Lakers vs Magic and the 2008-2009 NBA Playoffs/Finals Thread

[Jas_lov]

Or they could go Option C- Big Baby Davis.

[miami_fan]

Now then, the ball will be in Pierce's hands. Force him to go left and don't double off of Allen. Make one of the other three hit a big shot

[Eaglesfan27]

Nice game winner by Davis.

[Jas_lov]

I was right! Option C!

[Groundhog]

Surely it's Ray Allen.

[larrymcg421]

Worthless FTW!

[Groundhog]

lol. Damned delay.

[miami_fan]

Wow nice shot. Did he just run over a fan?

[Radii]

Wow nice shot. Did he just run over a fan?

haha indeed he did.

[chinaski]

haha, he took that kid out!

[larrymcg421]

Just watched it again. Bill Russell gets up to congratulate Davis when he runs into the stands.

[miami_fan]

No excuses for the Magic if ESPN's shot chart can be believed. A total of three shots in the paint in the 4th qtr? With all the foul trouble the C's big men had?

[SirFozzie]

Here's what was running through my mind in the last play..

"Geez.. Pierce is messing around.. make your move.. he's going to be doubled...shoot it... he passed TO DAVIS? NO!!!!!!!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!"

[larrymcg421]

Here's what was running through my mind in the last play..

"Geez.. Pierce is messing around.. make your move.. he's going to be doubled...shoot it... he passed TO DAVIS? NO!!!!!!!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!"

I was wondering what the hell Rondo was doing taking so long to get it to Pierce.

[SirFozzie]

I actually thought the first option was to see if they laid off Rondo to make sure Pierce and Allen was covered, and Rondo would see if there's an easy drive to the hoop.

[SirFozzie]

Dola: My brother was watching the Sox game on ESPN. He says that when Davis hit that shot, enough of the fans at Fenway started going bonkers (even without the shot being shown on the Jumbotron), that it spooked the hell out of the Rays batter at the plate.

[larrymcg421]

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[BishopMVP]

Perkins left with an injury. Without him, the Celtics are finished. Especially because that means Mikey Moore gets more playing time.At least. And he's missed just as many free throws. He's worthless. Here's what the Celtics need to do- Get the ball to Pierce and watch him win the game.Jas_lov FTW!

[DaddyTorgo]

wooo!!! BIG BABY!!!!!

[stevew]

wow, i can't believe how close they let it get to the end before shooting. Very rarely do you see true buzzer beaters like that.

[stevew]

And I have a bad feeling that either the Magic or Celtics will take the Cavs in the next round. They've both been fighting it out every game this post season(boston moreso), and the Cavs haven't played a meaningful game(with any kind of adversity) in over a month.

[Eaglesfan27]

And I have a bad feeling that either the Magic or Celtics will take the Cavs in the next round. They've both been fighting it out every game this post season(boston moreso), and the Cavs haven't played a meaningful game(with any kind of adversity) in over a month.

If the Cavs didn't have LeBron, I'd agree, but I think he is going to will his team to a title this year.

[Neon_Chaos]

I love how everyone on the Celtics bench cringed before the shot went in. :D

[gstelmack]

Wow nice shot. Did he just run over a fan?

This is why you don't have fans on the sidelines practically on the court. I am waiting for the NBA to fine him for touching the ref right before that...

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

http://www.sadfans.com/res/davis-shove-orlando-fan-kid.gif
(http://www.sadfans.com/res/davis-shove-orlando-fan-kid.gif)

[Noop]

LOL.

[whomario]

this re,minds me of a recent Bill Simmons piece or rather mailbox, where he made a list of game winning celebration stages.


Stage 1: "I can't believe that went in, I'm going to jump around like a huge dork, and I am definitely getting laid tonight."


Bill Simmons: The Sports Guy answers key questions about the 2009 NBA playoffs - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090429&sportCat=nba)

at the very bottom

for Davis it would be more like :

"I am so taking all that ridicule i´ve gotten into this celebration and just ramble down the court punching and screaming at everyone until someone stops me. Yeah i´m going to look hilarious but who cares ?"

:popcorn:

Seriously though, the guy really is growing on me...

What was Howard so upset about btw ? Looked very much like a complaining gesture toward someone ?
(couldn´t see the game, had to get some good sleep time for once)

[DaddyTorgo]

Davis is just a hard-working kid, and it's nice seeing someone who doesn't have like the prototypical nba physique or whatever have some good success.

i liked the pick of him when they made it - always thought he had the potential, but it's nice to see him developing into a solid option.

He's never going to be Garnett (either defensively or with his ability to shoot perimiter jumper's), but he's a wide-body defensively who is willing to take a charge, and if he has the space (because he doesn't elevate well) he can knock down those jump-shots on an improving basis. he'll never be a superstar/#1 option because he can't elevate to create his own jumpshot and he's too short in the post, but he's a very solid complimentary-player and his play down the stretch and in the playoffs has to have earned him a nice payday from the C's. He does the little things well, and every NBA team has room for guys that do the little things well.

[larrymcg421]

I think the Celtics will be pretty good in the future with a combo of Davis and Powe at that spot.

[DaddyTorgo]

yep! looking forward to it! team has a good young core (rondo, perk, davis, powe, potentially giddens and/or walker)

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

I do wonder about the market for Davis during the summer. Hopefully the Cs don't get priced out.

[DaddyTorgo]

nooooo - lock his ass up!

[Eaglesfan27]

I do wonder about the market for Davis during the summer. Hopefully the Cs don't get priced out.

I think he is going to get a very lucrative offer, it will be interesting. I don't get too much into the stories of guys from down here, but I know his mentor and have heard nothing but great things about Davis so he has become one of my favorite players.

[Noop]

I think he would have been a hell of a DT for LSU if he played.

[RainMaker]

I think he'll get a decent offer, not great though. The NBA economy isn't all that rosey these days. Still, it's tough to find a big body like that who can step out and hit a jumped. I'd love to have him setting picks for Derrick Rose.

[stevew]

MLE for 3years is probably the upper limit of what he will get. Boston can match any offer as well. It will basically come down to how much luxury tax they want to pay.

[Sublime 2]

yep! looking forward to it! team has a good young core (rondo, perk, davis, powe, potentially giddens and/or walker)

I don't know if they'll lock both Powe and Big Baby up. Both are FAs this summer, so it will be interesting. Powe's injury may scare enough teams away though, that the C's may be able to keep him cheap, and then divert more funds to keep Baby.

[Eaglesfan27]

MLE for 3years is probably the upper limit of what he will get. Boston can match any offer as well. It will basically come down to how much luxury tax they want to pay.

When I said very lucrative, that is about where I was thinking of as well. 3 years for 15-17 million which is a very nice pay day in comparision to his first deal.

[Sublime 2]

When I said very lucrative, that is about where I was thinking of as well. 3 years for 15-17 million which is a very nice pay day in comparision to his first deal.

Is the max an RFA can receive equal to the MLE? I've heard that they started doing that not too long ago, but I've never really seen anything else on it.

[Eaglesfan27]

Is the max an RFA can receive equal to the MLE? I've heard that they started doing that not too long ago, but I've never really seen anything else on it.

Yes, only because he falls under the Gilbert Arenas provision which applies to RFA with 2 or less years of experience.

[stevew]

Is the max an RFA can receive equal to the MLE? I've heard that they started doing that not too long ago, but I've never really seen anything else on it.

The maximum the year one salary can be is the MLE, then I believe the year 2 salary can be as much cap room as the offering team has. The Gilbert provision was more about making sure a team could match if they had no space available(as long as they kept their MLE available).

But yeah, 3 years 15m seems like a likely point where someone will offer.

I'd probably rather pay that to Davis, then whatever god knows what Anderson Varajao's agent holds out for. Andy's like the quintessential 6m/year player, and it might get ugly like it did last time.

[Jas_lov]

This is why you don't have fans on the sidelines practically on the court. I am waiting for the NBA to fine him for touching the ref right before that...

Magic Fan Calls Davis 'Raging Lunatic,' Demands Apology

Orlando Magic fan Ernest Provetti is demanding an apology from Boston Celtics player Glen "Big Baby" Davis after Davis' buzzer-beater shot won the game Sunday.

Provetti said Davis shoved his son Nicholas, 12, with such force after Davis made the game-winning jumper, that Nicholas' cap was tossed into the air and his son pushed into his courtside seat.

Provetti sent an e-mail to the NBA League office Monday morning, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

"The NBA makes it clear to not cross the sideline," he told the newspaper. "If I cross that line, the NBA will take away my tickets. It's a double standard."

In the e-mail, Provetti said Davis conducted himself like a "raging animal with no regard for fans' personal safety."

"How do you like to be a 12-year-old and see a raging lunatic coming at you?"

Provetti said he used to be a Celtics fan because admired coach Doc Rivers.

[DaddyTorgo]

LOL that's absurd. Get a life dude.

[MrBug708]

Good lord, the kid wasn't thrown to the ground or anything.

[Oilers9911]

"Oh no! My kid's hat got knocked off, I demand an apology." STFU idiot.

[molson]

If I was that 12-year old kid I would think getting run into by an NBA player was the coolest thing EVER.

Of course, that 12-year old kid is probably rich and spoiled, and totally jaded by such things.

[sterlingice]

He doesn't want an apology, he wants a settlement.

I'm with molson

SI

[stevew]

They should pull the dudes tickets.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I was going to post the latest stupidity found on the interwebz but I see you've already discovered Mr. Provetti.

Good thing there wasn't a loose ball play over there I guess, he'd be looking for part ownership in the team.

[spleen1015]

I say we let him know he's an idiot.

hxxp://www.facebook.com/people/Ernest-Provetti/755143435

[stevew]

Is this the easiest 2 round draw in NBA history? The Cavs have won all 8 games by double digits. Should be a nice 5 day break for our older guys.

[miami_fan]

If I see one more defender just run out the way and give away easy baskets I am going to scream!

[Groundhog]

This could be interesting.

JR Smith posts on twitter that he's setting the webcam up when he gets home, gives a link, then promptly leaves the room with the webcam still running. Some time passes (40mins maybe?) and he returns with his crew, and they all start puffing on blunts, live on webcam! At first JR is going off camera to take a puff, but he's clearly exhaling the smoke all on screen, and eventually just takes a puff on screen. There are only about 11 or 12 people watching, and it's still going on right now, though the smoking has stopped:

hxxp://www.ustream.tv/channel/black-entourage-ent.(make sure you include the ".")

This is unbelievably stupid, he better hope no one was recording this...

[larrymcg421]

Celtics just playing awful. This is hard to watch.

[Jas_lov]

What a terrible game. Both teams are playing awful, the Magic just suck less.

[larrymcg421]

The Magic should be up by 30 and that's not even an exaggeration.

[DaddyTorgo]

This could be interesting.

JR Smith posts on twitter that he's setting the webcam up when he gets home, gives a link, then promptly leaves the room with the webcam still running. Some time passes (40mins maybe?) and he returns with his crew, and they all start puffing on blunts, live on webcam! At first JR is going off camera to take a puff, but he's clearly exhaling the smoke all on screen, and eventually just takes a puff on screen. There are only about 11 or 12 people watching, and it's still going on right now, though the smoking has stopped:

hxxp://www.ustream.tv/channel/black-entourage-ent.(make sure you include the ".")

This is unbelievably stupid, he better hope no one was recording this...

you mean you weren't and didn't send it to the league already?

ass

[Groundhog]

you mean you weren't and didn't send it to the league already?

ass

I actually did record some of it. If blackmailing weren't illegal... :)

[DaddyTorgo]

just send it to the league - if he's that stupid then maybe a suspension will teach him a lesson

[SirFozzie]

yeah. hope the Celtics can win in game 6, because they've been fucking putrid tonight.

[Jas_lov]

Stephon Marbury of all people keeping the Celtics within striking distance.

[Jas_lov]

The go to guys right now are Starbury and Big Baby Davis. I like the Celtics chances. Pretty lucky to only be down 6 after playing terrible for 3 and a half quarters.

[larrymcg421]

FUCK YEAH SUGAR RAY

[miami_fan]

The full nelson is a celebratory move now?

[Jas_lov]

LOL! Orlando blew a 14 point lead to Stephon Marbury and Big Baby Davis. This is an epic collapse if they lose.

[Radii]

watching the magic run their offense just offends me as a basketball fan.

[larrymcg421]

I think a D League team would have been competitive with either team tonight. Whoever wins has been given a gift.

[Jas_lov]

They're just shooting wild 3s now.

[Jas_lov]

Big call goes the Celtics way.

[larrymcg421]

That's very very close, but fortunate that it was called and then changed, because Perkins had an easy two if they don't blow the whistle.

[Jas_lov]

Magic are so awful.

[Jas_lov]

Foul.

[Jas_lov]

Foul again.

[larrymcg421]

And they inbound it to Howard, lol.

[Jas_lov]

The Magic are out of timeouts now so as long as the C's make 1 FT, it's over. The Celtics will foul before the Magic can get down the court.

[larrymcg421]

What an ugly win, but I'll take it.

[DaddyTorgo]

wow...was i wrong

[Big Fo]

Two straight awful finishes from Orlando. The Lee/Alston/Redick/Pietrus backcourt can't get it done in the big moments.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Why does the Magic offense not seem to be centered around Howard?

[Jas_lov]

Can Howard do anything except dunk when he gets the ball close to the basket?

[Big Fo]

Howard isn't all that good on offense when it's not a dunk or layup. Those hook-shots haven't really been falling either. They should still get him the ball a little more often, it just seems like the team presses the moron button at some point in the fourth quarter and it's really obnoxious.

[SirFozzie]

Why does the Magic offense not seem to be centered around Howard?

Because Howard is only comfortable in a very small area around the hoop. The C's players have been able to muscle him out of that area.

[Lathum]

Can Howard do anything except dunk when he gets the ball close to the basket?

Nope, obviously the Magic are a better team without him.

[larrymcg421]

They should get it to Howard more if only to draw fouls. In game 4, the C's big men were in foul trouble early. Big Baby had 3 fouls in the first half. If I was the Magic, my main goal would be to get Mikki Moore in the game.

[Jas_lov]

Nope, obviously the Magic are a better team without him.

I wouldn't go that far. Howard isn't good at creating his own shots, but he's a monster at just about everything else. Perkins seems to do a good job on him though.

[Lathum]

I wouldn't go that far. Howard isn't good at creating his own shots, but he's a monster at just about everything else. Perkins seems to do a good job on him though.

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[MrBug708]

That's a bit better

[Neon_Chaos]

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

It's ok Lathum, I understand your pain.

[Chief Rum]

Hmm, I see the Lakers are playing tonight. I wonder why this series took a four day break? I looked around on Sunday, and didn't see the Lakers playing.

[whomario]

Hmm, I see the Lakers are playing tonight. I wonder why this series took a four day break? I looked around on Sunday, and didn't see the Lakers playing.

Hello, welcome to the 21st century. The Internet sends it´s best regards:)

They lost at Houston on Sunday ;)

Howard speaks up : Howard calls out coach's play-calling - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=ApG7OZ4YcYtt4u1KYXgfgdS8vLYF?slug=aw-magichoward051209&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)


“I have to get the ball,” Howard said. “I don’t think you are going to win a lot of games when your post player only gets 10 shots. It’s tough to get yourself going and get a lot of shots without a lot of touches. We have to get better with that.”
What Howard was trying to say was simple: Van Gundy has to get getter with that. Howard had 12 points and 17 rebounds, just 10 shots on the night. In the fourth quarter, when it all slipped away, Howard had just two shots. He made them both, but it was far too little, and that’s become far too much of a pattern here.


While i agree that he´s not a true go-to-guy on offense you still have to involve him. And if only because that does give the Shooters more room. In the regular season they did´t go to him excessively but often enough to have the defense collaps just in caser, that element is gone now and the 3P% is way down because of that.
Perkins does a great job on him though.

Van Gundy just flat out isn´t a good pressure coach. Maybe he isn´t a bad coach per se but his antics are just a huge distraction. He´s like the coaching version of Gerald Wallace, allways out of control and running arround like a chicken without a head...
Shaq called him "Master of Panic" , kinda fits.

Then gain Howard was terrible defensively tonight and showed no effort at all. And why he´s still sending blocks to the 10th row is beyond me ... Seriously, he could propably keep 50% of his blocks that go out, in bounds if he wanted.


Rockets got blown out, not much of a surprise here now that the adrenalin wasn´t pumping anymore after the Yao-blow...

[Big Fo]

I'm glad Howard called out van Gundy like that, those last four minutes were shockingly bad. He also mentioned how well the team had done with Howard and Gortat in the game at the same time, taking advantage of Boston's smallness, but that group never saw the floor late in the fourth.

With how unstoppable Cleveland looks this season and the Nelson injury this playoff campaign is more about gaining experience than a team thinking they could actually win the title this year but this team should still be able to get past Boston who are also weakened by injury. van Gundy deserves a decent share of the blame if Orlando fails to do so, he didn't do anything to stop that 11-0 run or previous fourth quarter failures. The last two games have been frustrating as hell.

[miami_fan]

Hello, welcome to the 21st century. The Internet sends it´s best regards:)

They lost at Houston on Sunday ;)

Howard speaks up : Howard calls out coach's play-calling - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=ApG7OZ4YcYtt4u1KYXgfgdS8vLYF?slug=aw-magichoward051209&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)



While i agree that he´s not a true go-to-guy on offense you still have to involve him. And if only because that does give the Shooters more room. In the regular season they did´t go to him excessively but often enough to have the defense collaps just in caser, that element is gone now and the 3P% is way down because of that.
Perkins does a great job on him though.

Van Gundy just flat out isn´t a good pressure coach. Maybe he isn´t a bad coach per se but his antics are just a huge distraction. He´s like the coaching version of Gerald Wallace, allways out of control and running arround like a chicken without a head...
Shaq called him "Master of Panic" , kinda fits.

Then gain Howard was terrible defensively tonight and showed no effort at all. And why he´s still sending blocks to the 10th row is beyond me ... Seriously, he could propably keep 50% of his blocks that go out, in bounds if he wanted.


Rockets got blown out, not much of a surprise here now that the adrenalin wasn´t pumping anymore after the Yao-blow...

I am all for giving Perkins getting credit but Howard is right. And I don't want to hear the talk about his poor foul shooting either. He is not Mark Price at the line but he has not been horrible there either. If he is in the game, he has to touch the ball. If they want to run an offense like they did against Philly when Howard was suspended, then put him on the bench, play Gortat and move on.

[whomario]

I am all for giving Perkins getting credit but Howard is right. And I don't want to hear the talk about his poor foul shooting either. He is not Mark Price at the line but he has not been horrible there either. If he is in the game, he has to touch the ball. If they want to run an offense like they did against Philly when Howard was suspended, then put him on the bench, play Gortat and move on.

hey, you are preaching to a converted here ;) You are absolutely right that if you have a dominant or even very good player you damn better play to his strengths or move one.
What Orlando desperately lacks is a Pick and Roll Point Guard. Alston is terrible at that because he can´t score on the move or finish at the rim at all and thus the defense doesn´t commit to him and Nelson isn´t much better at it either because he imo lacks passing skills there and isn´t that good a finisher either. And at the 2 you have guys like Redick or Pietrus who i wouldn´t want dribling the ball at all ... Turkoglu can run it, but it´s just not as effective with a forward/Center combo, easier to trap and all because it´s executed slower.

They really made a living out of good spacing in the regular season, now they don´t feed/involve Howard and their spacing goes down the river.

They actually shoot less 3s than in the regular season, but only because they can´t get open and not because they go inside more.

[RainMaker]

Watching the Magic play, they've been at their best offensively when Howard has not been on the court. Game 6 against the Sixers and a few other games in this series when he's been in foul trouble.

Not to mention that he is the Defensive Player of the Year and allowed the Celtics to score 33 points in the 4th quarter. He played the entire quarter too. A real leader steps up in that spot and doesn't whine and doesn't blame everyone else for their loss.

[miami_fan]

So you agree he should not be on the court?

[RainMaker]

So you agree he should not be on the court?
No. I'm saying the problem with the Magic isn't him getting the ball enough.

[TroyF]

just send it to the league - if he's that stupid then maybe a suspension will teach him a lesson


I think the NBA suspends a guy for 10 games for marijuana use after his FOURTH positive test.

No idea how many failed tests JR has now.

Guy has a ten cent head. . . but my God can he fill it up when he gets going. He just finished torching Jason Terry in the Nuggets/Mavericks series.

First time in the conference finals in 24 years. If only I could get the Lakers team that played in Houston the other night to show up for 4 games in this next series. :)

Don't think the Nuggets matchup well against the Lakers. We'll be very, very tough at home, but I don't know how we take one in LA. Is it to much to ask for the Rockets to find a way to beat the Lakers for us? :)

[whomario]

I suppose it might be too much ... Maybe take it to 7 but even that sounds unlikely to me.

Denver deserved to advance, just the flat out better team. At the end of the day the Mavs just couldn´t get stops/the Nuggets came through when it counted. Take your pick, both sound about right.

For the Mavs Nowitzki with an impressive series overall, going for 34/12 on 53% shooting while being defended really, really well.
But when your starting Center averages more Fouls than rebounds. And almost as many TOs (10) as Points (15) and you don´t have a starting SG to speak of... Or any real SG worth anything ... And then you have your starting 3 playing on 2 bum ankles.
Well, let´s just say that this is definitely a case of "one guy can only do so much" .
Props to Denver for recognizing that and playing him 1:1 most of the time unlike the Spurs did (who double and trapped every time basically) and not give open shots to the help players, good decicion by Karl.
For Denver Billups/Melo played a great series again hitting all the big shots. And their help guys did a good job. Not all in every game, but always enough.

Billups no with 7 consecutive Conference Finals.

[Chief Rum]

Hello, welcome to the 21st century. The Internet sends it´s best regards:)

They lost at Houston on Sunday ;)

Hmm, maybe I need to work on making my sarcasm more obvious. ;)

[Neon_Chaos]

Hmm, maybe I need to work on making my sarcasm more obvious. ;)

:D

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[Big Fo]

Maybe I haven't seen Denver enough and am being misled by their excellent play of late, but I think they'll give LA a run for their money.

[whomario]

I think they can, but they also drew good matchups for them. Neither New Orleans nor the Mavs were that good realistically speaking. Neither had any reliable options on the 2/3 positions or any sort of post scoring, so imo that played into the Nugget´s hands with their athletic players switching everything on the Pick & Roll. I still think defense will be the Nuggets´ weak link. They outscored the Mavs mostly. They played good defense, but not that good imo, the Mavs just didn´t have the firepower.
But yeah, obviously they are a much improved team despite the not-so-much improved record. Heck, even Melo actually plays defense ...

If the Lakers play like Games 1-4 against Houston than it will be very close at least.

[TroyF]

I think they can, but they also drew good matchups for them. Neither New Orleans nor the Mavs were that good realistically speaking. Neither had any reliable options on the 2/3 positions or any sort of post scoring, so imo that played into the Nugget´s hands with their athletic players switching everything on the Pick & Roll. I still think defense will be the Nuggets´ weak link. They outscored the Mavs mostly. They played good defense, but not that good imo, the Mavs just didn´t have the firepower.
But yeah, obviously they are a much improved team despite the not-so-much improved record. Heck, even Melo actually plays defense ...

If the Lakers play like Games 1-4 against Houston than it will be very close at least.

I'm reading this and am not really sure what the hell any of it means. The Hornets sucked in hindsight, but everyone predicted they'd win the series. The Mavericks were one of the hottest teams in the league and the Nuggets dispatched them in five games.

As for the defense, I'm just not sure what that means either. Here are the Nuggets regular season ranks:

Defensive efficiency - 8th
FG% Against - 4th (better than Houston and everyone else outside of Cleveland, Boston or Orlando)
Blocks - 2nd
Steals - 3rd
Turnovers forced - 6th

OK, so what exactly is wrong with the defense at any point this year? Please, explain to me what is wrong with top 8 in every single defensive category.

And then "not so improved" record. Explain this one.Denver jumped from 50 wins to 54 wins and they moved from the 8th seed in the Western conference to the 2nd seed. Don't blame the Nuggets because nobody bothered to look at the statistical evidence that showed them to be pretty good throughout the year. (or your own perceptions) If they lose against the Lakers (and I think they will lose against the Lakers) it has nothing to do with defensive weakness and everything to do with the Lakers just being the better team.

[Groundhog]

Magic start off with three missed from 3, then Howard peels off 6 straight points. Maybe he was kinda right after all? :)

[Jas_lov]

No he's not. It seems like it would make much more sense to run the offense through Rashard Lewis. The Celtics have no answer for him. He can blow by BBD and he's too big for Pierce. Scalibrine is doing his best but he's no match for Lewis. Or they could keep giving it to Howard so he can brick those jump hook shoots.

[Groundhog]

Well I'm no longer watching because I have to work, but Howard is now 5-7 from the floor, so, I don't know.

[Big Fo]

Guards missing shots is Orlando's problem tonight. Howard has played well so far.

[Jas_lov]

No reason not to go to Lewis now. Doc is leaving BBD in there with 4 fouls so why not try to get 5 on him and put them in a tough spot. The Celtics would probably have to bring in Mikie Moore at some point and then they should pound it to Howard.

[Big Fo]

Redick 0-7 now, just bench him ffs

[Big Fo]

If I were that ref I'd have given Alston a T for grabbing his head and kissing it.

[Jas_lov]

We will have game 7. Orlando missed a ton of FTs but it doesn't matter. Ray Allen might want to consider showing up in game 7 if Boston wants to win.

[Big Fo]

Howard with a 20-20 performance after calling out his coach. His offensive rebounds were huge on a night where Orlando didn't have the shooting touch.

[DaddyTorgo]

gah...that was an ugly game by the C's

[Groundhog]

Strong start by the Lakers. Down 13-1.

[Neon_Chaos]

Nice acting from Ron Ron. Smart play.

[bulletsponge]

are the ESPN commentators and talking head supposed to be blatant LA homers?

[Neon_Chaos]

are the ESPN commentators and talking head supposed to be blatant LA homers?

Or maybe Kobe really didn't deserve that T.

Doh.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Pretty well done piece on Chauncey Billups.
ESPN - OTL: The Disposable Superstar - E-ticket (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=090511/billups)

[stevew]

Yeah, agreed with John. Read that the other night, and thought it was very well written. Hoping if the Cavs make the finals, they can avoid him. He usually gives us fits.

[MrBug708]

Losing game six is certainly an annoyance

[bulletsponge]

Or maybe Kobe really didn't deserve that T.

Doh.

i was actually refering to the whole series.

[AgustusM]

Pretty well done piece on Chauncey Billups.
ESPN - OTL: The Disposable Superstar - E-ticket (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=090511/billups)

thank you so much for sharing that, a great, great piece and elevated a player I already really liked. The NBA is not all thugs and punks.

[Neon_Chaos]

Losing game six is certainly an annoyance

If they fumble game 7, they'll need some soul searching in the offseason. :mad:

[DaddyTorgo]

Pretty well done piece on Chauncey Billups.
ESPN - OTL: The Disposable Superstar - E-ticket (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=090511/billups)

yeah - i'd always felt billups was run out of boston ridiculously quick, and now that i really see what we missed out on...wow

[MrBug708]

If they fumble game 7, they'll need some soul searching in the offseason. :mad:

Eh, they would certainly deserve it.

[whomario]

I'm reading this and am not really sure what the hell any of it means. The Hornets sucked in hindsight, but everyone predicted they'd win the series. The Mavericks were one of the hottest teams in the league and the Nuggets dispatched them in five games.

As for the defense, I'm just not sure what that means either. Here are the Nuggets regular season ranks:

Defensive efficiency - 8th
FG% Against - 4th (better than Houston and everyone else outside of Cleveland, Boston or Orlando)
Blocks - 2nd
Steals - 3rd
Turnovers forced - 6th

OK, so what exactly is wrong with the defense at any point this year? Please, explain to me what is wrong with top 8 in every single defensive category.

And then "not so improved" record. Explain this one.Denver jumped from 50 wins to 54 wins and they moved from the 8th seed in the Western conference to the 2nd seed. Don't blame the Nuggets because nobody bothered to look at the statistical evidence that showed them to be pretty good throughout the year. (or your own perceptions) If they lose against the Lakers (and I think they will lose against the Lakers) it has nothing to do with defensive weakness and everything to do with the Lakers just being the better team.


Wait, everyone predicted the Hornets to win ? A team that hobbled to the finish line ? A Team with Chandler not in good shape, with Peja being injured a lot ?

I give you the point about defense, my bad. It´s just from the games i saw i saw an agressive defensive team but not an efficient one, i am propably wrong. So i´m sorry for that one :) But i still would take an approach like the Celtics or old Spurs teams over the Nuggets agressive defense any day of the weak, that´s just how i feel about that....

And i said they are much improved. I wanted to highlight that by saying they improved more than their record show, sorry you took that wrongly. Maybe badly phrased as english isn´t my primary language, sorry about that one, too.
I really do think they are very much improved :)

I stand by my point that both teams were good matchups for them, though. Not because they were bad teams but good ones that are not great and had major holes. Then again as it turns out right now the Lakers might be as well. Seriously, that teams´ players outside of Bryant are doing a major disapearing act, wow ... I thought they turned the corner, but right now they are a 1-man team just like the Mavs/Hornets.
Right now i´d say the Nuggets chances to reach the Finals are at least at 50%.

Rockets are awesome :) And Battier´s D on Kobe is just a great sight, that duel really is fun to watch.

Anyone thinks Kobe sees a hand hanging in front of his face when he closes his eyes at night ?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2071/2338146163_62dbf9d0b7_o.jpg

http://www.c3homedesign.com/sishir/talktothehand.jpg

He´s having a great shooting series still, going for 30 PPG on 46% shooting but he´s not drawing many double teams unless he really gets to the basket or generating that much room for his teammates because Battier plays him very good and just gives him that 20 foot jump shot all night. He´s shooting way more long jumpers than usual (not jumpers, but long jumpers), Battier gives him that instead of a 15 foot jump shot, forces him outside without giving him open shots or open 3s even. There´s a reason why coaches call that Shot from 20 to the 3 point line the worst shot in basketball. That he´s still hitting those is because he´s Kobe and has that pull perfected, but you can live very much with how he´s playing right now.
His points per shot is at 1,19 as well, which is not terrible but far from very good and good news for the Rockets.

and how bout scola ? Boy that guy can play in the post despite his lack of power.
http://i43.tinypic.com/11cbgp4.jpg

[Neon_Chaos]

Eh, they would certainly deserve it.

Indeed.

It's not like the Rockets have played well this series either. The Lakers have just been horrible outside of game 5.

[spleen1015]

Pretty well done piece on Chauncey Billups.
ESPN - OTL: The Disposable Superstar - E-ticket (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=090511/billups)

I read this earlier in the week. I think it is an awesome story. It makes me root for Denver.

One thing I took from it that shocked me and I may just be ignorant, but it was the part about Denver not having a set play for inbounding the ball under their own basket. Seriously? Karl is getting paid millions and his team doesn't have plays for a situation like that? Like I said, it could be my ignorance, but that seems crazy to me.

[Eaglesfan27]

Losing game six is certainly an annoyance

I can't wait to see what losing game 7 will be. Kobe lacks the leadership skills to get his team a title and I wouldn't be surprised to see them choke against the Rockets.

[TroyF]

whomario,

In the Nuggets/Hornets series, the split was pretty even on a national level. Even the guys who thought the Nuggets would win said it would be in 6 or 7 games.

More people hopped on the bandwagon after the thrashing Denver gave the Hornets, but it was still expected to be a 6 or 7 game series.

As for how we play defense, I don't think it really matters. We hold teams to bad shooting. When they control the defensive glass, they win the basketball game. When they don't, they lose.

When they control the defensive glass and shoot the three well, they become an NBA elite type of team. The last month they've controlled the defensive glass and hit the three ball. (and they are 22-4 not counting a meaningless game against Portland to end the season) The more I see of the Lakers, the more confidence I have that Denver can beat them. They play without emotion in the Pepsi Center, Denver will destroy them there.

Still, I'd love to face the Rockets over the Lakers. Home court advantage in the Nuggets first conference finals in 24 years? That'd be a dream.

[LloydLungs]

Wait, everyone predicted the Hornets to win ? A team that hobbled to the finish line ? A Team with Chandler not in good shape, with Peja being injured a lot ?

As I've noted before -- on the national front, people were unaware how badly (and probably permanently) Tyson Chandler was injured. This is why you had the idiots on PTI and ESPN bloviating about how the trade to OKC meant New Orleans can't support the NBA, blah blah blah. They didn't understand the extent of Chandler's injury. Pretty much nobody did outside of N.O.

I remember listening to Bill Simmons (and his podcast guest) pick the Hornets over the Nuggets. Both of them were just assuming Chandler would be back at something close to full strength. I was just mystified at how out-of-the-loop they were. The Hornets never stood a chance in that series (which doesn't excuse the 58-point debacle, but that's another topic).

Not taking anything away from the Nuggets, but they really got a hell of a draw in these playoffs, first and second round.

[whomario]

@ TroyF : I´m outside the US and even pretty selective with what webpages i follow due to past experiences with them, so i simply didn´t know that. From what i could tell the Nuggets were picked mostly (and 5 or 6 isn´t that big a deal imo), so i am suprised but really can´t disagree if you say that the consensus was differently.
Thus i stand corrected :)



Still, I'd love to face the Rockets over the Lakers. Home court advantage in the Nuggets first conference finals in 24 years? That'd be a dream.

The Nuggets would destroy the Rockets. As much as i love this group of players and what they are doing right now, but the main reason they are in game 7 and weren´t beaten in 5 games (or swept) is that the Lakers are lethargic and passionless for large stretches. If there´s one thing the Nuggets aren´t it is that ;)
Against a team that matches their intensity level the Rockets are toast. I mean, their best players are a PG that can´t pass and is streaky, a athletically-challenged PF and a likeable retard that somehow influences the game positively despite his terrible offensive performances.

an interesting article on Phil Jackson´s coaching or lack there of : NBA - Coach's Zen approach not helping Lakers - FOX Sports on MSN (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/9576958/Coach%27s-Zen-approach-not-helping-Lakers)

He really hasn´t done a whole lot of coaching this playoffs, has he ?

[Galaril]

yeah - i'd always felt billups was run out of boston ridiculously quick, and now that i really see what we missed out on...wow

Yeah, he is a great player and human from all indications. I hope young student atheletes folllow his lead more than guys like Iverson and TO.

[Galaril]

I am seeing Nuggets Cavs Finals. I think if the Lkaers and Celts survive there series (physically for the Celts/mentally for Lakers) it will take alot to take out these peaking well rested, confident excellent defensive teams whoa re healthy.

[sterlingice]

Pretty well done piece on Chauncey Billups.
ESPN - OTL: The Disposable Superstar - E-ticket (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=090511/billups)

That was a good read. Checked it out the other day when it was on the front page

SI

[Big Fo]

No NBA or NHL playoffs today :/

[RainMaker]

Lines for tomorrow night.

Lakers -12.5
Celtics -2.5

[whomario]

Why is the NBA still giving Joe Crawford all the huge games to referee ? Seriously, that´s like asking Ben Wallace to still be the DPOY :confused:

The guy is such a self-centred ass it´s not even funny ... He´s reffing the Lakers-Rockets tonight.

[DeToxRox]

Why is the NBA still giving Joe Crawford all the huge games to referee ? Seriously, that´s like asking Ben Wallace to still be the DPOY :confused:

The guy is such a self-centred ass it´s not even funny ... He´s reffing the Lakers-Rockets tonight.

Saw this about Crawford on another forum. Just interesting stuff:

Last two seasons of playoffs:
Lakers are 21-11 in 32 games:
14-10 without Crawford as ref.
7-1 with Crawford(only loss was elimination game vs Celtics 131-92 game which is very hard to fix).
Also it was Joey Crawford who tossed Artest in Game 2 with the Rockets down 10 with 8 minutes to go. I guess he wanted to make sure this score stuck to tie the series.

Want more:
Rockets this post season:
7-3 record in games without Crawford.
0-2 record in games with Crawford.

Want more:
This year Houston takes game 1 in LA, Crawford works Game 2.
Last year in the Utah series, he is sent to Utah for Game 6 with Lakers up 3-2 and sure enough no game 7 needed.
Next series vs. SA, Lakers lead 2-1 with Game 4 in SA and enter Joey Crawford. LA goes up 3-1 with 93-91 win(NBA apologizes for Crawford no call on Derek Fischer foul on Brent Barry to end game).
Next series is Boston and Lakers down 0-2 enter Crawford to right the ship and Lakers win game 3.

[DeToxRox]

Dola, someone responded to what I posted above with this:

That's nothing. Check out these stats regarding the Mavs record in games with Crawford as the ref and without him as the ref:

- from 2001-2005 when Crawford was the ref, the Mavs were 0-8. When he wasn't the ref they were 41-37
- from 2001 until now, the Mavs are 1-15 in games Crawford is the ref. When he wasn't, they were 52-35

These stats come from the blog below. They also had someone run the likelihood of that kind of discrepency between games officiated by one official. The chances of that kind discrepency happening and it being legitimate is 0.001119 percent. That means for every 100,000 times the Mavs played 87 games, the chances of them going 1-15 with one ref and 52-35 with anyone else is 1 in 100,000.

[Jas_lov]

The Lakers will not need Joey Crawford and his other 2 company men to win this game by 20 points. I expect another slaughter like game 5.

[whomario]

terrible start by the rockets. 2 1/2 minutes without a single controlled pass let alone play towards the goal :banghead:

WTF Artest ? i hate him ...

[sterlingice]

Saw this about Crawford on another forum. Just interesting stuff:

Last two seasons of playoffs:
Lakers are 21-11 in 32 games:
14-10 without Crawford as ref.
7-1 with Crawford(only loss was elimination game vs Celtics 131-92 game which is very hard to fix).
Also it was Joey Crawford who tossed Artest in Game 2 with the Rockets down 10 with 8 minutes to go. I guess he wanted to make sure this score stuck to tie the series.

Want more:
Rockets this post season:
7-3 record in games without Crawford.
0-2 record in games with Crawford.

Want more:
This year Houston takes game 1 in LA, Crawford works Game 2.
Last year in the Utah series, he is sent to Utah for Game 6 with Lakers up 3-2 and sure enough no game 7 needed.
Next series vs. SA, Lakers lead 2-1 with Game 4 in SA and enter Joey Crawford. LA goes up 3-1 with 93-91 win(NBA apologizes for Crawford no call on Derek Fischer foul on Brent Barry to end game).
Next series is Boston and Lakers down 0-2 enter Crawford to right the ship and Lakers win game 3.

Not so much for this game, but for the integrity of the league as a whole, how does he have a job?!? Wasn't he implicated by the whole Donaghy thing?

SI

[miami_fan]

Dola, someone responded to what I posted above with this:

I have no idea on the numbers but the same thing has been posted about DANNY Crawford

Danny Crawford Hates the*Mavs? - Mavs Moneyball (http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2009/5/5/865976/danny-crawford-hates-the-mavs)

[whomario]

Artest is such a moron, it´s unbelievable at times ...

[Jas_lov]

Well look at this. The Lakers are winning by 20. It must be because of Joey Crawford. Someone posts all of those records with and without Crawford but you have no idea without going back and looking at each game whether the Lakers were at home, who they were playing, etc. I'm sure the NBA is still fixing games after that whole Donaghy fiasco.

[Danny]

Your PG has 0 assists in the first half

[Danny]

Well look at this. The Lakers are winning by 20. It must be because of Joey Crawford. Someone posts all of those records with and without Crawford but you have no idea without going back and looking at each game whether the Lakers were at home, who they were playing, etc. I'm sure the NBA is still fixing games after that whole Donaghy fiasco.

I always thought views about the NBA fixing games or influencing games was incredibly silly. Sure, stars tend to get more calls, but that's just the way it is. I think that in the NBA, year after year, more than any other sport, the best team ends up winning the championship.

Last 13 NBA titles.

Celtics
Spurs
Heat
Spurs
Pistons
Lakers
Lakers
Lakers
Spurs
Bulls
Bulls
Bulls

I'd find it very hard to argue that each of these teams wasn't the best team that season. That includes three spurs teams who frankly were bad for ratings.

[Tasan]

So, did the Rockette's send their D league team out there again today? This town is going to be full of tears tomorrow....boy good thing I'm a Mavs fan.


Oh wait.

[Eaglesfan27]

I can't wait to see what losing game 7 will be. Kobe lacks the leadership skills to get his team a title and I wouldn't be surprised to see them choke against the Rockets.


Or maybe not. I still don't think this Laker team has any chance at winning a title this year with their lack of leadership and consistency.

[whomario]

Your PG has 0 assists in the first half

right around his average :D

Ah come on, no one seriously expected a different result. Yeah, one could hope but in the end you have a team without a single consistent scorer on the perimeter, a 6´6 Center, a 6 foot scoring "Point Guard" and Ron Artest.

[Jas_lov]

Doesn't make sense to bring Kobe back into a blowout win.

[Chief Rum]

Dola, someone responded to what I posted above with this:

Wait a sec:


- from 2001-2005 when Crawford was the ref, the Mavs were 0-8. When he wasn't the ref they were 41-37
- from 2001 until now, the Mavs are 1-15 in games Crawford is the ref. When he wasn't, they were 52-35


Okay. What am I missing?

[RainMaker]

I always thought views about the NBA fixing games or influencing games was incredibly silly. Sure, stars tend to get more calls, but that's just the way it is. I think that in the NBA, year after year, more than any other sport, the best team ends up winning the championship.

Last 13 NBA titles.

Celtics
Spurs
Heat
Spurs
Pistons
Lakers
Lakers
Lakers
Spurs
Bulls
Bulls
Bulls

I'd find it very hard to argue that each of these teams wasn't the best team that season. That includes three spurs teams who frankly were bad for ratings.

The 2003 Lakers weren't best. The Kings were a better team and showed it in that series. Without the infamous game 6, they win that series in 6 games and cruise into the Finals.

There are some others you can argue about. I think the Jazz were better in 1998 and the Mavs were better in 2006.

[larrymcg421]

Damnit Perkins, you are not Rondo. Just take the ball up.

[Eaglesfan27]

Howard is playing incredible early. Love watching him play when he is playing like this.

[larrymcg421]

Scalabrine has to shoot those three's when he is wide open.

[larrymcg421]

Wow, the Celtics are playing like shit.

[DaddyTorgo]

*barfs on the celtics*

looks like maybe i'll get my wish of them losing here instead of going on to be the mercy-kill for Lebron and the Cavs. I said earlier I'd almost rather have them duck out here then get massacred by the Cavs and have the Cavs crowing about how "we beat last year's champs...wah wah wah...last year was a fluke" etc.

Much less irritating losing to orlando cuz we're undermanned

[Jas_lov]

And still only down 6. This has been the theme of the series.

[Jas_lov]

Also, Dwight Howard should have about 5 fouls already.

[Big Fo]

*barfs on the celtics*

looks like maybe i'll get my wish of them losing here instead of going on to be the mercy-kill for Lebron and the Cavs. I said earlier I'd almost rather have them duck out here then get massacred by the Cavs and have the Cavs crowing about how "we beat last year's champs...wah wah wah...last year was a fluke" etc.

Much less irritating losing to orlando cuz we're undermanned

Wait so you're actually rooting against your team in a game seven?

[DaddyTorgo]

Wait so you're actually rooting against your team in a game seven?

i wouldn't say ROOTING AGAINST THEM. I'd say I'm just closer to "ambivalent."

[DaddyTorgo]

to be honest i'm not even watching - i'm sitting here doing all this computer-junk at least till the last 1gb transfers over

[larrymcg421]

It's about fucking time, Ray!

[SirFozzie]

if the celtics play like they generally did in the 1st half in the next 24 minutes, it's over.

[Jas_lov]

I didn't think Celtics fans would just stop caring about their team with KG out. Sure they'll probably lose next series without KG but you should still want your team to win a big playoff series.

[larrymcg421]

I certainly haven't given up. It would be a great accomplishment to make the conference finals without our best player, even if we ended up getting swept.

[Sublime 2]

I certainly haven't given up. It would be a great accomplishment to make the conference finals without our best players, even if we ended up getting swept.

Absolutely agree.

[Eaglesfan27]

*barfs on the celtics*

looks like maybe i'll get my wish of them losing here instead of going on to be the mercy-kill for Lebron and the Cavs. I said earlier I'd almost rather have them duck out here then get massacred by the Cavs and have the Cavs crowing about how "we beat last year's champs...wah wah wah...last year was a fluke" etc.

Much less irritating losing to orlando cuz we're undermanned

i wouldn't say ROOTING AGAINST THEM. I'd say I'm just closer to "ambivalent."

I'm not sure how you can say that 1st post isn't rooting against them. Honestly, I don't think Cavs' fans would diminish last year's team at all even if they sweep the Celticss. Both teams have different players this year. This year's Cavs might have have beat last year's Celtics, but that certainly won't be proven by this series if the Celtics somehow comeback in the 2nd half.

[Neuqua]

I didn't think Celtics fans would just stop caring about their team with KG out. Sure they'll probably lose next series without KG but you should still want your team to win a big playoff series.

This cracks me up. This is the same guy who declares game over if the Packers give up 10 unanswered points in the first quarter of an NFL football game.

[Jas_lov]

Doesn't mean I stopped wanting them to win. Just a typical fan rant that everyone goes through when things go wrong in a big game. I always want my teams to win.

[SirFozzie]

and I want my team to play as long as possible. I do not want my season to be over.

[SirFozzie]

Dola: *sighs* and it looks like it WILL end tonight./

[larrymcg421]

Celtics stopped playing.

[Big Fo]

Two straight games Orlando dominates the fourth quarter, what a change from the rest of the series.

[Big Fo]

You know I haven't seen KG doing much of that obnoxious walking hand on palm shit tonight.

Props to Patrick Ewing who correctly predicted tonight's triumph.

[Logan]

Props to Patrick Ewing who correctly predicted tonight's triumph.

Hide the women and children!

[Noop]

I am happy for Stan Van Gundy (who looks a lot like Ron Jeremy and Super Mario) I think Pat Riley shafted him out of a title in Miami. Should be a great series between Cleveland and Orlando.

[MrBug708]

Saw this about Crawford on another forum. Just interesting stuff:

Last two seasons of playoffs:
Lakers are 21-11 in 32 games:
14-10 without Crawford as ref.
7-1 with Crawford(only loss was elimination game vs Celtics 131-92 game which is very hard to fix).
Also it was Joey Crawford who tossed Artest in Game 2 with the Rockets down 10 with 8 minutes to go. I guess he wanted to make sure this score stuck to tie the series.

Or we can play conspiracy theorist and assume that the league wants the Lakers out of the playoffs and thus Crawford is the only ref who has been reffing accordingly/

Want more:
Rockets this post season:
7-3 record in games without Crawford.
0-2 record in games with Crawford.


Great. So Crawford was the ref in two Laker home games. If the league wanted the Lakers to win that badly, wouldn't it make more sense for him to be reffing road games?

Want more:
This year Houston takes game 1 in LA, Crawford works Game 2.

It's like he's an NBA ref!

Last year in the Utah series, he is sent to Utah for Game 6 with Lakers up 3-2 and sure enough no game 7 needed.

Because the league (and the Lakers) didn't want to see 7 games, right?

Next series vs. SA, Lakers lead 2-1 with Game 4 in SA and enter Joey Crawford. LA goes up 3-1 with 93-91 win(NBA apologizes for Crawford no call on Derek Fischer foul on Brent Barry to end game).

I'm surprised the league let this series go further then 4 games myself...

Next series is Boston and Lakers down 0-2 enter Crawford to right the ship and Lakers win game 3.

Because, based on the previous examples, the league suddenly wants to prolong series? Why not enter Joey Crawford in game 2?

Seriously...

[stevew]

Z has to get Dwight out of the lane. I'm worried about Orlando's 3 point shooting. But I think the Cavs take this series in 6.

[RainMaker]

MrBug708 - You can try and deny that there is any conspiracy and you may be right. But the statistics and trends are extremely suspicious. As I stated many pages back, Crawford ALWAYS works a game where a home team needs a win. Go back through all the playoffs and look at the big markets and you'll see this trend. I told you he'd work those games and he did. Considering he's part of one of the poorer officiating crews in the league, it's odd he's always put in place during such important games. Crawford is well known for calling games in favor of the home team (you can look at his record ATS over the years). So I guess I'm just wondering how it happens that this official seems to get into the most important games when a big market home team needs a win at home.

Now lets take the Danny Crawford example. The Mavs are 1-15 in playoff games he's officiated since 2001. The Mavs are 52-35 in those other games when he is not officiating. Given all things equal, the odds that Danny Crawford would have officiated the Mavs going 1-15 during their playoff run is about 1 in 100,000. A rather remarkable number and well past the level of "just a coincidence".

Since there is decent enough data on the Lakers numbers, the odds that Joey Crawford would have worked games that they went 7-1 are about 6%. Not as ridiculous as the above numbers, but still an interesting anamolly.

Now normally you could just chalk it up to coincidences and extreme deviations (although the Danny Crawford example is just about impossible to replicate again). But the odd thing is that we never see these numbers go against major markets. You'd be hard pressed to find officials that have numbers like Danny Crawford against teams like Boston or Los Angeles.

Those are statistics, take it as you want. I've been a huge fan of the NBA for years and seen more games than I could even begin to count (both live and on TV). I've been a season ticket holder for years and consider myself someone knowledgeable in the sport. I'm not sold on the huge conspiracy that games are downright fixed, but it's rather clear to me that there is something fishy going on (and has been for decades). I honestly believe there are officials that are assigned to games because it's in the best interest of the NBA (for example Joey Crawford officiating home games when the big market needs a win). Each ref has trends and the NBA certainly knows it. It's why the information Donaghy was giving bookies and gamblers was so valuable. If you can provide me with the officials before a game and before the casinos can set a line based on it, I will win over 60% of the games I bet on.

It could be a lot of things. It could be a wink and a nod between the NBA and some officials to do what's in the best interest of the league. It could be highly incompetent officials being assigned to games because the NBA is really stupid or feels they benefit from it in some way. It could also be that we have a lot of rogue officials who are Tim Donaghys. To act like fixing games is a taboo topic is somewhat silly considering we already have an official in jail for betting on games he officiated and altering those games and potentially seasons (he did ref a lot of playoff games).

Now I still love the game and am sad that it doesn't play out more by the players like other major sports. I've learned to accept the WWE element to the sport and in a way it adds a little more drama. But to act like there isn't a huge issue with officiating in this league is rather naive whether you believe in conspiracies or not.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Congrats to Orlando. In all honesty I am not shocked the C's lost, though I am surprised that Orlando looked like they wanted it more in 6 and 7.

[sterlingice]

So, did the Rockette's send their D league team out there again today? This town is going to be full of tears tomorrow....boy good thing I'm a Mavs fan.


Oh wait.

Well, we did seem to be missing a really big piece in the middle and at least a big cap number who's been gone the entire playoffs...

SI

[Noop]

That Crawford thing is a little fishy can someone send it to ESPN? I would love to see another referee scandal in the NBA.

[gstelmack]

That Crawford thing is a little fishy can someone send it to ESPN? I would love to see another referee scandal in the NBA.

Bill Simmons has got your back on this one.

[molson]

This NBA/WWE Pepsi arena dispute is pretty entertaining. The Nuggets are set to play at home Monday night, but the WWE has booked the venue for months, has sold more than 10,000 tickets, and expects a sold out show

NBA, WWE grapple over Denver booking conflict - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4176082)

Not surpisingly, the best quote is Vince McMahon's:

"Even though the Denver Nuggets had a strong team this year and were projected to make the playoffs, obviously Nuggets and Pepsi Center owner Stan Kroenke did not have enough faith in his own team to hold the May 25th date for a potential playoff game,' WWE chairman Vince McMahon said in a statement."

I have no idea how these contracts are worded, but I would think the Nuggets are going to have to pay up. If they tape the WWE TV show (which is usually live) sometime before, the ratings are going to suffer. If they move to a smaller venue, somebody's going to have to refund those tickets, and the WWE would take a hit on merchandise sales.

[TroyF]

to be honest i'm not even watching - i'm sitting here doing all this computer-junk at least till the last 1gb transfers over

I can't tell you how much I envy you. The Nuggets have been to the point the Celtics were yesterday (a game 7 in the second round) a grand total of two times in the last 28 seasons. (we lost one of the game 7's and got thrashed 4 games to 1 in the conference finals in 84/85)

Then again, maybe I don't envy you. When the Nuggets actually do have a run like they are now, it actually means something to me. Even if they were to lose 5 starters to injury in the first 2 minutes tomorrow night, I'll be watching the tv when game 4 comes around to see if the Nuggets can grab a single W. It's likely I'll never have to worry about being ambivalent about the basketball team I cheer for ever. Of course it's also NOT likely I'll ever have to worry celebrating a championship either. . . so there is that.

[molson]

I can't tell you how much I envy you. The Nuggets have been to the point the Celtics were yesterday (a game 7 in the second round) a grand total of two times in the last 28 seasons. (we lost one of the game 7's and got thrashed 4 games to 1 in the conference finals in 84/85)

Then again, maybe I don't envy you. When the Nuggets actually do have a run like they are now, it actually means something to me. Even if they were to lose 5 starters to injury in the first 2 minutes tomorrow night, I'll be watching the tv when game 4 comes around to see if the Nuggets can grab a single W. It's likely I'll never have to worry about being ambivalent about the basketball team I cheer for ever. Of course it's also NOT likely I'll ever have to worry celebrating a championship either. . . so there is that.

Winning really is the great equalizer, as is any kind of personal success or windfall that one might come into. You get numb to it. I'm not nearly the kind of intense fan I was of the Sox or Celtics or Patriots before their championships. Part of that is age, but it is a lot different when you're kind of "satisfied". I'll always root for those teams and they'll always be a part of my life but their games don't just stop everything like they used to. But still, I'll take the championships any day. It's great to have those memories.

And I don't understand, for a second, the idea floated around here and on some other websites that Celtic "fans" were almost glad the Celtics lost so they wouldn't be embarrassed by the Cavs. Huh?? What kind of "embarrassment" is a sweep by the '09 Cavs? How can advancing in a tournament EVER be a bad thing? Is the loser of the 8/9 game in the NCAA tournament happy because they aren't going to be blown out by the top seed in the next round? Or is the team that loses the championship game in some minor conference really happy since they aren't drawing a #16 seed and would face a blowout? It's fun to advance in the playoffs, and against a clear favorite, there's no possibility of disappointment, only pleasant surprise.

[stevew]

Orlando Denver has to be the worst case scenerio ratings wise I would think. Obviously for numbers sake the league would want the Lakers.

The Celtics managed to get 8 home playoff games. Outside of winning its probably the best case for the franchises bottom line. The Cavs have only played 4. I'm sure sweeping is great but when they have to cut a 30M luxury tax check it is gonna hurt.

[Groundhog]

I think both conference finals could go to 7 games. Lakers and Cavs are the obvious favourites, but an upset in either series wouldn't surprise me in the slightest as there are a number of difficult matchups for both teams.

If it's Lakers-Cavs, my money (and heart ;) ) would be on the Cavs.

[Galaril]

Lakers win over Nuggets in 6 games

Cavs win over Magic in 5 games.

Lakers over Cavs in 6 games for championship.

Nice to see some noob lakers fan spaming the forum with there biased predictions. I see the Nuggets in 7 maybe 6. Lakers will not handle the hungrier Nuggetts IMHO. Cavs in 5 maybe 6. Finals hate to say it Cavs in 5 easy.

[bulletsponge]

Nice to see some noob lakers fan spaming the forum with there biased predictions. I see the Nuggets in 7 maybe 6. Lakers will not handle the hungrier Nuggetts IMHO. Cavs in 5 maybe 6. Finals hate to say it Cavs in 5 easy.

you havnt been watching the hype. Stern *wants* kobe vs Lebron

[RainMaker]

Nice to see some noob lakers fan spaming the forum with there biased predictions. I see the Nuggets in 7 maybe 6. Lakers will not handle the hungrier Nuggetts IMHO. Cavs in 5 maybe 6. Finals hate to say it Cavs in 5 easy.
No way the league misses the chance on a Kobe-Lebron finals with both guys in their prime.

Lakers in 6 or 7
Cavs in 5

[Warhammer]

I think the Nuggets are an easier matchup than the Rockets were. Smaller, quicker line-ups have always given the Lakers under Jackson fits. I think in a sense, losing Yao helped the Rockets in this regard. They had to run and play small ball to score and the Lakers have trouble with guys like that.

[RainMaker]

I agree, Billups isn't the type of PG that give the Lakers trouble. They also don't really have anyone to keep Kobe in check. Denver will need to exploit the Lakers lack of depth inside and bank Pau around which tends to throw him off his game. I like the Nuggets and what they've done but think this is just a bad matchup for them.

[Groundhog]

Billups is the type of PG that can give anyone trouble. :)

Billups isn't a speedy jet PG like Aaron Brooks, but he's a lot more talented and a far better PG.

Dahntay Jones is going to have to be the "Kobe stopper". I don't see JR Smith being able to keep a lock on him. Could even throw Linas Kleiza at him for a different 'Matt Harpring-esque' look, or maybe Renaldo Balkman, but I think Jones is the best shot.

[RainMaker]

Billups is better than Brooks but is not the type of PG that gives the Lakers fits. Teams with quick PGs who can get in the lane have been their achilles heel all year.

It'll be a good series but I still think the league will tighten up the officiating at some point which will hurt the Nuggets physical play. Don't be surprised to see Martin and Nene in foul trouble early in the big games.

I think the Nuggets best bet is to work on shutting down everyone but Kobe. The Lakers play for shit when they just defer to Kobe every trip down the floor. Give Kobe his 35 but don't let Pau or Odom beat you.

[Neon_Chaos]

Vince McMahon being interviewed by Jonathan Coachman (former WWE announcer and talent now working for ESPNews) regarding the Pepsi Center situation.

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[RainMaker]

Vince McMahon being interviewed by Jonathan Coachman (former WWE announcer and talent now working for ESPNews) regarding the Pepsi Center situation.
McMahon will get more free publicity out of this mix-up that it probably makes it worth it.

[TroyF]

A couple of quick thoughts:

1) JR is really the only Nugget who can D up on Kobe. Melo, Kenyon, Jones and even Balkman can get him in stretches, but JR is the only one with the talent that can keep up. In the Nuggets lone win vs. the Lakers this year, it was JR Smith who was on him a majority of the game. I'll go as far as saying JR is the second biggest key to this series. ( 1st key is defensive rebounding) JR is the guy that can give the Lakers fits of the dribble. He can get to the hole at will and can create chances for his teammates when he's playing well. Or he can be a brain dead moron who can play Denver right out of a game)

2) RainMaker is dead on about Kobe. The Nuggets need to use the same strategy they applied to Dirk. Let him get his and make sure nobody else goes off. In the two games in Denver, Kobe shot a combined 21-55 this year. He went 23-37 in the two games in LA. Denver had a great chance to win the first game. It was a seven point loss that was tied heading into the fourth quarter. (sadly, we had no PG at the time and we sucked in the fourth quarter.) We won the second time at home.

The Nuggets can win a game where Kobe goes off for 45. They have no chance winning a game where Pau and Bynum combine to score 45 points unless they are going crazy from three point land.

[MrBug708]

The Nuggets can win a game where Kobe goes off for 45. They have no chance winning a game where Pau and Bynum combine to score 45 points unless they are going crazy from three point land.

I dont think that is accurate. Unless Kobe shoots 45 times in a game

[Warhammer]

Billups is better than Brooks but is not the type of PG that gives the Lakers fits. Teams with quick PGs who can get in the lane have been their achilles heel all year.

It'll be a good series but I still think the league will tighten up the officiating at some point which will hurt the Nuggets physical play. Don't be surprised to see Martin and Nene in foul trouble early in the big games.

I think the Nuggets best bet is to work on shutting down everyone but Kobe. The Lakers play for shit when they just defer to Kobe every trip down the floor. Give Kobe his 35 but don't let Pau or Odom beat you.

The man knows what he is talking about.

[Neon_Chaos]

Very sloppy game for both the Lakers and Nuggets. 13 turnovers each, and it's just the third quarter.
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[MikeVic]

I like that LeBron/Kobe puppet commercial. "Why do we live together?" haha.

[Neon_Chaos]

ARIZA WITH THE STEAL!!!
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[Neon_Chaos]

Kobe sinks two free throws... 4 point lead for the Lakers with 10 seconds left.
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[Neon_Chaos]

Wow. Billups is good.
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[Warhammer]

Foot was on the line though.

[Warhammer]

Good win for the Lakers. I think this could have a big effect on the psyche of the Nuggets. They blew through the first two rounds, got into a game where they very well could have, and maybe should have won, and the Lakers still won. How they come out in Game 2 will be very important.

[Neon_Chaos]

Aye.

Should be a great series if Game 1 is the norm.
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[TroyF]

I dont think that is accurate. Unless Kobe shoots 45 times in a game


Disagree. The Nuggets played about the perfect game tonight. Let Kobe have his and don't let anyone else go crazy. Kobe went 13-28. His teammates went a combined 24-62. (38%)

The Nuggets lost the game tonight because:

1) They missed 12 FT.
2) They had 2 horrific possessions where they didn't get it to Melo with the lead.
3) They followed those possessions with a killer turnover.

This is the exact blueprint for Denver to win games against the Lakers. Fisher hit a big, big shot. . . but that's a shot I love him taking in that situation. He's been horrible in the postseason and he's the exact guy I want taking that shot. Tonight he hit it and the Nuggets didn't follow with solid execution. Props to the Lakers, they deserved that W.

As far as the Nuggets psyche, everyone has stated this all playoffs. First it was could they win the first game at home against the Hornets. Then after the game 3 loss to the Hornets (in a very similar game to this one by the way), people questioned how their psyche would bounce back from that. They won the next game by 58 points. Then it was the Mavs and how we'd compete in Dallas with Dallas being so good at home over the previous two months. They won one and had a shot in the other one there. Before tonight it was how would they adjust to playing a healthy Lakers team loaded with talent. They answered that too.

I don't think the Nuggets go anywhere. The Lakers will probably win the series, but they'll have to fight for every game. Unlike the Lakers, the Nuggets don't take off days, they bring it every night. I'd expect game 2 to be a lot like this game.

Oh. . . and for those people who have thought Melo was overrated. . . if you aren't shut up by the performence tonight, I give up trying to explain how special of a player he is.

[Galaril]

Great game and tough loss for the Nuggs.If JR SMITH is hurt series over. But, I think the Nuggets will come out really on fire next game plus they should have a great chance at home in the three games in Denver if they can compete and actually dominate LA at home.

[MrBug708]

Melo proved he belonged in the convo. As you said Troy, Nuggets played their perfect game nearly, but still couldnt pull it out.

Jerry West was dead on. Leron is gonna be special, but if you want someone with the ball when the game is on the line, it's Kobe.

[Chief Rum]

With my Clips traditionally celebrating the draft lottery at this time of the season (come on down, Griffin...), I often end up cheering for the Lakers, mostly because Kobe is my favorite player in the league.

I root for the rest of the team more because Kobe's on it, and that's about it.

Tonight's game reinforced to me something that started creeping up on me during last year's Finals and has only continued this year: I really can't stand the rest of that godforsaken roster, even former Bruins Farmar and Ariza. It just feels like none of them have the sack and heart to step it up when needed. The Lakers won tonight because Kobe finally said, "Okay, screw y'all, I'll just do it myself." Not saying Fisher's play or occasional good plays by others aren't necessary, but when push comes to shove, everyone on the Lakers seem to fold, not play with heart, not reach that loose ball first, not box out, go soft on the boards or on D--except for Kobe. Kobe's always going nuts out there, putting in his all. He may not always make the best shot decisions, but it's undeniable he's gutting it out out there every minute, and it just kills him to see Bynum or Gasol go soft underneath, or Odom miss a two feet shot put back after making a great play to get to the ball, or Vujacic and Farmar jack up stupid three point shot after three point shot when the Lakers need to take advantage of matchups on the inside.

It's even worse living in LA, too, because at times like these, I realize I almost can't stand Lakers fans any more than I can Celtics fans. At least the Rockets series shut them up a bit.

Looking back on last year, I think I realize that just about every guy on Boston is my "type" of player. Love the heart and work ethic shown by guys like KG and Pierce and Rondo. Big Baby used to be a Laker in training with the way he came into the league, and even he now is looking more like a Celtic, a blue collar, give it your all type of player. And the Lakers just get softer and softer, frankly aided by their go easy coach.

I don't think I have ever felt a bigger divide between how I feel supportive for Kobe the player, and just can't stand his teammates.

[Chief Rum]

BTW, Billups' Nuggets (as opposed to AI's Nuggets) are now much closer to a Celtic-Piston type team, and you have to hand it to Billups for instilling that in the squad with his leadership. Before this season, Martin, JR Smith, the Birdman and even Melo were much more like soft Lakers players than they were driven, blue collar types, but his example has really had an influence on them and made them what they are.

Maybe Billups shoulda been MVP.

[TroyF]

Melo proved he belonged in the convo. As you said Troy, Nuggets played their perfect game nearly, but still couldnt pull it out.

Jerry West was dead on. Leron is gonna be special, but if you want someone with the ball when the game is on the line, it's Kobe.

They couldn't pull it out because of a couple of really dumb possessions. The game on the line thing is kind of funny to me. Everyone puts Wade, Kobe and Lebron in the conversation.

Here are some stats from 82games.com:

Final 5 minutes of the game, 5 point differential either way:

Points per 48 minutes:

Kobe 56.7
Bron 55.9
Melo 54.4
Wade 49.2

FG%:

Kobe 45.7%, 40% on threes
Bron 55.6%, 42.1% on threes
Melo 56.5%, 58.3% on threes
Wade 47%, 21% on threes

FTA Per 48:

Kobe 18.2
Bron 20.8
Melo 24.0
Wade 22.3

And when it comes to last second bombs, Carmelo is THE best in the NBA right now. He's hit close to 50% of his shots with the shot clock under 24 and his team tied or behind by one or two points over the last five seasons. (compared to Kobe's 29%)

Reality? When the game is on the line, you could have ANY of those four taking the shot and be in pretty good shape. The sad part about it is that three of those players get nationally hyped as dominating players and I can almost promise you a non Denver fan will be surprised looking at the stats I just posted above.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I can almost promise you a non Denver fan will be surprised looking at the stats I just posted above.

I hope you didn't put any money on that notion anywhere. I hardly follow the league at all but that didn't really surprise me at all.

[TroyF]

Props to you Jon. I'm on may NBA boards and can tell you the vast majority of fans believe that Lebron, Wade and Kobe are on another planet compared to Melo, even if we are just talking about finishing off close games.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Props to you Jon. I'm on may NBA boards and can tell you the vast majority of fans believe that Lebron, Wade and Kobe are on another planet compared to Melo, even if we are just talking about finishing off close games.

They must not be watching sportscenter, I'm almost certain that's where I had that general impression. Seems like every other night I see (or hear since it's just background noise for me usually) hitting something clutch at the end of a game.

[Young Drachma]

LeBron is at it. I just turned the game on randomly and well...the Cavs are proving they're on a mission.

[spleen1015]

Mo Williams!

[jeff061]

It's just not in the cards Orlando.

Sorry :(.

[Danny]

So anyone think Lebron has a chance to win more titles than MJ when it is all said and done? (yes I know it's early, but that's the point)

[MrBug708]

Props to you Jon. I'm on may NBA boards and can tell you the vast majority of fans believe that Lebron, Wade and Kobe are on another planet compared to Melo, even if we are just talking about finishing off close games.

Down here on sports talk, it's always been said that Melo is clutch player, moreso then Lebron, so I'm not sure why it would be surprising to a non-nugget fan?

[RainMaker]

So anyone think Lebron has a chance to win more titles than MJ when it is all said and done? (yes I know it's early, but that's the point)
I think it'll be tough. Remember that Jordan had to re-invent his game as he aged (from a slasher to a mid-range shooter). It'll come down to how well Lebron ages too. Does he benefit from much better medical technology in this era or does his large frame put extra miles on his body as he ages?

But mostly it'll come down to desire. There's no doubt that he has the skills to win many titles. But after he wins a couple, does he have the desire to win more? Does he focus on building his mogul image more than training? We know that Jordan was so competitive that it bordered on a disorder. Up until this year Lebron has not showed that same drive.

I'll add that I think he can do it if he stays in Cleveland and just focuses on basketball and titles. If he goes to New York I wonder if the distractions will ultimately get the best of him at some point.

[Neon_Chaos]

It's just not in the cards Orlando.

Sorry :(.

O ye of little faith.
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[RainMaker]

I guess the fact that they won't call Lebron for a travel evens out with the fact that they won't call Howard for moving screens.

[Big Fo]

It's not supposed to be a foul if you jump straight up and keep the arms up I thought. Harsh call on Howard if so.

[Neon_Chaos]

Here we go...

25 seconds, 2-point CLE lead, ORL ball.
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[Neon_Chaos]

LEWIS FOR THREEEEEE!!!!
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[Young Drachma]

9-day layoff obviously had some effect, but I still think the Cavs will pull it out in the end.

[Jas_lov]

Yes sir! That was a terrible foul call on Howard.

[RainMaker]

It's not supposed to be a foul if you jump straight up and keep the arms up I thought. Harsh call on Howard if so.

Howard didn't even really touch him either. Should have been a no-call.

[spleen1015]

Lebron needs to win this game.

[Neon_Chaos]

ORL force a jumpball, 1 second left!!!
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[spleen1015]

WTF! You don't let Delonte freakin West shot the game winner when Lebron is on your team.

[Jas_lov]

He didn't even shoot. Now it's over.

[Neon_Chaos]

CLEVELAND FAIL! CLEVELAND FAIL! CLEVELAND FAIL!!!!

Epic Win for Orlando.
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[Big Fo]

Wow almost a great shot from Williams off the tip.

Orlando takes game one, this is going to be a series.

[Neon_Chaos]

LeBron is cramping up in the middle of the court. I guess he isn't invincible afterall.
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[Scoobz0202]

I'm so pissed. Lebron.. Take the fucking shot yourself.

[Young Drachma]

How the hell do you give Delonte West the last shot? A 3? Really Mike Brown? Wow.

[Scoobz0202]

Mike Brown is a cool dude, but he is not the Coach of the Year.

[kingfc22]

Awwwww....poor Cavs

[Big Fo]

Dwight Howard in the three games since Orlando's game five debacle:

9-16, 23 pts, 22 rebs, 3 blks
5-9, 12 pts, 16 rebs, 5 blks, +26
14-20, 30 pts, 13 rebs

Glad to see him put his money where his mouth is.

[Young Drachma]

Mike Brown is a cool dude, but he is not the Coach of the Year.

Indeed.

I wouldn't let dude coach my Junior League Heat of 7-9 year olds from Camp Menominee in 1998. LeBron needs to stop making that organization look good, because they're not and go someplace where he can get paid and actually get talented surrounding him.

Speaking of, I'm convinced watching these series that the salary cap has pretty much killed the ability to build an interesting team in the NBA.

[Noop]

Hopefully Cleveland goes back to the drawing and play a lot better next game. I still think they can win this series so no worries.

[Groundhog]

Sucks to drop game 1, but it just makes game 2 a must-win and you need to take one away from Orlando on their homecourt. Not the end of the world.

[MrBug708]

9-day layoff obviously had some effect, but I still think the Cavs will pull it out in the end.

Sure it's not the Cavs underestimating a shorthanded Orlando team?