2007-08 NBA Playoffs thread

[stevew]

Games start tomorrow, can't wait.

[stevew]

I thought this was funny.

http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nba_experts__5/ept_sports_nba_experts-327019606-1208529228.jpg?ymNVkP_C1dA53x5w

[miami_fan]

Eastern Conference

Celtics vs Hawks=Celtics in 4
Pistons vs Sixers=Pistons in 5
Magic vs Raptors=Magic in 6
Wizards vs Cavs= Wizards in 6


Lakers vs Nuggets=Lakers in 5
Mavs vs Hornets=Mavs in 7
Suns vs Spurs=Suns in 6
Rockets vs Jazz=Jazz in 5

[Big Fo]

C'mon Orlando! Hopefully they win their first-round series before bowing out to the Pistons in five or six.

[molson]

This is the most interested I've been in the playoffs since around 1992. Most of that is the Celtics winning 66 games, but even beyond that, the whole league has just clicked for me this year.

[Eaglesfan27]

This is the most interested I've been in the playoffs since around 1992. Most of that is the Celtics winning 66 games, but even beyond that, the whole league has just clicked for me this year.

Same here. I always get interested in the later rounds, but this is the earliest I've been interested in the playoffs. Plenty of interesting matchups and storylines this 1st round. This Cavs/Wizards game has been fairly entertaining. Looking forward to seeing LeBron step it up in the 4th.

[Neon_Chaos]

I want to see him pick up his second T. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Nice that the Wizards are getting to see how overrated LeBron is. ;)

[Neon_Chaos]

Stick a fork in them, they're done.

Too bad, the Wiz could have won this game. But hibachi didn't show up in the clutch.

[Neon_Chaos]

Lol. And James misses two clutch free throws that would have sealed the win.

5 points, 20 seconds. Been done before. Let's see what happens.

edit:

D.West finishes this one off with two free throws.

[miami_fan]

Pretty move by Parker but four fouls or not, Shaq has to make him shoot free throws on that one.

[miami_fan]

Even if Shaq is on another team than the Heat, I still hate the Hack a Shaq strategy.

[Jas_lov]

I love the Hack a Shaq strategy. Force them to take him out. It looks like it's working.

[Fidatelo]

That was an awesome block by Shaq just stuffing the ball back in Ginobli's weaselface.

[Eaglesfan27]

These first two games have been everything I was hoping for today. I'm not as enthusiastic about tonight's games, but looking forward to seeing if Phoenix can pull it out in this OT.

[Jas_lov]

No Stoudemire, Shaq has 5 fouls, and Tim Duncan is making 3 pointers. I don't think the Suns will pull this one out.

[Vince]

Holy lord was that an entertaining game. Tim Duncan for three? Nash with the running sideways fade? Wow. And that was game 1.

[miami_fan]

I am very impressed by the Hornets performance tonight. Chris Paul seemed to turn his game up even more.

[miami_fan]

Holy lord was that an entertaining game. Tim Duncan for three? Nash with the running sideways fade? Wow. And that was game 1.

Funny, I always heard that Spurs games were boring.

[Eaglesfan27]

I am very impressed by the Hornets performance tonight. Chris Paul seemed to turn his game up even more.

Agreed, one of the best games I've seen Chris Paul play this year. Excellent job for a young guy to step up in the playoffs.

[Arles]

As much as this loss stings as a Suns fan, you have to tip your hat to SA for their ability to hit clutch shots. Should be a great series.

[Neon_Chaos]

What's the over/under on the number of players getting into a fight and ejected in the Rockets/Jazz game?

The officiating is just horrid. They need to get control of this game.

[Neon_Chaos]

funny moment: Bobby Jackson turns the ball over, and Rafer Alston makes a "ball" motion from the bench. :D

[Doug5984]

Tonight was the first time I've watched an entire basketball game- simply not a fan, but wanted to watch the Hornets play, I had seen the last few minutes of a few games, watched the 2nd half of the game against the Lakers last weekend, and was very impressed / entertained- so tonight, we got some boiled crawfish and watched the entire game- for all of us there it was the first time watching an entire game and we all thought it was a great game- and a great performance by Chris Paul- he is good.

[Brian Swartz]

Only one thing could make the Spurs-Suns series any better: bar Shaq from speaking in public.

[stevew]

I hope the Mavs lose in the first round again. I'm tired of Dirk flopping around like a little girl all the time.

[Cap Ologist]

I hope the Mavs lose in the first round again. I'm tired of Dirk flopping around like a little girl all the time.

Agreed, I hate Dirk NoWINski. Can't wait to hear the local sports talk homers find some way to spin this on Monday.

[stevew]

http://<embed allowScriptAccess="never" src="http://www.heavy.com/ve/03291d4396c0b4bc8d78421c61e6778a" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="512"></embed><div style="margin-top:5px;margin-left:30px;"><a href="http://www.heavy.com/channel/85316">More videos from the "Burly Sports Show" channel at Heavy.com</a></div>

[stevew]

I also think it'll be funny when T "I've never seen the 2nd round" Mac and the Rockets get bounced in the first round.

[JeeberD]

Hippy...

[Neon_Chaos]

I found it amazing that noone pointed out how many bricks Bobby Jackson shot. He just kept throwing them up.

[Groundhog]

I found it amazing that noone pointed out how many bricks Bobby Jackson shot. He just kept throwing them up.

His turnovers were worse - that one right at the end of the second half where he bobbled it when he had a wide open layup to end the half.

[TroyF]

As great as the Spurs/Suns game was, I'm stunned at how few of people are talking about the reasons the Suns lost this basketball game. I mean the real reasons.

Let's look them over:

1) Pop simply outcoached D'antoni. I mean crushed him. It was the biggest mismatch on the floor. The three Finley hits to send the game into OT was made mainly because Grant Hill wasn't in the game defending. Instead you had a small PG who had no prayer of getting a hand in his face. It was horrible strategy. The Hack a Skinner and Hack a Shaq moves that each were a turning point. And of course, the TD three. More about that in my next man to blame slot. . .

2) Shaq. The media sure loves to fawn over him, don't they? OOOHHHH, look at that block on Timmy D. That was clutch. And Shaq sure loves to use excuses. The floppers won, huh Shaq? Well, yeah, SA flops. But as long as you have Amare, I really don't want to hear a lot about flopping, ok Big Diesal?

Yet lets look at the reality of this game now. The highest paid player on the court had to be taken out of the game for four minutes of the fourth quarter because he couldn't hit a FT. When he got his 5th foul, Manu attacked him and scored repeated layups because Shaq didn't want to get a 6th. This is even counting late in the first OT when the Suns had a good sized lead. They couldn't get the critical stop because Shaq didn't want to get a 6th foul.

This is no more evident than on the three pointer by Tim Duncan. There is one thing the Suns couldn't afford to give up there. A wide open three pointer. To anyone. That's the only thing that can hurt you. The first mistake the Suns make there is not fouling when Manu starts dribbling. That's one of the single worst coaching moves we'll see this postseason. Words can't even describe how idiotic that was. This was compounded by Shaq staying in the lane to prevent a Ginobili drive on a two point shot with under 5 seconds left. Instead of saying "gee Manu, take the two, we've won the game, Shaq decides to D up on him instead of running out to put a hand in TD's face. I don't care how you slice this, it was lazy and stupid basketball. (I'm a Nuggets fan, I know stupid and lazy basketball when I see it) And it's made by your highest paid player, the one you traded for to win a title.

Getting back to the coaching, why was Shaq even in there? What good was he going to do for the Suns at that point? Stop a two point shot you wanted the Spurs to take? Maybe get the rebound so he can get fouled, miss two shots and give the Spurs a second chance to win the game? The guy had 5 boards in 30 minutes anyway.

The Suns have a chance to win the series and recover from this. But they'd better damned well have their coach get his head out of his ass and their 20 million dollar player to stop bitching about the flops and instead maybe run out at a three point shooter who is in the process of tying up the basketball game.

[Arles]

1) Pop simply outcoached D'antoni. I mean crushed him. It was the biggest mismatch on the floor. The three Finley hits to send the game into OT was made mainly because Grant Hill wasn't in the game defending. Instead you had a small PG who had no prayer of getting a hand in his face. It was horrible strategy. The Hack a Skinner and Hack a Shaq moves that each were a turning point. And of course, the TD three. More about that in my next man to blame slot. . .
Agree completed on the Grant Hill point. Having Barbosa (6-2) guard Finley (6-7) on a final shot was stupid. Amare also killed the Suns by sagging on Oberto instead of doubling Finley on the screen.

2) Shaq. The media sure loves to fawn over him, don't they? OOOHHHH, look at that block on Timmy D. That was clutch. And Shaq sure loves to use excuses. The floppers won, huh Shaq? Well, yeah, SA flops. But as long as you have Amare, I really don't want to hear a lot about flopping, ok Big Diesal?
Shaq only played 4 minutes in the first and got his 4th 25 seconds into the 3rd. And, given 2 of those 4 fouls were obvious flop, it's not surprising he made some comments. I suppose if Duncan played 4 minutes in the first half because of flops he wouldn't have made any comments?

As to the 3, you tip your hat. The Suns should have fouled Manu when he drove inside the lane. But, Duncan would probably have been the preferred person to shoot the 3 when compared to Finley, Manu, Barry and others. If Duncan bricks that shot, everyone is talking about how Pop blew it on the final possession.

Yet lets look at the reality of this game now. The highest paid player on the court had to be taken out of the game for four minutes of the fourth quarter because he couldn't hit a FT. When he got his 5th foul, Manu attacked him and scored repeated layups because Shaq didn't want to get a 6th. This is even counting late in the first OT when the Suns had a good sized lead. They couldn't get the critical stop because Shaq didn't want to get a 6th foul.
Did you see Shaq's two blocks on Duncan and 2 rebounds in key spots? Heck, if Amare stops and shoots the jumper from 7 feet instead of barreling over Kurt Thomas, Shaq is the hero.

This is no more evident than on the three pointer by Tim Duncan. There is one thing the Suns couldn't afford to give up there. A wide open three pointer. To anyone. That's the only thing that can hurt you. The first mistake the Suns make there is not fouling when Manu starts dribbling. That's one of the single worst coaching moves we'll see this postseason.
Yeah, that was the big mistake.

Words can't even describe how idiotic that was. This was compounded by Shaq staying in the lane to prevent a Ginobili drive on a two point shot with under 5 seconds left. Instead of saying "gee Manu, take the two, we've won the game, Shaq decides to D up on him instead of running out to put a hand in TD's face. I don't care how you slice this, it was lazy and stupid basketball. (I'm a Nuggets fan, I know stupid and lazy basketball when I see it) And it's made by your highest paid player, the one you traded for to win a title.
The Duncan shot was a rotation issue where Bell was late. Shaq hedged on the screen to double Manu - remember when the screen was set, Manu was in 3-point land. Are saying Shaq should have left Manu open and ran back to Duncan to protect Duncan's 3?

Shaq rode him out to the center and forced Manu towards the hoop. That's where Nash or Amare should have fouled him. Then, Shaq was a good 20 feet from Duncan going the other direction. Bell should have closed on the 3, but that would have left his man open. Given the foul was not taken on Manu, there was no way for any of the other people to get to Shaq without leaving a better 3-point shooter open. Shaq was too far away (going the other direction) forcing Manu off the line to get there.

Getting back to the coaching, why was Shaq even in there? What good was he going to do for the Suns at that point? Stop a two point shot you wanted the Spurs to take? Maybe get the rebound so he can get fouled, miss two shots and give the Spurs a second chance to win the game? The guy had 5 boards in 30 minutes anyway.
I agree that Shaq should have been on the bench for a better defender. I'm not sure they had a chance to sub, but if they did, he should have been out.

The Suns have a chance to win the series and recover from this. But they'd better damned well have their coach get his head out of his ass and their 20 million dollar player to stop bitching about the flops and instead maybe run out at a three point shooter who is in the process of tying up the basketball game.
Mike D made some mistakes, but blaming Shaq is silly. If you would have told me that the Suns would win game 1 in SA if Duncan misses a 3-point shot with 3 seconds left, I would have gladly taken it. The Spurs hit two tough 3s to win the game, that's life. I agree with the fouling and subbing for Hill, but there's a very good chance one of those two doesn't go in and the Suns are heros. Also, the comments on flopping are just frustration. You give Duncan or Manu the foul situation Shaq had (with atleast 2 flops) and compound it with a tough loss and you would see all kinds of complaining on their end too. Honestly, I wouldn't pay it much attention.

We'll see what happens in game 2, but the Suns have to feel pretty good about themselves. I doubt Shaq plays 4 minutes in the first half of game 2 and Nash plays less than a day after being bed-ridden with the flu. In the end, the Suns are in a solid position - they know they can win in SA, they just have to have better offensive possessions in crunch time.

[miami_fan]

Can you really complain about Shaq not being able to hit a free throw at this point in his career? He has not been able to do so for 15+ years. I would think the Suns would have already taken that into consideration and planned accordingly. As far as TD's three pointer, yes the smart play would have been for them to stay at home and give up the two. Actually you are right. The smartest play would have been to foul. However if you had told D'Antoni that on that play he would have had Duncan shooting a three at the buzzer, he would have taken his chances. I can't really beat him or the team up over that one. My main criticism of Shaq and the rest of the Suns would be passiveness at the end of the game defensively. According to the Suns, Shaq was brought in for rebounding and low post defense. At some point during the 4th qtr and the overtimes, Shaq has to throw caution to the wind and actually play the aggressive defense in the paint they expect him to play. If he fouls out, he fouls out. However, at the very least you ask the Spurs to hit at least one pressure free throw as opposed to layup after layup after layup. Shaq playing passively is the equal of him fouling out. He does the Suns no good that way. Now, if you make the decision that Shaq is too valuable to your team to foul out as it seems D'Antoni did, then someone else has to step up and play that aggressive D. A quick look at the play by play shows that other that the two free throws that were intentionally given to Brent Barry at the end of the second OT, the Spurs last shot free throws with about six minutes left in the 4th qtr. There is something wrong with that picture when Manu is driving at will and Tim Duncan is taking it to the basket from the post.I am not saying they should have been like the 90's Pistons but you can not allow a team to know they can drive to your basket unchallenged.

[Arles]

According to the Suns, Shaq was brought in for rebounding and low post defense. At some point during the 4th qtr and the overtimes, Shaq has to throw caution to the wind and actually play the aggressive defense in the paint they expect him to play.
4th quarter:
1:15 Ginobili Layup Shot: Missed Block: O'Neal (3 BLK)

OT:
1:57 Duncan Jump Shot: Missed Block: O'Neal (4 BLK)

0:29 Duncan Turnover:Lost Ball (4 TO) Strip: O'Neal

I would say three key defensive plays in the last 2 minutes of the 4th and OT is making a pretty big impact on defense. Shaq blocked Duncan and stripped him in the final 2 minutes. After the second one, Phoenix had the ball and a 3-point lead with 30 seconds left. Amare got the stupid charge foul with 12 seconds left. If he just grabs the ball at the top of the key, wait 3 seconds and shoots - the Suns probably win. O'Neal wasn't the reason they lost, two bonehead plays by Amare (charge and fail to double Finley on the first 3), poor matchups by Mike D and Nash's inability to foul Manu were the 3 reasons. But, again, none of that matters unless a career 19% 3-point shooter (16% postseason) who was 0-4 in the entire 07-08 season hits a 3 with 3 seconds left. Coaching is mostly setting up your players to have the best chance to win and I can't really think of a higher % chance that Duncan from 3 for the Suns to get a win. It didn't happen, like Amare said "Happy Birthday Mr. Duncan."

[Brian Swartz]

the comments on flopping are just frustration. You give Duncan or Manu the foul situation Shaq had (with atleast 2 flops) and compound it with a tough loss and you would see all kinds of complaining on their end too. Honestly, I wouldn't pay it much attention.

Not so, see the series two years ago against Dallas. Other than a couple comments by Duncan milder than what Shaq said(something like there were an awful lot of whistles) in the middle of the series, there was pretty much no post-game complaining and most of them went out of their way to say that wasn't an issue. Shaq is simply doing here what he's always done: demonize and disrespect the opponent. He's done it his whole career, going back to his first Finals in Orlando when he went up against Hakeem. He's bashed Olajuwon, Mutombo, Wallace, the list goes on and on, accusing them all of being floppers. It's vintage Shaq, and the main reason why I personally dislike him as a player -- I wish he'd just be willing to respect his opponents win or lose like most guys do.

As far as the series goes, the Suns still have a great chance to win IF they can come back mentally from this. As it was last year, the only thing stopping them from beating the Spurs is whether or not they really believe they can do it and having the mental toughness to execute in key moments. They've had a more talented team than SA for quite some time now.

[Chief Rum]

So are people finally seeing what a crappy, petulant person Shaq is after 15 years? Honestly, it's amazing the ridiculous love this guy gets with all the shit he pulls.

[Noop]

I wish he'd just be willing to respect his opponents win or lose like most guys do.

Really? I am all for sportmanship but he doesn't have to show them any respect. If anything they should be doing their best to make him show it.

You know that quote... "Respect isn't given it is earned" learned that playing youth football.

[Chief Rum]

Really? I am all for sportmanship but he doesn't have to show them any respect. If anything they should be doing their best to make him show it.

You know that quote... "Respect isn't given it is earned" learned that playing youth football.

Spurs win Game 1. Respect earned.

Shaq should have learned this playing youth basketball.

[Noop]

Spurs win Game 1. Respect earned.

Shaq should have learned this playing youth basketball.

Eh. Not really.

[stevew]

Barbosa has the wingspan of a 7 footer, fwiw.

[Chief Rum]

Eh. Not really.

Your ass got beat, and you don't give respect? Sorry, but that's BS. Anyone who gets beat putting out their best when the stakes are highest and doesn't give respect to the ones who showed up and beat them doesn't deserve to offer their opinion about what constitutes deserving respect.

[Brian Swartz]

I am all for sportmanship but he doesn't have to show them any respect. If anything they should be doing their best to make him show it.

I dunno, it's pretty hard to be more successful than the Duncan-era Spurs have been. By this logic you would have to say nobody in the modern era other than MJ deserves Shaq's respect, which is ridiculous I think. I mean seriously, what franchise deserves his respect if SA doesn't?

None of this changes how outstanding Shaq's career has been. But the man even admitted he was a hypocrite when he came to Miami and did a 180 on his opinion of Zo, and he explained why, which is exactly what I said: he demonizes and disrespects the opponent, the only way he can get fired up to play. I'm just saying it's too bad he has to be that juvenile about it, since the rest of the top players in the league(not just Duncan) aren't for the most part. For all the hate towards him, listen to the respect Kobe had for Phoenix after they beat the Lakers in the first round two years ago. In this aspect he's light years ahead of Shaq, and pretty much always has been.

In a twisted sort of way, when Shaq says these types of things it's actually his way of showing respect, as he doesn't say this crap about just any team. It's always when the stakes are highest.

[Eaglesfan27]

Did anyone listen to Shaq the other day when he was praising Tim Duncan and talking about how he is one of the best players in the game? It didn't sound like he was demonizing or disrespecting Duncan.

[Brian Swartz]

He called Hakeem the greatest center ever before his first Finals too -- and then didn't have another decent thing to say about him once the series started, it was all flopper and coward and the like. All par for the course really.

[JeeberD]

He called Hakeem the greatest center ever before his first Finals too -- and then didn't have another decent thing to say about him once the series started, it was all flopper and coward and the like. All par for the course really.

(a) I don't remember that at all. In fact, he still calls Hakeem one of the greatest players ever...he said it again last week, I believe.

(b) How the hell could he try and talk smack about Hakeem when The Dream outplayed his ass in that series?

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah, I don't remember him saying one bad word about Hakeem that entire series. Of course, my memory could be faulty since it was 13 plus years ago.

[Groundhog]

How about that Gasol? 36 points, 16 rebounds, 8 assists.

[MrBug708]

He called Hakeem the greatest center ever before his first Finals too -- and then didn't have another decent thing to say about him once the series started, it was all flopper and coward and the like. All par for the course really.

It's Shaq and everything he says has a reason. Him praising Hakeem has more to do with being a shot at Robinson more then it did as praise for Hakeem

[MrBug708]

How about that Gasol? 36 points, 16 rebounds, 8 assists.

If he plays like that, the Lakers walk into the NBA Finals

[Eaglesfan27]

How about that Gasol? 36 points, 16 rebounds, 8 assists.

Most impressive performance of the day, so far.

I'm pleasantly surprised that the Sixers are hanging with the Pistons.. here's hoping they can steal this game.

[Eaglesfan27]

Terrible miss by Iggy, but after his performance in the 2nd half, it's forgivable as long as the Sixers still win ;)

[Groundhog]

Not getting the live feed over here, but go Sixers! What a year for the Sixers and Andre Miller.

[Eaglesfan27]

Assuming you don't mind spoilers since you are reading this thread, it is now 88-86 with 11 seconds left. Sixers are leading! :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Rasheed missed a wide open layup! Iggy gets the board and is fouled!

This time he hits both FT's to give them a 4 point lead. :)


Edit: Sixers win 90-86. :) Piston's fans (some anyway) booing their home team.

[Groundhog]

Wow. Sixers continue to overachieve. I have a soft spot for the Sixers because I cheer for any team that Andre Miller plays for. A class player.

[DaddyTorgo]

Celtics up 9-2 early. Hawks look tight and Pierce is shooting the lights out

[Eaglesfan27]

I think the Celtics are going to blow out the Hawks every single game of this series.

[Brian Swartz]

I'd have booed them too, had I been there. Sheed goes for 24/9/7 and it should be an automatic win. Great job by the Sixers, and the Pistons need to start making free throws and layups and generally pulling their head out of their behinds about how good they think they are(boxing out might help too).

[Noop]

Your ass got beat, and you don't give respect? Sorry, but that's BS. Anyone who gets beat putting out their best when the stakes are highest and doesn't give respect to the ones who showed up and beat them doesn't deserve to offer their opinion about what constitutes deserving respect.

Are you talking about the team or the player? Because I don't respect the bench player who doesn't do anything but the team will get respect and Phoenix didn't get their ass beat more like they blew it.

[Noop]

I dunno, it's pretty hard to be more successful than the Duncan-era Spurs have been. By this logic you would have to say nobody in the modern era other than MJ deserves Shaq's respect, which is ridiculous I think. I mean seriously, what franchise deserves his respect if SA doesn't?

I was talking about individuals not the team.

[Arles]

Granted Shaq made the comment about flopping, but he also said:

"We had a lot of opportunities to win,'' O'Neal said. "You can't make mistakes against a team like that especially here in this building.''

Seems like he's giving SA some respect there. I don't remember Duncan going out and saying "Man, that Dirk is the best player on the floor and we should be honored to be playing with him" after a loss to Dallas in the playoffs. In fact, I remember this comment after the early playoff loss to Dallas in 2006:

"One play either way, one call either way, whatever it may be, it came down to that," said Duncan, who was visibly upset and hardly spoke to reporters after the game.

Yeah, blaming the refs when you get beat shows great respect. Let's also remember that Duncan has never committed a foul in his own mind in his NBA career:

http://bp2.blogger.com/_9KAUdun1d40/RyzmVNr8vgI/AAAAAAAAADs/bICPLaNDusY/s200/tim_duncan_no_foul.jpg

[Brian Swartz]

One play either way, one call either way, whatever it may be, it came down to that," said Duncan, who was visibly upset and hardly spoke to reporters after the game.

Yeah, blaming the refs when you get beat shows great respect. Let's also remember that Duncan has never committed a foul in his own mind in his NBA career:

It's ridiculous to claim that in that quote Duncan was blaming the refs for the loss. He's simply saying how close the game was. A whole lot different from what Shaq has consistently said throughout his career("The Spurs are a great WNBA team" ring any bells?).

Edit: Want an example of a player blaming the refs? Try on this:

"I thought the referees did an awful job tonight. I felt like they cheated tonight. And you can quote me on that. And if David Stern and them want to fine me, try to control people with money, they can take double and take triple, but you can’t control me with no money. I’ve been taking this same abuse for seven years. So **** them, I don’t care. Fine me. Period. That’s all I’ve got to say"

[Karlifornia]

Shaq is a very good quote, and nothing he says, or has said, would surprise me.

[Arles]

The point is rarely does a team that loses a hardfought playoff game give a ton of credit to their opponents. They often focus on their own mistakes, while conceding the opponents were tough. That's what Shaq did after the game. Now, was he frustrated about the flops? Sure, and his comments on that lacked a little class. Still, it's not like every other good player gushes about their opponent after a loss and Shaq doesn't. He's probably closer to Sheed than KG on a "class" level, but it's not a big issue to fans not from LA or for the opponent he's playing - and it's not unlike most stars in the game today.

[Radii]

This is not the type of chatter I expected going into what is supposed to be a great NBA Playoffs with tons of talent and evenly matched teams. Interesting.

Gasol was nuts today, very entertaining.

[Brian Swartz]

The point is rarely does a team that loses a hardfought playoff game give a ton of credit to their opponents. They often focus on their own mistakes, while conceding the opponents were tough.

This I agree and don't have a problem with.

He's probably closer to Sheed than KG on a "class" level, but it's not a big issue to fans not from LA or for the opponent he's playing - and it's not unlike most stars in the game today.

I don't think most stars are like Shaq and it bothers at least me more than you state -- to take different team's examples, when he talked about Mutombo when they played in the finals, or referred to Sacramento as the Queens, etc. it annoyed me just as much.

But enough of that :).

[JonInMiddleGA]

I think the Celtics are going to blow out the Hawks every single game of this series.

Go out on a limb much? ;)

[Arles]

I don't think most stars are like Shaq and it bothers at least me more than you state -- to take different team's examples, when he talked about Mutombo when they played in the finals, or referred to Sacramento as the Queens, etc. it annoyed me just as much.

But enough of that :).
Yeah, you have a point. Still, with Nash, Hill, Diaw, Barbosa and others - the Suns had enough "good statesmen". Shaq was brought to Phoenix to give them a bit of an attitude (not unlike Sheed in Det or Kobe on the Lakers). So, he's kind of doing what he was brought here to do, but I can see how it would grate some people.

[Neon_Chaos]

That Lakers game was insane. It wasn't just Gasol. Odom, Radmanovic, Vujacic, Farmar... they exploited mismatches everywhere, Anthony Carter suffering the most beating. The Nuggets post defense was porous, at best. The only good thing the Nuggets did defensively was put KMart on Kobe, but even then, the match-ups favored LA, and Kobe eventually got his points via the free throw line.

Karl needs to play Kleiza more, and Anthony has to play defense if the Nuggets are going to get back in this series.

[Groundhog]

A Utah-Lakers semis would be very interesting. AK47 (and Harpring, to an extent) did a hell of a job on McGrady in the 4th Q of game 1 (he'll have that assignment all day for the rest of this series if the Jazz are smart) by completely stopping his penetration - TMac just couldn't get around him. Be very interested to see if he could do that Kobe. Looks like his motivation is through the roof right now.

Would be an interesting battle between the bigs too, especially if Bynum is back at even 75%. Jazz are a dangerous squad IMO - a real wildcard. There isn't a team in the league they couldn't beat in a 7 game series if the shots fall their way.

[Neon_Chaos]

I just realized while watching the Lakers that they may be the whitest team in the playoffs. They have 5 white guys in their rotation.

The Lakers have Vujacic, Radmanovic, Farmar, Walton, and Gasol.

The Jazz have four right now, Kirilenko, Harpring, Korver, and Okur.

[Chief Rum]

I just realized while watching the Lakers that they may be the whitest team in the playoffs. They have 5 white guys in their rotation.

The Lakers have Vujacic, Radmanovic, Farmar, Walton, and Gasol.

The Jazz have four right now, Kirilenko, Harpring, Korver, and Okur.

Meh...not sure how much that applies. Farmar is actually at least half black, maybe more. I forget the breakdown. And three of the others are European. There's a difference between European white and American white. ;)

So the Jazz "win" 2-1, with Harpring and Korver.

[Neon_Chaos]

Meh...not sure how much that applies. Farmar is actually at least half black, maybe more. I forget the breakdown. And three of the others are European. There's a difference between European white and American white. ;)

So the Jazz "win" 2-1, with Harpring and Korver.

Lol. I hope Mihm gets tossed back into the rotation, to make the tie.

[Neon_Chaos]

How about that old Jazz team with Hornacek, Stockton, Keefe, Foster, and Ostertag? :)

[MrBug708]

Meh...not sure how much that applies. Farmar is actually at least half black, maybe more. I forget the breakdown. And three of the others are European. There's a difference between European white and American white. ;)

So the Jazz "win" 2-1, with Harpring and Korver.

Farmar's mother is Jewish :)

Lakers do have a fair collection of Euro's though. Turiaf is from France. Vujacic is from Slovenia. Gasol is from Spain. Radmanovic is Serbian. Mbenga is from the Congo. (Not Europe but still foreign)

[Chief Rum]

Farmar's mother is Jewish :)

Yup, and his biological father is black. So he's quite the eclectic combo. ;)

[Noop]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Denver get sweeped. They play like a high school team in some respects because it is basically a two-man game between Melo and Iverson. All that talent being underutilized...

In my opinion they need to start Smith and have Iverson play PG.

[Dr. Sak]

I find it a little amusing about Shaq bitching about people flopping when the NBA refs allowed him to run over people for the better part of his career and look the other way.

[TroyF]

1) When Shaq doubled on Manu and Manu went inside the three point line, Shaq needs to go off of him and take the open shooter. He wasn't 20 feet from TD when Manu started his drive, he was about five feet. He chose to go the other ten feet into the lane to guard a 2 point shot that he didn't need to defend. That's lazy, stupid basketball.

2) Yo show how Shaq made a handfull of blocks in the final minutes of the fourth. What you don't show is all of the Manu and TP drives for layups where Shaq backed off because he was scared of picking up his sixth foul. Those layups cost the Suns the game as much as anything. If Shaq wasn't willing/able to defend, he shouldn't have been on the floor.

3) Gasol had a great performence, but let's not get carried away. The one Nugget who could truly defend Gasol wasn't on him. The oft bashed Kenyon Martin was busy frustrating Kobe Bryant for most of the night instead of on Gasol. Camby is a horrific man to man defender. (he's one of the single best weakside, help defenders in basketball, but he can't guard his man straight up worth a crap) Nobody else on the Nuggets has the size or speed to defend Gasol. (OK, Nene does, but he's injured as usual)

I'm not saying Gasol didn't play well. I'm not saying he doesn't deserve praise. Nor am I saying the Lakers can't win the title (I think they are the favorites at this point in the west) I'm just saying let's not give the guy a medal for trashing an interior defense that's not exactly dominating to begin with.

If George Karl doesn't get his head out of his ass, this is a four game sweep for LA. Anthony Carter needs to be on the bench. JR Smith needs to play a hell of a lot more than 23 minutes. They need to play more zone and they need to hit their damned FT. (lost in the 14 point Lakers win was 14 missed Nuggest FT, if they hit even 8 to 10 of those, it would have been a game late.

GK loves Anthony Carter though. Putting him and AI together on the floor so the Nuggets have massive mismatches at both ends of the floor really excites him for some reason. . .

[Arles]

If you want a goat in game 1, Amare's a much better choice than Shaq. Amare got the idiotic charge on Kurt and decided to stay on Oberto on the block instead of pop out on Finley on the screen for the first 3. As to Shaq, if he doesn't ride Manu past the 3-point line, Manu stops, dribbles back and pops a 3 at the top of the key. So, what are better odds? Manu at the top of the key or Duncan from 3?

Duncan's 3 was just a tough possession for Phoenix. If Shaq or Nash foul Manu as he went past the free throw line, he throws it up and maybe gets a 3 point play. If Bell runs out to cover Duncan right when he gets it, Udoka is wide open in the corner. The Suns did a decent job of making a tough shot beat them (Duncan from 3) - I can live with that more than Amare dropping to cover Oberto on the screen while Barbosa fights to cover Finley. Even if Oberto got the pass - it would still have been a 12-foot baseline shot down 3. Amare just goes brain dead at times and that may be the reason the Suns never win a championship.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I saw this mentioned on espn.com, a Bob Ryan column (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/04/21/twenty_years_later_and_still_circling/?page=full)about the Hawks Eastern Conference semi-final loss to the Celtics 20 years ago.

Here's just a snip from it, helpful for those who don't remember it.

Be assured that pro basketball doesn't get any better than it was on that glorious Sunday afternoon. Here was a 118-116 Game 7 in which the Celtics and Hawks combined for 59 percent shooting while turning the ball over a scant 15 times. The Celtics were able to overcome 47 points by Dominique Wilkins because Larry Bird scored 20 of his 34 points on 9-for-10 fourth-quarter shooting. Their little Gunfight at OK Corral duel in the fourth quarter, when Larry had 20 and 'Nique had 15 and in which they had one stretch of three consecutive possessions when each scored, never has been surpassed.

What people in Boston don't realize is just how utterly devastating that loss was to the Hawks. A victory that day would have put them in the Eastern Conference finals for the only time since the team relocated from St. Louis in 1968. It would have validated professional basketball in Atlanta in a way that, curiously, still never has happened.

Darned good piece about something that I believe played a big role in the mess that the Hawks subsequently turned into.

[stevew]

Wiztards are getting LeBrwn'd again. Maybe having Soulja Boy courtside will make Deshawn Stevensuck play better in game 3.

[miami_fan]

Things can't be good when Stevenson is among your leading scorers with 12 points.

[JeeberD]

The Rockets are looking aggressive on offense so far. When they settle for jumpers is when they get in trouble...

[Ajaxab]

If George Karl doesn't get his head out of his ass, this is a four game sweep for LA. Anthony Carter needs to be on the bench. JR Smith needs to play a hell of a lot more than 23 minutes. They need to play more zone and they need to hit their damned FT. (lost in the 14 point Lakers win was 14 missed Nuggest FT, if they hit even 8 to 10 of those, it would have been a game late.

GK loves Anthony Carter though. Putting him and AI together on the floor so the Nuggets have massive mismatches at both ends of the floor really excites him for some reason. . .

The Nuggets have to be one of the most frustrating teams to watch. I just do not understand how they can play as poorly as they do. Their talent is above and beyond many of the teams in the league, but for whatever reason, they simply do not play as a team on either end. The offense is one pass, dribble around and launch a jumpshot. Their defense is porous unaccountability defined. If they would execute the way the Spurs and Jazz do, they could be scary good, but why they can't is a mystery to me.

[JeeberD]

Fucking missed layups. Fucking Okur...

[korme]

fucking missed free throws

[JeeberD]

Fucking Flopilenko

[korme]

No shit

[Brian Swartz]

The Nuggets have to be one of the most frustrating teams to watch. I just do not understand how they can play as poorly as they do. Their talent is above and beyond many of the teams in the league, but for whatever reason, they simply do not play as a team on either end. The offense is one pass, dribble around and launch a jumpshot. Their defense is porous unaccountability defined. If they would execute the way the Spurs and Jazz do, they could be scary good, but why they can't is a mystery to me.

A couple points here. One, talent alone only means so much. The question is complementary talents. On offense, the one commodity you need the most with scorers like AI and Melo is guys who can shoot. The Nuggets have few, and none of them particularly reliable. Plus AI has always been a player that has to dominate the ball to be effective, which makes it impossible for them to executive above a certain level as a team. Offense is actually their biggest problem.

Defensively, they are a lot better than they are given credit for. Denver is NOT a bad defensive team. Read that as many times as you have to until you accept it. They tied for ninth in the league in defensive efficiency this year, in a group of teams tightly bunched from 5th on down(behind Boston, Houston, SA, and Detroit, the elite defensive teams) that includes LA, NO, Orlando, Dallas, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and the Nuggets. Not a whole lot of difference in how those teams performed defensively this year. It's their inability to get good shots, particularly when one of the two stars is out of the game/having a bad night that kills them.

[Neon_Chaos]

Actually, Denver is only a good defensive team when the opposing team decides to run at the same pace that they do. They are better at creating turnovers and mistakes at that pace.

In a seven game series, I doubt the opposing team is going to fall for that quite often.

[Arles]

Fucking Flopilenko
Tony Brothers is the worst ref in the league. He's continually snowed by floppers (he called two fantom flops against Shaq on Sunday). It would be one thing if he was on the take like Donaghy, but he is just terrible on his own. That call on Houston might have been the worst I have seen in years (even worse than the Donaghy call from midcourt on the Ginobili layup last postseason). How do you take the ball from the players in the final minute for a play (even if it was a foul, which it wasn't) nowhere near what was going on in the game?

[Gary Gorski]

I'd have booed them too, had I been there. Sheed goes for 24/9/7 and it should be an automatic win. Great job by the Sixers, and the Pistons need to start making free throws and layups and generally pulling their head out of their behinds about how good they think they are(boxing out might help too).

Sadly this game was classic Pistons. I hoped that with last year's loss to Cleveland that this year they would actually take the games seriously but there's no change. They go out there acting like there's no chance in hell they could lose the game and then they're surprised that they do. It's just a total lack of concentration and focus. How does the 2nd best free throw shooter in the league miss THREE free throws down the stretch?

Maybe its because they've become a fixture in the Eastern Conf Finals but they're out of excuses in my mind. They're not tired (Flip did a great job managing minutes), they're in the "underdog" role again since Boston is the one seed and Flip is not the problem - Flip's not drawing up missed layups or wide open shots in the huddle.

I really like this team - they've been so successful and have given us so much to cheer about in Detroit but it's really to the point where the fans aren't satisfied with another trip to the ECF - we want another title and we expect the players to act like they want it too and they just don't look like they do. They'll win this series but I could see them losing to Orlando and as much as I hate to say it I would not have much hope of them beating Boston. They're capable of beating any team in the league but if trying to flip the switch didn't work against a pretty average Cleveland team last year it's not going to work against a better Orlando team and a far better Boston team this year either.

[miami_fan]

Avery Johnson, you are now officially on the coaching hot seat.

[Groundhog]

I gave these Hornets no chance. Very impressed with how they've played.

[Jas_lov]

The Suns are just no match for the defending NBA Champions. Who said the Spurs were washed up? I can't wait to see Spurs-Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.

[Neon_Chaos]

I never thought Popovich would actually resort to Hack-a-Shaq. Blah. The Suns look tired and dejected. They just collapsed in the 3rd quarter and never recovered.

[Neon_Chaos]

Spoke too soon. :) Here we go.

[Brian Swartz]

I feel for Suns fans. They have the talent and then some, but apparently not the will. I certainly wouldn't say that a SA-LA conference finals is anything approaching certain yet. Utah and NO will have something to say about that, and it's entirely possible that one of DAL/PHO/HOU/DEN will make things interesting before the first round is over. Not likely, but possible.

[Groundhog]

Well, to be fair, they are playing the Spurs. That's a tough first round matchup for anyone. I had the Suns pencilled in as winners of the series, but every year I seem to forget just how good the Spurs are come playoffs.

[Brian Swartz]

That's true, but it isn't as if they are losing because they aren't talented enough to hang with SA. It's kind of like being a Pistons fan, with the exception that we once had a team that played as mentally tough as you can be. Past tense.

The point with Phoenix is that losing big leads in both games and the faulty execution down the stretch in Game 1 -- these are not isolated things but are the continuation of a pattern(with the notable exception of Game 4 vs. SA last year).

[Arles]

With Amare and Barbosa, the Suns will never be good in the clutch. Both are extremely sloppy and have the mental IQ of a midget. Spurs are better and the Suns are a mess. Any Suns fan that comes back with hope next season is kidding themselves. They are the Kings of the 2000s.

Thank the sports gods for the DBacks ;). Atleast Phoenix has something to fall back on once their team is eliminated (which will be shortly). As to the west, New Orleans, SA, Utah and LAL should be a fun set of series'. All four are capable and I don't see any of those teams having the mental lapses/vacancies of teams like Denver, Phoenix and Dallas. Should be interesting to watch how this west unfolds.

[stevew]

I'd figure with a 2-time MVP the Suns would win this in a cakewalk. Oh well.

[Neon_Chaos]

The Suns need to stop going to Diaw to exploit a "mismatch".

For two games, they've fallen for that trap. Amare and Nash get hot, but then they suddenly find a "mismatch" with Diaw and his guy, and he has failed to deliver.

25 points for Amare in the 1st half means squat if you don't actively look for him in the 2nd half as well. Jeez.

[Brian Swartz]

Amare got his shots in the second half: he just didn't make them. 11-14 fg 1st half, 2-11 2nd half.

[korme]

People just need to learn to forget about how uninteresting, boring, or any other adjective expressing displeasure they could think of to describe the Spurs, and just remember that they are the most complete team in the league. There are tons of Spurs haters but I can't be one of them because they do the only thing that matters in the playoffs, they win.

[korme]

I'd figure with a 2-time MVP the Suns would win this in a cakewalk. Oh well.


I don't really know your NBA allegiances or follow your posts regarding the NBA, but I hope this was sarcastic on like 3 different levels!

[Neon_Chaos]

Amare got his shots in the second half: he just didn't make them. 11-14 fg 1st half, 2-11 2nd half.

They actively went for Diaw in the third and fourth. Amare got his shots in the first half because of good ball movement. The Suns didn't have that when they kept wasting 8-10 seconds by having Diaw post up. Nash had 9 assists in the first half, and only 1 in the entire second half. Nash got fed up and just started shooting late in the fourth, which actually triggered their 9-point mini-comeback.

[stevew]

Maybe I just have an irrational hatred of Steve Nash.

[korme]

Maybe I just have an irrational hatred of Steve Nash.

I'm right there with you. Everyone loves him and I'm always the Nash hater of the group

[Vince]

People just need to learn to forget about how uninteresting, boring, or any other adjective expressing displeasure they could think of to describe the Spurs, and just remember that they are the most complete team in the league. There are tons of Spurs haters but I can't be one of them because they do the only thing that matters in the playoffs, they win.

This is pretty much 100% true. I don't like the Spurs (only the Dodgers earn hatred from me...well, and the Angels), but you're right on the nose here Shorty.

[Neon_Chaos]

Just under 9 minutes left. Lakers up by 7. Neither team is playing good defense. :)

[Neon_Chaos]

Kobe is taken out. About time. The Nuggets are done.

Superhuman effort from Kobe, and he made it looks so easy. 49 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, 66% from the field, 8/9 FT.

[larrymcg421]

I will be in attendance for games 3 and 4 of the Hawks-Celtics series. Not only have I never attended a Celtics (My favorite team) game before, but I've never even attended an NBA game before. Should be pretty exciting. Here's hoping the C's can win both games to finish off the series.

[stevew]

Cavs forgot there was a game tonight. Good coaching, again.

[JeeberD]

Rockets pulled one out in Utah. Still alive...

[Neon_Chaos]

Rockets pulled one out in Utah. Still alive...

Alston coming back was huge. He alleviated McGrady's burden to score for most of the game.

[JeeberD]

The thing is, he shot better than usual. If he keeps playing at a high level, we have a chance to win this series. But I don't have that much faith in Rafe...

[Dr. Sak]

Sixers go up 2-1 on the Pistons.

[Neon_Chaos]

The Mavs finally pull out with a win.

[Arles]

First, Pop's being real smart with the Hack-a-Shaq strategy. It make it very tough for Phoenix to go on a run. But, man, is this game almost unwatchable. There's just no flow at all.

Still, if I were the Suns, I'd start hacking Bruce Bowen or Oberto in the final few minutes.

[miami_fan]

My goodness.

Memo to the Spurs

Shaq hesitates on his free throws

Stop jumping in the lane!

[miami_fan]

Barring a massive collapse by the Spurs, the Suns will be down 3-0 and will lose the series. Does anyone besides Mike D'Antoni take the fall for this one?

[Arles]

Barring a massive collapse by the Spurs, the Suns will be down 3-0 and will lose the series. Does anyone besides Mike D'Antoni take the fall for this one?
I think the main goats are Amare, Shaq, LB, Diaw and Mike D. Amare because he's maybe the most talented guy on the floor but as tough as a wet kleenex. LB and Diaw haven't come close to balancing out Manu. And Shaq's PNR defense and foul shooting have hurt.

In the end, though, you have too look at the coach, GM and owner. They moved Kurt and Marion to land Shaq - and this team has done worse in the playoffs. Now, Sarver's doing great from a bottom line standpoint (the Shaq move has saved him millions - as did selling Kurt for picks). Still, the on-the court product didn't work out. Mike D should be gone, but I'm not sure how much of the moves was Kerr and how much was Sarver keeping his budget in tact.

Either way, I can't see D'Antoni coming back. But, who knows, anything can happen and Sarver has shown us that winning isn't the most important thing.

As to the Spurs, it's a crime Pop hasn't won Coach of the Year yet (or has he?). Any rare, he's a great coach and this Spurs team is a like a machine. My hope is that we see LAL, NO, SA and Utah next round. Those games should be great and it's going to be a tough road in the West.

[Oilers9911]

The NBA has to change the rules on fouls to prevent the hack-a-shaq (or whomever) strategy. It's a smart strategy but it makes the games incredibly poor to watch. I'm not sure what the solution is but there has to be something done.

[Brian Swartz]

I disagree. First of all nobody can do it the whole game -- when it happens a few possessions out of a game I don't see how it makes the game unwatchable as it's not happening the vast majority of the time. I also don't see why guys who can't shoot FT should not be able to have that weakness exploited(same goes for Bowen on SA and any other player). If they were half-decent shooters at the line it would be a bad strategy and wouldn't be used.

[Gary Gorski]

The NBA has to change the rules on fouls to prevent the hack-a-shaq (or whomever) strategy. It's a smart strategy but it makes the games incredibly poor to watch. I'm not sure what the solution is but there has to be something done.

Oh I dunno, maybe a person playing at the highest level of basketball in the world should be capable of making more than 52% of free throws. This is what Dwight Howard needs to realize now before his career turns into getting hacked every time he touches the ball.

Regardless they can't change the rules to prevent it unless they want to change the rules so you can't be a 7'1 350lb monster that is just (or at least was) an impossible force to stop from going to the basket. If teams don't want the hack-a-shaq to be used on them then they need to have players who make that a poor percentage play. If you know the choice is that there's a 60%+ chance of him scoring 2 points or a 50% chance of him making even one free throw it's going to keep happening.

[miami_fan]

While they are re-writing the rules so refs can make a judgement on whether a player is flopping or not, then also re-write the intentional foul rule to include the type of play.

[miami_fan]

Oh I dunno, maybe a person playing at the highest level of basketball in the world should be capable of making more than 52% of free throws. This is what Dwight Howard needs to realize now before his career turns into getting hacked every time he touches the ball.

Regardless they can't change the rules to prevent it unless they want to change the rules so you can't be a 7'1 350lb monster that is just (or at least was) an impossible force to stop from going to the basket. If teams don't want the hack-a-shaq to be used on them then they need to have players who make that a poor percentage play. If you know the choice is that there's a 60%+ chance of him scoring 2 points or a 50% chance of him making even one free throw it's going to keep happening.

I think this is a fine line that the NBA does not want to come close to crossing. If Hack a Shaq is okay because he is an unstoppable force, then Hack a Tony Parker or Hack a Chris Paul can't be too far behind.

[Gary Gorski]

I think this is a fine line that the NBA does not want to come close to crossing. If Hack a Shaq is okay because he is an unstoppable force, then Hack a Tony Parker or Hack a Chris Paul can't be too far behind.

That's never going to happen. Who is going to hack Parker (71%) or Paul (85%)? The problem with Shaq is that there is a higher chance of him making the 2 pointer than there is him making 2 free throws. Parker and Paul both shoot about 49% from the field - why would you intentionally foul one of them when there's a 50% chance they're going to miss their shot but only a 15 or 30% chance that they're going to miss a free throw? How would you even do that? Hack them as soon as they cross half court?

Besides, Paul and Parker are not physical forces like Shaq is. The Suns could have a much better chance at stopping Parker if Steve Nash was capable of playing any defense and Amare had any idea on how to play help defense.

[miami_fan]

That's never going to happen. Who is going to hack Parker (71%) or Paul (85%)? The problem with Shaq is that there is a higher chance of him making the 2 pointer than there is him making 2 free throws. Parker and Paul both shoot about 49% from the field - why would you intentionally foul one of them when there's a 50% chance they're going to miss their shot but only a 15 or 30% chance that they're going to miss a free throw? How would you even do that? Hack them as soon as they cross half court?

Besides, Paul and Parker are not physical forces like Shaq is. The Suns could have a much better chance at stopping Parker if Steve Nash was capable of playing any defense and Amare had any idea on how to play help defense.

I am not looking at it from a free throw percentage point of view. I am talking about the idea that a team can't defend a player so they choose to foul him instead. I am thinking the Knicks under Pat Riley. The NBA has made it a point to try to take much of the physical play out of its game. I just see that strategy as having the potential to bring that play back into the league.

[Eaglesfan27]

I am not looking at it from a free throw percentage point of view. I am talking about the idea that a team can't defend a player so they choose to foul him instead. I am thinking the Knicks under Pat Riley. The NBA has made it a point to try to take much of the physical play out of its game. I just see that strategy as having the potential to bring that play back into the league.

It sounds like you are talking about fouling to hurt, which will lead to flagrants, ejections, and suspensions. That will never work. The only reason the Hack-a-Shaq works is that he can't shoot FT's, so the play saves the defense points. It won't save points with Paul or Parker.

[molson]

I am not looking at it from a free throw percentage point of view. I am talking about the idea that a team can't defend a player so they choose to foul him instead.

You can't really have one without the other. Nobody gets "hacked" in this sense if it's a guaranteed 2 from the line.

There's nothing new here - this has gone on for the history of the NBA, and certainly Shaq's whole career. And even in the case of Shaq, it hasn't stopped him from making over 10,000 Field Goals over his career.

[DaddyTorgo]

Hack-a-Shaq wouldn't work if Shaq had any work-ethic and would have learned how to shoot FT's at some point over his whole damn career (particularly once it became a widely-used strategy). It's Shaq's fault that teams continue to employ this strategy...if he'd learn to shoot FT's then people wouldn't hack him. But he's a lazy fuck.

[Fidatelo]

What if they made it so that the person in possession of the ball at the time a foul occurs is the one that gets the shots? That would at least stop the stupid garbage where someone hugs Shaq while Nash brings the ball up court.

[DaddyTorgo]

What if they made it so that the person in possession of the ball at the time a foul occurs is the one that gets the shots? That would at least stop the stupid garbage where someone hugs Shaq while Nash brings the ball up court.

how bout if shaq took his job seriously and had some work ethic and learned to shoot FT's??

[molson]

Hack-a-Shaq wouldn't work if Shaq had any work-ethic and would have learned how to shoot FT's at some point over his whole damn career (particularly once it became a widely-used strategy). It's Shaq's fault that teams continue to employ this strategy...if he'd learn to shoot FT's then people wouldn't hack him. But he's a lazy fuck.

Buy all accounts, he's spent a TON of time trying to improve at the line. Some guys, especially 7-Footers, just can't do it. Shaq's better than Wilt Chamberlain was at the line.

[Fidatelo]

how bout if shaq took his job seriously and had some work ethic and learned to shoot FT's??

Ya I get it. In fact, I got it two posts ago.

Wait, what's your opinion again?

[DaddyTorgo]

Buy all accounts, he's spent a TON of time trying to improve at the line. Some guys, especially 7-Footers, just can't do it. Shaq's better than Wilt Chamberlain was at the line.

well then he's SOL I guess.

[molson]

well then he's SOL I guess.

He's still actually had a pretty good career.

[Eaglesfan27]

He's still actually had a pretty good career.


Yep. Some might even say he is the 2nd best center to ever play the game.

[Oilers9911]

well then he's SOL I guess.

Yeah, he is SOL and destined to finish his career with only 4 titles. Poor bastard.

[Oilers9911]

While they are re-writing the rules so refs can make a judgement on whether a player is flopping or not, then also re-write the intentional foul rule to include the type of play.

They need a rule like the NHL's diving rule. Also, any intentional foul on a player without the ball should be two free throws AND possession.

[Lathum]

If I was starting a basketball team today for 1 season I would take Duncan in a second.

[MrBug708]

Yep. Some might even say he is the 2nd best center to ever play the game.

I dont think anyone will ever do more then Kareem

[Sublime 2]

I dont think anyone will ever do more then Russell

Fixed

:D

[Jas_lov]

They should NOT change the rules to cater to one person. Shaq can't make free throws and that's his problem, not Greg Popovich's. Hack a Shaq is a brilliant strategy. If they don't want the Spurs to do it, Shaq should make his free throws or the Suns should take him out of the game. I think the Suns fans suggesting the rule change are just sore losers. The Suns should have kept Shawn Marion. At least with him they could get out of the 1st round!

[miami_fan]

They should NOT change the rules to cater to one person. Shaq can't make free throws and that's his problem, not Greg Popovich's. Hack a Shaq is a brilliant strategy. If they don't want the Spurs to do it, Shaq should make his free throws or the Suns should take him out of the game. I think the Suns fans suggesting the rule change are just sore losers. The Suns should have kept Shawn Marion. At least with him they could get out of the 1st round!

Handchecking was a brilliant strategy as well. Why did they change the rule for that?

Look, no one is arguing that it is not a winning strategy. Hack a Shaq is a good strategy for winning basketball games and that is all Popovich is and should be concerned with. But it is BRUTAL to watch and goes against the type of free flowing up and down game that most people seem to enjoy the most. I don't see the joy in watching Jacque Vaughan wrap his arms around Shaq just as the ball is crossing half court. If I had to choose, I'll take the up and down action of the second half of last night's game where the Hack a Shaq was not employed over the play in the first half any day of the week.

And to be fair, I don't think any of the Suns fans on the board on asking for rule changes. To me, Hack A Shaq is an intentional and/or flagrant foul and should be called accordingly.

[Oilers9911]

They should NOT change the rules to cater to one person. Shaq can't make free throws and that's his problem, not Greg Popovich's. Hack a Shaq is a brilliant strategy. If they don't want the Spurs to do it, Shaq should make his free throws or the Suns should take him out of the game. I think the Suns fans suggesting the rule change are just sore losers. The Suns should have kept Shawn Marion. At least with him they could get out of the 1st round!

Umm first of all if you read closely, I said it was a smart strategy. Secondly, I am not a Suns fan, and thirdly even though it is a very smart strategy that doesn't mean it is much fun to watch.

[Brian Swartz]

What if they made it so that the person in possession of the ball at the time a foul occurs is the one that gets the shots? That would at least stop the stupid garbage where someone hugs Shaq while Nash brings the ball up court.

What's stupid about that as compared to two guys positioning on the blocks and one of them getting called for a foul, with the same result?

In any case, it doesn't make any sense to me to have a special rule taking away the normal situation of the person being fouled doing the shooting.

it is BRUTAL to watch and goes against the type of free flowing up and down game that most people seem to enjoy the most. I don't see the joy in watching Jacque Vaughan wrap his arms around Shaq just as the ball is crossing half court. If I had to choose, I'll take the up and down action of the second half of last night's game where the Hack a Shaq was not employed over the play in the first half any day of the week.

Ok, a couple points here. One, there were around 105 or so possessions in the first half. The Hack-a-Shaq was employed six times. So you're telling me that something that happened about 1 in 16-20 trips down the floor ruined any enjoyment of the other 94% or so? That just doesn't make any sense.

Furthermore, this whole idea that entertainment value is the pre-eminent reason to have rules is ridiculous to me. It's a consideration, but only that. It'd be one thing if they could do this every time down the floor, but that's impossible. I mean if one is going to say aesthetic value rules all, then lets knock the shot-clock down to say 14 seconds or something so everybody has to play like Phoenix/GS/Denver do, let's discourage fouling by making it an automatic 2 shots and the ball no matter what the foul is -- after all, we all just want to see dunks and great shooting -- let's outlaw shot-blocking ... there's something to be said in my opinion for not allowing a player to hide his weaknesses. A player's total package of skills should matter, not just the ones most people happen to enjoy watching the most.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Hawks beat the Celtics 102-93.

First playoff win for Atlanta since May 16, 1999.
First ever post-season win for any tenant of Phillips Arena.

Tomorrow's forecast calls for human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, and mass hysteria.

[cartman]

Tomorrow's forecast calls for human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, and mass hysteria.

So you are saying that Petrino is coming back to coach the Falcons and they are going to trade for McFadden as well?

:D

[cartman]

Watching ESPN, and I'm pretty sure Jalen Rose wants to knock Stephen A. Smith the f*ck out.

[Neon_Chaos]

Oh, look, Lakers are up 3-0.

[MrBug708]

Melo is feeling it

[Chief Rum]

Watching ESPN, and I'm pretty sure Jalen Rose wants to knock Stephen A. Smith the f*ck out.

It seems then that Rose has the pulse of the American people.

[Brian Swartz]

Since it was asked before -- Gregg Popovich was Coach of the Year in 2003.

As far as Phoenix goes, I view what's happened to them as a tragedy, as I really appreciate the style they played before the Shaq trade and I think that style is great for the league and given how really close they were, is a style that can result in a title under the right conditions. It's much better for the league certainly than the one-on-one style of Denver and GS, which might be exciting but is also just plain bad basketball.

I think the Suns should get rid of D'Antoni, but only because his strengths is running the European-style offense and they don't have the horses to do that anymore. I don't think they'll easily find a better coach though, and whatever minor additions/changes in strategy they make are not going to sufficiently mask their weaknesses. With Shaq they have to play a more traditional game, and the defensive liabilities that Shaq, Amare, and Nash have are too much to overcome when combined with their general lack of mental toughness(including D'Antoni's). Kerr won't do it, but optimally they really need to say the experiment failed, let's break this thing up and rebuild around Amare.

[Noop]

Stevenson is such a punk for that move. Instead of fouling him he should play defense.

[Noop]

That being said LeBron is a beast.

[larrymcg421]

The Hawks played a great game, and the fans that showed up had alot of energy. However, unless they can hit 10 of 18 three pointers in the rest of the series, they won't be picking up any more wins.

[stevew]

I <3 Delonte West. Best PG in cleveland since forever(dre Miller).

[MikeVic]

What's with the Spurs/Suns. I'm not watching, but I just saw the score in the third quarter.

[Ajaxab]

From what I could tell, it looks like the Suns came out desperate and the Spurs were sleepwalking from the tip. I can't see Phoenix coming with this kind of energy for another three games though, especially with 2 of them on the road, and especially because SA will have been embarrassed by their performance today.

[Eaglesfan27]

Man, that was a huge dunk by Iguodala. If the Sixers keep up this intensity all game, they are going to go up 3-1 in the series.

[Karlifornia]

Go Sixers!

[Eaglesfan27]

Sixers are making the Pistons look very old. :)

[Brian Swartz]

San Antonio did come out flat today, feeling a little too good about themselves after Game Three -- but the way Phoenix played in the first half, focused every possession, was championship basketball. Had they played that way one game earlier, they'd have a real shot at this series. It shocked me because before the game, Amare looked like he just wanted it to be over -- really depressed and pretty much just hoping something good would happen. I expect the Spurs to adjust for Game 5 and match Phoenix's intensity, which will probably be enough unless the Suns play another fabulous game. I was really impressed with their intensity in the first half.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sixers are making the Pistons look very old. :)

I guess I spoke too soon :(

Disappointing 2nd half.

[Philliesfan980]

I guess I spoke too soon :(

Disappointing 2nd half.

Yeah, to the Pistons credit, they came out with an extreme sense of urgency in the second half. I haven't watched many Pistons games this year, but I hear that's their calling card - turning it on and off.

I think the second half of the game sealed this series. Unfortunately, I don't see the Sixers recovering from this one. Hell of a season though - I think every espn.com expert picked the Sixers to finish dead last in the conference.

[Neon_Chaos]

Dallas is just... out-matched against the Hornets.

I wonder if Kidd will be suspended for that Flagrant 2 against Pargo?

[miami_fan]

Dallas is just... out-matched against the Hornets.

I wonder if Kidd will be suspended for that Flagrant 2 against Pargo?

I don't think he will be. No need to give the Mavs any excuses.

[Neon_Chaos]

I don't think he will be. No need to give the Mavs any excuses.

:)

But, on a serious note, he did grab on to the back of Pargo's neck and attempted to spike him down to the floor. If Pargo hadn't put his hands up, he could've been seriously injured.

[miami_fan]

:)

But, on a serious note, he did grab on to the back of Pargo's neck and attempted to spike him down to the floor. If Pargo hadn't put his hands up, he could've been seriously injured.

I think reputation will play a big part of it. If that was Jerry Stackhouse, he would get two games

[Groundhog]

It's one of those things where if Pargo had been hurt, Kidd would have been facing suspension. When I first saw it in real-time I thought Kidd was going for the ball and didn't realise he had Pargo's head, but in slow-mo it's obvious.

[DaddyTorgo]

the fine on paul pierce is fucking ridiculous. horford ought to get one too for taunting. That's ridiculous!!

[miami_fan]

Okay I like trash talk as much as the next guy but the Wizards REALLY need to shut up.

[miami_fan]

the fine on paul pierce is fucking ridiculous. horford ought to get one too for taunting. That's ridiculous!!

But Pierce was throwing up a "gang sign":rolleyes:

[Young Drachma]

But Pierce was throwing up a "gang sign":rolleyes:

They need to get Jay-Z to make a diss tracks for them (http://www.prefixmag.com/media/jay-z/deshawn-stevenson-diss-mp3/18370/).

[miami_fan]

The Magic are through to the second round.

[cmp]

Joe Johnson is scoring at will out there.

[cmp]

If Joe Johnson can get in the paint like this against Boston I can't even begin to imagine what Lebron will do to them.

[Arles]

Wow, we may have a series in this Boston-Atlanta matchup.

[DaddyTorgo]

gah - how bad are the C's looking these past two games!!

[DeToxRox]

Detroit being tied 2-2 with Philly is not that surprising to me, with how well they played them in the regular season, and how horrible the Pistons are as professionals. They just sleepwalk way too much so that doesn't shock me.

Boston playing like this is unreal though.

[JonInMiddleGA]

28 points (so far) in the 4th quarter for Atlanta, 18 for Johnson & 10 for Smith.

[DaddyTorgo]

Detroit being tied 2-2 with Philly is not that surprising to me, with how well they played them in the regular season, and how horrible the Pistons are as professionals. They just sleepwalk way too much so that doesn't shock me.

Boston playing like this is unreal though.

yeah. They are playing like shit I gotta say

[Arles]

I always liked Joe Johnson when he was on the Suns, nice to see him doing well.

[Brian Swartz]

It isn't that shocking to me. I always thought and said that Boston would face some serious growing up in the playoffs, because of their youth at a lot of role-playing positions, because they've never been through this before as a group, and because every team that wins a title has to go through a period where they learn how to do it. I expected them to lose one to Atlanta -- two is a little surprising, and I thought the next round vs. Cleveland would be their real wake-up call so to speak, but the Hawks are playing hungry and Boston isn't a championship team yet(which isn't to say they can't get there by the end of the playoffs, but they've got learning to do).

[BishopMVP]

I'm not sure the Celtics have played that badly, at least in Game 4. They were up 10 going into the 4th and then Joe Johnson and Josh Smith just started hitting everything. Meanwhile, the Cetics had a couple bunnies missed - Pierce's layup most obvious, Garnett had a couple rim out in the 4th, and the two times ATL missed they got offensive rebounds over Celtics players. I will say I'm not a fan of the offense running through Garnett in crunch-time - if he's the one shooting or taking it to the rim, there's rarely anyone else to get an offensive rebound as at least 3 guys are waiting for kick-out 3's.

[DaddyTorgo]

I'm not sure the Celtics have played that badly, at least in Game 4. They were up 10 going into the 4th and then Joe Johnson and Josh Smith just started hitting everything. Meanwhile, the Cetics had a couple bunnies missed - Pierce's layup most obvious, Garnett had a couple rim out in the 4th, and the two times ATL missed they got offensive rebounds over Celtics players. I will say I'm not a fan of the offense running through Garnett in crunch-time - if he's the one shooting or taking it to the rim, there's rarely anyone else to get an offensive rebound as at least 3 guys are waiting for kick-out 3's.

C's also shot HORRIBLY from the FT-line.

[Neon_Chaos]

Last two minutes... come on Lakers, you can pull this one off.

[Neon_Chaos]

Woohoo! Sweep, baby! Yeah!

[MrBug708]

Woot! The only sweep of the first round?

[Arles]

Could be some suspensions from this altercation:

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XKsS-3j9sfg&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XKsS-3j9sfg&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

Here's the highlight at 15 seconds in from a different angle:

http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/tools/shared/mediahub/01/60/22/slideshow_522601_fight.jpg

Supposedly Marvin Williams and Kendrick Perkins left the bench during it as well. Let's see if Stern sticks to his "I have no choice" BS and suspends all these guys (supposedly shoving a ref is an auto suspension as well).

[molson]

I didn't think the C's played all that poorly either - I'm just trying to figure out how the Hawks only won 37 games this year. Even on paper they look better than that in the Eastern Conference.

[MrBug708]

Williams and Perkins took one step away from the bench. It's not even close to what Amare did last year, not even close. Suns fans really need to let that go from last year. Amare deserved the suspension

As for the picture, the ref was trying to restrain him, I doubt that will get the suspension.

[BishopMVP]

Could be some suspensions from this altercation:

Supposedly Marvin Williams and Kendrick Perkins left the bench during it as well. Let's see if Stern sticks to his "I have no choice" BS and suspends all these guys (supposedly shoving a ref is an auto suspension as well).In Garnett's defense, it doesn't look like he ever sees who is grabbing his arm before he pushes him away.

As for Perkins, you can see him in the background during the clip. He's already up off the bench (going to the scorers table maybe?) and takes a step towards the ref before the altercation. During the altercation, he makes no move towards it, but he is technically on the court, so who knows. Can't see Williams at all.

[BishopMVP]

Dola - is it just me or did these NBA refs do a really bad job getting involved in the altercation? What is that one ref thinking trying to pull Garnett back from the side and behind?

If you're playing peacemaker - and especially where no one is even allowed to touch you - you simply get your body in between both sides and make sure they see you there, maybe start pushing the two sides apart with your hands. Grabbing guys from the side or behind is going to further confuse the situation. and is about the only chance you have of getting clocked (Kermit Washington aside.)

[stevew]

Okay I like trash talk as much as the next guy but the Wizards REALLY need to shut up.

Seriously. They were trying to start shit with LeBron pre series....now that he's shit all over them, they still want to whine like douches.

[Neon_Chaos]

If this were the 2007 playoffs, we'd have had a ton of suspensions by now, based on the on-court altercations that have already gone down. :)

The NBA, where inconsistent happens.

[Noop]

Kobe Bryant was brilliant last night.

[rjolley]

Looking at that video, I think it was handled just fine on the court and really doesn't warrant more action from the front office. Will they step up and try to make a point based on the heated exchanges from other series? Who knows. But that looked a lot tamer than the hard fouls from Kidd or Stevenson and deserves nothing more than a tech.

[Arles]

Williams and Perkins took one step away from the bench. It's not even close to what Amare did last year, not even close. Suns fans really need to let that go from last year. Amare deserved the suspension

As for the picture, the ref was trying to restrain him, I doubt that will get the suspension.
Here's the exact rule:
Any player or coach guilty of intentional physical contact with an official shall automatically be suspended without pay for one game. A fine and/or longer period of suspension will result if circumstances so dictate
http://www.nba.com/analysis/rules_e.html?nav=ArticleList

There was certainly "intentional physical contact" from Garnett on the ref in that video. According to the rules, there is no leeway for personal interpretation. Again, the point here is to point out how inconsistent Stern has been when it comes to suspensions. IMO, he shouldn't suspend anyone, but I thought the same thing last year. If you are going to suspend Boris Diaw for moving off the court towards the scorer's table because of a "rule", I don't see how KG shoving an official in the middle of an altercation should be excused with a similar rule.

[BishopMVP]

Here's the exact rule:

http://www.nba.com/analysis/rules_e.html?nav=ArticleList

There was certainly "intentional physical contact" from Garnett on the ref in that video. According to the rules, there is no leeway for personal interpretation. Again, the point here is to point out how inconsistent Stern has been when it comes to suspensions. IMO, he shouldn't suspend anyone, but I thought the same thing last year. If you are going to suspend Boris Diaw for moving off the court towards the scorer's table because of a "rule", I don't see how KG shoving an official in the middle of an altercation should be excused with a similar rule.Again, KG's one argument is that the official was grabbing him from behind and it wasn't "intentional physical contact" because he didn't know it was a ref. Worked for me in court.

[Brian Swartz]

The other thing is the way the rules are stated, the rule about leaving the bench is an automatic suspension no matter what. Most if not all other cases there is room for commissionerial discretion.

No question Stern is inconsistent with how he uses that discretion.

[Arles]

The other thing is the way the rules are stated, the rule about leaving the bench is an automatic suspension no matter what. Most if not all other cases there is room for commissionerial discretion.

No question Stern is inconsistent with how he uses that discretion.
I agree with the last statement. Here are the exact rules from the NBA rulebook:

leaving the bench
During an altercation, all players not participating in the game must remain in the immediate vicinity of their bench. Violators will be suspended, without pay, for a minimum of one game and fined up to $35,000.

making contact with a ref
Any player or coach guilty of intentional physical contact with an official shall automatically be suspended without pay for one game. A fine and/or longer period of suspension will result if circumstances so dictate.

They both have no discretion in terms of a non-suspension. Only this two and connecting with a punch have the auto suspension. Even fighting situations have this out:
A fine not exceeding $35,000 and/or suspension may be imposed upon such person(s) by the Commissioner at his sole discretion.

So, again, according to the rules, Stern has no more discretion with punching a player or making intentional physical contact with a ref than he did with the leaving the bench penalty.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Seems as though the wiggle room for Garnett on the ref contact might be in the defintion of "intentional physical contact".

It's pretty obvious that he made intentional physical contact with someone (unless he has an uncontrollable condition that causes him to close his hand around someone else's wrist). That someone happened to be a ref.

So, in the finest tradition of "what the definition of "is" is", the question would seem to become whether it would have to be proven he knew it was a ref, or if the responsibility is on him to make sure it isn't a ref.

And before anybody thinks I'm lobbying in either direction out of homerism, I'd be somewhat amused if an 8 beat a 1 but I'm not exactly what you'd call a big Hawks fan either, so I'm not particularly inclined to invest much energy in worrying about whether KG is suspended one way or the other.

[Arles]

yeah, it's like last year's "what's the vicinity of the bench" statement. I just don't see how Stern could be consistent and not suspend Garnett.

[Arles]

Well, it looks like Stern finally did make the right decision:

The Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks escaped discipline for a Game 4 skirmish in which Kevin Garnett pushed off a referee while players on both benches stepped onto the court.

NBA spokesman Tim Frank said Tuesday there would be no fines or suspensions. Four technical fouls resulted in a game Atlanta won 97-92 to tie the best-of-seven series at two games apiece.

Celtics center Kendrick Perkins and Atlanta forward Marvin Williams acknowledged they stepped onto the court as they strained to see what was going on. Such actions are barred in the NBA, especially with commissioner David Stern looking on.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3374218

It's just a shame the league couldn't have used the same common sense last year.

[MrBug708]

USA Today had the final NBA stats in todays edition.

The Lakers ended the season with SIX players with more than 200 assists this year.

No one else had more than 4 players.

On New Orleans, ONLY Chris Paul was over 200.

[MikeVic]

Yeah they're all passing to ball hog Kobe. :D Kidding kidding!

[Oilers9911]

Man, if I was a Suns fan I would be PISSED all over again about last year's suspensions.

[JeeberD]

Fucking bullshit that the Rockets-Jazz game is on NBA TV, which we don't get here. Probably all the better, though. They seem to play better when I'm not watching...

[Brian Swartz]

I'm not a Suns fan and think this is a HORRIBLE decision by Stern. There's no point whatsoever in having a rule if you aren't going to enforce it.

[Neon_Chaos]

I think it's the right decision. The rules have to be followed with a touch of common sense. If anything, Pachulia should be suspended for intentionally head-butting Garnett.

That being said... they now lose credibility because of their inconsistent ruling of what constitutes as a violation when stepping on the floor is concerned. (last year, Amare, took ONE STEP towards the floor before immediately sitting down... and he got suspended.)

[JeeberD]

Rockets force a game 6 with a dominating win in Houston...

[miami_fan]

I'm not a Suns fan and think this is a HORRIBLE decision by Stern. There's no point whatsoever in having a rule if you aren't going to enforce it.

Agreed!

[BishopMVP]

I'm not a Suns fan and think this is a HORRIBLE decision by Stern. There's no point whatsoever in having a rule if you aren't going to enforce it.I guess this is where you and I disagree. It is either the rule or the enforcement last year on the Suns that was horrible. This decision in a vacuum is clearly the correct one.

(Can I say how odd it is to have JimGA arguing leniency while others go the absolute respect to authority and rule of law route. ;) )

[Jas_lov]

Mike D'Antoni has been fired.

[Neon_Chaos]

SI exclusive, apparently.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jack_mccallum/04/30/suns.dantonio/index.html?eref=sircrc

I'd wait for the official announcement though.

[MrBug708]

Rockets force a game 6 with a dominating win in Houston...

Utah wants another home game for revenue purposes :)

[miami_fan]

I guess this is where you and I disagree. It is either the rule or the enforcement last year on the Suns that was horrible. This decision in a vacuum is clearly the correct one.

(Can I say how odd it is to have JimGA arguing leniency while others go the absolute respect to authority and rule of law route. ;) )

The rule is absolutely horrible as well.

[miami_fan]

Mike D'Antoni has been fired.

It will be interesting to see who they bring in.

[Ajaxab]

After watching the Suns-Spurs last night, I am increasingly convinced that there is no need to change the intentional foul rule. Free throw shooting is as much a basketball skill as anything else. If a player can't make free throws, then it is up to his team to decide whether his other skills compensate for that deficiency. There really is no need to make rules to compensate for skill deficiencies. If the Suns drop their throws last night, they probably win that game, but there can't be rules made to make up for a player's lack of skill.

[JonInMiddleGA]

(Can I say how odd it is to have JimGA arguing leniency while others go the absolute respect to authority and rule of law route. ;) )

Nah. I was just saying what I figured the argument would be (and apparently the one that won out), not what I thought they ought to do ;)

[Brian Swartz]

I guess this is where you and I disagree. It is either the rule or the enforcement last year on the Suns that was horrible. This decision in a vacuum is clearly the correct one.

I can buy that it's a bad rule. However, during the off-season any owner including Robert Sarver could have suggested it be changed. Nobody said a thing during the meetings of the competition committee. All I'm saying is, if there's a rule with no ambiguity and no room for interpretration clearly stated as such, you make a mockery of it by not enforcing it. This idea of using 'common sense' when the rule makes no allowance for such just doesn't make any sense at all to me. I don't even understand the point of having rules at all in the first place if everything is going to be up to the commissioner's ever-changing whim regardless of what the rule actually states.

[JeeberD]

Utah wants another home game for revenue purposes :)

As we're probably the only team in the league to not have a losing record in Utah this year, I like our chances...

[stevew]

Mike D'Antoni has been fired.

This is the part where the Cavs fire Mike Brown between playoff series, and bring in D'Antoni.

[MikeVic]

Who's out there for the Suns?

I hope the Raps bring him in.

[Butter]

Who's out there for the Suns?

http://www.nba.com/media/knicks/ithomas_070312_300.jpg

[MikeVic]

http://www.nba.com/media/knicks/ithomas_070312_300.jpg

Yes, do it.

Is that a jigsaw piece on his jacket?

[KWhit]

In Garnett's defense, it doesn't look like he ever sees who is grabbing his arm before he pushes him away.

That is totally not true. Watch the video again.

Garnet is pulled back, the ref steps right in front of him and clearly Garnet sees him before coming back toward the group. That's when he pushes the ref away.

[Fidatelo]

Good god what puzzle would Isiah be the final piece to?

[MrBug708]

As we're probably the only team in the league to not have a losing record in Utah this year, I like our chances...

You would probably be wrong then :)

[cartman]

I can see Phoenix and Dallas switching coaches.

[Oilers9911]

Who's out there for the Suns?

I hope the Raps bring him in.

I would like D'Antoni for the Raptors too but I don't think Mitchell can be blamed for this season on his own. Colangelo has to surround Bosh with much better talent or it doesn't matter who is coaching the team.

[Subby]

http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2008/04/29/PH2008042903530.jpg (http://blog.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2008/04/deshawn_goes_vick.html)

[miami_fan]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3375306

The Dallas Mavericks parted company with coach Avery Johnson on Wednesday, a day following the team's first-round exit from the NBA playoffs.

Speculation about Johnson's future with the franchise had been mounting for weeks, ever since Dallas struggled to reach the playoffs as the seventh seed following its midseason acquisition of point guard Jason Kidd from New Jersey.

Johnson became Mavs coach during the 2004-05 season and walks away with a 194-70 record (.735), but only a 23-24 mark in the playoffs and 3-12 in the postseason since Dallas was dismantled by Miami in the 2006 NBA Finals.

New Orleans wrapped up a 4-1 series rout of Dallas with Tuesday night's 99-94 victory.

"This is tough for me," Johnson said after the game, not specifically responding to a question about his job security but struggling to contain his disappointment after the Mavs' second straight flameout in the first round.


NBA front-office offices sources told ESPN.com that both the Mavs and Johnson, feeling that a coaching change was inevitable, wanted to come to a resolution quickly so Dallas could begin interviewing candidates and Johnson could pursue another job.

The New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls have openings.

Sources close to the situation have said that Mavericks owner Mark Cuban actually considered firing Johnson before the playoffs, specifically after Cuban and Johnson engaged in an emotional argument after a March 18 home loss to the Lakers.

Cuban refused to speak with reporters after Tuesday's loss at New Orleans -- Dallas' ninth playoff defeat in a row on the road since taking a 2-0 lead in the 2006 Finals.

Marc Stein is a senior NBA writer for ESPN.com.

[stevew]

http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2008/04/29/PH2008042903530.jpg (http://blog.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2008/04/deshawn_goes_vick.html)

He could probably pick up another 14 year old in that outfit.

[Groundhog]

Mavs and Suns both made big mistakes. In neither case was it the fault of the coach. The Suns over the past couple of seasons have traded away far too many assets in the name of cost cutting, leaving the team with a 7-man rotation.

The Mavs have suffered from a mix of their high profile players not performing and the fact that they traded away so much depth to get Kidd.

If either team - Phoenix in particular - thinks there's another coach out there right now that can do better than the guys they had, good luck to them.

[Logan]

Caron Butler hits a shot to put the Wizards up 1 with 4 seconds left. I'm totally impartial...did he not take about 7 steps on that shot?

[Neuqua]

Lebron should be making shots like that, doh. On to Game 6.

[cmp]

Caron Butler hits a shot to put the Wizards up 1 with 4 seconds left. I'm totally impartial...did he not take about 7 steps on that shot?

Yeah, it definitely looked like he took an extra step or two. But then again, Lebron does get away with it all the time too.

[Subby]

LeBron went and got bitchslapped by Darius Songaila.

Ain't that somethin'...

[DaddyTorgo]

the refs in the BOS - ATL series have been HORRIBLE

[DaddyTorgo]

dola

reminds me of why I hate the NBA. I feel like more than in any other professional sport, the referees have this desire to "insert themselves into the game" or affect the outcome of the game. And there's just ZERO consistency - some of the blocking fouls called tonight were straight-up charges for example.

[molson]

I think the NBA game is the hardest to officiate - I watch replays and I still have no clue what the right call is a lot of the time, especially in a block/charge situation.

[stevew]

like the reffing in college basketball is any better, really. I know it's frustrating how many reputation calls get made in an NBA game. I'd like to think that they get 95 percent of the calls right, though. Nothing is going to be 100%, look how much stuff gets missed on the football field, for instance.

Except for Violet Palmer. Fuck that bitch.