2007 NBA Playoffs Thread

[Young Drachma]

The Toronto crowd seems pretty happy that Vince Carter is back. Ha. He's got 15 points.

The Nets lead 94-88. It's kinda nice to see Toronto into the playoffs, that team has really do a number for that city and the audience is in all red.

But I think the Nets should be able to pull it out.

[hoopsguy]

Watching the Bulls game, Shaq looks great and would be even better if the refs weren't calling some tough fouls on him.

The Bulls have to be pleased to be where they are at this point with one three and Heinrich playing five minutes because of foul trouble. That offense really does not run well at all with Gordon at point.

Deng is going to score 30+ this series if they leave Wade on him - I'm expecting to see an adjustment on that matchup. And I'm pretty surprised with how good Sefalosha has looked guarding him, although the Bulls are going to be in real trouble if they have to go with that look for more than 10-12 minutes a game - would imply that Heinrich is still picking up idiot fouls.

[Neuqua]

Refs are all over Hinrich today but he's really got to keep his emotions to himself. That technical hurt.

[miami_fan]

The Heat have to be real aggressive now. Get the ball in the paint on every possession.

[Neuqua]

And Tyrus shows just what kind of playmaking potential he has. He has had flashes of them all year long, I only hope he's able to sustain that kind of energy and become a smarter player as his career progresses.

[miami_fan]

Shaq has 5 fouls, D-Wade has 5 fouls, Kapono has got 4 points. And the Heat are only down 6 with 6 to play. I'll take it.

[miami_fan]

Dola, and the Bulls should have traded Luol Deng when they had the chance. He is KILLING the Heat.

[kingfc22]

Luol Deng is en fuego!

[miami_fan]

Gotta get that rebound there!

[miami_fan]

Damn!

[JeeberD]

I can't wait for tonight. God how I hate the Jazz...

[hoopsguy]

The refs really impacted that game, with silly calls on both teams the whole way. That said, the Bulls should have put that one away, winning by 15+ but instead had to sweat it on in the final minute.

I'm definitely looking forward to Jazz/Rockets this evening - haven't gotten many opportunities to see either team all that much this year and they both feature former Illini playing big roles in their 2nd year.

[Neuqua]

The Bulls - Heat series is going to be a struggle the entire time. The two teams flat out hate eachother and it could get very physical as frustrations pile.

The Bulls are one of the youngest teams in the league but I am hoping the last two years have provided the playoff experience they need to take it to the next level now. They certainly aren't afraid of the Heat.

[JeeberD]

Great...Rockets starting PF Chuck Hayes' girlfriend went into labor today and Chuck's availability for tonight's game is up in the air.

[miami_fan]

The Bulls - Heat series is going to be a struggle the entire time. The two teams flat out hate eachother and it could get very physical as frustrations pile.

The Bulls are one of the youngest teams in the league but I am hoping the last two years have provided the playoff experience they need to take it to the next level now. They certainly aren't afraid of the Heat.

It looked like the refs were trying to set the tone for the series by calling the game really tight. No I am not blaming the refs for the loss, just calling it like I see it. Eddie Jones has to play better D on Deng and he has to make Deng work on th defensive end of the floor. Two points and four shot attempts is not going to cut it.

[Chief Rum]

It looked like the refs were trying to set the tone for the series by calling the game really tight. No I am not blaming the refs for the loss, just calling it like I see it. Eddie Jones has to play better D on Deng and he has to make Deng work on th defensive end of the floor. Two points and four shot attempts is not going to cut it.

Jones doesn't have the athleticism anymore to do either. He shouldn't be on Deng defensively at all. And Jones isn't going to make anyone work on his own. At this stage of his career, he is a jump shooter (like Kapono, only older and slower) and needs to be set up within the frame of the offense. Of course, with Shqa and Wade and Walker to attract attention, that still means he can get open when double teams inevitably break away. Obviously, he has to hit those shots when he gets them.

[miami_fan]

Jones doesn't have the athleticism anymore to do either. He shouldn't be on Deng defensively at all. And Jones isn't going to make anyone work on his own. At this stage of his career, he is a jump shooter (like Kapono, only older and slower) and needs to be set up within the frame of the offense. Of course, with Shqa and Wade and Walker to attract attention, that still means he can get open when double teams inevitably break away. Obviously, he has to hit those shots when he gets them.

Eddie has been taking the ball to the glass frequently since he came back to the Heat. I am not expecting him to drive 95% of the time. Hell, I am just looking for it 25%. The main reason for Jones being back in Miami is for his defense. That is why he played 30 MPG in the regular season. If he can't stay with Deng, they might as well put Posey back in the starting lineup.

[bulletsponge]

Great...Rockets starting PF Chuck Hayes' girlfriend went into labor today and Chuck's availability for tonight's game is up in the air.

crap. i hope he shows up anyways

[JeeberD]

Sweet...he's gonna play!

http://blogs.chron.com/nba/2007/04/the_most_wonderful_time_of_the.html

Rockets forward Chuck Hayes just arrived a short time ago, and will play tonight.

His girlfriend delivered their first child, a boy, today. His availability for tonight's game against the Jazz was uncertain during the day. But everything went well. Mother and baby are fine. And Hayes is heading to the practice court to go over a few things.

[hoopsguy]

As a Bulls fan, I was delighted with the decision early to put Wade on Deng. Deng struggled against Miami this year and doesn't have a good playoff track record (very small sample set, but ...) so I was really happy to see him go aggressively at Wade from the outset.

The Heat were really aggressive in sending a second man at Gordon, which is a big part of why he got all of his assists, and a few stupid turnovers as well. I'm wondering if they would keep that same strategy up for a full game if Heinrich is also in the lineup, or if it was just something they did to attack Gordon's handle when he had to play more point today.

[JeeberD]

T-minus 10 minutes to launch...

http://www.fof-gefl.com/upload/JeeberD/03rockets_logo.jpg

[JeeberD]

F'ing Magic and Pistons...end already! :mad:

[JeeberD]

Nice start, Rox... :)

[JeeberD]

Way to end the first quarter, Juwan!

[JeeberD]

TMac needs to come to play in the second half if we're going to pull this game out. One freakin' point? Come on, Tracy!

[JeeberD]

Derek Fisher...LOL!!!! :D

Edit: For those of you not watching the game, he just botched a 3 on 1 layup...

[MikeVic]

Hahaha. Did I just see a 3-on-none end in no basket??

[JeeberD]

I LOVE TMAC!

[Lathum]

so this is how Jeebs gets so many posts...

[Neuqua]

Luther Head

:)

[JeeberD]

so this is how Jeebs gets so many posts...

It's not my fault that no one else is conversing about the game with me... :(

[JeeberD]

Have I mentioned yet that I love TMac?

[Lathum]

It's not my fault that no one else is conversing about the game with me... :(

because basketball sucks :p

[Neuqua]

The Rockets have two of the most underrated players in the league in Hayes and Battier..

[JeeberD]

I LOVE Chuck Hayes. Scrappy as hell, and almost went to UTEP before deciding on Kentucky...

[JeeberD]

Derek Fisher...LOL!!!! :D

Edit: For those of you not watching the game, he just botched a 3 on 1 layup...

Heh, that wound up on YouTube QUICK!

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Way to come back, Rockets! Lets get another win on Monday!

[MrBug708]

D Fish still has one of the greatest shots ever made

[Chief Rum]

D Fish still has one of the greatest shots ever made

Well, yeah, I can't think of any other critical shot in a key NBA playoff game where the space-time was warped to allow a one second shot take only 0.4 seconds. :D

When the very physics of our universe are affected, have to give love to that shot.

[Karlifornia]

because basketball sucks :p

I love how someone who hates basketball clicks on a thread entitled "NBA Playoffs Thread". Not trying to start an argument, but you wouldn't catch me in a NASCAR discussion thread.

[Big Fo]

My Magic could have held the Pistons closer yesterday if only they'd hit some free throws. Probably gonna get swept, might stretch it out to a 4-1 defeat.

[LionsFan10]

That Derek Fisher blown lay-up was bad, but this one is definitely way worse than that ...

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[JeeberD]

Shoulda layed it up with the left, there. Elementary basketball is lost in the NBA...

[LionsFan10]

Shoulda layed it up with the left, there. Elementary basketball is lost in the NBA...

I don't know if it was him not practicing fundamentals or if his original intention was to dunk it, then changed his mind for whatever reason in mid-air and decided to try to lay it in, but either way, Christ dude at least hit the rim ... :p

[JeeberD]

He did hit the rim...the bottom of it! ;)

Edit: Crap, that was actually the bottom of the glass, wasn't it? Even worse! :eek:

[Neuqua]

I don't think I'm allowed to laugh at Fisher. In an all star game a few years back in high school, I picked the pocket of the guy I was defending and had a layup all to myself. As I went up, I slipped (I swear it was a slippery part of the floor) and completely botched 1 on 0 free two points.

Those in attendance never let me forget about that one, to this day.

[LionsFan10]

He did hit the rim...the bottom of it! ;)

Edit: Crap, that was actually the bottom of the glass, wasn't it? Even worse! :eek:

Yeah, I was just about say "watch it again" because he doesn't even hit the net, much less the bottom of the rim. :D

[JeeberD]

Ugh, two teams that I thoroughly dislike. Who root for, Fakers or Puns?

[bulletsponge]

Ugh, two teams that I thoroughly dislike. Who root for, Fakers or Puns?

Puns. at least then we dont have to see the circle-jerking the media do over Kobe

[stevew]

That Derek Fisher blown lay-up was bad, but this one is definitely way worse than that ...

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Yeah, lol, i hate david wesley.

[sterlingice]

I know, we're not even on the second page so complaining about how long the playoffs is might be a tad premature, but I hate how the games are every 2 days. I'd love to see another Rockets game tonight.

SI

[miami_fan]

I know, we're not even on the second page so complaining about how long the playoffs is might be a tad premature, but I hate how the games are every 2 days. I'd love to see another Rockets game tonight.

SI

I don't get the league's thinking on this. Without having a conversation with David Stern, I can only guess that he wants to have maximum coverage for each game, as opposed to certain games going against each other on TV.

[Groundhog]

Hmm, wow. In 14 NBA seasons, Robert Horry has reached at least the 2nd round of the NBA playoffs every season. That's amazing.

[miami_fan]

Nice gesture AI

[miami_fan]

How the fuck is Horry allowed to be THAT wide open? Come on Nuggets, don't fall apart now.

[Groundhog]

Well, Denver win and GSW are off to a decent start. Those two would probably be the most dangerous 1st round opponents this year, but Dallas should be able to handle GSW if they can start knocking down some shots.

[Karlifornia]

Warriors and Mavs in a battle right now. I can't believe how excited I am right now. End of three, Warriors up 72-66. Baron Davis is blowing my mind.

[JeeberD]

Someone defend Baron Davis, k thx.

19 points for him in the third alone is insane...

[kingfc22]

Come on W's!

[JeeberD]

Ugh...

[kingfc22]

Jackson for THREE!!!!

[Neuqua]

What is going on in the West!!

[kingfc22]

What is going on in the West!!

Nothing new. The Warriors own the Mavs.

[kingfc22]

Hell yes!

[JeeberD]

Hmmmm...if the Warriors beat the Mavs it opens things up a bit for the Rox.



Go Warriors! ;)

[RGunner]

I don't like to bitch, but how do they not call a foul on Richardson on that block? it was a clean block but u cant get that much body contact and not call a foul...and i think golden state leads the league in tattoos...is it a requirement to have 15 tats if ur on that team?

[Karlifornia]

OMG! OMG! I can't FUCKING believe it!!!!! This is the best night of my life in terms of sports fan-age.....The WARRIORS ARE UP 1-0 on the MAVERICKS!!!!!! Haha long way to go, obviously, but this was an amazing defensive performance. Yeah, the Mavs didn't play their best game, but neither did the Warriors. This was all Baron Davis. Baron is an all-star when he's not hurt. This healthy Warriors team is not an 8 seed. I feel bad for Dallas that they have to play GSW in the first round. WOW! I am ecstatic! GO WARRIORS!

[Karlifornia]

I don't like to bitch, but how do they not call a foul on Richardson on that block? it was a clean block but u cant get that much body contact and not call a foul...and i think golden state leads the league in tattoos...is it a requirement to have 15 tats if ur on that team?

I consider myself very objective, and I think that you are correct. The block was totally clean, but I would have been okay with a foul call on Richardson afterwards. The Mavs had plenty of chances prior to, and after that, so I don't feel bad for them at all. The Warriors (exceptions: Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson) played horribly offensively, but they still won by a dozen.

[JonInMiddleGA]

... is it a requirement to have 15 tats if ur on that team?

I-man, is that you?

;)

[RGunner]

I consider myself very objective, and I think that you are correct. The block was totally clean, but I would have been okay with a foul call on Richardson afterwards. The Mavs had plenty of chances prior to, and after that, so I don't feel bad for them at all. The Warriors (exceptions: Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson) played horribly offensively, but they still won by a dozen.

Yea, I'm not saying that cost us the game, we played horrible, and couldn't guard Davis at all... I just don't think that Dirk will have as bad of a night as he had again, and neither will Stackhouse who was horrible...

[Brian Swartz]

I don't get the league's thinking on this. Without having a conversation with David Stern, I can only guess that he wants to have maximum coverage for each game, as opposed to certain games going against each other on TV.

As I mentioned before, it's pretty accepted that playing on consecutive days is bad for the quality of the game, players having time to recover from injuries, etc. So every other day is about as fast as it can reasonably go. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[oykib]

Puns. at least then we dont have to see the circle-jerking the media do over Kobe

Because we never see that with Steve "two MVPs that I didn't deserve" Nash.

[Neon_Chaos]

If the Nuggets and the Warriors eliminate the Spurs and the Mavs, the 2nd round is going to be very, very fun to watch. :)

Now, if there's only one way for the Suns to stumble (the fact that they can shoot their way out of any point deficit really annoys me.) :)

[Chief Rum]

Nothing new. The Warriors own the Mavs.

Yup. Karma's a bitch, huh, Mavs? To think, if you had bothered to play your stars in the second to last game against the Warriors and give yourselves a chance in that game, you might have been playing the Clips now, whom you guys handled with ease this year. Instead, you get a talented on the rise squad coached by the guy who put you together. I love it!

Do I think the Warriors will win this series? No. But I do (and did) think that the Mavs are in for a loooooong, difficult series--and they have no one to blame but themselves.

[Karlifornia]

Yup. Karma's a bitch, huh, Mavs? To think, if you had bothered to play your stars in the second to last game against the Warriors and give yourselves a chance in that game, you might have been playing the Clips now, whom you guys handled with ease this year. Instead, you get a talented on the rise squad coached by the guy who put you together. I love it!

Do I think the Warriors will win this series? No. But I do (and did) think that the Mavs are in for a loooooong, difficult series--and they have no one to blame but themselves.

As much as it bothers me to say it, you are completely right Chief Rum. It looks now that Avery Johnson made a huge tactical error in that late-season game against the Warriors. I won't say it was underhanded on his part, even now.. but I will say it was a mistake....a mistake that may derail this championship run much sooner than expected.

[miami_fan]

As I mentioned before, it's pretty accepted that playing on consecutive days is bad for the quality of the game, players having time to recover from injuries, etc. So every other day is about as fast as it can reasonably go. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

I would have no problem with every other day AND a five game series.;)

[Lathum]

I love how someone who hates basketball clicks on a thread entitled "NBA Playoffs Thread". Not trying to start an argument, but you wouldn't catch me in a NASCAR discussion thread.

umm, despite the smiley you obviously missed the sarcasic banter I was having with jeebs.

carry on.

basketball stinks.

[Lathum]

dola-

sarcasim again in case you couldn't figure it out.

[Lathum]

If the Nuggets and the Warriors eliminate the Spurs and the Mavs, the 2nd round is going to be very, very fun to watch. :)



the sound you would hear would be TNT producers jumping from the tallest window available.

[JPhillips]

OMG! OMG! I can't FUCKING believe it!!!!! This is the best night of my life in terms of sports fan-age.....

If going up 1-0 in the first round of the playoffs is the best night of your life, you've lived a hard life.

[Wolfpack]

If going up 1-0 in the first round of the playoffs is the best night of your life, you've lived a hard life.

Hey, it's the Warriors. Depending on how long he's actually been alive, this may indeed be the highlight. It's been a long time since Run-TMC.

[pennywisesb]

Hey, it's the Warriors. Depending on how long he's actually been alive, this may indeed be the highlight. It's been a long time since Run-TMC.

Exactly. I was only 14 the last time the warriors even made the playoffs and 12 the last time they actually won a playoff game, so this was a HUGE night for Warrior fans all around. Baron Davis is amazing.

[Karlifornia]

If going up 1-0 in the first round of the playoffs is the best night of your life, you've lived a hard life.

As others who have already replied have said.....If you've beared witness to the sucktitude that has been the Warriors over the last decade-plus, you would understand.

[JPhillips]

I'm a Bengals fan, so believe me I get it. I'm not criticizing, just making an observation that your sports life must be very hard if this is the highlight.

[SnDvls]

Because we never see that with Steve "two MVPs that I didn't deserve" Nash.:rolleyes:
this complaining about this got old last year. Dirk is probally gonna win it this year anyhow. Nash is having another great year, but Dirk is too and his team has the best record in the NBA so he'll probally win it.

[MrBug708]

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[stevew]

If going up 1-0 in the first round of the playoffs is the best night of your life, you've lived a hard life.

I had a similar feeling last year after the Cavs first playoff game. It had been so long.

[Arles]

the sound you would hear would be TNT producers jumping from the tallest window available.
I disagree. If Denver and GS both won, you'd potentially have two very watchable series in GS-Houston and Denver-Phoenix. That might be the most entertaining second round in a decade. You'd have 3 of the 4 teams trying to really push the ball at every chance and it would be almost a tribute to the 80s in tempo.

It's not like Dallas and SA are LA or NY markets. If both those teams lost, you'd lose some viewers from texas (still have Houston though), but you would probably gain even more when the casual fans see how watchable these teams are.

[bulletsponge]

I disagree. If Denver and GS both won, you'd potentially have two very watchable series in GS-Houston and Denver-Phoenix. That might be the most entertaining second round in a decade. You'd have 3 of the 4 teams trying to really push the ball at every chance and it would be almost a tribute to the 80s in tempo.

It's not like Dallas and SA are LA or NY markets. If both those teams lost, you'd lose some viewers from texas (still have Houston though), but you would probably gain even more when the casual fans see how watchable these teams are.


agreed. the media will circle-jerk over AI like they always do

[JeeberD]

Once again, I love me some TMac...

[JeeberD]

2-0 :cool:

[sterlingice]

2-0 :cool:

w00t :)

SI

[Young Drachma]

I dunno what the Nets are gonna do in Toronto, they're down and it looks like they might fall. If they do, I haven't decided whether I want them to lose that Series or not. I mean, I hate futile playoff runs for experienced teams that you know are going to get beat.

And it'd be a lot more fun to watch that team in the next round than that Nets team. I just can't understand what the hell Rod Thorn is doing. I bet it's Bruce RATner and his penny pinching that's prevented them from going after anyone that could have REALLY helped them at the deadline.

Because no way that team has enough firepower to make a real run at the Finals.

But it seems to be the trend in the NBA that you just waste great players in their prime of their careers or worse, as they're coming down to the end of their usefulness.

Such a joke.

[Young Drachma]

Because we never see that with Steve "two MVPs that I didn't deserve" Nash.

Seriously, the media is dying to give him a third one. But it's consensus that the guy isn't in the class of others who have three. And it's not as if there aren't lots of others who could easily be classed as MVP caliber people.

He's a great player. But the guy that he is and the one they've confused him with as one of the best of all time are two entirely different people.

I mean, I don't recall John Stockton winning any MVPs, and I don't think Nash is even in his class.

Dirk is the real deal, even if he can't seem to do much in the playoffs. He's still young, of course. And has a hell of a lot more help than KG does in Minnesota.

[miami_fan]

Wow, the refs give the Heat a pity flagrant foul.

[oykib]

Seriously, the media is dying to give him a third one. But it's consensus that the guy isn't in the class of others who have three. And it's not as if there aren't lots of others who could easily be classed as MVP caliber people.

He's a great player. But the guy that he is and the one they've confused him with as one of the best of all time are two entirely different people.

I mean, I don't recall John Stockton winning any MVPs, and I don't think Nash is even in his class.

Dirk is the real deal, even if he can't seem to do much in the playoffs. He's still young, of course. And has a hell of a lot more help than KG does in Minnesota.

Exactly my point. Actually, I don't think he compares favorably to Stockton. If you want to find the guy that he compares best with, look at KJ circa 1989 or so...

Not only shouldn't he win a third. Put together a list of guys who have won two:

Larry
Magic
Kareem
Wilt
Bill Russell
Tim Duncan
Karl Malone
Bob Petit
Moses
Jordan
Steve Nash

One of these things is not like the others...

BTW, to SnDvls, this all started because someone made a coment about the media circle-jerk of Kobe. The Nash circle jerk is of unprecedented proportions.

[hoopsguy]

Deng - he's good.

[Young Drachma]

I agree. It's as if two years ago, someone decided to give Steve Nash the MVP as a prank, to see if people would buy it. So last year, they naturally had to give him another after he won that one. And so now, they're like "well, we gave it to him before."

I don't think he's a bad player. But I like that KJ comparison.

I'm also very, very happy that we'll be done with Miami soon. That's one of the least likable championship teams in the NBA in years. Besides Wade, that team just gets on my nerves. They're old, uninspired and people have this penchant for trying to turn them into a team that's a lot better than they are, simply because of Shaq.

And I hate Shaq. Didn't always, but I don't have much use for him anymore.

[Coffee Warlord]

The Heat get their requisite cheap shots on the Bulls at the end of a 20 point blowout, and we're up 2-0!

[stevew]

I'm also very, very happy that we'll be done with Miami soon. That's one of the least likable championship teams in the NBA in years. Besides Wade, that team just gets on my nerves. They're old, uninspired and people have this penchant for trying to turn them into a team that's a lot better than they are, simply because of Shaq.
.

I agree. It's like someone took all the bitchbaby assholes and decided to put them together on the same team, and then you got Wade who practically calls his own fouls like it's a pickup game. I won't be happy to see them lose early this year.

[miami_fan]

I agree. It's as if two years ago, someone decided to give Steve Nash the MVP as a prank, to see if people would buy it. So last year, they naturally had to give him another after he won that one. And so now, they're like "well, we gave it to him before."

I don't think he's a bad player. But I like that KJ comparison.

I'm also very, very happy that we'll be done with Miami soon. That's one of the least likable championship teams in the NBA in years. Besides Wade, that team just gets on my nerves. They're old, uninspired and people have this penchant for trying to turn them into a team that's a lot better than they are, simply because of Shaq.

And I hate Shaq. Didn't always, but I don't have much use for him anymore.

I agree. It's like someone took all the bitchbaby assholes and decided to put them together on the same team, and then you got Wade who practically calls his own fouls like it's a pickup game. I won't be happy to see them lose early this year.

I'll take the hate for the championship. Thanks!

[Oilers9911]

Go Raps! Lay a beatdown on Wince Carter please.

[MikeVic]

Anthony Parker is solid. I like Bryan Colangelo. Too bad the porno star is injured though. :(

[DeToxRox]

Yawn. Wake me up when the first round is over. Pistons are playing awful because no one on that team cares about this round. They're sleepwalking until Chicago comes in to town, then the fun begins.

[stevew]

Finally Game 2 of the Cavs/Wiz series is tonight. Nothing like a 2 day rest between games. Has anyone else mentioned how shitty the first round is as far as taking too long?

[Oilers9911]

Anthony Parker is solid. I like Bryan Colangelo. Too bad the porno star is injured though. :(

Parker is a very underrated player. sweet shooter, good defender, just a good player. Colangelo has done a terrific job with that team. And yes if they had Garbajosa in the lineup that added depth would be nice.

[kingfc22]

Nuggets on one hell of a run here in the 4th. Down 3 with 40 seconds left

[kingfc22]

Run, run, run! Great start for the W's.

[Karlifornia]

Dallas staying big, which is probably the way to go.

[stevew]

Honestly, if Zydrunas Illgauskus can actually stay healthy and mobile(for himself of course) for the rest of the playoffs, I think the Cavs have as good of a chance as anyone in the East. Team has been frustrating all year to watch, but there are stretches of brilliance in there, where they can beat anyone.

[kingfc22]

Too many turnovers tonight killed the Warriors. Add to that Baron Davis having a very subpar game and you get a blowout.

[stevew]

dola

Eddie Jordan vs Mike Brown is like the opposite of a Pat Riley/Phil Jackson matchup. I'm waiting for either to coach away at least one or two games in this series.

[kingfc22]

you get a blowout.

Errr....

[Vince]

Did anyone else think that the refs were atrocious in the Warriors/Mavericks game? Make no mistake, I know that we lost that game ourselves, but the refs seemed incredibly whistle-happy, and ready to toss someone at a moment's notice (Baron Davis). I think that they missed calls on both ends of the floor...or rather, made calls that shouldn't have been made.

Bah, I'm probably just frustrated because we could have won that game if we hadn't played incredibly sloppy basketball.

[Brian Swartz]

They were pretty bad in the game, Baron shouldn't have been tossed ... but I think the Mavs would have still won. The next game is the key one, both in this series and the Spurs-Nuggets series.

[JeeberD]

It's utter crap that the Rockets game isn't on regular cable tonight. NBATV? Who the hell has that?

[bulletsponge]

It's utter crap that the Rockets game isn't on regular cable tonight. NBATV? Who the hell has that?

wtf! are you telling me we cant watch it? that sucks!

[JeeberD]

Yup, unfortunately not. Unless you wanna go to the bar, that is. And since I have to be up by 5:30 tomorrow morning, that's not really an option... :(

[stevew]

Yup, unfortunately not. Unless you wanna go to the bar, that is. And since I have to be up by 5:30 tomorrow morning, that's not really an option... :(

You sure it's not on the local fox sports that showed their regular games during the season? Cause the Cavs game was "NBA TV" only the other night, and it was still on the local fox sports station.

[JeeberD]

In Houston it's probably on local TV, but I'm doubting it's on here in Dallas...

[bulletsponge]

In Houston it's probably on local TV, but I'm doubting it's on here in Dallas...

good. ill check the 2 channels the reg season games were on

[JeeberD]

NBATV? Who the hell has that?

OMG, apparently I have it! I figured it was an extra subscription that I didn't have in my digital cable, but I just switched over there and it works! Holy hell!

[bulletsponge]

lol! check to see if you have the "adult channels" while your there!

[JeeberD]

Trust me, I've checked those before... ;)

[Neon_Chaos]

We have NBATV over here in the islands. Pretty nice during the regular season, almost back-2-back games every day, NBA's Greatest Games, Marv Albert Show, Euroleague Ball, Inside Stuff, NBA Fantasy TV. :)

[JeeberD]

Good lord, I turn on the game late and am seeing some of the ugliest ball I've seen all year. Neither team can hit the broad side of a barn right now...

I've been watching for nearly 30 minutes now and I've seen more turnovers than points scored...for both teams. They Rockets have scored a single point...and haven't made a single FG.

U G L Y

[JeeberD]

Holy crap, we made a bucket!!!!!!!! :eek: :rolleyes:

[JeeberD]

Two in a row! It's a miracle!

[Brian Swartz]

If you want to see ugly, watch the Lakers :).

[Neon_Chaos]

51-48 Suns lead at Halftime.

Suns outscore Lakers 31-17 1st quarter
Lakers outscore Suns 31-20 2nd quarter

Come on Lakers. You can't go halfway on that comeback!

[Neon_Chaos]

74-70 Lakers lead End of 3rd.

Now, if we could just hold on and not collapse like we did in game 1.

[Neon_Chaos]

dola dola

barbosa and bryant are having a shootout race or something.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr class="ysprow1"><td align="right" valign="top">10:08
</td><td> LAL - K. Bryant missed a 27-foot three-pointer from the right wing</td></tr> <tr class="ysprow2"><td align="right" valign="top">10:15</td><td> LAL - A. Bynum defensive rebound</td></tr> <tr class="ysprow1"><td align="right" valign="top">10:18</td><td> PHO - L. Barbosa missed a 27-foot three-pointer from the right wing</td></tr> <tr class="ysprow2"><td align="right" valign="top">10:27</td><td> LAL - K. Bryant made a 26-foot three-pointer from the right wing</td></tr> <tr class="ysprow1"><td align="right" valign="top">10:45</td><td> PHO - L. Barbosa made a 20-foot jumper from the top of the key</td></tr> <tr class="ysprow2"><td align="right" valign="top">10:59</td><td> LAL - K. Bryant made a 20-foot jumper from the top of the key. Assist: L. Odom</td></tr></tbody></table>

[Arles]

Lakers wanted this game more. Game 4 will be interesting, but I'm still holding to the Suns in 5.

[Neon_Chaos]

Whew. KB24 with 45 points. One game at a time. :)

[MrBug708]

Not a bad game. If anyone watched this game, I'm pretty sure you can agree that Kobe needs a better supporting cast

[Fouts]

Not a bad game. If anyone watched this game, I'm pretty sure you can agree that Kobe needs a better supporting cast

I watched the 4th quarter, and the Suns (except Barbosa) didn't look good at all. Kobe was running by 3 guys for easy layups.

[Arles]

Lakers needed this game and played like it. The Suns got an eary lead and coasted - it's the story of the team for the past two seasons. That said, I think they will come out with more urgency on Sunday and I'd be surprised to see this series back in LA for game 6.

[Arles]

I watched the 4th quarter, and the Suns (except Barbosa) didn't look good at all. Kobe was running by 3 guys for easy layups.
The Lakers shot 7-20 in the fourth quarter and won the quarter 21-19. They hardly dominated, it's just that Phoenix got complacent down the stretch and didn't hit the boards hard enough.

[MrBug708]

I watched the 4th quarter, and the Suns (except Barbosa) didn't look good at all. Kobe was running by 3 guys for easy layups.

Lakers (outside of Kwame, Kobe, and Lamar) shot 3 for 24. My point was more that it's not Kobe fault the players are not as good as Bell, Barbosa, and Diaw as the role players. I mean, Kobe Bryant just made Kwame Brown look like how he was supposed to be when he was drafted

[Neon_Chaos]

Lakers (outside of Kwame, Kobe, and Lamar) shot 3 for 24. My point was more that it's not Kobe fault the players are not as good as Bell, Barbosa, and Diaw as the role players. I mean, Kobe Bryant just made Kwame Brown look like how he was supposed to be when he was drafted

I agree. Kobe can essentially take over a game either way, by going solo-flight or by getting his teammates involved. The Lakers' defense is severely lacking, and the supporting cast around Kobe aren't pulling their weight on the offensive side.

Mark Jackson said in Game 1 that being Kobe's teammate is probably one of the easiest jobs in the NBA. You don't have to worry about clutch, about carrying the team, about expending your energy on the offensive side of the game. Just play good defense, hit the boards and hit your open shots. Unfortunately, the players around Kobe are just not good. I don't think you can put anyone in the NBA in the position that Kobe had this season and expect them to win against the Suns or even make it into the playoffs.

[heybrad]

Unfortunately, the players around Kobe are just not good.
There was a point in the 4th quarter where Shammond Williams and Smush Parker looked like they thought they were going to try and take over the game. It resulted in a few clanks/turnovers. The Lakers guards finished at a sizzling 0-11.

[JeeberD]

Way to go, Bulls!

Come on Mavs, let's take back home court!

[JeeberD]

Yeesh...another ugly game for a Texas team that I'm rooting for. It's still early, though...

[Lathum]

I just saw Jason Kidd's line, are you kidding me?!

[kingfc22]

Hey Sir Charles. EAT CROW!

[kingfc22]

Dirk=MVP *snickers*

[kingfc22]

2-1 Warriors :D

[Fouts]

Wow, that was a beatdown. Where did the best-record-in-the-NBA Mavs go?

[Chief Rum]

Wow, that was a beatdown. Where did the best-record-in-the-NBA Mavs go?

Into the hole they dug for themselves with their stupid in-season sit down decision. I love it! :D

[Chief Rum]

Regular season GS beat Dallas 3-0 including a win in March by 17 and a win just before the end of the season by 29. For some reason Nelly seems to have Avery's number.

Nelly didn't have much to do with the 29 point loss near the end of the season. That was more Avery sinking Avery.

[MikeVic]

I just saw Jason Kidd's line, are you kidding me?!

Yeah, that was one of the more impressive lines I can recall ever seeing. It seems like more than just a triple-double. :eek:

[Neon_Chaos]

No more Heat!!! :)

And the Suns showed up again. The Lakeshow will have to do something about Kobe's supporting cast, hopefully they get to it this off-season.

[Oilers9911]

Steve Nash 23 assists. I guess he is more than just a "good" player.

[Neon_Chaos]

Too bad he wasn't able to go past Magic and Stockton's record of 24. He had 20 assists with about a quarter and half to go.

[miami_fan]

Congrats to the Bulls. They were defintely the better team this year.

[SFL Cat]

Heat looked old and slow. Wade being a shadow of his former self didn't help. Combine this with the Dolphins' draft and it was a SUCKY sports weekend in South Florida.

[Brian Swartz]

Yeah, that was one of the more impressive lines I can recall ever seeing. It seems like more than just a triple-double.

For my money the second-best all-around playoff game I've seen(the best being Duncan's Game Six clincher against New Jersey in 03.

[Oilers9911]

ugghhh don't look now but Kidd may beat it tonight. Fucking Raptors. Too inexperienced.

[kingfc22]

Barkley called Warrior fans jackasses on TNT prior to tonight's tip? Is that true? How does he get away with these type of antics?

[SnDvls]

Barkley called Warrior fans jackasses on TNT prior to tonight's tip? Is that true? How does he get away with these type of antics?

Don't know if he said it or not wasn't watching, but if he did it's because he's Barkley...he's suposed to piss people off so they'll watch their little pre & post game show...he's been doing it all year on Phoenix. It's just his stich for TNT.

[kingfc22]

Baron is not going to let this team lose!

[kingfc22]

Come on W's!

[kingfc22]

Let's Go Warriors clap clap clap

[kingfc22]

Nice shot MVP. Try to hit rim next time

[DeToxRox]

Baron Davis must've spent a lot of money traveling to the arena from NBA Jam.

[kingfc22]

Too bad Dirk didn't show up for the first 47:30 of the game

[kingfc22]

Suck it Barkley!!!

[RGunner]

I'm a diehard Mavericks fan, and Avery Johnson has coached HORRIBLY this whole series...he doesn't seem to call any plays for Dirk, and when he does they are horrible... Howard scores 20 in the first half and barely touches the ball in the second half...he's supposedly such a great coach but he can't gameplan to at least contain Davis at all...its pretty pathetic...oh well, theres no way we win 3 in a row with the way we've played.

[Tyrith]

The energy in San Fran has been amazing. They released confetti for going up 3-1 in a first round series! I'm really excited/happy that fans that haven't had anything to cheer about for so long are getting some success.

....and it doesn't hurt that as a Spurs fan that getting the Mavs knocked out would be the boon of the century :)

[Karlifornia]

The energy in San Fran has been amazing. They released confetti for going up 3-1 in a first round series! I'm really excited/happy that fans that haven't had anything to cheer about for so long are getting some success.

....and it doesn't hurt that as a Spurs fan that getting the Mavs knocked out would be the boon of the century :)

It's actually Oakland, but that's ok. GO WARRIORS! LET'S GO DUBS!

[Tyrith]

It's actually Oakland, but that's ok. GO WARRIORS! LET'S GO DUBS!

Oakland, San Fran, they're all just hippie communes in California to a guy from Texas ;)

[Fouts]

Great game by the Warriors. Baron Davis is a beast!

[sooner333]

I've adopted the Hornets the past couple of years, but this is truly exciting. My first live basketball game was an afternoon MLK game back when I was in the first grade and the Warriors were good and before Chris Webber. It's been such a fun series to watch. Go Warriors! (or as the Morning sports people would say: Warrriorrrrssss Wooosh!, from a joke when they got the Hornets PA announcer to add a woosh to the end of Warriors in a game last year.)

[pennywisesb]

Barkley called Warrior fans jackasses on TNT prior to tonight's tip? Is that true? How does he get away with these type of antics?

I heard him say it before the game and thought the same thing. Charles Barkley is such an idiot. He wasn't just being an idiot to Warriors' fans, he kept knocking the whole Bay Area. What a loser.

The Warriors look great right now. Its so nice to see them in the playoffs, the last time they even won a playoff game I was only 11 and Run TMC was in full effect.

[Karlifornia]

I heard him say it before the game and thought the same thing. Charles Barkley is such an idiot. He wasn't just being an idiot to Warriors' fans, he kept knocking the whole Bay Area. What a loser.

The Warriors look great right now. Its so nice to see them in the playoffs, the last time they even won a playoff game I was only 11 and Run TMC was in full effect.

I really don't mind. Charles is high entertainment. I'd rather have him knocking the bay area than not mentioning it at all, when it comes to the NBA playoffs. It's really fine with me. I've been waiting for this for years, and it's far exceeded my expectations. I plan on going to a sports bar for Game 5 and getting drunk! I feel like king shit of fuck mountain!

[sooner333]

Yeah, Barkley will say just about anything. He said Oklahoma City was not a place for black people. It pissed people off, but he just jokes around about anything and gets away with it because it's "good humor". I like watching the TNT post-game show sometimes more than the games because it's pretty funny and they have good chemistry.

[JeeberD]

Man, the Rockets need this game BAD. We can't afford to go back to Utah down a game...

[sterlingice]

Man, the Rockets need this game BAD. We can't afford to go back to Utah down a game...

No kidding. And they just look flat :(

SI

[JeeberD]

Now THAT was the TMac I've been waiting to see this series! :eek:

[sterlingice]

I had a friend in high school who used to shoot from his chest like Battier

SI

[Groundhog]

Yay, the Cavs sweep the Washington Jamisons. Now, if Z can just get those numbers for the rest of the playoffs...

[sterlingice]

Woo! :D

SI

[Neuqua]

Luther Head!

[JeeberD]

It's about time that Head started playing well. He's been brutal this series...

[JeeberD]

And thank god Juwan's finally hitting as well...

[JeeberD]

Good grief, step it up Rox!

[JeeberD]

Come on, Skip. We need these...

[JeeberD]

*groan*

[JeeberD]

CHUCK!!!!!!!

[JeeberD]

3-2 :)

It would be nice if we could finish this off in Utah, but the way the last two games there went it's gonna be hard...

[bulletsponge]

woot! only need to win 1 more! please finish it off in Utah

[stevew]

Yay, the Cavs sweep the Washington Jamisons. Now, if Z can just get those numbers for the rest of the playoffs...

If he produces like that, we have a good chance at a long playoff run, ending in mid-june.

[Julio Riddols]

Don't know if he said it or not wasn't watching, but if he did it's because he's Barkley...he's suposed to piss people off so they'll watch their little pre & post game show...he's been doing it all year on Phoenix. It's just his stich for TNT.

Michael Stich?

[sterlingice]

3-2 :)

It would be nice if we could finish this off in Utah, but the way the last two games there went it's gonna be hard...

Considering how the series has gone, I've gotta think Utah beats us back at home and game 7 is for all the marbles.

SI

[MikeVic]

Haha, I liked when the Raptors fans chanted that soccer "Ole!" song at Calderon in the 4th. :) Sounded cool.

[kingfc22]

Can the W's make a freaking layup!! Geez.

[JeeberD]

Mavs lookin' good so far. Like they want to stick around for a bit longer...

[kingfc22]

Mavs are playing their best game of the series and W's are playing their worst. Not a good combination.

[JeeberD]

Nice run by the Warriors to close the gap, though. Freakin' three point fest out there...

[kingfc22]

It's rainin 3's

[kingfc22]

After all that to be just down 7. HELL YEA!

[cartman]

And with that post, Jeebs hits the Emmitt times 1K in post count.

[kingfc22]

Dallas has to wonder what it's going to take to beat the W's. They played a perfect half, but they still are only up by 7

[Brian Swartz]

They played well overall, but it was far from perfect.

[JeeberD]

Good grief, Terry... :rolleyes:

[kingfc22]

W's have a chance to take the lead. Unreal

[Lathum]

theres the tie

[Brian Swartz]

I knew there was a reason I don't like Dallas ... I'm now rooting for Golden State to win by 30. The complete and total lack of defensive rotation is stunning from a team 'coached' by a disciple of Popovich.

[kingfc22]

Biedrins needs to finish these dunks

[kingfc22]

Sweet. Howard with 5 fouls now.

[kingfc22]

W's have the lead!!!

[bulletsponge]

Mark Cuban looks in pain. almost like hes been constipated for a few weeks

[kingfc22]

The clock never started.

[kingfc22]

There should be like 6:34 to go.

[bulletsponge]

what was that the Dallas fans were chanting when Baron was at the FT line?

[Karlifornia]

what was that the Dallas fans were chanting when Baron was at the FT line?

"You suck!"


Clever.

[Fouts]

Fun game to watch. Just amazing how many 3's the Warriors are hitting there tonight.

[Neuqua]

The Mavericks look like a team that is clueless on what to do to beat these guys.

[kingfc22]

J-Rich!!!

[JeeberD]

my oh my

[DeToxRox]

Mark Cuban is more fun chasing the title anyway.

He'd lose his luster with a ring.

[SunDevil]

that is basketball.

[bulletsponge]

If the Rockets get by Utah, and When the Warriors beat Dallas, i hope GS doesnt shoot like this against them too

[bulletsponge]

OMF!

[kingfc22]

oh my goodness Baron

[Atocep]

This was just meant to be.

[JeeberD]

Dirk's warming up...

[Fouts]

Dirk just showed up.

[DeToxRox]

Dirk gets the Mavs within 3, means its time for him to pass up shots again.

[kingfc22]

poor closeout by Richardson there

[Karlifornia]

Gonna be a tight couple minutes here. The Warriors have Baron Davis, so advantage Warriors.

Let's go Warriors! Don't let up.

[JeeberD]

Ugly shot by Richardson.

Devin!

[kingfc22]

why does baron keep letting harris drive...Force him to shoot a jumper

[JeeberD]

Gotta hit the freebies, fellas

[Neuqua]

Attention Stephen Jackson:

Give Baron Davis the ball and kindly move to the side...

[kingfc22]

Take the ball to the basket. Geez

[JeeberD]

Oh man, HUGE call there. BS, most likely, but HUGE!

[Atocep]

Oh man, HUGE call there. BS, most likely, but HUGE!

I think the ref assumed they were going to try and foul there and was quick with the whistle.

[Fouts]

Looked like the ref thought it might be an intentional foul to stop the clock. Baron hardly touched the guy.

[JeeberD]

I think you're dead on.

[bulletsponge]

live by the 3, die by it

[kingfc22]

Come back to Oakland.

[Groundhog]

Well, so much for that. Golden State need to pick their heads up and bring the same intensity next game. Hard to do after being so close yet falling short however...

[Karlifornia]

Damn....missed a Golden opportunity.

[Fouts]

Warriors stopped doing what was working. The needed more drives leading to kickouts to the perimeter in the last 2 minutes.

[JeeberD]

Man, heck of a game from the Warriors. Hopefully the Mavs can build from this (if they finish this off), but the Warriors are still in the driver's seat bigtime...

[Brian Swartz]

I want the Warriors to move on just to see if Stephen Jackson is metaphysically capable of losing a game without getting himself ejected.

[kingfc22]

Warriors still show that they have the upper hand in this series. Dallas blew a 21 pt. lead on their home-court in a must win game.

The crowd is going to be nuts in Oakland on Thursday.

[JeeberD]

Warriors still show that they have the upper hand in this series. Dallas blew a 21 pt. lead on their home-court in a must win game.


And the Warriors blew a nine point lead in the last two minutes or so. ;)

Edit: Guess it was three minutes.

[Lathum]

I think the Warriors are done. The way they collapsed in the last 2 minutes will haunt them the rest of the series. They are gonna play tight at home and lose big the next 2 games

[Karlifornia]

I think the Warriors are done. The way they collapsed in the last 2 minutes will haunt them the rest of the series. They are gonna play tight at home and lose big the next 2 games

LOL. What about how Dallas blew a 21 point lead at HOME? The Warriors had a momentary lapse in a hostile environment. I really don't think Dallas can win in Oakland. It's too intense, and the Warriors are just too good.