big shot, and upsets by the road teams!

[jennyb]

That game was stressful. :(

[saz]

wow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahENQV1MwQI&feature=player_embedded)

[RobMoney$]

Anyone hoping for anything other than a Lebron-Kobe finals is completely out of their mind.

[Drederick Tatum]

twenty three! two three! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsG5uq9xOKo)

[Whatitis]

wow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahENQV1MwQI&feature=player_embedded)

Thx for posting that, I wasn't able to see the end of that game, getting my gut busted by Dave Attell, what an incredible ending. Both series' have been awesome to watch.

[Drederick Tatum]

Cavs now in a 3-1 hole. doesn't look good. it seems that the match-ups Orlando can present are giving the Cavs all sorts of trouble.

potential strategy for Cleveland in the next game; Varejao winds Howard up enough to get him another technical foul, which would be Howard's seventh and result in a one game suspension. as long as the Cavs win game 5 at home, they then attack the weakened inside of Orlando throughout game 6 and square the series 3-3 going back to Cleveland.

that is of course if the league doesn't rescind Howard's 6th technical which I think it should. technicals for taunting? total bullshit. who thought that was a good idea that the fans would appreciate? taunting is awesome. let them play.

[saz]

eight teams have come back from 3-1 deficits in playoff history, and if anyone else can do it, i think the cavs can. but holy crap, orlando are playing like a team possessed. lebron's turnovers sure weren't helping cleveland, nor were all the open looks howard and alston were getting.

[Whatitis]

I'm not sure the Cavs can come back. They are one 3 pointer away from being swept. Howards T for taunting should be rescinded. It's amazing all the T's/flagrants that have been called, not called, rescineded, givin' after the fact in the playoffs. I am enjoying the battles though. Well, except for the last Laker loss, they are visibally tired.

[Gareth]

pietrus has stepped up
or so it seems
i havent actually seen a game cos its not on tv

[Whatitis]

rescinded (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AkpYs7uf8kze2NEWeQtMPx05nYcB?slug=ap-howard-technicalrescinded&prov=ap&type=lgns)

[Drederick Tatum]

well there goes my strategy suggestion, but it's the right thing to do. even better would making a good taunt worth one point. kinda like an 'and 1'. eg, huge dunk and taunt = three points.

[Whatitis]

Lakers-Magic. It's not that matchup the NBA, Nike or what everyone expected/wanted but the series will be a tough task for either team. I think Orlando has the edge with the 2-3-2 format. I've never been a fan of that format, should be 2-2-1-1-1 like the rest of the playoffs.

And what is up with LeBron? Dude needs to man up. Storming off the court like he did was a bit unsportsmanlike.

[YoungRemy]

LA put it together in the Denver Series. They should win it in 5 or 6.

I always see the team with the 3 games in the middle of the Finals as the one with the disadvantage. There is some stat that no team besides the 2004 Pistons has won all three in a row in a 2-3-2 Finals Format.

But If Orlando can win one out of 2 to start, they can essentially pounce on their opponent to win three in a row at home and take the series
On paper, it sounds easy.

But I honestly think the Lakers have too much experience and they finally saw the lightbulb click on.

1. Jameer Nelson might make a comeback
2. Why is this series not starting until Thursday?

[Drederick Tatum]

speaking of manning up. Bynum better zip that suit up.

[Gareth]

yeh he's pretty much been a slightly better version of greg oden (slow looking, a few points, a few boards, lots of fouls...)
he needs to play like kendrick perkins

[RobMoney$]

even better would making a good taunt worth one point. kinda like an 'and 1'. eg, huge dunk and taunt = three points.


Dude, this is genius.

[Drederick Tatum]

Magic got beat down. they could be exposed for being too one dimensional. when they're not hitting jumpshots they're in trouble. in Game 1 they shot 29% from the field. the Lakers should make Dwight Howard beat them. no double-team, stay with the shooters.

[Gareth]

svg needs to use jj redick more

[saz]

so far, this has to be the most boring finals ever. it's like watching the spurs playing.....the spurs.

[saz]

finally! what a great game. alston and pietrus were huge. and orlando shot 62.5% from the field.

[Drederick Tatum]

svg needs to use jj redick more

man, that guy has been shooting so badly that pundits are now pointing to his defence as one of his main strengths. Courtney Lee is a far better option in my opinion. he's got an outside shot, can drive to the basketball, puts in effort on D, and most importantly still has self-confidence which is something Reddick doesn't have.


I don't see why Game 3 was better than Game 2.

[Gareth]

i wasnt being serial about getting more minutes in the finals
but i actually do think redick is a decent player
bynum = oden

[saz]

sure game 2 was close, but i thought the quality of play for both teams, particularly in the first quarter and first half was mediocre, ie low scoring, poor shot selection etc. last night there were more dunks, fast breaks et al.

[Drederick Tatum]

bynum = oden

true, the main difference though is that I think Oden's on about 4 million a season and after this year Bynum will be fleecing the Lakers for about 14 a season. that extension that he signed in 2008 might haunt LA for a long time.

[saz]

orlando is finished.

just imagine though if garnett wasn't injured...

[YoungRemy]

Epic choke job by the Magic, completely re-creating their Game 1 disaster from 1995:

Up by three in the Finals, missed two free throws to seal the game (Nick Anderson botched four chances in '95), give up the Three to force OT, lose the game in Overtime...

[Whatitis]

I'm not really getting the bynum=oden thing. Bynum looks waay younger than Oden :). If it's injuries the last one was a fluke injury of Kobe falling back on Bynums knee. Bynum was kicking ass before that injury and it's my opinion he rushed back into shape because he has not played as he did mid season.


I can't wait for the real riots (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFQV9ANqMqE) to start.

[Drederick Tatum]

Bynum's Game 4: 6 points 2 rebounds 5 fouls. Odenesque numbers. or would you prefer Kwamelike?

[Whatitis]

I agree Bynums stats have been terrible in the offseason and are comparable to Odens but before the injury Bynum was putting up better numbers than Oden, he has never looked like he did mid season and that leads me to think he never got into form wether it be physical or mental.

[Gareth]

yea...right now, bynum's numbers are odens number's.
i know both are young and bynum has already proven to be a decent player in the reg season...but at the moment he's not getting it done

[Nygel]

its funny, i don't much care for NBA but I'm in Orlando and I always kind of liked them when I was young... so it was like "oh cool", but next year I'm moving to L.A..

why is that funny?

idk....

[Whatitis]

WOOHOO!! LAKERS!!

[kaiser soze]

Keeping it classy :rolleyes:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/06/at-least-8-arrested-amid-unrest-at-staples-center-after-lakers-victory.html

[Whatitis]

Just about as much class as you.

[saz]

Shaquille O'Neal Traded To The Cleveland Cavaliers: Sources

Tom Withers | June 25, 2009 06:10 PM EST | The Associated Press


CLEVELAND — One is the King, a reigning MVP who at age 24 needs only a championship to complete his resume. The other is a larger-than-life personality who may be past the prime of his career but remains an undeniable force and hungers for a fifth NBA title. LeBron and Shaq. Teammates.

The Cleveland Cavaliers executed a blockbuster trade Thursday to unite the superstars, acquiring Shaquille O'Neal from the Phoenix Suns in hopes he can help LeBron James deliver this seemingly sports-cursed city its first major pro championship in 45 years.

The deal creates a tandem that instantly rivals any in sports today and calls to mind some of the great duos in NBA history: Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bob Cousy and Bill Russell, Shaq himself and Kobe Bryant.

More important, if Cleveland's gamble works and the 37-year-old O'Neal delivers a title, it could keep James around. James is an Akron native, knows Cleveland's pained sports history and has always maintained he wants to stay in his home state, but there is no guarantee he will sign an extension with the Cavs. Cleveland can offer him one as early as this summer.

But that's for another day.

Hours before an NBA draft that figured to be overshadowed by the Shaq-to-the-Cavs move, the reality of James playing with O'Neal, a 15-time All-Star, was just sinking in.

"Shaq is an incredible ballplayer and a four-time NBA champion," James said in a statement sent to The Associated Press. "I have a lot of respect for him and his game. It will be a real honor to play with Shaq as my teammates and I look forward to another great season with the Cavs."

The Cavs sent center Ben Wallace and swingman Sasha Pavlovic to the Suns, along with a second-round pick in the 2010 draft and $500,000 in cash, for O'Neal, the 7-foot-1 center who won three straight titles from 2000 to 2002 with Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. His fourth title came with Dwyane Wade in Miami in 2006.

The teams first talked about a deal in February but couldn't work out an agreement before the deadline, a missed opportunity that cost the Cavaliers in this year's playoffs when they had no answer inside for Orlando center Dwight Howard in the Eastern Conference finals.

After the Cavaliers were eliminated with a Game 6 loss, a frustrated James stormed off the floor in Orlando without shaking the hands of any Magic players, including Howard, his U.S. Olympic teammate.

Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry and Phoenix GM Steve Kerr, former teammates and close friends, never closed the book on the O'Neal deal and finally reached an agreement early Thursday morning.

Ferry completed the deal because he wants to win a title. Now.

"Our goals are aligned with what our players want, including LeBron, and that's to win a championship and win it next year," Ferry said. "We don't want to be patient. We want to be a team that has sustainable success. We want to be a team like we were this year when if you don't win a championship you lose some sleep.

"But at the same time we want to be more than that. We want to be the team that wins it. This was a move made towards putting ourselves in better position next season."

For sheer celebrity value, the O'Neal-James tandem is as captivating as any on the sports landscape. And if it works, and lasts, the pairing may one day belong in the same company as some of the all-time combinations: Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale, Joe Montana and Jerry Rice.

For now, the Cavaliers, who came up short this year despite winning 66 regular-season games and their first eight playoff games, are only thinking of unseating the Lakers as champions next June.

O'Neal could be the missing piece. But there's no guarantee he'll stay healthy, and it's way too early to know what impact his arrival will have on Cleveland coach Mike Brown's offense or the Cavs' chemistry _ or whether he and James, who have been friends for several years, can coexist.

Ferry said he isn't worried about there being any kind of personality clash between the megastars.

"They both badly want to win," Ferry said. "Our team and organization want to win. With that leading it, everything else is going to work out."

O'Neal is coming off an All-Star season with the Suns, averaging 17.8 points and 8.4 rebounds in 75 games, but there were times he clogged Phoenix's high-powered offense under coaches Mike D'Antoni, Terry Porter and Alvin Gentry. Still, the 7-foot-1, 325-pounder can be a defensive stopper.

"He is a force," Ferry said. "Always has been, still is. He's a wall around the basket _ a tall, long wall. Offensively, he's going to get double teamed. He's a good passer. He's a great receiver. ... He's a smart basketball player and he's a guy that our guys will respect. I think it's going to work very well."

The Shaq experiment failed in Phoenix. The Suns won one playoff game in O'Neal's season and a half, and this spring the Suns failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

Ferry, who said O'Neal's arrival could push longtime starting center Zydrunas Ilgauskas to a backup role, is convinced O'Neal will be able to adjust to Cleveland and vice versa.

"Phoenix played a different way when they had him," he said. "It was a drastic change. We're more of a half-court team. We play more of the tempo that fits Shaq's game."

The Suns got little in return for O'Neal, but the deal gives them financial flexibility in the future. All told, they will save $10 million.

The 34-year-old Wallace, who after the season said he may retire, is in the final year of a $14 million deal while the Suns plan to buy out Pavlovic, who has $1.5 million of his $4.95 million contract guaranteed.

For the Cavs, up front costs are less important than a chance to finally win it all.

[TurdBerglar]

the magic also got vince carter and kept pretty much everyone important

[YoungRemy]

and richard jefferson went to the spurs.

all stars being traded to contenders for scrubs, that's the name of the nba game now...

[TurdBerglar]

there's just too many teams

there needs to be like four less teams

[YoungRemy]

with teams like memphis, charlotte, and new orleans losing so much money it's possible to see less teams in the future.

I can't believe Ricky Rubio dropped all the way to 5th...

[Drederick Tatum]

as if there weren't enough good PGs in the league...

how did Hansbrough get into the lottery? big man on campus about to be another stiff.

[Drederick Tatum]

also, Rubio must be hoping that the Timberwolves have a trade in the works. from Spain to the Minnesota tundra. *shudder*

[Gareth]

i guess either him or jonny flynn get to stay.
wonder what curry can do in tandem with monta ellis

[DIGI]

I'll chime in here. Im in no way an NBA fan. I see it as lazy college hoops. I was amazed by 2 things. 1) Sam Young went before Blair. 2) They both went in the 2nd. Granted, I'm biased, but these dudes have talent. Im more of a Young fan, but both will be tearing shit up next season.

[Gareth]

ron artest

[Drederick Tatum]

and Ariza to the Rockets. it'll probably work out for both teams, but Ariza might suffer slightly moving away from the greatest coach of all time. Artest and Kobe on the perimeter? shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit...

[YoungRemy]

the Lakers have Ron Artest and his antics locked up for the next three years?

good luck with that. Houston fans were getting sick of him after half a season.

they also say it was Ron who ran off Rafer Alston.

Oh Well, the Rockets have declared rebuilding by these moves and with Yao possibly done for his career.

I'd certainly go with the 24 year old on the rise vs. the 30 year old on the decline with a history of issues...

now if they can get Rubio....(y)

I think they might try to package Brooks, Landry , or Battier.

In fact, I am almost certain one of them is probably gone this summer.

[Whatitis]

I'm saddened to see this exchange. I cannot stand Artest and his antics. But, apparently Phil, Kobe and Kupchak think they can handle it just as they thought last season as the Lakers tried to get him in a trade. It will be an interesting season to come for them.

Ariza is gonna be good, not great but the Lakers will miss his defense most.

[KevG]

Now if the Celtics can score Rasheed Wallace....

Garnett, Pierce, Allen, Rondo & Wallace... who has a better starting 5?

[TurdBerglar]

i think wallace would be the 6th man

[TurdBerglar]

Rasheed Wallace has agreed to sign with the Boston Celtics, a source close to the team told FOXSports.com on Sunday.

Wallace, 35, averaged 12 points per game for Detroit last year. In the playoffs he averaged 6.5 points per game as Detroit was swept in four games by Cleveland in the first round.
Wallace earned $13.68 million last season. According to the source, he has accepted a two-year deal for the midlevel exception, worth between $5.6 million and $5.8 million a year.

The Celtics' pursuit of Wallace included sending All-Stars Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, plus owner Wyc Grousbeck, coach Doc Rivers and president Danny Ainge to meet with the forward last week.

NBA free agents are not able to sign until Wednesday

[Drederick Tatum]

top tens of 2008-2009

Assists (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWFaEE5bZaw)

International Plays (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEt0CL0vlLQ)

Buzzer Beaters (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyVmILgdL60)

Dunks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM9DmS_j58Y)

Plays of the year. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUOlRFSpZNc)

the lists are pretty much just more advertising for the league's cash cows, Lebron, Kobe, Wade. the dunk list especially. why are breakaway dunks even included let alone number 1? this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLMX5U0pcFA) seems far more impressive than Kobe's 360 or Wade's...dunk.

[Gareth]

seeing people get posterized never gets old

[Drederick Tatum]

no doubt. weird that the NBA has two dunk lists. one on the nba site and another on youtube. despite the nba one (http://www.nba.com/video/index.html) being for the cows it does have extended commentary rambling regarding Jermaine O'neal needing to purchase a guard dog in posterland.

[Gareth]

http://www.slamonline.com/online/media/slam-tv/2009/07/video-nba-top-100-dunks-2008-2009/

slam's top 100 dunks

[Drederick Tatum]

http://www.slamonline.com/online/media/slam-tv/2009/07/video-nba-top-100-dunks-2008-2009/

slam's top 100 dunks


nice list. are we dunk nerds?

Ryne Nelson Posted: Jul.31 at 3:28 pm
A special thanks to Jermaine O’Neal for his willingness to be posterized on about 10 of these.

[Gareth]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRNbYL99QsQ

wow...nike has been killing it with the ads lately
fog raw!

[TurdBerglar]

delonte west is fucking nuts


UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland (AP) - Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West was arrested Thursday after officers pulled him over for speeding on a motorcycle while carrying two loaded handguns and a loaded shotgun in a guitar case.

Prince George's County police spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Reedy said Friday the Cleveland Cavaliers player was arrested about 10 p.m. Thursday.

Reedy said West was riding a Can-Am Spyder motorcycle north on the Capital Beltway in Upper Marlboro when he cut off an officer, who pulled him over.

Police said a handgun was found in his pocket, another in his pant leg and a shotgun in a guitar case strapped to his back.

Reedy said West "was very cooperative, there were no issues" during the incident.

The 26-year-old West, who lives in Brandywine, was charged with speeding and weapons counts. It is illegal to carry concealed weapons and to transport loaded guns in Maryland, according to police. Reedy said West was released on his own recognizance early Friday.

Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry said the team was monitoring the situation.

"We have been in communication with Delonte and his family," Ferry said in a statement. "We are gathering more information and will not have further comment until the appropriate time."

Online court records did not list an attorney for West.

Last year, West left the Cavaliers' training camp to seek treatment for depression and a "mood disorder" he said he has battled his entire life. At the time, he said he was taking medication and attending therapy sessions. West said his mood problems date to his childhood.

West has said his mood swings seem to be most erratic when his life seems to be in order.

[checkyourprez]

really fucking interesting and disturbing excerpts from Blowing the Whistle, by Tim Donaghy.

http://deadspin.com/5392067/excerpts-from-the-book-the-nba-doesnt-want-you-to-read

[TurdBerglar]

what about javie and rasheed

[Gareth]

brandon jennings 17/9/9
whether he'll be good enough to eventually take a team to the playoffs, i dunno
but it seems like he has talent

[sjp]

Brandon Jennings 55 points yea it is great to be a Bucks fan.

[checkyourprez]

Brandon Jennings 55 points yea it is great to be a Bucks fan.

problem is, in the end, you're still a bucks fan.

[Gareth]

sounds like jennings is working real hard and staying humble
wade's dunk on varejao :eek:

[mickill]

The last player I could truly call myself an actual "fan" of calls it quits.

Not one team in the league wants to start AI? Yet another reason why the NBA seriously blows dick these days.

[Drederick Tatum]

basketball is a team game and Iverson is not a team player. it's as simple as that.

[checkyourprez]

europe is calling.

[mickill]

There's no question, he has an ego and lacks the ability to lead. Doesn't mean he hasn't had to carry his team before. I'm sure Hollins knew this before he tried to play him as a 6th man. People keep talking about the difference between him and Kobe, or even Jordan, being that they've won titles and are/were team players. One continuously overlooked key difference is that Iverson's never really been surrounded by any real talent.

[sjp]

There's no question, he has an ego and lacks the ability to lead. Doesn't mean he hasn't had to carry his team before. I'm sure Hollins knew this before he tried to play him as a 6th man. People keep talking about the difference between him and Kobe, or even Jordan, being that they've won titles and are/were team players. One continuously overlooked key difference is that Iverson's never really been surrounded by any real talent.

Actually when he had kukoc and Ratliff in philly I thought the 76ers would have won it all until they screwed up and traded them to the hawks for Mutombo. But he has also had talent on his team he just drove them out Jerry Stackhouse, Glenn Robinson. Even in Detroit he had Rip, Rasheed, and Tayshaun Prince. Even though he was in Denver and that Is Melo's team thats where he could have won a title. Your right though he just can't lead a team at all.

[cubsfirstplace]

i predict the nets will break the record for longest losing streak to start the season.

[mickill]

Actually when he had kukoc and Ratliff in philly I thought the 76ers would have won it all until they screwed up and traded them to the hawks for Mutombo. But he has also had talent on his team he just drove them out Jerry Stackhouse, Glenn Robinson. Even in Detroit he had Rip, Rasheed, and Tayshaun Prince. Even though he was in Denver and that Is Melo's team thats where he could have won a title. Your right though he just can't lead a team at all.

Yeah, I agree that he definitely had a shot when he was with the Nuggets, but he wasn't necessarily supposed to be leading that squad. But that may have been what you were saying. None of those other guys you mentioned were necessarily leaders themselves, though. And his stay in Detroit was so short, he never really had the opportunity to click with those players. Denver was the only real instance where he wasn't forced into a leadership role, which again, isn't a strong point of his.

[TurdBerglar]

he completely threw their lineup and style of play out of whack in detroit. it was a disaster.

he needed to be in the same type of situation as melo is in today after the trade. melo is just a scoring machine, that's it. surrounded by defenders and fast breakers and shooters. billups does all the orchestrating and leading.

[mickill]

I agree completely. Especially when him and Melo were the #1 and #2 scorers in the league.

He's just not a leader. That's not necessarily a flaw. It's just a role he shouldn't be forced into.

[RobMoney$]

You all realize that the NBA is more fixed than a streetcorner shell game.
I can't even look at it as a legitimate sport anymore.

http://blog.oregonlive.com/blazers/2009/10/former_nba_ref_donaghys_book_c.html


excerts from Tim Donaghy's book (http://deadspin.com/5392067/excerpts-from-the-book-the-nba-doesnt-want-you-to-read)

[RobMoney$]

Also, as far as Iverson goes, he's the ultimate cooler.

He displayed right to his final day in the NBA that he's more concerned with "getting his" than what's best for the team.
His over-inflated opinion of his present-day skill set got in the way of taking advantage of the only opportunity any NBA team had left to offer him
Interesting that not one GM thought the bump in ticket sales would be worth the havoc he would cause to the team chemistry and the poor attitude he would display to their young players.

Also, he's a piece of shit wife-beater.

As a philly native and Sixers fan, I say good riddance to him.

[RobMoney$]

Ron Artest accused of Welfare fraud. (http://boiledbacon.com/home/2009/11/26/welfare-fraud-artest-and-his-sister-under-investigation/)

How anyone continues to be a fan of the entire National Basketball Association is beyond me.

[TurdBerglar]

i absolutely hate artest

he's nothing but a hoodrat

[Drederick Tatum]

jesus Rob, how about you not be a fan of the NBA somewhere else. I don't anyone who is a fan of an entire sports league.

anyway, every American sport has been somewhat tainted by itself. the NBA is no exception, but it happens to be where the best athletes play so I'll keep watching.

[YoungRemy]

just don't say the NBA (professional basketball) is the fastest growing and most popular International sport on the planet behind soccer...

[Gareth]

WE TALKIN BOUT PRACTICE

[RobMoney$]

jesus Rob, how about you not be a fan of the NBA somewhere else. I don't anyone who is a fan of an entire sports league.

anyway, every American sport has been somewhat tainted by itself. the NBA is no exception, but it happens to be where the best athletes play so I'll keep watching.


I'm sorry if I'm raining on anyone's parade by posting such disparaging stories about the NBA.
I have never seen an entire league be as impossible to like as the NBA.

Even down to the way the game itself is being played in the NBA is sad to me.

[checkyourprez]

nbas still fun to watch.

better than college thats for sure.

[RobMoney$]

better than college thats for sure.


If you're trying to goad me into a rant, it's working.

[YoungRemy]

lol. Screamin' A. Smith reporting that Iverson is headed back to the Sixers

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/10440372/Sixers-appear-ready-to-bring-back-Iverson

[TurdBerglar]

rob is gonna be pissed!

[RobMoney$]

I've been hearing it around here since the Grizz gave him the sneaker.
Last week when Lou Williams got his jaw broke only escalated the rumors of bringing Iverson back.
The Sixers are at about the lowest point they've ever been as a franchise.
No one is going to these games anymore. Villanova draws a bigger crowd.

[mickill]

This couldn't have worked out any better.

If it happens, I mean. Too early to be congratulating Rob, though.

[TurdBerglar]

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Portland center Greg Oden will likely miss the season after fracturing his left patella during a game against Houston on Saturday night.



Oden will undergo surgery, the Trail Blazers said.

The 7-foot center dropped to the floor clutching his left knee and grimacing after colliding with a driving Aaron Brooks midway through the first quarter.

He was almost immediately surrounded by trainers and physicians. The crowd at the Rose Garden stood and chanted "Oden! Oden!"

The game was stopped for some 7 minutes. Finally, Oden was gently moved to a stretcher and wheeled from the court. He underwent an MRI shortly thereafter.

Oden, the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NBA draft out of Ohio State, has been plagued by injures for his entire NBA career.

The 7-footer missed rookie season after undergoing microfracture surgery on his right knee. Last season, Oden sat out six games after injuring his right foot in the season opener against the Lakers, then missed 14 games after the All-Star break with a bone chip in his left knee. He finished the season averaging 8.9 points and 7 rebounds.

Oden lost weight during the offseason and was averaging 11.7 points and 8.8 rebounds this season as a starter.

The Blazers have been beset by injuries. Starting forward Nicolas Batum needed shoulder surgery just before the opener. Fellow forward Travis Outlaw fractured his foot in mid-November and required surgery.

Forward Rudy Fernandez was out of Saturday night's game with sciatic pain and set to undergo an MRI. It was uncertain if he would be with the team on an upcoming four-game road trip starting with the Knicks on Monday.

Even coach Nate McMillan was set to undergo surgery Monday after rupturing his right Achilles' tendon during practice.

The coach was participating in practice because the team is so short-handed. He will miss the team's upcoming road trip, replaced by assistant coach Dean Demopoulos.


jesus christ


this guy looks like he's 45 for a reason

[jabumbo]

better than college thats for sure.


lol

[checkyourprez]

lol

ya college is nice because they all try hard and there's the tourny and everything.

but the nba has the best of the best doing the most entertaining stuff. who cares if they dont play defense. theres a reason why the spurs-detriot series some years ago was uber boring.

every team should be coached by a d'antoni clone.

[Drederick Tatum]

there's a reason why the best players skipped college basketball, 'cause it sucks.

[Drederick Tatum]

jesus christ


this guy looks like he's 45 for a reason

no matter how good/solid/ok/dependable/able to make up the numbers Oden gets the Blazers are still always going to regret picking him as they watch the Durantula tear up the league for years to come.

...actually Oden needs a fitting nickname too. I suggest Bowie 2.0

[RobMoney$]

ya college is nice because they all try hard and there's the tourny and everything.

but the nba has the best of the best doing the most entertaining stuff. who cares if they dont play defense. theres a reason why the spurs-detriot series some years ago was uber boring.

there's a reason why the best players skipped college basketball, 'cause it sucks.


Don't ever expect me to have ANY respect for either of you when it comes to the game of Basketball ever again.

[Drederick Tatum]

my basketball heart...it's breaking.

[jabumbo]

you guys totally convinced me. watching a group of athletes actually fighting for something really is the most boring thing ever. i cannot believe i ever doubted you

[checkyourprez]

Don't ever expect me to have ANY respect for either of you when it comes to the game of Basketball ever again.

be honest, 04-07 (possibly 09/10) phoenix suns are the most entertaining basketball team ever.


i appreciate offense way more than defense. offense is skill and smarts. defense its hustle and physical ability.

[YoungRemy]

we're a quarter of the season in.

the Rockets continue to impress. Ariza looking good and Brooks is getting better and smarter, Landry emerging as a 6th Man candidate and Hayes/Scola are solid.

I hope they trade T-Mac's lazy ass as soon as possible. yet he would start in the All Star Game after playing in ZERO games since February.

The Thunder is a surprise team in the West, the hornets are a disappointment.

Brandon Jennings for Rookie of the Year

[Gareth]

tyreke evans is in the discussion.

[Drederick Tatum]

I don't think the Thunder are a surprise team. most people thought with that much young talent they'd make some waves.

for me Sacremento is the surprise thus far. Chicago or San Antonio the major disappointment.

[Drederick Tatum]

Deron Williams' beard is awful.

[RobMoney$]

be honest, 04-07 (possibly 09/10) phoenix suns are the most entertaining basketball team ever.


i appreciate offense way more than defense. offense is skill and smarts. defense its hustle and physical ability.


Steve Nash plays the game the right way. He knows how to actually run a pick & roll play. Most of the players in the NBA are just concerned with iso plays and slam dunks...it's an inferior game that way.

If I were commissioner of the world, one of the first things I'd do is outlaw the dunk.

[Drederick Tatum]

yeah, cause who wants to see dunks...

[RobMoney$]

You'll live without seeing dunks.
There's absolutely no need to dunk the ball.

The game is more pure when played under the rim, not over it.

[Drederick Tatum]

Don't ever expect me to have ANY respect for you when it comes to the game of Basketball ever again.

[saz]

Chicago or San Antonio the major disappointment.

big time

[YoungRemy]

yeah the Bulls are awful..

did you hear Stan Van Gundy is entered in this year's three point shooting contest at the All Star Game in Dallas?

Vinny Del Negro as well if he doesn't get fired.

but back to the discussion, there are plenty of teams that play the right way, with this style of international play that focuses on ball movement, defense, and chemistry.

look at teams like the championship Spurs and Pistons of late, they are far from offensive juggernauts, they just played hard and the right way, focusing on defense and getting it done.

this isn't the thug filled NBA of the late 90's. Stern did a fine job improving the overall image of the League.

it's one of the most exciting things in the game to see an outlet pass lead to an alley oop dunk!

[Gareth]

alley-oops are cool
but there's nothing better than someone making a strong move to the hoop and dunking in traffic...preferrably over some hapless big man
the bulls are abysmal.
what happened to the team that took boston to the brink??

[Gareth]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxfb3pTm2Hw
not the biggest facial ever (its on derek fisher on a fast break) but its probably the highlight of corey brewer's career since leaving college.

[checkyourprez]

Steve Nash plays the game the right way. He knows how to actually run a pick & roll play. Most of the players in the NBA are just concerned with iso plays and slam dunks...it's an inferior game that way.

If I were commissioner of the world, one of the first things I'd do is outlaw the dunk.

yeah, cause who wants to see dunks...


rob has a point though. i like seeing people elevate and shit, but people rely on it way too much.

when kareem abdul jabbar went to UCLA the dunk was outlawed in college basketball, he thought it wasn't fair and it was directly targeted on him. john wooden made a great point, (paraphrasing) he told him when he gets to the nba the dunk will be there, and your not going to forget how to dunk. the only thing not being able to dunk now will do will make you a better player. he told him he will have to develop some shots other than relying on the dunk.

low and behold thats what he did, and im pretty sure it paid off in the end. think if shaq had any sort of outside touch. im hoping my boy dwight howard develops one soon.


its the problem with young players today. its like why develop fundementals when you can just use your speed and strength, run by guys and dunk. then when they get older its almost to late to go back and fix those bad habits. major reason imo usa basketball hasnt been as dominate in the past decade as previous ones.

[checkyourprez]

I don't think the Thunder are a surprise team. most people thought with that much young talent they'd make some waves.

for me Sacremento is the surprise thus far. Chicago or San Antonio the major disappointment.

san antonio maybe...but at the same time its a young mans game. they have some g.o.a.t. type players but they are getting up there. plus you think about all the extra games they have played going deep in the playoffs for the last bunch of years, thats like an extra season or two while guys like kobe got a nice little break for a couple years.


but bulls blow. they have blown for years now, why the surprise? they let a really good player in gordon go, like they were going to get better?

[RobMoney$]

alley-oops are cool
but there's nothing better than someone making a strong move to the hoop and dunking in traffic...preferrably over some hapless big man


You can make just as strong of a move to the hoop and lay the ball in without dunking it. Takes more skill, in fact.
I've watched Iverson go to the hole strong on everyone for years and very rarely threw it down.
Alley-oops can be laid in too.

[Drederick Tatum]

but bulls blow. they have blown for years now, why the surprise? they let a really good player in gordon go, like they were going to get better?

your analysis lacks analysis. they're a young team with lots of talent that closed last season on a 12-4 run and then nearly knocked the defending champions out of the playoffs. player and team development were expected but so far this hasn't materialised, hence the reason for the disappointment.

with a change of coach they could get the season back on track. they've got some great pieces.

[checkyourprez]

your analysis lacks analysis. they're a young team with lots of talent that closed last season on a 12-4 run and then nearly knocked the defending champions out of the playoffs. player and team development were expected but so far this hasn't materialised, hence the reason for the disappointment.

with a change of coach they could get the season back on track. they've got some great pieces.

the team that knocked off the celetics also had ben gordon. but besides that they've been that "young promising" team for years now. and have really not done anything. glimps of promise only to get people to call say "this is the bulls year", only to have them disappoint like this year, agian.

[saz]

your analysis lacks analysis. they're a young team with lots of talent that closed last season on a 12-4 run and then nearly knocked the defending champions out of the playoffs. player and team development were expected but so far this hasn't materialised, hence the reason for the disappointment.

with a change of coach they could get the season back on track. they've got some great pieces.

thank you

and yeah, they need the coach to get all of this young talent going, and i think the jury is still out on del negro, at least until the second half of this season, and if del negro hasn't delivered, he should get the boot. noah meanwhile is really coming into his own now, and they could afford to lose gordon as deng is back and healthy.

[Drederick Tatum]

well I assume the reason they didn't resign Gordon was because they didn't want to commit a serious amount of money long term to somebody who is essentially a one dimensional player. granted he is great at that one dimension, but he's hardly a superstar. while they've definitely felt his absence in some games, the fact that they've got some cap space for the 2010 free agent class makes his departure worthwhile I think.
Chicago is a big city and a big market, it's an attractive place to play basketball so I believe they'll get someone good with their money.

on the court, Rose needs to start taking over some games or at least become a consistent producer/leader.

[YoungRemy]

tyreke evans is in the discussion.

I didn't realize what a solid year he and the Kings were having.

Evans is avg 20/5/5 at 48%

those numbers for a rookie are outstanding...

and the Kings have been without Kevin Martin most of this season...


Adam Yauch's "Gunnin for That #1 Spot" kids are having major impact in the NBA- Love, Beasley, Evans, Jennings...

[checkyourprez]

the bulls. (who arent disappointing, just not a good team) let the kings come back from 35 down and beat them. wow.

[Gareth]

yeh i saw that
awful!

[YoungRemy]

wow. biggest comeback in League History.

a 68-19 run to close it out with 9 minutes left in the third...

did anyone see Carl Landry try and eat Dirk Nowitzki's elbow?

the stud lost five teeth and is back on the court tonight against the Clippers. I'm going to be at the game at Toyota Center.

and Mark Cuban is a whiny bitch.

[TurdBerglar]

apparently mcgrady is seeking a trade because of a lack of playing time.

dude. you haven't played in like a year and a half! you just had reconstructice surgery one your knoee. your coach is looking out for you! what the fuck do you expect! you crumple to pieces in a brisk wind! and who the fuck is gonna want you're gimpy ass with your massive contract. good luck, tracy.

[YoungRemy]

overhead the albatross hangs motionless upon the team...

The Rockets have moved on without him and have shown that they are actually better.

sources say a McGrady/Arenas trade was rejected...

i could see T-Mac going to the Warriors, Clippers, Kings, or Raptors

[TurdBerglar]

agent zero likes to play with guns

http://www.nba.com/2010/news/01/01/wizards.arenas/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt2

what the fuck?

[mickill]

^Shit can get real in the locker room, nephew.

Meanwhile, it's getting harder to really decide whether to hate or like this guy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InWkxZqUvUI&feature=player_embedded#) at all.

1/10 sec left on the buzzer, heel just inside the line, no moving screen violation called....again.

Somebody made a deal with the devil.

[TurdBerglar]

he just shoved that dude out of the way

[Gareth]

kobe rules
i'm a fan
i like how he's all business on the court
anyway, i watched that game and can safely say that right now, the lakers defence is really shit
also - adam morrison sighting in the first quarter!

[Videodrome]

agent zero likes to play with guns

http://www.nba.com/2010/news/01/01/wizards.arenas/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt2

what the fuck?

WASHINGTON -- Four Washington Wizards players have been fined $10,000 apiece for making light of Gilbert Arenas' antics before Tuesday's game at Philadelphia.

The fines were assessed Friday night to Andray Blatche, JaVale McGee, Randy Foye and Nick Young.

The Wizards fined four of the players shown with Gilbert Arenas on Tuesday before a game in Philadelphia.

The four players were among a group that surrounded Arenas when he pointed his index fingers at teammates as if he were firing a pair of guns during a pregame huddle. A photo shows most of the players smiling or laughing.

wow! 10k for laughing at someone?

[RobMoney$]

Amongst all the stories of criminal behavior involving NBA players lately, here's a really cool storyline that developed last night.

Sundiata Gaines (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI6iQgMp-nA)

[Drederick Tatum]

Here's a league for you (http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2010/01/19/nba_563760.shtml), robmoney.

[TurdBerglar]

so gilbert hasn't really played much in the last three(?) seasons now


http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/gilbert-arenas-suspended-for-rest-of-season-012710

[saz]

bulls are back at .500 and playing much improved ball of late, beating the celtics, suns, rockets, spurs and thunder.

booya (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlXH08QcFw8)

[Drederick Tatum]

playoffs finally here.

the Bulls have a chance only if the Cavs get bored and start blowing big leads. Mil-Atl would've been interesting with Bogut, now it's the most boring match-up of the first round. Mia-Bos could be awesome especially since they've already been throwing elbows. the Western conference match-ups are all great.

I'm picking a Nuggets-Cavs Finals.

[mickill]

This Cavs-Celtics series is going to be very entertaining.

[Gareth]

LBJ went missing today
i think orlando would beat cavs and celtics tho

[Drederick Tatum]

yeah he didn't have the best game, but where's the help? his team-mates are all far too passive. it's becoming clear that in this series the Cavs may have the best player, but Boston have the next four best. like Williams last season, Jamison is supposed to be the answer for when teams focused in on Lebron, however when he's getting outplayed by Big Baby it's clear he's not up to it.

and the Cavs guards are playing awful. Mo Williams will bully lottery teams all season, but when it comes to playing consistently at the top level he's a no-show.

[mickill]

This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIGtPdPS6ro) sort of sums up the last two games.

But considering this has been the only series in the semis that wasn't a total sweep, the Cavs - or Lebron, rather - hasn't looked too bad, by comparison. Utah and the Spurs only came close to winning a game a piece, at best, and the Hawks were just completely punished.

[NicRN77]

This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIGtPdPS6ro) sort of sums up the last two games.



Rondo is so awesome. Go CELTICS!

[TurdBerglar]

lebron lacks any type of fire.


he has no fire. he's all ability. this guy never plays with any intensity as if it's too easy for him. i expect this kind of shit to happen to him his whole career.

[checkyourprez]

lebron lacks any type of fire.


he has no fire. he's all ability. this guy never plays with any intensity as if it's too easy for him. i expect this kind of shit to happen to him his whole career.

he did it on purpose.

[mickill]

He's a free agent, and none of the likely prospective teams he's looking to sign with are still in the playoffs. In what way would it favor anybody, especially him, if he were to throw a game? Unless he placed some heavy bets on Boston before the series started.

[sjp]

LBJ went missing today
i think orlando would beat cavs and celtics tho

I'm picking orlando to win it all they are way better this year than last year.

[Whatitis]

he did it on purpose.

That's the problem.


The last 3 minutes of last nights game was horrible to watch as a basketball fan and I wanted to see the Celtics win. The Cavs did even try at the end. That is not a sign of yearning for a championship. Premier stars in the league do not give up.

[Drederick Tatum]

Hickson with 10 seconds in Game 6 and All-Defensive Varejao on Garnett for about as long. energy guys who could've made a difference both underutilised while Jamison got abused on both ends.

personality-wise a new coach who'll push Lebron rather than rub his shoulders would be a step forward. that in turn filters down to the rest of the team. Mike Brown probably gives a good high-five but sometimes players need one to the face.

[checkyourprez]

He's a free agent, and none of the likely prospective teams he's looking to sign with are still in the playoffs. In what way would it favor anybody, especially him, if he were to throw a game? Unless he placed some heavy bets on Boston before the series started.


any team he signs with is automatically 20-40 wins better. if he signs with the bulls, put him with rose, noah, deng. pfff. if he goes to miami, him and Dwade. pfff. if he goes to ny and bosh or wade or dirk or someone signs with him. pfffffff. way better than that team hes leaving in cleavland.

[RobMoney$]

Delonte West might be having sexual relations with...LEBRON'S MOM!
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/3004192/lebron_james_mom_rumored_affair_with.html?cat=14



Not exactly Stiffler's mom (http://www.concreteloop.com/images/2006/lebronsmama.jpg)



Looks like everybody wants some...
1 (http://nbcsportsmedia2.msnbc.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Jervay,%20John/Pics/relatives%20attack/080513_Lebron-James.aim640.jpg)

2 (http://images.dailyradar.com/media/uploads/ballhype/photos_large/2008/05/13/Gloria_James.jpg)

[TurdBerglar]

what the holy hell

[Drederick Tatum]

Delonte West might be having sexual relations with...LEBRON'S MOM!
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/3004192/lebron_james_mom_rumored_affair_with.html?cat=14




wow, usually I would immediately discount a story from such a site, but after the whole Tiger Woods thing I will at least consider the possibility. if true West has probably ruined the franchise.

[RobMoney$]

It's a plausible explanation as any for Lebron's disinterest in the final two games.

[Whatitis]

Go Lakers!!!!(y)

[checkyourprez]

GO SUNS!!!!!(y)(y)(y)

[NicRN77]

Go Celtics!! (But please lose 2 games because I bought tickets for Game 6!!)

[checkyourprez]

GO MAGIC!!!!!

[Drederick Tatum]

GO BANANA!

[mickill]

I think that my hopes for a Suns-Celtics finals may just be a somewhat actual possibility at this point.

[TurdBerglar]

it's interesting that both these teams (suns, celtics) were the top in their devision for the first third of the season then kinda faultered the rest of the season.

[mickill]

Yeah, I don't get it. But you could also say the opposite about Orlando, Denver, and Cleveland. They kinda lost it when it really mattered.

I think the Suns are still kind of playing like shit, though. A lot of Nash's passes are slipping out of hands or getting intercepted, and they aren't hitting enough 3s. If Artest and Fisher didn't keep sending them to the line they probably would've lost this one. Eventually Phil Jackson is going to change shit up on them and the Suns won't be able to count on the easy turnovers and free throws to steal a win.

[TurdBerglar]

lebron, melo, and howard play with no heart whatsoever. they seem to be incabable of reaching that killer mentality ala reggie miller, mj, kobe, AI, etc. they just seem to get numbers. they're just so good at getting numbers they just happen to win games. but when pressed up against a wall they don't have the fire to break through.


currently in the playoffs the only surviving teams that have a shot at advancing all have atleast one firery player (three for the celtics). nash is fiesty as can be and kobe is well... kobe. it's this fire/focus that wins the important games.

these new batch of players play as if they've never been challenged and are basically bored.

i think wade is the only newish superstay player, that i can think of at the moment, that has the will to win in him.

no wait.... chris paul too. he's just on a shit team.

[Drederick Tatum]

lebron, melo, and howard play with no heart whatsoever.


bullshit.

[mickill]

Kobe is the absolute definition of a clutch player. People hate him for the same reasons they love him. And even though I can't stand Pau and Fisher, those guys go after the ball relentlessly. There's a lot of hunger among the Suns bench, too. But I think the Lakers are going to remain the more composed team in this series.

And yeah, I grew up on Isiah, Jordan, and Olajuwon. I agree that today's "stars" don't have the same kind of fire. And even though Karl Malone and Charles Barkley don't have any rings to show for it, those guys played like their lives depended on it....well, before they started getting old and bitter.

At the end of that era, AI, KG, and Kobe were pretty much the only high profile players in the league that seemed like they could play with the same level of intensity that produced the legends before them. And Carter was one of those false alarms that looked real good for his first couple seasons when he was getting the MJ comparisons. He seems to be trying to make up for lost time now, but he can't shake the soft player/injury prone/no heart stigma. As far as Iverson and Nash go, I think their individual failure to win championships thus far really just comes down to lack of support at the right time. And Melo and AI blew a huge opportunity together.

[mickill]

By the way, this isn't just generational bias, because I also caught the tail end of the Bird/Magic era. And there was no question to me about the intensity those guys seemed to exhibit in every game.

I think the 8 and 9 figure endorsement deals and politics have somewhat tainted the game. Lebron is great, but he clearly hasn't come through when it's mattered the most. Same with Howard. I wouldn't say they lack heart altogether, but they are limited in that department. Chris Paul is like the new Iverson. But yeah, the Celtics big 3 (and Rondo) are great examples of players who can overcome serious hurdles at the most critical times.

[Drederick Tatum]

Vince Carter is heartless for sure. Howard, Melo and Lebron are still developing as players and humans. plenty of time to dominate this league.

[TurdBerglar]

you don't develop heart.

they'll dominate the league when the remaining players that have tons of heart have grounded themselves into old age or retire and are long gone.

there seems to be many more players playing into their late thirties the past ten years then ever before. these same players all seem to be the old school hard nose firey assholes. and i think it's because not so much they're better than players in the past or healthier. it's because they have less competition from the less firey younger players of this generation.

[Drederick Tatum]

well 'heart' is a rather vague and ambiguous term. but I definitely think that competitive drive can be instilled or developed in players. I guess that's what coaches are for and why some, like Mike Brown, get fired for not doing it enough. in my mind he just didn't have the right relationship with Lebron to push him further.

[nodanaonlyzuul]

I think that my hopes for a Suns-Celtics finals may just be a somewhat actual possibility at this point.

Especially the Celtics because I like Ray Allen. (!)

[TurdBerglar]

a coach shouldn't be encouraging a superstar player the calibur of lebron james. superstar players of the past had the determiniation from day one. and a lot of times that fire and determination had to be CONTAINED by the coach to steady his player.

[Gareth]

jj redick is playing better than vince carter at this stage

[Drederick Tatum]

a coach shouldn't be encouraging a superstar player the calibur of lebron james. superstar players of the past had the determiniation from day one. and a lot of times that fire and determination had to be CONTAINED by the coach to steady his player.

some great generalisations here. a coach shouldn't be encouraging a superstar player? riiiiiiiiight, ok. so just because they're superior players a coach should refrain from offering encouragement and providing motivation, which are two of the most critical roles for any coach in any sport anywhere. maybe it would be better if these superstars just had an iPad with a digital playbook instead of a highly paid and highly experienced expert on the sideline?

why do you think some coach/superstar tandems have worked so well? because the coach is able to bring out the best from that player, not because he has the ability to successfully restrain him.

[TurdBerglar]

coaches shouldn't have to encouraging determination in the elite players.


that determination should in innate. players of the past had this killer mentality that the current batch of players don't have to the same degree.

[mickill]

I really hate the Lakers right about now.

[Echewta]

:rolleyes:Nothing more annoying then going for a drink when the bar is full of Lakers fans.

[checkyourprez]

:rolleyes:Nothing more annoying then going for a drink when the bar is full of Lakers fans.


they have to go to the bar to watch it. they dont let lowly fans into lakers games.

[Echewta]

When you are at a bar and they start chanting "MVP MVP MVP," I usually grab my keys and eject.

[NicRN77]

Celtics are awesome! I was at Game 6 tonight. What a game! Howard and Redick Suck!!!!!! ;-) That Nate Robinson sure has a lot of spunk. Go Celtics!

[RobMoney$]

coaches shouldn't have to encouraging determination in the elite players.


I agree with Turd here.
Nobody ever had to motivate Bird, Magic, Isiah, or Jordan.
Pete Rose was like that too.
Just natural-born competitors

Champions are often usually described as the type of people who want to win at everything they try, be it basketball, poker, or whatever.
They often spend most of their free time creating stuff to simply compete against their teammates doing.

Coaches should be implementing a game plan that enhances a players abilities to thier fullest. The desire to win at all costs is not something anyone can teach.

Also, by the time someone reaches the level of being a professional athlete, they've heard every "rah-rah" speech that could possibly be given to them anyway.
There have been many coaches who have had a lot of sucess in sports who are mellow personalities.
For every Red Auerback, there's a Phil Jackson.
For every Bobby Knight, there's a John Wooden.
George Karl for Larry Brown,
Vince Lombardi for Tom Landry,
Bill Walsh for Bill Parcells,
Billy Martin for Joe Torre,
Scotty Bowman for Mike Keenan,

Whether you're emotional or subdued makes no matter as a coach, it's all about gameplan and having the respect of your players.

[Drederick Tatum]

NBA FINALS.

I'm picking the Lakers to roll the Celtics. in 5 or in 6.

Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are going to have to play awesome against Kobe and Ron Artest for the Celtics to have any chance. Artest is made for wings like Pierce. Kobe on Rondo will happen too. down low, Gasol has a chance to knock ageing KG down a few notches. he's got the skill and athletic advantage.

interesting matchups across the board. Tony Allen might be a wildcard. he's had a better than expected post-season.

[NicRN77]

NBA FINALS.

I'm picking the Lakers to roll the Celtics. in 5 or in 6.

Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are going to have to play awesome against Kobe and Ron Artest for the Celtics to have any chance. Artest is made for wings like Pierce. Kobe on Rondo will happen too. down low, Gasol has a chance to knock ageing KG down a few notches. he's got the skill and athletic advantage.

interesting matchups across the board. Tony Allen might be a wildcard. he's had a better than expected post-season.


Why does no one believe in the Celtics? The Cavs and Magic were slated to win and didn't...so give 'em a chance.

I predict the C's in 6.

[Whatitis]

I think the Lakers will pull this one out and won't be surprised if it goes 7 games. Kobe will be on fire, dude has determination like no other. The problem for the Lakers is not letting the Celtics get into their heads and staying physical down low. A tough task but the memories of 131-92 and being trapped on the bus and thrust into the Celtics crowd celebrating after that game had stuck in the Lakers heads since. The Lakers want this bad!

[mickill]

NBA FINALS.

I'm picking the Lakers to roll the Celtics. in 5 or in 6.

Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are going to have to play awesome against Kobe and Ron Artest for the Celtics to have any chance. Artest is made for wings like Pierce. Kobe on Rondo will happen too. down low, Gasol has a chance to knock ageing KG down a few notches. he's got the skill and athletic advantage.

interesting matchups across the board. Tony Allen might be a wildcard. he's had a better than expected post-season.

For sure this is going to be a totally different series from what we saw in '08. And even though the match-ups are a leaning a little in the Lakers' favor, Boston is definitely the smarter team, overall.

If Gasol stays on KG, he'll be a lot more effective than if he starts trying to cover the perimeter shooters. Especially if it's Allen. If Allen gets hot, I can see them switching off to try and pressure him. Opposite to that, the Celtics were intelligent enough to not double on Howard, which kept him relatively ineffective throughout most of the series with Orlando.

Also, LA is probably going to try and keep Rondo from driving, which will more than likely keep the outside open for the threes. How's Fisher going to keep Rondo from doing his thing? By slapping him? Rondo can make a lot of things happen for Boston. Apart from that, Odom vs Wallace or Davis is pretty even.

It'll probably be hard to contain Kobe, but the Celtics will just have to rely on offense to keep the games close. And LA has gotten pretty sloppy with the turnovers this season. There's more than enough holes for Boston to take advantage of here. If Pierce can prevent Artest from getting under his skin, Allen catches fire, KG starts concentrating on d, and Rondo stays uninjured, I think Boston can take it in 6.

[mickill]

And LA came apart on more than one occasion during the Suns series when they started forcing Nash to take more shots. Which he was more than happy to do. The Suns were huge underdogs, and they came extremely close to claiming 3 games. So LA has also had a lot of luck in their corner.

[Drederick Tatum]

monster game from Gasol. played all but 90 seconds of game 1. got as many offensive rebounds as the entire Celtic team combined. along with three blocks he probably altered twice as many shots, many of those from Ray Allen on forced switches.

I expect the Celtics will try and rough him up even more now. Rasheed will probably try to do his thing.

If Pierce can prevent Artest from getting under his skin, Allen catches fire, KG starts concentrating on d, and Rondo stays uninjured...

that's a lot of 'ifs'.

[mickill]

Maybe.

The first half was great. The second half was Boston struggling to keep within 16 points while LA used the court to do whatever they wanted. The Lakers could have been playing with blindfolds by the time they got to the 4th and still won.

[mickill]

On a related note, this (http://ginosjungle.webs.com/apps/blog/show/3930026) pretty accurately sums up the bad calls made during pretty much the entire game.

[Drederick Tatum]

^more like the entire season.

they throw out techs far too easily. refs should wait till things actually get heated before putting themselves centre-stage. clearly the Indiana-Detroit 2004 brawl caused a seachange in the way officials were instructed to call games. Stern is consumed with keeping competitive emotions in check. personally I think the league is worse for it.

[nodanaonlyzuul]

yeah those fouls on Ray Allen were ridiculous.

p.s.
Fuck Kobe.

[Whatitis]

Determination (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Video-Even-Chris-Rock-can-t-distract-Kobe-Bryan?urn=nba,245619)

[NicRN77]

yeah those fouls on Ray Allen were ridiculous.

p.s.
Fuck Kobe.


agreed. (y)

[Whatitis]

Nice start for the Lakers but Boston will come back hard in game 2.

[mickill]

Ray Ray!

[yeahwho]

yes ray

[Drederick Tatum]

Lakers shot their way out of the game. 5-22 from three. Odom is playing terribly, he's averaging more fouls per game than points. even without him the Lakers still dominated the inside; Bynum and Gasol sent back 14 Celtic attempts. So full credit to Rondo and Allen for basically winning the game for Boston.

I hope this series goes to seven games. there hasn't been a Finals game 7 since 2005. it would be great to see these two teams in that sort of game.

[mickill]

Really, the Lakers should have had this game. Rondo did his thing, but if Allen didn't let loose with the 3s LA would have definitely owned this game, as well as the series. Boston was virtually helpless in the paint. Davis failing on 3 attempts after getting his own rebounds was sadly one of the better moments for them from inside.

[Gareth]

i have a crush on ray allen's jumpshot

[Turchinator]

Really, the Lakers should have had this game. Rondo did his thing, but if Allen didn't let loose with the 3s LA would have definitely owned this game, as well as the series.

"Ifs" and "Should Haves" don't count in a 7 Game NBA Finals series.


Boston was virtually helpless in the paint. Davis failing on 3 attempts after getting his own rebounds was sadly one of the better moments for them from inside.

Boston outscored LA 36-26 in the paint.

Perhaps the moment when Rondo cruised uncontested to the hoop to the layup (to break the tie for good) was a better description of Boston's inside game.

Did you want to talk about Kobe, Fisher, and Artest going 11-38?

[Drederick Tatum]

throw Odom in the mix and Kobe/Artest/Odom/Fisher go 12-41

[yeahwho]

I'm Ready. Start this Game.

[yeahwho]

OK. Stop this Game.

[mickill]

"Ifs" and "Should Haves" don't count in a 7 Game NBA Finals series.
How about "mayhapses"?

I like that the Celtics just stopped playing during the final minute and let Fisher cruise to the other end of the court before they realized they should probably intervene. It'd be nice if KG and Allen could have good games at the same time, too.

And the video reviews for the out of bounds calls at the end of the 4th.....wow.

[mickill]

Somebody get Artest some movie offers.

Kobe sure could have used a little help out there tonight. Either way, Boston worked for it (with the help of a few favorable yet bad calls). Also, looks like KG is waking up.

[Drederick Tatum]

good game. had lots of great plays and strands. Pierce and Kobe going off. Allen vs Fisher. Rondo's alien arms letting him do ridiculous shit. the crowd throwing things on the court. no Adam Morrison though. shame. be funny to see that facial hair thing he's got make an appearance in an NBA Finals.

I don't know why, but it's kinda nice to see Garnett move around well. makes me want to break out the Timberwolves 21. good when his body let's the talent do the talking. and Paul Pierce loves contact more than Ron Artest if that's possible. when he's got the ball he just wants to hit you a little bit and then move on to his shot. he's like a cranky tortoise on its hind legs.

as a neutral I hope LA win the next one and then there's an Artest breakdown in Game 7. that'd be great theatre.

[Drederick Tatum]

I hate that my pick for Lakers in 5/6 comes up as the first thing I see on this page, but a Game 7 is great.

if Bynum and Odom play half-decent I think the Lakers win. especially now that Perkins is out. they don't even have to do that much. just be aggressive and get a couple of the Celtics frontline in foul trouble. defensively Perkins gone is a big hole that is just begging to be exploited. I hope it's a tight game, but I wouldn't be surprised by a solid Laker win. with this series though, who knows.

[nodanaonlyzuul]

I HAVE TO WORK UNTIL 8:30PM TONIGHT WHICH MEANS I WILL NOT GET HOME UNTIL AFTER 9PM WHICH MEANS I AM MISSING GAME 7 TONIGHT.

:mad::mad::mad:

[Echewta]

I get to go to a bar with a bunch of Laker fans who are going to chant "MVP" all night long. May the scotch on the rocks take the pain away quickly.

[NicRN77]

I'm going to a bar tonight to watch the game. Hoping it isn't too packed and we get a table. Go Celtics! BEAT LA!

[mickill]

As much as I'd like to see Boston win, I'm pretty sure the Lakers are going into this game about 500% more confident than the Celtics. Which gives them not only home court advantage, but the psychological advantage, as well as an overall healthier lineup.

[Whatitis]

I think the Lakers will pull this one out and won't be surprised if it goes 7 games.

Fuck yea!

What a hell of a game! A Team win!

[mickill]

Win? More like didn't happen to lose. Both teams played like shit. Artest saved LA (and thanked his psychiatrist before plugging his latest single during post-game festivities). And how could Boston hold the lead for so long just to end up giving it away when they should have been working their hardest?

The commentators kept talking about the supertight defense being played on both ends, but so many open shots and layups were missed that I don't think that half of those baskets would have gone in anyway.

That was easily one of the worst games I've ever seen. Just such an ugly game.

Congrats, LA.

[NicRN77]

:(

[Whatitis]

The Lakers did what nobody thought they could do and that is win defensively....and they did it the last two games!

Didn't happen to lose...pfft...the Lakers coulda blown the championship on Kobe's innability alone but as a team they stood ground at home...it was nice to see.

[mickill]

The refs played a huge part in getting the Lakers to the line more in the 4th. Meanwhile, Boston couldn't seem to draw a foul to save their lives in the final minutes of the game. This game was trash.

[Whatitis]

Everybody has blamed the refs on either side, the whole series, and actually game 7 was the most leniant as far as officiating goes so...

[mickill]

Lenient for 3 quarters. Then all hell broke loose in the 4th.

Anyway, the numbers speak for themselves:

Boston shot 9 Free Throws in the 2nd half compared to Kobe's 9 Free Throws in 4th Quarter alone.

Boston shot 17 Free Throws in the game while Kobe alone had 15 opportunities in the Game.

The Lakers had 19 Free Throws in the 4th alone (the highest % of free throws for one team in one quarter for any playoff game ever). Meanwhile LA wasn't getting called for the most obvious fouls. And Gasol's up and down was totally overlooked. It had a huge impact on the outcome. It's not like LA won by 15 points and this was a clear solid victory where they were just outplaying Boston. It was contingent on the sudden shower of free throws in the 4th. It didn't come down to rebounding or shooting percentages. The shit was practically orchestrated to give LA an advantage in the final minutes of the game with a bunch of bullshit calls against Boston.

I'm not saying Boston played a good offensive game, but if Allen and Pierce had gotten to the line a couple times more each, it could have easily gone the other way. They weren't given those opportunities like LA was, though.