NBA playoffs discussion

[BlackScorpion]

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Just wondering how many here are avid basketball fans like myself. With the NBA playoffs just starting, it is in my opinion, the best time of the year. Let me kick this off this discussion by predicting that Lakers will beat the Suns in six and Kobe will score at least 45 points in one of those games. what do you guys think?

 

[cdql]

I say Kobe will average 45

But the Suns will be the ones finishing off the Lakers in 6

The Lakers have no shot if they play the Zenmaster's "distribute the ball evenly" method. Kobe has to go for 50+ each game for them to have a shot!

 

[Bevo]

does not matter who wins between lakers and suns.

they'll both lose if they're lucky enough to run into my spurs 🙂

 

[Carm]

He showed why he is the Zen Master. That was a pretty sweet game plan. Everyone seems to forget that except for the last time they met (with Nash not in the lineup) the Suns spanked the Lakers despite Kobe going off.

Phil knows that the Lakers one advantage over the Suns is a "go to guy" down the stretch. Don't get me wrong, Nash is my favorite player, but if I had one possession and needed a bucket.....

I agree that the Suns will probably win, but if the Lakers can continue to keep it close then give it to the Japanese Steak House at the end who knows.

Love the playoffs

 

[cdql]

hahaha

technically, he's just a japanese steak

but he's been so good in the past, we can upgrade him to steakhouse

 

[Don8455]

My avatar is all you need to know about these playoffs.

 

[cdql]

Ugh...if the Spurs play the Pistons again in the Finals, I'm not watching.

I'd rather watch golf.

Heck, I'd rather watch Elmer's dry.

Is there anything worse than watching these two slug it out to a slow, painful finish?

 

[Don8455]

Ugh...if the Spurs play the Pistons again in the Finals, I'm not watching.

I'd rather watch golf.

Heck, I'd rather watch Elmer's dry.

Is there anything worse than watching these two slug it out to a slow, painful finish?

You are right. Watching the two best teams in the league play is the worst. I'm hoping for Kobe vs. Lebron 🙄

 

[Carm]

You are right. Watching the two best teams in the league play is the worst. I'm hoping for Kobe vs. Lebron 🙄

Hey Don.

Who's your coach of choice as a Piston fan?

-Carlisle
-Brown
-Flip

 

[Don8455]

Hey Don.

Who's your coach of choice as a Piston fan?

-Carlisle
-Brown
-Flip

Thats a tough one. I think as far as personalities have gone I have liked Flip the best. He has opened up the offense and has drastically changed the points per game. And for the most part he has kept the D intact. And he has a mild manner that doesn't really clash with anyone. Some may say that he just sits back and the players do it all but I would disagree with that.

You can't argue with the title that they got with Brown though. Although he is a complete weasel, and I absolutely hate the way he handles himself, he has the edge over Flip until (and if) they win again.

I was never a big Carlisle fan. I know their success started when he was at the helm, but I personally associate that with the players Dumars was able to score and not with who was coaching them. I think he's a bit of a jerk as well.

So if the Pistons win it this year (please let your ankle be ok Rip) my favorite will be Flip hands down.

 

[cdql]

You are right. Watching the two best teams in the league play is the worst. I'm hoping for Kobe vs. Lebron 🙄

I am too! I'd rather watch sloppy, unfundamental, but exciting basketball!

Rather than watching the defensive slugfests of the pistons and spurs!

 

[brisk80]

You are right. Watching the two best teams in the league play is the worst. I'm hoping for Kobe vs. Lebron 🙄

I honestly believe the best possible scenario for advertising and increasing the Public's interest in the NBA would be that combination.... Lakers v Cav's. Unfortunately, Kobe needs to play better for the Lakers to stand a chance. If Lebron manages to pull off triple doubles every game then the Cav's may be the surprise team in the playoffs. Right now the Nuggets are sucking it up big time. 40-15 with 8 minutes to go in the second quarter... Embarassing

 

[driverabu]

Ugh...if the Spurs play the Pistons again in the Finals, I'm not watching.

I'd rather watch golf.

Heck, I'd rather watch Elmer's dry.

Is there anything worse than watching these two slug it out to a slow, painful finish?

Anybody who thinks like this really does not appreciate the game of basketball.......watching showboats score is one thing, but that is all they think about...themselves! Now, watching 2 basketball teams who understand the meaning of TEAM is awesome.....GO SPURS GO!!!! Pistons are going to run into a brick wall when they hit the spurs

 

[surgpa]

Just wondering how many here are avid basketball fans like myself. With the NBA playoffs just starting, it is in my opinion, the best time of the year. Let me kick this off this discussion by predicting that Lakers will beat the Suns in six and Kobe will score at least 45 points in one of those games. what do you guys think?

Does not matter....the Spurs will take the Championship again this year!

Mike

 

[Bevo]

Finally some people who know something about basketball.


GO SPURS GO!

 

[DrNick2006]

Anybody who thinks like this really does not appreciate the game of basketball.......watching showboats score is one thing, but that is all they think about...themselves! Now, watching 2 basketball teams who understand the meaning of TEAM is awesome.....GO SPURS GO!!!! Pistons are going to run into a brick wall when they hit the spurs

I think the Pistons pretty much own on the spurs this year. And who says the spurs and pistons are not fun to watch? The spurs put 122 on the board the other day, and the pistons can score if they need to as well. I think the fact that the spurs and pistons are so solid at both ends it makes it very exciting to watch, all the games will be competitive and intense. Last year went the fourth quarter of game sevan, you can't get a better series than that. Plus both the pistons and spurs have exciting players to watch, parker, ginobili, billups, rasheed. Great basketball.

 

[Bevo]

general rule of thumb when talking about the spurs, you only mention meetings that happen from the time of the rodeo trip and aftwards.

Wins and Losses prior to then are meaningless. Pistons peaked really early this year and had an amazing first half season.

Spurs didn't really do anything early on in the year. Struggled with injuries, incorporated some new pieces, etc.

You haven't seen what the Spurs are capable of yet when playing detroit. Too bad one of those meetings didn't happen in march or april. That would have been a game to watch.

if both teams meet again int he finals, it'll be another 7 game match up and one for the ages.

 

[lvspro]

general rule of thumb when talking about the spurs, you only mention meetings that happen from the time of the rodeo trip and aftwards.

Wins and Losses prior to then are meaningless. Pistons peaked really early this year and had an amazing first half season.

Spurs didn't really do anything early on in the year. Struggled with injuries, incorporated some new pieces, etc.

You haven't seen what the Spurs are capable of yet when playing detroit. Too bad one of those meetings didn't happen in march or april. That would have been a game to watch.

if both teams meet again int he finals, it'll be another 7 game match up and one for the ages.

Pistons in 5... nuff said.

 

[Bevo]

Pistons in 5... nuff said.

maybe against the bucks. But thats it.

 

[DrNick2006]

I think the fact that the Pistons have home court this year and are more improved from last when compared to the spurs makes them the favorite. Also, I think the bench, while not great, is more solid than last year. Arroyo was terrible against the spurs last year in the finals, I don't think hunter or delk will be as big of liabilities because they are more experienced verterans comfortable in thier role and not going to try to come of the bench and be the differnece maker, which I think arroyo did last year leading to poor play. Also, McDyse is better this year than last especially offensively. The only improvement I see on the Spurs is that Parker is playing better. Last year he played poorly at times in the finals. This year I think he will be much better, but the fact is that his game is a post game (more post points than just about everone in the league, even though he is a guard) and that is where the Pistons are great on defence with three legitimate shot blockers. Parker still can't be considered a perimeter shooter to me. Last year I feel like ginobili caused detroit the most problems, but I think he will be less effective this year both because of injuries and I don't think he is getting as many of the flop calls that he got last year.

Of course all this is null and void if they don't make the finals again, but who really is gonna beat detroit in the east? The heat are just not that good against good teams, They only beat detroit once this year and detroit really let that one get away, they were up by 14 or so in the fourth and lost by 2. The nets have been trouble for the pistons, but they are already having problems against indiana. Cleveland is probably the second best team in the east right not with the way lebron is playing and the fact they have there full team, but the pistons seem to own on cleveland, especially ilguskas

In the west San Antonio has a much tougher road with dallas likely in the second round and I think the clippers in the west finals.

 

[DrNick2006]

Bevo great avitar. where do you get that?

 

[Bevo]

Bevo great avitar. where do you get that?

stumbled across it on the internet. On a spurs forum actually 🙂

I think there is another big difference with the spurs from last year's team.

Last year we had a rookie back up point guard. He showed his inexperience against detroit when he got trapped. THis year we have Nick, the not so quick, van exel. We shouldn't have as many issues from that position like we did last year.

I wouldn't call Parker an outside shooter either. But I wouldn't assume that his impact will be voided by having wallace, wallace and prince. He's been doing this all year. He's very good at getting into the lane and getting a shot up.

In addition, we got some consistent scoring off of teh bench now with Finley. He's a stronger big guard and can put up points.

Its true that we got the tougher road to the finals again. Dallas will be a tough series. Not sure who we'll face in the conference finals. Phoenix or Clips.

I dont see Detroit having a series go longer than 5 games until they meet the Heat. Then I think they'll finally play a 6 game series.

The only concern I really have is Duncan and his plantar fascitis. He's been quoted as saying it really impacts him when he tries to take off from it. Something he'll have to do against the Pistons. As the key to beating the pistons is really controlling the boards.

We'll also need Nazr to play like he did last year.

 

[lvspro]

maybe against the bucks. But thats it.

We still won three playing only defense last year. This year we are a double threat b/c we can open it up on O, and our reserves can contribute better than last year. I'll give you the benefit, though, and say that there is a small chance it may be Pistons in 6.

 

[Bevo]

close game tonight, still pulled it thru

 

[Carm]

close game tonight, still pulled it thru

For whatever reason the the worst thing (well not as bad as losing but you get my point) to happen to an NBA team in the playoffs is a blowout win.

The NBA psyche is a strange thing. I remember the Jazz with Malone and Stockton getting blown out during their two title game runs. I can't remember if it was to the Kings or the Bulls, but the announcers saying that "true professionals like Stock and Malone would use this as extra motivation and would come out like gang busters the next game." They were right.

What I have never understood is the "extra motivation factor". Why would a player from one team talking trash before a deciding game 7 or maybe even the super bowl have any effect on the other team? Are you telling me that professionals at highest level playing the biggest highest stakes games are giving 98% until someone offends them, and then they go 100%. I have always thought this sounds obsurd.

However, close matters only in the minds of losers.....nice win Spurs

 

[BlackScorpion]

wow, didn't catch the game, but just looking at the stats, looks like the Zenmeister's plan of using Kobe to set up other players worked this time around. I did see the "DUNK OF THE YEAR" though. Just brutal. Can't wait for the poster to come out.

 

[HunterGatherer]

I did see the "DUNK OF THE YEAR" though. Just brutal. Can't wait for the poster to come out.

That was pretty huge. Nobody should get posterized like that. Not even Nash. LOL!


My lowly Bulls won one too!

 

[HunterGatherer]

Bulls tie up the series. 🙂

 

[Carm]

Granted I am a basketball junkie, but the playoffs are off and rolling this year. Normally the Pistons, Spurs, Heat and Suns would be rolling right now. At least the 7 and 8s are making it interesting. It probably won't last, but it is great.

Love playoff basketball.

Go Mavs

 

[TX515]

Does not matter....the Spurs will take the Championship again this year!

Mike

If Duncan is not 100%, the Mavs have a good chance. I can't believe the Lakers are leading 3/1.

 

[ultm8frisbee]

Hey don't count out Sacramento...Bonzi Wells is a free agent this summer and is playing out of his mind. If they can get past the Spurs, they match up very well with Dallas. It's looking like an LA-LA matchup on the other side of the Western bracket, and I don't see either team being a problem for the Kings. With all that being said, I still look for the Spurs to hold their home court advantage. Not looking forward to it, but if I was a betting man I'd put my money on rematch of last years finals, with the pistons winning in seven games.

 

[ultm8frisbee]

Oh yeah, anyone know what the hell is going on with left side of Ernie Johnson's face? Tune into the halftime show on TNT if you don't know what I'm talking about. Whats the differential dx!

 

[Don8455]

Oh yeah, anyone know what the hell is going on with left side of Ernie Johnson's face? Tune into the halftime show on TNT if you don't know what I'm talking about. Whats the differential dx!

I'm pretty sure he announced on the air about 2 months ago that its non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

Come on Pistons, don't let the series get to 2-2 like all these other high seeds.

 

[TX515]

Hey don't count out Sacramento. Not looking forward to it, but if I was a betting man I'd put my money on rematch of last years finals, with the pistons winning in seven games.

Sacramento is holding their own and might come away beating Saytown. Sacramento and Dallas would be a great matchup. I don't think that LAL will do anything, so I have to go with the Pistons vs. Mavs. And, call me crazy, I think that Dallas can take them in a 7 game series due to their depth.

 

[Pooh & Annie]

I'm usually not a big pro-hoops fan (LOVE college ball), but for some reason this year has some sweet playoff matchups. It's hard to tell with some series. I think the only thing we can all agree on is that the pistons are freakin' awesome and although they might stumble once in awhile, they are going to win the championship! (You can disagree if you want, but the information above is factual and not conjecture).

 

[TX515]

I'm usually not a big pro-hoops fan (LOVE college ball), but for some reason this year has some sweet playoff matchups. It's hard to tell with some series. I think the only thing we can all agree on is that the pistons are freakin' awesome and although they might stumble once in awhile, they are going to win the championship! (You can disagree if you want, but the information above is factual and not conjecture).

I'm going with the Mavs.

 

[Don8455]

Now that the Red Wings have pissed away their President's Cup (once again), all I have is my Pistons! Bring that title back to Detroit!!!

Hey, the Tigers are doing all right as well.

 

[TX515]

Now that the Red Wings have pissed away their President's Cup (once again), all I have is my Pistons! Bring that title back to Detroit!!!

Hey, the Tigers are doing all right as well.

Excuse me while i sweep my room.

 

[tsdesai]

wow, didn't catch the game, but just looking at the stats, looks like the Zenmeister's plan of using Kobe to set up other players worked this time around. I did see the "DUNK OF THE YEAR" though. Just brutal. Can't wait for the poster to come out.

Not to mention the great finish Game 4. I cant wait till the next round for LA vs. LA. Its gonno be great

 

[TX515]

If LA puts the Lakers out, I think Kobe should automatically jump in front of Nash for MVP. There is no way Nash should win if LA beats them. On that topic, if Amare was healthy, Phoenix would be rapping up that series tonight. So, who is the real MVP? Hmmmm....I think right now, the top 3 candidates are Kobe, Nash, and Lebron, not in any particular order. LJ is putting up sick, sick numbers.

 

[ultm8frisbee]

I'm going with the Mavs.

As far as the Mavs go, they are just paper dragons to me. They always are a pretty good regular season team, but when they have to match up against the big boys, they fall short. Some may argue that this is a different Dallas team with a difeerent coach. But at the positions where titles are won (power forward and center) they are soft. Don't get me wrong, Dirk is one of the best offensive players in the league. But Dirk and Dampier as your enforcers in the paint ain't going to stop the elite teams big men(i.e. Tim Duncan, Shaq, and the Wallace Boys). Dallas may have a shot at GETTING to the finals however, if Sacramento knocks out San Antonio.

 

[TX515]

But Dirk and Dampier as your enforcers in the paint ain't going to stop the elite teams big men(i.e. Tim Duncan, Shaq, and the Wallace Boys)

Don't forget about Diop, Mbenga, and Powell. I wouldn't consider the Wallace boys as enforcers, only Ben. Go ahead and throw Josh Howard into the mix if you want to talk about Rasheed.

 

[cloud9]

Now that the Red Wings have pissed away their President's Cup (once again),

As much as I love the Wings, I really think this was their age catching up with them. Two overtime losses, one loss late in the third: AGE. I wouldn't want any of them to leave but time for change. It's a crying shame Stevie couldn't retire with another Stanley. He deserves it more than most.

The Sens are still in the midst of it though!!

 

[cdql]

If LA puts the Lakers out, I think Kobe should automatically jump in front of Nash for MVP. There is no way Nash should win if LA beats them. On that topic, if Amare was healthy, Phoenix would be rapping up that series tonight. So, who is the real MVP? Hmmmm....I think right now, the top 3 candidates are Kobe, Nash, and Lebron, not in any particular order. LJ is putting up sick, sick numbers.

Unfortunately, the MVP is already decided. It's based purely on the regular season performance.

But I would agree: my top 3 would also be kobe, nash, and lebron

Although watching LeBron in his first playoff series hasn't panned out as well as I would have liked. Too many turnovers, too many one-on-one sequences.

 

[Pooh & Annie]

As much as I love the Wings, I really think this was their age catching up with them. Two overtime losses, one loss late in the third: AGE. I wouldn't want any of them to leave but time for change. It's a crying shame Stevie couldn't retire with another Stanley. He deserves it more than most.

The Sens are still in the midst of it though!!

I see what you're saying, but the wings had WAY more shots on goal. I think it was Legace's inexperience that was the problem.

I STILL think Phoenix can win the series with LA. Two home games they can definitely win, and they should have won both games in LA that they already played. I won't count them out. It would be cool, though, to see the Clippers embarrass the Lakers in the next round. I always relish seeing Kobe lose embarrassing games. What a $@*#%&@ #@$#%.

 

[driverabu]

Unfortunately, the MVP is already decided. It's based purely on the regular season performance.

But I would agree: my top 3 would also be kobe, nash, and lebron

Although watching LeBron in his first playoff series hasn't panned out as well as I would have liked. Too many turnovers, too many one-on-one sequences.

What's the difference b/w the 3 players just mentioned? Well, Kobe is no doubt one of the best players in the NBA if not the best, but does he make everybody else around him better...can I get a hell no! How about Lebron, he probably makes everybody around him a little better, but not by much. Now, Nash is not only an awesome freakin' player, but that boy makes everybody around him better....can I get a hell yeah for a true MVP!? Also, not mentioned but should be is Tony Parker.....they cheated him big time after he had a career year..and yes, he definitely made everybody better. The only thing that sucks about Nash is that he is Canadian!

 

[BlackScorpion]

I see what you're saying, but the wings had WAY more shots on goal. I think it was Legace's inexperience that was the problem.

I STILL think Phoenix can win the series with LA. Two home games they can definitely win, and they should have won both games in LA that they already played. I won't count them out. It would be cool, though, to see the Clippers embarrass the Lakers in the next round. I always relish seeing Kobe lose embarrassing games. What a $@*#%&@ #@$#%.

Well LA should have won Game 1. Talk about no calls, In the last minute of that game, Kobe got a knot on his head the size of a golf ball courtesy of Diaw. So theortically, this series should have been over in game 4. Alas, LA should end the suns misery by game 6, too bad Bell won't be there (Phil Jackson really got into his head, lol).

 

[achieman]

I'm also an avid yahoo fantasy bball player/supadupastar, wanna play next year? Since I'm not in one of the NBA cities, have no particular favorite team. I tend to like the rebels though, such as Artest, Sheed, and favor PG's like Kidd, Nash. Also, always will be a Kobe hater. This year, go humm... whoever beat Lakers.

 

[TX515]

Now, Nash is not only an awesome freakin' player, but that boy makes everybody around him better....can I get a hell yeah for a true MVP!? Also, not mentioned but should be is Tony Parker.....they cheated him big time after he had a career year..and yes, he definitely made everybody better. The only thing that sucks about Nash is that he is Canadian!

Parker is having a great year. What is up with Ginobili? I expected him to do better this year. All I'm saying about Nash is yes, he is a good player, but Stoudemire is the true MVP. The series would be a done deal if he was healthy playing in it. I'm not a fan of Kobe ever since the allegations were made and the fact I saw him throw a blatant elbow to the face of Mike Bibby a few years back. I know a lot of elbows are thrown around and it is hard to call one guy out, but it showed a complete lack of disrespect to himself and Bibby. 😴
Lebron James - 45 pts, 17/18 from the FT line, 7 rebounds, 6 assts, 4 TO...sick...He doesn't make his teammates better? Look at his teammates...they are the Cavaliers...
By the way, thought I'd introduce myself. I've been reading the board for a few months now, I'm currently a graduate student who has been accepted to med school for the fall. I'm really interested in anesthesiology and I appreciate all the information posted. Thanks.

 

[Pooh & Annie]

Well LA should have won Game 1. Talk about no calls, In the last minute of that game, Kobe got a knot on his head the size of a golf ball courtesy of Diaw. So theortically, this series should have been over in game 4. Alas, LA should end the suns misery by game 6, too bad Bell won't be there (Phil Jackson really got into his head, lol).

Spoke a little too soon, homes!