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

[stevew]

The East goes through Cleveland. The West through LA. This has gotta be one of the most anti-climactic ends to a regular season in a awhile. I think all the playoff teams have been determined since mid last week. With a win
Wednesday, the Cavs would tie the 85-86 Celtics for the best home mark in league history(40-1).

As a Cavs homer, I'd say they should be favorites to win it all. But you still have tough teams like Boston and Orlando, so it's going to be a long road.

[MikeVic]

I'm excited for these playoffs. Hopefully there are some good matchups.

[watravaler]

East: Depends on KG's health, if he isn't 100%, or very close to it, the Cavs and the Magic will square-off for the right to represent the East. If KG is good to go, the Celts will probably have just enough to hold off LeBron for one more season. After this season though, it is LeBron and Howard's conference for a long time, unless Chicago gets Rose a stud running mate in FA 2010/ same for ATL if they have the cap room. If not, the rest of the Eastern Conference may as well shut down operations for the next decade.

West: Utah and Portland are the only teams with a somewhat realistic, albeit very slim chance to knock off the Lakers.

Prediction: Questionable calls by the refs give the Celtics a 7 game victory of the Cavs in the East. The Lakers have trouble in Utah, but take out the Jazz in 6. Kobe Bryant wins his first title without Shaq in 5 or 6 games over the Celts.

[Big Fo]

Let's go Magic. Even without Nelson I think the team has a shot at the conference finals despite Boston's experience and savvy. I'm happy they've avoided the Pistons (no matter how much worse they are this season) in the first round.

With the Spurs missing Ginobili the Lakers might have an easy run to the Finals.

[molson]

You can stick a fork in the Celtics:

Rivers: Garnett likely out for playoffs - Celtics Blog - Boston.com (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2009/04/rivers_garnett.html)

It seems like Celtics fans expected this, that Rivers has been stringing everyone along on this for whatever reason.

[Big Fo]

Hopefully Orlando can take advantage of that assuming they get by Philadelphia.

[Neon_Chaos]

Hopefully Orlando can take advantage of that assuming they get by Philadelphia.

Are Lewis and Turkoglu good to go for the playoffs?

[Big Fo]

Are Lewis and Turkoglu good to go for the playoffs?

Stan van Gundy: "Well Rashard thought he was going to play and then he went out and warmed up on it, shot on it and decided he couldn’t go. I think he will be and I hope he will be, but I just don’t know at this point. I think they’ll both be ready; I do. But, until it’s game time and they’re out there, I don’t know for sure."

So hopefully.

[whomario]

The 76ers just might be sorry they won yesterday, the Celtics sans Garnett aren´t on orlando´s level.
The Cavs, despite the loss, got another boost with their bench players stepping up big against the 76ers.

I hate the Portland/Houston matchup, my 2 favourite teams meeting in the first round ...
Houston in 6 years hasn´t figured out how to throw a freaking lob pass or take advantage of teams overplaying Yao. It can´t be that difficult, can it ? And Artest is just a terrible offensive player in a team concept, him shooting 40% as a 6´8 , 250 bulldozer while shooting 1 legged fadeaways from 20+ foot is just ridiculous.
I just wish the Rockets make it through the first round, Yao deserves it. Say what you want, but the guy is an incredibly hard worker and not half as "fortunate" as people like to make it sound when they say "but he´s 7´6". For every advantage that brings a disadvantage. Him on defense is like having a 6´10 PF matching up with Koby or Wade in terms of mobility.

The Blazers depend on playing a true C at all times though, so that´s good news.

But i´d also like the Blazers to advance because they are just a fun team. And they´ve been really hot lately, some absurd offensive performances considering their slow tempo and improved defense.

And Dallas-San Antonio might be great as well. Dirk seems to play his best against them and he´s scored 20+ in 25 straight games heading into the Playoffs and quietly had a really good season (btw : it´s still mindblowing he averages less than 2 TOs every year as a 7 footer creating his own shot)
Then again the Mavs play 3 PGs together for large stretches of whome none can guard regular PGs (let alone a guy like Parker) and have exactly 1 Swingmen that can play regular minutes.

That´s the 2 series´s i´m most curious about.

[Galaril]

Yup Celtics are done for. To bad they did not know sooner they could tanked the latter half of the season to move up in the draft;) In anycase, they are going to have to start thinking about a replacement for KG and eventually Ray Allen. The NBA is so hard to find stars out of the draft after the lottery picks they will have a hard time. They do have Perkins, Powe and Davis but those names are not going to replace KG production and more importantly his energy.

[Galaril]

The 76ers just might be sorry they won yesterday, the Celtics sans Garnett aren´t on orlando´s level.
The Cavs, despite the loss, got another boost with their bench players stepping up big against the 76ers.

I hate the Portland/Houston matchup, my 2 favourite teams meeting in the first round ...
Houston in 6 years hasn´t figured out how to throw a freaking lob pass or take advantage of teams overplaying Yao. It can´t be that difficult, can it ? And Artest is just a terrible offensive player in a team concept, him shooting 40% as a 6´8 , 250 bulldozer while shooting 1 legged fadeaways from 20+ foot is just ridiculous.
I just wish the Rockets make it through the first round, Yao deserves it. Say what you want, but the guy is an incredibly hard worker and not half as "fortunate" as people like to make it sound when they say "but he´s 7´6". For every advantage that brings a disadvantage. Him on defense is like having a 6´10 PF matching up with Koby or Wade in terms of mobility.

The Blazers depend on playing a true C at all times though, so that´s good news.

But i´d also like the Blazers to advance because they are just a fun team. And they´ve been really hot lately, some absurd offensive performances considering their slow tempo and improved defense.

And Dallas-San Antonio might be great as well. Dirk seems to play his best against them and he´s scored 20+ in 25 straight games heading into the Playoffs and quietly had a really good season (btw : it´s still mindblowing he averages less than 2 TOs every year as a 7 footer creating his own shot)
Then again the Mavs play 3 PGs together for large stretches of whome none can guard regular PGs (let alone a guy like Parker) and have exactly 1 Swingmen that can play regular minutes.

That´s the 2 series´s i´m most curious about.

You for got to mention the Nuggets they maybe the playoffs sleeping giant.

[Scoobz0202]

Am I being a massive homer when I, as a Cavs fan, feel no worry about making it to the finals, and am only slightly worried about meeting the Lakers?

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

I would worry about the Lakers, personally. I think the Finals should be no problem for the Cavs.

[stevew]

Am I being a massive homer when I, as a Cavs fan, feel no worry about making it to the finals, and am only slightly worried about meeting the Lakers?

Massive homer, but then again I'm one too.

[heybrad]

I admit right up front that I am a massive Lakers homer, but playing Cleveland in the finals doesn't scare me nearly as much playing Portland in the 2nd round does. The Lakers completely suck donkey balls playing at the Rose Garden. They will have home court, but Portland has been on fire lately.

[Scoobz0202]

Massive homer, but then again I'm one too.


The home court advantage is what really gets me jacked. The Lakers are the only team to beat the Cavs when they had Lebron and Moe playing.

[SackAttack]

Am I being a massive homer when I, as a Cavs fan, feel no worry about making it to the finals, and am only slightly worried about meeting the Lakers?

Maybe I'm missing something here, but the Lakers beat the Cavs in LA by 17, and in Cleveland by 10 in the teams' two matchups this year.

Ain't saying the Lakers would walk over the Cavs in the Finals, but I am saying that being "only slightly worried" about the Lakers is probably massive overconfidence more than massive homerism.

[rjolley]

With Garnett out or ineffective, it'll be Cavs-Lakers this year, but the Magic will take the Cavs to 7 in an entertaining series. In the end, the Finals will go to 7, with LeBron having just enough firepower to outlast Kobe.

With that said, let's go Bulls!! Pull some upsets!

[Neon_Chaos]

I have a feeling that the Pistons are suddenly going to flip the proverbial switch and take the Cavs to seven games. :p

[Scoobz0202]

Maybe I'm missing something here, but the Lakers beat the Cavs in LA by 17, and in Cleveland by 10 in the teams' two matchups this year.

Ain't saying the Lakers would walk over the Cavs in the Finals, but I am saying that being "only slightly worried" about the Lakers is probably massive overconfidence more than massive homerism.

I'll give you that. I honestly have told a few people lately that I don't think the Cavs will beat the Lakers this year in the Finals. I guess I was just trying to use hyperbole with how I felt that the Cavs were not getting the credit they deserved.

Don't get me wrong. They are getting a lot of credit. But for being the best team in the East by record I don't hear much talk about them. I could be wrong, but hey, I watch a lot of ESPN :p

[SirFozzie]

Double whammy, first KG, now Danny Ainge has a heart attack

[DaddyTorgo]

gah. rough for the celtics.

i can't decide who i want to win out of LA-Cleveland. I think it's one of those cases where I root for the arena to blow up and neither team to win.

But barring that I guess I'd rather have the obnoxious rapist win rather than the ohio-team? I dunno...it's a tough call. Guess that saves me from having to watch anymore basketball unless somebody pulls an upset and knocks one of those teams off.

[Groundhog]

I just hope that if the Cavs make the finals, LeBron shows a little more poise than he did in the Spurs series.

[Sublime 2]

gah. rough for the celtics.

i can't decide who i want to win out of LA-Cleveland. I think it's one of those cases where I root for the arena to blow up and neither team to win.

But barring that I guess I'd rather have the obnoxious rapist win rather than the ohio-team? I dunno...it's a tough call. Guess that saves me from having to watch anymore basketball unless somebody pulls an upset and knocks one of those teams off.

This is more like it...back to agreeing w/ you!

[BishopMVP]

I think people are overstating how bad the Celtics are now. I don't think they'll beat the Cavs, but I still think they have a chance to beat Orlando and go to 6 vs. Cleveland.

(Watch them lose in 4 in the first round now)

[DaddyTorgo]

I think people are overstating how bad the Celtics are now. I don't think they'll beat the Cavs, but I still think they have a chance to beat Orlando and go to 6 vs. Cleveland.

(Watch them lose in 4 in the first round now)

no, i think that's what will happen too.

but given how the rest of the year went, if that's what happens you've got to consider that a "bad year" considering what the expectations (and performance all year) were.

[Sublime 2]

I think people are overstating how bad the Celtics are now. I don't think they'll beat the Cavs, but I still think they have a chance to beat Orlando and go to 6 vs. Cleveland.

(Watch them lose in 4 in the first round now)

I do like their chances to get by the Bulls, and they probably have a chance to get by Orlando, but I think they're pretty big underdogs.

I'm just hoping for a Paul Pierce superstar run. The defense should still be there with Perk+Rondo, but they'll need some oomph on the offensive side.

[Galaril]

I think people are overstating how bad the Celtics are now. I don't think they'll beat the Cavs, but I still think they have a chance to beat Orlando and go to 6 vs. Cleveland.

(Watch them lose in 4 in the first round now)

no, i think that's what will happen too.

but given how the rest of the year went, if that's what happens you've got to consider that a "bad year" considering what the expectations (and performance all year) were.

I am still hoping that the Celtics, down 3-2 to the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals have Garnett pull a Willis Reed coming out of the tunnel for the second half and lead them to the NBA Finals:)

[stevew]

There's like 5 weeks before the ECF even start. Garnett won't be healthy by then?

[Atocep]

There's like 5 weeks before the ECF even start. Garnett won't be healthy by then?


Doc Rivers says he's done for this season.

[BishopMVP]

no, i think that's what will happen too.

but given how the rest of the year went, if that's what happens you've got to consider that a "bad year" considering what the expectations (and performance all year) were.I'm not sure what your (or other ppl in Boston's) expectations were, but I seem to remember the Lakers beating us on Christmas and Cleveland smoking us at home 2 weeks later with a healthy KG. Those teams both won 65 games, and I seem to recall many people predicting them to win both preseason and at various times during it. So basically, no, a loss in the ECF to a 67-win team in 6 or 7 games would not be considered a bad year from me. I didn't think we had better than a 50-55% chance of beating Cleveland even with a healthy KG - really they were 1 sublime performance by Pierce from beating us last year with a worse team.Doc Rivers says he's done for this season.Maybe then Doc could tell us what's actually wrong, and what surgery is needed. If KG needs surgery, fine, do it now so he'll be ready next season. If it's something where it's merely painful to play on and he won't cause any more structural damage, he'll definitely be back. Even if they tell KG he's risking structural damage by playing on it I just can't see a man that competitive not playing. (And I don't think that's the case, or they never would have had him try to come back during the regular season.)

[DaddyTorgo]

I think if you won the title in any sport the year before and don't make it back to the championship game/series to defend your title it's generally considered a let-down of a season, no?

[BishopMVP]

I think if you won the title in any sport the year before and don't make it back to the championship game/series to defend your title it's generally considered a let-down of a season, no?Would Memphis or Kansas have considered a loss in the final 4 a letdown? If the Patriots had won their division and lost in the Conference Championship game after their star player was injured, would that have been a "bad year"? What about when the Lakers and Spurs were the 2 best teams and kept meeting up before the finals?

[DaddyTorgo]

well obviously i think it's team-specific.

would i as a fan be dissapointed if they don't repeat - yes. based on the injury to their key defensive player and chief matchup-nightmare though, will i understand, and appreciate as far as they do make it though - again yes.

i'm not sitting here throwing stones at them saying "if you don't win you suck." it's more along the lines of "well that was a dissapointing ending considering the talent level of the team and the year that they had"

[molson]

They won #17 last year. And if you're a fan of the other Boston teams, it's been an incredible run. It's all gravy now. Here's some rare sansity on this from the Boston media:

Forget a repeat; Celtics are already winners - The Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/04/17/forget_a_repeat_celtics_are_already_winners/)

I wouldn't be remotely dissapointed if they lost a tough series to Orlando.

[Atocep]

Dan Patrick just said on his show that Chris Mannix from The Sporting News is saying KG's injury is worse than Boston is letting on. So if they're already saying he's done for the season it leads to believe this is potentially career ending, if Mannix's sources are correct.

[BishopMVP]

Dan Patrick just said on his show that Chris Mannix from The Sporting News is saying KG's injury is worse than Boston is letting on. So if they're already saying he's done for the season it leads to believe this is potentially career ending, if Mannix's sources are correct.So it's what, microfracture surgery or some kind of degenerative condition? Then why did they let him try to come back in the regular season? This makes no sense.

[Atocep]

So it's what, microfracture surgery or some kind of degenerative condition? Then why did they let him try to come back in the regular season? This makes no sense.

The whole thing is just strange. Doc said he looks worse now than he did 2 weeks ago, KG himself hasn't commented, Boston came out of nowhere with this news after trying to play him.

Dan Patrick said Mannix was from Sporting News, but he's from SI and the article below describes his thinking. Basically, if its really bone spurs other trainers say he should be back at some point during the postseason. If they're really shutting him down then it is probably something worse.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/chris_mannix/04/17/garnett/index.html

Said a trainer, "It's unlikely he can cause more serious damage to the knee by playing. It's just a matter of how much pain he can take."

That comment is what has people thinking its worse.

[larrymcg421]

As a Celtics fan, I think everything is gravy after winning the title last year. It'll actually be kind of exciting to see what Powe can do now. It's his time to step up.

[Groundhog]

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[whomario]

So it's what, microfracture surgery or some kind of degenerative condition? Then why did they let him try to come back in the regular season? This makes no sense.

the thing is : Without surgery you just don´t know how serious it is. That´s the thing with knee injury, every other method isn´t conclusive and often you actually can move on it much better as on comparable ankle injuries (as an example) but you just don´t move as well as you are used to.
And seeing how Garnett is (for good and for worse) as tough and competitive as he is, he´ll likely just talked himself into thinking he can play through it. But then when he actually played in games, where there is no faking and holding back, the knee just exploded inside, either aggrevating (a serious sprain into a break) sth or simply getting inflammation on top of the structural problems which than has consequences for the healing process.

@ groundhog :

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;) I´m not even a Laker Fan, but that´s great :D

[Neuqua]

The Bulls played the first half as solidly as one could hope for. They know they can't get into a half court defensive showdown with the Celtics so every loose rebound they push, push, push the ball down court.

Boston has missed some wideopen shots which you have to assume they will start making in the second half. Should be a fun game to watch.

[Eaglesfan27]

This Bulls-Celtics game has been very entertaining so far. I know it is only 1 game, but so far Derrick Rose is looking like he could have a breakout series and carry his team to the 2nd round.

[Neuqua]

Bulls get two rough calls on them (Noah cleanly blocked Davis) and now it's time to see if the young team can keep their composure.

[Neuqua]

Derrick Rose is pretty much taking on the Celtics all by himself.

[Bigsmooth]

What the heck is wrong with Pierce. I haven't seen a guy look so disinterested in the playoffs for awhile. Christ.



Edit: As he scores 2 baskets in a row. Ha.

[SirFozzie]

Really Nice back and forth game here.

(edit: Rondo is freaking fearless, and never stops)

[SirFozzie]

Dola: Allen with a playoff funk again?

[whomario]

look for the bulls take the lead and then Ray Allen will sink them. Book it.

Rose and Rondo both look terrific out there.

[Eaglesfan27]

Heh. What a shot by Rondo.

[Mr. Sparkle]

Joakim Noah FAIL.

[RainMaker]

All ball.

[Neuqua]

Bulls got bailed out. 5 more minutes. What a game.

[whomario]

wow, no one expected Pierce to miss, now OT !
Rose might get the most points ever in a first PO game :eek:

[Karlifornia]

Vinny Del Negro's dad: Could he be the Brenda Warner of this year's playoffs?

[Neuqua]

Bulls better pull it out here in OT because playing another 5 minutes without Rose is not going to be pretty.

[Passacaglia]

Ugh, that deep 3 by Lebron as the half ended really hurt.

[Noop]

LeBron is the man. He will not be denied.

[whomario]

The Pistons are just mediocre nowadays. Still not bad in most areas, still pretty balanced but all that on a lower level. If they had a definite strength they could surprise at times, the way it is they just are irrelevant sadly :( I mean, they shot 47%, had only 7 TOs, were there in terms of rebounding and their bench did fine. And results in a 18 point loss, Lebron going for 38/8/7 on 20 shots with zero Turns and the Cavs as a team shooting 53% and turning it over just 4 times.
I really can´t see Cleveland coming close to loosing a game, even at Detroit. Then again, if memory serves me right, the Pistons have a history of starting really crappy and then turn it arround in series´ .

The Celtics-Bulls game was highly entertaining. Not especially well played, but definitely entertaining with a lot of energy and tempo in the game. Rose obviously was ridculous tonight, but on the other end Rondo almost equally as impressive. a skinny 6´1 guy with no jump shot (the guy has hit 26 threes in 235 career games and shoots 64% from the line) shouldn´t be as effective as he is, that speaks volumes for how great he does everything else on offense.

And Tyrus Thomas being the x-factor and deciding the game, that was just not right ...

btw : Is Brad Miller officially the least athletic guy in the NBA right now ? Damn, that was ugly at times ... On the other end : What the hell happened to Marbury ? I´m not talking about him playing bad, but him playing timid like a little kid ... He had at least 5 wide open shots or drives to the baskets that he just passed up.

And damn, here it´s 12,30 in the night and still 4 hours till the Rockets-Blazers game ...

[MrBug708]

Everyone points to the Lakers possibly struggling with Portland because they lost two games on the road to the Blazers but then we see comments about how the Cavs won't see the Lakers as much problem to them, even though they were swept by the Lakers including their one real loss at home minus their starting post player on the last game of a 6 game road trip?

Did I get it right?

[RainMaker]

I'm surprised the Celtics played Marbury. He doesn't seem to flow with that offense at all and just got embarrased on defense.

[whomario]

I love JVG, he just projected "a blowout" for the Rockets. The guy get´s fired and still remains a Rockets homer, what´s not to love about that ? :)

That series is soooo up in the air, anything could happen including Rudy Fernandez taking a 2 point jump shot, Artest taking a good shot or a battle of the 42 year olds , i can´t freaking wait ... :popcorn:

@ Rainmaker : He does kind of do a good job on offense when he plays with the starters and Pierce and Allen hit shots, but in other scenarios he´s just a guy that doesn´t drive or shoot the ball which just isn´t an option for a Guard at this level. He´s basically playing like a big guy that only come in to set screens and play defense, just without setting screens or playing defense ... although Rose was just too much for Rondo either on that end. Maybe they should try out Tony Allen some, but in the end most likely they will bring more of that matchup-zone that kind of worked in the 4th, if Gordon doesn´t get it going just at that point that move by Thibodeau wins them the game.

On that previous note : I´ll do an Bad-Shots-Counter on Artest if i don´t loose track. I´d put the over/under at 8 for tonight including at least 3 one-legged fadeaways and 2 1 on 3 drives .
If that guy had any sort of offensive bball IQ (and the Rockets a bit more firepower) the guy could be sooo good. He´s even a pretty good passer when he wants to ...

[stevew]

Derek Rose is awesome. If LeBron leaves for anywhere I hope it is the bulls.

[Big Fo]

Hadn't Cleveland's 66 wins this season sort of quieted those "Lebron could leave" rumors?

[Mr. Sparkle]

I think the only thing that will quiet the "LeBron leaving" rumors will be LeBron re-signing with the Cavs.

[Mantle2600]

Wouldnt D-Wade have a better shot at leaving to chicago as he is from there?

But then again LBJ is from here and according to most media hes as good as gone.

[gstelmack]

wow, no one expected Pierce to miss, now OT !

With KG out, bad nights by Pierce AND Allen will be hard to overcome.

[Coffee Warlord]

Derek Rose is awesome. If LeBron leaves for anywhere I hope it is the bulls.

Pairing Rose with any of the big names in 2010 is going to make for a very, very scary Bulls team.

[whomario]

Dallas beats the spurs, solid pergformance by Dirk, good one by Howard and a huge lift by Bass and barea in the 4th (in fact, Howard scored like 15 in the 3rd and then those 2 took over and howard sat like the whole 4th Q)

Great basketball today.

And Houston trying to put the hammer down early here, 34-23, Yao with 16 on 7-7 in the 1st :)

[Passacaglia]

Why do basketball players sit on the floor right before they go in? Doesn't it seem like they would be more loose it they stood up instead?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Why do basketball players sit on the floor right before they go in? Doesn't it seem like they would be more loose it they stood up instead?

If you're talking about the ones waiting at the scorers table to enter the game, it's so they don't block the view of the scorer, clock operator, etc.

[Passacaglia]

If you're talking about the ones waiting at the scorers table to enter the game, it's so they don't block the view of the scorer, clock operator, etc.

I guess that makes sense. You'd think there would be a better way, though.

[Logan]

At the NCAA sites where they had the raised floor, as players waited to enter the game they sat all the way off to the side, basically next to the coach's box, since sitting anywhere else would block those people.

I'd think the only other way would be for guys to run over, check in, and sit back down on the bench...but maybe it exists in that way so the opposing team can see who is entering the game and what matchups they would like to set up?

[stevew]

Pairing Rose with any of the big names in 2010 is going to make for a very, very scary Bulls team.

Agreed. If it's Wade or LeBron, you just get meat players in the middle who can dunk and defend, and an outside shooter or 3. Obviously Bosh or others would be great too, but they don't scare me nearly as much.

[whomario]

Damn, the Rockets really ended up putting the hammer down, delivering a good old ass whooping in Portland :eek: When Yao gets involved early it just opened everything up. And he came to play, getting that block on Aldridge early and scoring 16 in the first. And then they never looked back, even when Yao went out in the middler of the 3rd the Rockets continued to pull away. They simply put up their defensive intensity, Mutombo played like he was 28 again (was he ever 28 ? It feels like he´s been 40 for a decade) and Scola and later Brooks scored the ball. Brooks hit like 4 threes in a row :D
For the Blazers no one got going. They played an absolute stinker here. Even Roy did. Searched for contact everytime instead of just finishing, was inefficient overall and did only get 2 assists.
Oden was good later on and played with fire. That´s about it for positive aspects.

Rockets played incredible transition defense, too. The Blazers got absolutely nothing there, holy shit.

Seriously, the Blazers shot 42% (low, but not that low), got 15 offensive boards and hat just 8 Turnovers. And got only 81 points, that amazing.

What a great day of playoff basketball yesterday :)

Ron Artest terrible shot counter : 4. Good job Ron, you really composed yourself tonight and i´m only half kidding. That double-fake-stepin-onelegged-three point-leaner at the end of the first half was a thing of beauty ...

[whomario]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/Mario84/sumofallyears.jpg

:D

[MrBug708]

If Trevor plays this way for the rest of the playoffs, Lakers are sitting pretty

[Philliesfan980]

Time to watch the Sixers get beat by 15+ points. NBA.. it's FANTASTIC!

[Noop]

Cleveland versus L.A. should make for one of the most exciting finals in a long time.

[Logan]

If Trevor plays this way for the rest of the playoffs, Lakers are sitting pretty

That was a RIDICULOUS reverse dunk he pulled off.

[Passacaglia]

The ball totally hit that bar there.

[Eaglesfan27]

Marshall! Great comeback by the Sixers.

[Eaglesfan27]

Great shot by Iggy!

[Big Fo]

Ugh, terrible loss. Orlando will still win the series though.

[Philliesfan980]

Great shot by Iggy!

Yeah really. I realize that you're not in the Philadelphia area, but Marc Zumoff on CSN was going NUTS.

It seems as though they are content on letting Howard dominate and putting the game in the hands of the guards. Orlando should win the series, but it's an interesting strategy.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Look who is courtside at the Hawks gamehttp://img.coxnewsweb.com/C/07/60/50/image_8550607.jpg

[SirFozzie]

Here we go again in Boston

[SirFozzie]

This just in: This game is officially nuts. OT again?

[SirFozzie]

NO. Ray Ray GO BOOM!

Celtics Win!

Best first round series so far.

[RainMaker]

Great game. League will make sure it goes 7 and they get the most bang for their buck.

[Coffee Warlord]

Props to Allen on that shot, but damn. Missed chance by the Bulls to take it back to Chicago up 2-0. Helluva game though.

[Galaril]

Props to Allen on that shot, but damn. Missed chance by the Bulls to take it back to Chicago up 2-0. Helluva game though.

God, no disrespect but Da Bulls got no right winning a game in Boston KG or NO KG and if I am a fan would almost be pleased they have played so hard. Props to the Bulls for winning one and almost two. I expect the Celtics to blow the off the court in the next two games even in Chicago and maybe with out Rondo/Powe. Why Bulls were 41-41 and this isn't the George Mason story or the NCAA.

[Groundhog]

God, no disrespect but Da Bulls got no right winning a game in Boston KG or NO KG and if I am a fan would almost be pleased they have played so hard. Props to the Bulls for winning one and almost two. I expect the Celtics to blow the off the court in the next two games even in Chicago and maybe with out Rondo/Powe. Why Bulls were 41-41 and this isn't the George Mason story or the NCAA.

I really think the additions of Salmons and Miller, two guys who I've always liked, did wonders for this team.

[Neon_Chaos]

I really think the additions of Salmons and Miller, two guys who I've always liked, did wonders for this team.

Indeed. The trade for Salmons and Miller simply changed the team. They suddenly had a legitimate center with good hands, and a hard-working wingman who didn't mind getting dirty.

They went 17-11 after the trade and basically snuck into the playoffs in April.

<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[watravaler]

Games 1 and 2 were simply extremely fun to watch. I don't see any significant difference in the talent level of the two teams at this point in time, and I'll be shocked if this series doesn't go the distance. I have gained mucho respect for KG's impact on the game(not that I didn't respect his game immensely before the injury, but Chicago wouldn't be sniffing 100 points if KG was on the court). The UConn gun-fest was the stuff of legends.

On one hand, Ben Gordon isn't Superman, but these outbursts, albeit on a smaller scale, are what makes Ben Gordon a very good basketball player, at least on the offensive end where his size(the man is 6'0'' at best) isn't a huge liability. The percentages may not show it due to the amount of bad-shots he throws up at times, but his jumper is about as sweet and pure as you will find. I wonder if any team in the NBA has the stones to steal him away from the Bulls this off-season? If the money is right, he is as good as gone, but will a team throw $8-10 million per year at Gordon?

On the other hand, The Celts bigs will not make everything they throw at the hoop either. Rondo's ankle worries me a bit, and if he is closer to 80% than 100%, the Celts are probably toast. Nevertheless, Paul Pierce will step up in Chicago and that will be a huge problem for the Bulls.

At this point in time I see two better than average teams running up and down the floor, not playing much in the way of defense, but the competition has been great and the casual viewer(Me) is most certainly entertained by the product on the court.

Celts in 7

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

I just have a feeling that Gordon has an 8 for 25 night coming up.

[Big Fo]

Leon Powe will miss the rest of the postseason (knee) according to ESPN.

It's not playoff related but Ricky Rubio declared for the draft, I liked watching him this summer in the Olympics.

[RainMaker]

I just have a feeling that Gordon has an 8 for 25 night coming up.

The big difference in the Bulls now is that they have two streaky shooters. So if Gordon is off, Salmons is usually on. Salmons also gave them someone who can cover the other team's 2 guard.

I don't think the Bulls are a great team yet, but I do think they are much better than what they were earlier in the year. They can score with just about anyone in the league and can run better than most. Their problem is in the half court game. They are also rather tough at home and I do think have a good shot at taking both from the Celtics. Some of the younger players like Thomas and Noah really feed off the crowd.

I think the experience Rose is getting in the playoffs is invaluable. He is going to be a star in this league in the coming years. I'd love to see them win this round but am just happy they've made it and are playing competitive basketball. It sets up for a nice season next year and then the big leap to grab a top FA in 2010 to be contenders.

[DaddyTorgo]

Leon Powe will miss the rest of the postseason (knee) according to ESPN.

It's not playoff related but Ricky Rubio declared for the draft, I liked watching him this summer in the Olympics.

with Powe out for the postseason I'm voting that this team just doesn't have the horses this year. Already too deep into their bench as it is.

Ah well...still a solid year.

[albionmoonlight]

The Bulls are fun to watch.

[JeeberD]

Fuckin' Roy. Going back to Houston 1-1...

[Groundhog]

Shame about Mutombo. :(

[Eaglesfan27]

Shame about Mutombo. :(

Yes it is. ESPN and company usually overhype things, but Mutombo deserves all of the coverage for all he has done off the court as well as being a very good defender.

[Passacaglia]

Just watching the end of the Lakers-Jazz game on my DVR. What was Kobe thinking on that pass with 1:40 left?

[Passacaglia]

Oh man. And they praise him to no end when he's getting a technical, too? "Oh he's just trying to psych himself up for Game 3?" Jesus.

[JeeberD]

Shame about Mutombo. :(

Yeah. I lived in Denver in the mid-nineties, so I've followed his career for quite a while. He deserved better than to go out like that...

[Neuqua]

Really enjoyed this article by Bill Simmons, looking forward to the game tonight:

Bill Simmons: Why Celtics-Bulls could be one for the ages - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090423&sportCat=nba)

[rjolley]

Good article by Simmons. I could barely hold my laughter on point 10 and the end of point 7.

[Eaglesfan27]

Another nice shot by Iggy. I wish they had taken better care of the earlier big lead, but overall this has been a fun game to watch.

[EagleFan]

Bad turnover there...

[EagleFan]

If they could make free throws this half it would have been over.

[sterlingice]

No kidding

SI

[sterlingice]

How was that not an intentional foul? I guess they never call those, realistically

SI

[Eaglesfan27]

Thaddeus Young!!

[EagleFan]

Sweet finish, not sure how there wasn't a foul there but I'll take it.

[cuervo72]

Provisionist history? Really, Van Gundy?

[Philliesfan980]

How is Orlando not running away with this series? I predict a monster game for Howard in game 4.

[EagleFan]

Did the league issue a mandate that the Magic have to win tonight? How many fouls has Howard gotten away with tonight?

[stevew]

Celtics/Bulls was a good one today.

[Eaglesfan27]

Great pass by Iguodala to Dalembert. I can't believe the Sixers could go up 3-1 on the Magic.

Edit: Darn. :(

[Dr. Sak]

Wow that was some shot by Turkalo

[Big Fo]

Get in there Hedo

[miami_fan]

What a shot by Turkoglu

[Big Fo]

2-2 and Orlando has home court again, hopefully they can win it now. That winning shot might be what Turkoglu needs to get him back on track, he also had a nice layup + foul with a few minutes left.

[miami_fan]

Celtics/Bulls was a good one today.

Despite the loss, Rondo was amazing again. I really have enjoyed seeing the improvement in his game.

[sterlingice]

Can I petition the NBA to remove about half of the timeouts in a game? :(

SI

[Karlifornia]

Can I petition the NBA to remove about half of the timeouts in a game? :(

SI

I try to defend the NBA when I can, as I truly feel that the league has made improvements in the past decade, but I can definitely agree with you there.

It is supremely exciting to see a team hit a shot with a little time left, and see the opposing team immediately inbound it and rush down the floor.

Cut each team down to one timeout in the last two minutes, as you do with fouls. If that seems too strict, give them one full and one :20 timeout. I'd rather just let each team have one full TO in the last 2 minutes. It would add a breathlessness to the end of games that would be invigorating.

EDIT: redundant adverbs

[mauchow]

I still can't get over the rule that allows you to call a timeout and get the ball at the other end of the court at the top of the 3-point line.

[sterlingice]

Yeah, it was just brutal watching the end of the Rockets-Blazers

SI

[stevew]

The TV timeouts in the last 2 minutes are way too taxing. I know that they probably make a shit ton more money for those slots(Jon?) but for fucks sake, it shouldn't take 20 minutes to play less than a minute of game action. Let them have the timeout, or halfcourt advance, but not both. I think that would fix the tediousness.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I know that they probably make a shit ton more money for those slots(Jon?)

To some extent possibly (never bought the NBA) but while there's some placement available on a national basis (think season-long advertisers who want a guaranteed 4th quarter spot) it's relatively minimal since it's hard to guarantee there will be anything more than X number of spots available You can't buy something like "last timeout" because you don't know when the last timeout will actually be.

[whomario]

Homer Post coming :

Rockets sure escaped one yesterday. For a analytical observer (coaching) Yao´s play has been stellar, don´t let the numbers fool you. The guy is dictating everything the Blazers are doing on both ends of the courts ever since that 7/7 first quarter.
Yesterday he also made a smart adjustment, getting early post position (seriously, a 7´6 guy was often the first or 2nd player up the court) and instead of getting into arm-wrestling matches to get position from behind just sidestepped the Portland Bigs and then sealed them off. Still the Blazers played great defense on him, although at some point should have realized that for once the referees actually blew their whistles when they basically wrapped him with both hands.

Plus he challenges everyone driving at him, isn´t the least bit rattled when teams attack him. Like in game 3 when Oden tried to draw a foul on him and tried to back him down at all costs he didn´t move an inch and all 3 tries resulted in Oden not even getting of a coordinated shot. Just cause he doesn´t jump high and manically screams at people doesn´t mean he´s not a tough and very good defensive player.
Because for all the credit Artest and Battier deserve defending Roy and Scola defending Aldridge, it´s only possible because they can channel Roy right into Yao (and where Yao is doing an incredible job moving his feet and challenging up top instead of reaching down) and because Yao gets over to pick Aldridge up everytime he makes a move.
Or all the times tonight Outlaw beat his man off the dribble only to see Yao coming up and then stop to shoot a jumper.

Yeah, i´ve long been a fan of the guy, since he entered the league basically, and if you want to call me a homer go ahead...

But seriously, his impact is so much bigger than when you look at him averaging 15/11 this series.

His offensive impact is just invaluable to all the other Rockets. Tonight again he created a ton of open opportunities for the Rocket 4-men, Van Wafer was wide open everytime he put the ball on the floor because of Yao´s presence and in the 4th quarter those offensive rebounds were in large part due to the Blazer concentrating on Yao, allowing guys like Scola, Landry and Artest to come from the weaskside and crash the boards.
And then he´s much more patient on offense, never gets frustrated. He doesn´t stop working just because he doesn´t get the ball, doesn´t foul out of frustration and forces the issue but just does his part. That´s sth you can´t value high enough in terms of team chemistry.

He´s also presenting himself as a leader more than ever before. In games he´s directing traffic, talking to guys when they are in a slump and outside his interviews are pure determination.
And then last night he plays 44 freaking minutes as a 7´6/310 behemoth working his ass off on both ends on every single posession. I´ve seldomly see a big Center work as hard as he does every night. I can´t get over the fact that on a couple of occasions he was basically the first one up the court.
His teammates will throw themselves in front of a bus for him, he´s their leader now and not just a talented player.

He really is that teams´s foundation and just for his sake it would be great for the Rockets to reach the 2nd round, he flat out deserves it.

He´s not the only deciding factor and that´s great about the Rockets. They are a team without a true superstar (Yao isn´t, he has too many limitations really) but with a ton of hard-nosed players that know their role and execute. A couple sparkplugs, a couple decently skilled offensive players, a few very good defensive players. And then Yao Ming in the middle of it. And Ron Artest who´s an idiot. But a fun idiot that for some reason adds to that team and is well established. Go figure. Ah well, as long as it helps the others play better : chuck along, Ron.

And how great is Battier ? Seriously, coaches would kill to have that guy on their team. Just unbelievable. They should start giving out a new award and name it after him. "Shane Battier Award for Team Player of the Year" or sth like that.
That guy will make a great 2nd career at whatever he chooses, be it Basketball (coaching, scouting, TV) or whatever else he chooses.



Overall theese Playoffs have been a ton of fun thus far.

How about Boston-Chicago ? What a great series ! Although both teams defense is borderline pathetic, especially in transition. The Coach in me throws up a little every game ... Rondo has been spectacular, averaging 23/11/10 in the 4 games. Not bad for a skinny PG without a jump shot to speak of ;)

[JeeberD]

Hey, another Rockets fan. How about that?

[sterlingice]

Yeah, who knew :)

SI

[Big Fo]

Denver is up 50+ on the road, unless nba.com's scoring updater is messed up. Shocking.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Denver is up 50+ on the road, unless nba.com's scoring updater is messed up. Shocking.

That does not appear to be an error.
Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Hornets - Box Score - April 27, 2009 - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=290427003)

Denver was up 61-39 at the half, outscored 'em 50-16 in the second half so far.

[Big Fo]

This has to be some kind of record for a road playoff win depending on how it ends.

edit: Tied for the largest margin of victory in NBA playoff history. 121-63.

[Lathum]

The Nuggets can make a serious run at LA if they keep playing this way and Billups continues to be such a solid leader

[Neuqua]

So, I attended the Bulls/Celtics game last night.

And I took a date, who jokingly told me on the way inside that she was bad luck. I thought she was kidding but I noticed everytime we sat in our seats, the Celtics kept making a run. And then when me and her would get up to get some beer or make a bathroom run, we'd come back and the Bulls would be leading. This went on during three seperate occasions when in the 3rd quarter, somehow this girl (and a few beers I'm assuming) convinced me that in the best interests for the Bulls winning, we better leave our seats and watch the game in the bars on the lower level of the stadium.

So I watched the entire 4th quarter and both overtimes at the Budweiser Pubs in the 108 section. But we won.

So I'm confused, do I ask her out again even though she caused me to miss sitting in my seat and witnessing in person one of the best games in recent times? Or do I take the fact that we ended up winning the game once we left those said seats as a positive sign.

I'll be at the game again on Thursday, what to do, what to do.

[Lathum]

did she put out?

[Groundhog]

did she put out?

Yeah, how can you expect an opinion from us on this matter when important facts have been left out?

[Lathum]

Yeah, how can you expect an opinion from us on this matter when important facts have been left out?

exactly.

A handjob on the way home probably gets her into the next game.

[MrBug708]

The Nuggets can make a serious run at LA if they keep playing this way and Billups continues to be such a solid leader

They can push it to 6 you think?

[LloydLungs]

I was in the New Orleans Arena tonight for this debacle. I can vouch for the fact that the score is correct. Denver is playing really well, but they were fortunate to draw an imploding, crippled team in round one. Even if you put the worst team in the NBA against the best, if it gets beyond about 25 points then there is some quitting involved. So you can do the math on a 58-point loss at home in the goddamn playoffs. The Hornets are a mess.

It was interesting to hear Bill Simmons on his podcast, before the playoffs started, essentially picking the Hornets in this series. Neither he nor his guest had any idea how serious Chandler's injuries are. I find that to be the prevailing national opinion (judging from the completely laughable, uninformed reactions after the aborted trade). It's the only thing that gives me any hope that MAYBE we can find a gullible team to unload this lemon on in the offseason.

[whomario]

I sure hope Iverson has been watching last nights game out of old interest for his former team :

http://i641.photobucket.com/albums/uu138/rgfhgdghhfd/ai-billups.jpg[/URL]


And no, that´s not photshopped but actual ABC footage :D Yeah, i know Detroit did it for the salary Cap but it sure as hell is some cold shit by ABC :devil:

In other news the Lakers beat the Jazz to advance yesterday, not 100% convincingly but still an easy victory despite Bynum´s continuing struggles.
And Atlanta finally won a road game and showed some fight against adversity.

Tonight i hope for wins by Dallas, Orlando and Houston. Would be fine with either Bos or Chi as long as they make for another huge game ;)

[URL="http://i641.photobucket.com/albums/uu138/rgfhgdghhfd/ai-billups.jpg"] (http://i641.photobucket.com/albums/uu138/rgfhgdghhfd/ai-billups.jpg)

[sterlingice]

So I'm confused, do I ask her out again even though she caused me to miss sitting in my seat and witnessing in person one of the best games in recent times? Or do I take the fact that we ended up winning the game once we left those said seats as a positive sign.

I'll be at the game again on Thursday, what to do, what to do.

Take one for the team. Bring her along but you're going to have to accept that you need to make a sacrifice for the good of your fandom as a whole and watch most of the game not from your seats.

Myself, my wife, and a friend of mine have a similar superstition at Royals games where if we got up in the visiting team's half of the inning to go to the bathroom, grab food, etc- they would invariably score. So, we had to always get up in the KC half of the inning to avoid this karmic wrath :)

SI

[EagleFan]

Wow, I don't think that I have ever seen an entire team quit like that. In a home playoff game even.

[EagleFan]

dola: I just remembered the Mets in September these last two seasons so maybe I have seen one other team quit like that.

[LloydLungs]

Wow, I don't think that I have ever seen an entire team quit like that. In a home playoff game even.

I wasn't really thinking about this as a viable possibility before, but I just don't know how you can keep Byron Scott around after that display. I know he was COY last season, but when the team tunes you out, you're tuned out and that's that...

We'll probably take crap from the national media for it, but I just can't see how you can bring him back for another year after that.

[miami_fan]

I wasn't really thinking about this as a viable possibility before, but I just don't know how you can keep Byron Scott around after that display. I know he was COY last season, but when the team tunes you out, you're tuned out and that's that...

We'll probably take crap from the national media for it, but I just can't see how you can bring him back for another year after that.

I don't think COY will make a difference one way or the other. If they fired Scott, that would 6 of the last 7 COYs that are no longer with the team they won the award with.

[Lathum]

dola: I just remembered the Mets in September these last two seasons so maybe I have seen one other team quit like that.

nice

[Lathum]

They can push it to 6 you think?

I think they can.

The Lakers tend to get complacent late in games from what I have seen.

With a team like Denver they can get back into a game quick or can go on a 15 point tear in 3 minutes if you aren't careful.

I don't think they can beat the Lakers in 7 games. In the NBA playoffs the best team virtually always wins, but the Nuggets can make it interesting.

[JeeberD]

Funny how the Mavs and Rox are just being dismissed...

[Lathum]

Funny how the Mavs and Rox are just being dismissed...

I don't think they are being dismissed. I'm just saying who can give the Lakers a run, not who is going to win the west.

But it won't be the MAvs or Rockets, but hey, getting to the second round should be a big deal for T-Mac!

[flere-imsaho]

So, I don't follow the NBA much, but watched the 2nd half of the Hawks-Heat game last night while doing my ironing (not an euphemism). Based on this, I have two questions:

1. It looks like Dwayne Wade, even while injured, was effectively carrying his team. Does the rest of the Heat really suck as much as they appeared to (especially in the 4th quarter).

2. I've never seen Jermaine O'Neal play well, which is perhaps mostly a function of not watching the NBA a lot. So, is he really as good as his "reputation"? Because I wasn't seeing it last night. I mean, in the last four minutes he got scored on like 4 times and was never in contention for a rebound.

[JeeberD]

TMac can take a flying leap for all I care. Like I said several months ago, this is a much better team without him. And I like our chances against the Lakers...Battier gives Kobe fits.

[JeeberD]

2. I've never seen Jermaine O'Neal play well, which is perhaps mostly a function of not watching the NBA a lot. So, is he really as good as his "reputation"? Because I wasn't seeing it last night. I mean, in the last four minutes he got scored on like 4 times and was never in contention for a rebound.

Jermaine O'Neal is a shadow of his former self, though I don't think he was ever as good as his reputation claimed.

[sterlingice]

TMac can take a flying leap for all I care. Like I said several months ago, this is a much better team without him. And I like our chances against the Lakers...Battier gives Kobe fits.

Yeah, but for as much as TMac can be a headache, it's playoff team and we really could use a consistent third scoring threat. That's why I'm afraid we won't make much noise, even if we win the first round series.

SI

[JeeberD]

Scolandry. 'Nuff said... ;)

[sterlingice]

Heck, Brooks even had a pair of nice games in 1/2 but I would definitely like something a little more reliable, if possible.

SI

[whomario]

Heck, Brooks even had a pair of nice games in 1/2 but I would definitely like something a little more reliable, if possible.

SI

yeah well, unless the Lakers move their games into the Rose Garden ... Seriously, i half expect him to go for 30 tonight in Portland as relaxed and at home he seemed returning "home" ;)

What really bugs me about Brooks that there are a couple passes he simply can´t make. Not "doesn´t pass" but "can´t pass". He can´t make an entry pass to save his life, is absolutely unable to do a backward pass in a Pick & Roll/Pop Situation over more than 6 feet and is troubled by kickouts to his right. All pretty basic stuff really, for an NBA PG at least.
That´s also a reason why Artest has the ball that much, who is a much better passer but unfortunately experiences blackouts in his brain every other possession ...

I am going to bed now to catch a quick 4 hours of sleep before tipoff at 4am here ... I´m superstitious. Missed 4 games against the Jazz the previous years with 4 losses, missed game 2 and they lost...

Roy reportedly has "flu-like symptoms", so i guess he´ll put in about 35 tonight. Seriously, has anyone ever scored less than 30 when reported with those ? ;)

Series isn´t over before it´s over really, it´s not like Portland is far off from the Rockets after game 1.

[sterlingice]

We'll have to play "where in the world is whomario"?

If the game starts at 4am there, it makes you guys at +1. According to a list I found online, that includes:

<table width="626" bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> ALBANIA (Tirana ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=5977)
ANDORRA (Andorra la Vella ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=12604)
ALGERIA (Algiers) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=5978)
ANGOLA (Luanda) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=42079)
AUSTRIA (Vienna ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=6034)
BELGIUM (Brussels ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=3406)
BENIN (Porto-Novo) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=6041)
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA (Sarajevo ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=6046)
CAMEROON (Yaounde) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=6068)
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (Bangui) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=6070)
CHAD (N'Djamena) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=42109)
CONGO, REPUBLIC of the (Brazzaville) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=41989)
CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC of the (Kinshasa) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=1416)
CROATIA (Zagreb ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=3997)
CZECH REPUBLIC (Prague ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=3643)
DENMARK (Copenhagen ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=17241)
EQUATORIAL GUINEA (Malabo) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=42113)
MACEDONIA (Skopje ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=5005)
FRANCE (Paris ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=6409)
GABON (Libreville) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=6414)
GERMANY (Berlin ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=3651)
GIBRALTAR (Gibraltar ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=15469)
HUNGARY (Budapest ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=4001)
ITALY (Rome ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=4121)
LIECHTENSTEIN (Vaduz ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=13083)
LUXEMBOURG (Luxembourg ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=6538)
MALTA (Valletta ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=6545)
MONACO (Monaco ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=15664)
NAMIBIA (Windhoek ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=13082)
NETHERLANDS (Amsterdam ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=6580)
NIGER (Niamey) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=6594)
NIGERIA (Abuja, Lagos) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=18812)
NORWAY (Oslo ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=6596)
POLAND (Warsaw ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=12730)
SAN MARINO (San Marino ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=4801)
SERBIA and MONTENEGRO (Belgrade ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=6785)
SLOVAKIA (Bratislava ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=5013)
SLOVENIA (Ljubljana ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=4794)
SPAIN (Madrid ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=3818)
SVALBARD (SPITZBERGEN) AND JAN MAYEN (Longyearbyen ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=42133)
SWEDEN (Stockholm ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=6713)
SWITZERLAND (Bern ^dst, Zurich ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=3493)
TUNISIA (Tunis ^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=6761)
VATICAN (Vatican city^dst) (http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=42001)
</td></tr></tbody></table>
Hm... that's a lot of places to make a guess from.

SI

[Lathum]

Italy seems the obvious choice.

[MikeVic]

If he's from Poland or Croatia, then +1 for him.

[Fidatelo]

I'm guessing Vatican City.

[Karlifornia]

I'm gonna say Equitorial Guinea

[JeeberD]

Liechtenstein FTW!

[SirFozzie]

Looks like this could be a bridge too far. When Brian Scalabrine is playing tough minutes in his first game back, your team is too short handed.

[miami_fan]

So, I don't follow the NBA much, but watched the 2nd half of the Hawks-Heat game last night while doing my ironing (not an euphemism). Based on this, I have two questions:

1. It looks like Dwayne Wade, even while injured, was effectively carrying his team. Does the rest of the Heat really suck as much as they appeared to (especially in the 4th quarter).

The Heat is a young, inconsistent team. Seven players on the playoff roster have three years of experience or less. Beasley has been average at best this season. Cook is a streaky shooter as is Chalmers. This series is a microcosm of the entire season. Those three are supposed to be Wade's help on the offensive end. When they are on, the Heat play well like they did in games two and three. If not....well you get games one and four.

2. I've never seen Jermaine O'Neal play well, which is perhaps mostly a function of not watching the NBA a lot. So, is he really as good as his "reputation"? Because I wasn't seeing it last night. I mean, in the last four minutes he got scored on like 4 times and was never in contention for a rebound.

I am not sure what his reputation is but Jermaine O'Neal looks and plays like a 13 year vet with shot knees. As a fan, if O'neal can grab six boards a night, I am ecstatic. Somehow, someway he is still averaging two blocks per game.

[miami_fan]

How many times on the Philly defenders going to buy that fake jab step by Turkgolu before he shoots the three?

[SirFozzie]

Horrible call by the refs. Wow.

[Groundhog]

Looks like another classic finish coming up in the Celtics-Bulls game...

[miami_fan]

Really? You give up the baseline and a clear look at the basket Stephon? Wow

[SirFozzie]

You have to think Marbury was trying to be "the good teammate".

[SirFozzie]

DOLA: DA TROOF!

[Jas_lov]

lol, Marbury. What is he even doing on the floor? Great, another OT.

[MrBug708]

TMac can take a flying leap for all I care. Like I said several months ago, this is a much better team without him. And I like our chances against the Lakers...Battier gives Kobe fits.

Like your chances? To do what? Go past 5 games? :)

[miami_fan]

wow

[Radii]

This is terrible basketball. Does Chicago really think their best option is to let Ben Gordon jack up highly contested 3's? Every time they give him the ball he just plays 1 on 1 and takes a stupid shot.

[law90026]

Fouling on a 3-pointer?!? Go Bulls and Gordon is clutch.

[DaddyTorgo]

DA TROOF!!!!

[DaddyTorgo]

i might die laughing if he misses one of the FT's here

[DaddyTorgo]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOH

LOL

[DaddyTorgo]

now this sets up the "intentional brick" here

[DaddyTorgo]

oops - they fucked up the intentional-brick

lol

[miami_fan]

He puckered up on those free throws

[DaddyTorgo]

lol - pierce missed his too - whoops!

fortunately it didn't matter

[Coffee Warlord]

Shoulda been a flagrant called on that foul.

God awful reffing today.

[RainMaker]

Good game. We needed that to be a flagrant on Rondo to have a chance there.

[DaddyTorgo]

reffing's been shit all series. but it's the NBA - that's to be expected hmm?

[SirFozzie]

First NBA postseason series to have 3 OT games, apparently (per the radio)

[Big Fo]

Orlando looked better tonight in beating the Sixers. It's a shame Boston won, I'm worried about a possible KG comeback in the conference semis despite what Rivers has been saying.

[RainMaker]

Miller should have taken more time to recover. That shot to the face really seemed to be an issue during the free throw as it looks like he lost a tooth or two.

[whomario]

Scola is the man :) Too bad he is just that tad bit undersized/athletically challenged on D against Aldridge. But boy is that guy skilled .

What´s the deal with Rondo and the technical ? Haven´t seen it yet, was it that bad ?

Other than that the giuy seriously is on his way to a series TD, 28/8/11 tonight again :eek: And that Celtics bench is seriously depleted with their injuries, they get nothing from there at at all.

Howard with 24/24, he´s quietly haviong a terrific series

[sterlingice]

How is it fair that whomario can watch this game in (what country are you in? we were wondering earlier) but we can't in the US unless we pay for NBA TV?

SI

[whomario]

league pass broadband is my friend ;)

[SirFozzie]

Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics - Recap - April 28, 2009 - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=290428002)

The video package is on espn.

And you have to be a Chicago fan or a Boston hater to try to imagine that as a flagrant

[Chief Rum]

Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics - Recap - April 28, 2009 - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=290428002)

The video package is on espn.

And you have to be a Chicago fan or a Boston hater to try to imagine that as a flagrant

I am a Boston hater usually, and I didn't think it was a flagrant. Of course, I have talked to some people who didn't even think it should have been a foul, and I think those people are nuts.

[SirFozzie]

I agree it's a foul, a hard one at that (he had to have stitches in his mouth).. but it's not Flagrant.

[Chief Rum]

I agree it's a foul, a hard one at that (he had to have stitches in his mouth).. but it's not Flagrant.

Agreed. My impression was it was simply a height thing. There's a lot of Miller to climb up, and while he's a heavy white dude and Rondo is a very good athlete, that's a lot of white mountain to jump up. Rondo made a swipe for the ball, and just flat missed and the resulting swiping just smacked Miller on the mouth. Shit happens.

BTW, doesn't the NBA allow someone to check in and take a guy's free throws for him in an injury situation like this? I mean, heck, if there is, why didn't they put in some very good (and ideally pain free) free throw shooter in the game for Miller?

[SirFozzie]

if he has to come out of the game due to injury, the CELTICS decide who shoots the free throws.

[SirFozzie]

NBA.com - RULE NO. 9-FREE THROW (http://www.nba.com/analysis/rules_9.html?nav=ArticleList)

Section II-Shooting of Free Throw
a. The free throw(s) awarded because of a personal foul shall be attempted by the offended player.
EXCEPTIONS:
(1) If the offended player is injured or is ejected from the game and cannot attempt the awarded free throw(s), the opposing coach shall select, from his opponent's bench, the player who will replace the injured player. That player will attempt the free throw(s) and the injured player will not be permitted to re-enter the game. The substitute must remain in the game until the next dead ball.

[Chief Rum]

NBA.com - RULE NO. 9-FREE THROW (http://www.nba.com/analysis/rules_9.html?nav=ArticleList)

Section II-Shooting of Free Throw
a. The free throw(s) awarded because of a personal foul shall be attempted by the offended player.
EXCEPTIONS:
(1) If the offended player is injured or is ejected from the game and cannot attempt the awarded free throw(s), the opposing coach shall select, from his opponent's bench, the player who will replace the injured player. That player will attempt the free throw(s) and the injured player will not be permitted to re-enter the game. The substitute must remain in the game until the next dead ball.

Man, kindofa crummy rule. I understand that by placing it in the opposing coach's hands, you take away the possibility a coach will have his player fake an injury to get a better free throw shooter, but this way of doing it only seems to encourage the concept of going out and head hunting on the floor. So long as you're going for the ball (per say), why not just try to hurt the guy every time?

[SirFozzie]

(2) If the offended player is injured and unable to attempt the awarded free throw(s) due to any unsportsmanlike act, his coach may designate any eligible member of the squad to attempt the free throw(s). The injured player will be permitted to re-enter the game.

This is why

[RainMaker]

I don't have a problem with the no-call on the flagrant. I think if it was in Chicago or much earlier in the game it could have been a flagrant. There is no way they call one though at the end of the game.

One thing that I haven't seen on the networks is giving more credit to Rondo. Outside of Lebron, he's been the best player in the playoffs. He's played better than Paul and Williams in the playoffs. You could make the argument that he's the best PG in basketball right now. I haven't watched a lot of Boston's games this year, but as a Chicago fan, this guy blows me away.

[Lathum]

I think the more pressing issue is did Neuqua get a hand job?

[Groundhog]

I think the more pressing issue is did Neuqua get a hand job?

x2

[DaddyTorgo]

I think the more pressing issue is did Neuqua get a hand job?

x3

[DaddyTorgo]

One thing that I haven't seen on the networks is giving more credit to Rondo. Outside of Lebron, he's been the best player in the playoffs. He's played better than Paul and Williams in the playoffs. You could make the argument that he's the best PG in basketball right now. I haven't watched a lot of Boston's games this year, but as a Chicago fan, this guy blows me away.

+1

He's been crazy. And he's playing hurt to the point where he's dunking both of his feet/ankles in ice baths after the game. If he keeps working on his midrange game it's all over.

[whomario]

+1

He's been crazy. And he's playing hurt to the point where he's dunking both of his feet/ankles in ice baths after the game. If he keeps working on his midrange game it's all over.


If he can get to Tony Parker´s level that would be great allready. That´s also the best i can envision him becoming and he´d have to think about changing his form as well, just like Parker did.
Right now his shot is pretty much "broken". Not terrible form, but inconsistent because he has way too much movement in his shooting motion combined with his big hands. Parker basically "shortened" the way he shot with an earlier release point, thus less possibility of leaving course during the shooting motion.
A technique that won´t ever make him (Parker) a great shooter but which is more consistent and relieable.

But the way he´s playing is really impressive, no doubt about it. And Rose isn´t exactly a pushover either despite being a rookie, so that adds to his performance.

A skinny PG that isn´t even big for his position without a jump shot putting up that kind of numbers is just sick, he´s really incredibly good at finding holes in the defense (sth that translates to his rebounding, too.).

And he´s also a good passer technically that isn´t dependent on drawing the help to make a good play (unlike f.e. Brooks).

The Rockets just stunk it up yesterday in the 4th. Too many unnescessary fouls where the Blazers weren´t even in scoring position, shitty rotations in help situations and on broken plays. Plus Aldridge absolutely abused Scola/Landry/Hayes, inspired performance. And then on offense they went cold without Scola and with Yao being defended extremely well. Brooks was just terrible (and the same problems in terms of passing, again), Battier way too passive, Landry sleepwalked and Artest was Artest ...

For Portland Blake was the X-Factor + MacMillan finally went completely without Batum in the 2nd half who just has no place this series on either end of the floor (no need for a defensive "stopper", he doesn´t help well and on offense he does absolutely nothing since the Blazers can´t get anything in transition), can´t play someone like that especially with Przybilla being a non-factor on offense as well.

I´m still confident the Rockets will pull it out tomorrow, but it´s far from over ...

[Neuqua]

First off, I am obviously biased in thinking it was a flagarant, getting that out of the way...

FOFC is just about the only place I have found where people don't think that was a flagarant foul on Rondo. ESPN's been talking about it all morning and I have not found one sports website who also is not calling that flagarant.

If that play were in Chicago or even earlier in the game, there is no doubt a flagarant would have been called so why do the circumstances change? If the roles were reversed and it was Brad Miller who swatted Rondo's head, is there any doubt what the outcome would have been?

Its arguable that he was going for the ball but when you hit a guy across the face like that, hard enough for his tooth to literally come out, that is more than a personal foul.

PS - And no I didn't get a handjob either, which may add to my grumpiness, but regardless I'm giving her a chance to redeem herself tomorrow at the United Center. Go Bulls.

[Neuqua]

dola -

Since when did the Celtics become so obnoxious? They've been acting like complete punks the entire series, I think they forget that its them that are the #2 seed that are being pushed to their limits by this up and coming #7 seed.

http://www.nbcchicago.com/sports/basketball/Worst-Person-In-The-World-Kevin-Garnett.html

[Dr. Sak]

Did she at least let you feel her up?

[Neon_Chaos]

That was clearly a flagrant.

You shouldn't be able to slap someone in the side of the head and consider it to be called a "hard foul".

[Neon_Chaos]

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/fan_shot_images/46627/bullsnofoul.gif

[rjolley]

Yeah, I've seen lighter hits be called flagrant. That was a bit excessive. The fact that it was in the last minute of the game in the playoffs shouldn't matter.

[gstelmack]

Awww, did de poor widdle big dude get beat up by de skinny point guard? Awww....

(but yeah, he's nowhere near the ball, that's pretty bad. But since I gave up long ago trying to figure out what's a foul in the NBA, let alone the different types of fouls, I have no comment on whether it's flagrant or not).

[gstelmack]

Did he catch Pierce's elbow on the way down? That looks more likely to put out a tooth than Rondo's slap on the head.

[sterlingice]

(But since I gave up long ago trying to figure out what's a foul in the NBA, let alone the different types of fouls, I have no comment on whether it's flagrant or not).

QFT

SI

[SirFozzie]

Actually. look at the picture.. I thought hitting the net was goaltending.. or is it only when the ball's on the cylinder.

[SirFozzie]

First off, I am obviously biased in thinking it was a flagarant, getting that out of the way...

FOFC is just about the only place I have found where people don't think that was a flagarant foul on Rondo. ESPN's been talking about it all morning and I have not found one sports website who also is not calling that flagarant.

If that play were in Chicago or even earlier in the game, there is no doubt a flagarant would have been called so why do the circumstances change? If the roles were reversed and it was Brad Miller who swatted Rondo's head, is there any doubt what the outcome would have been?


A) He didn't lose a tooth

B) You must not have looked very hard. Front page of espn.com

Legler on Rajon Rondo Foul - ESPN Video - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4111194)

[Radii]

I don't watch a lot of NBA basketball, but I'm still amazed that we're talking about this foul instead of how a team as terribly coached as Chicago is a playoff team. Seriously, my impressions from the game yesterday:

1. Rose is far and away the best player Chicago has.

2. In every clutch situation, giving the ball to a guy who is 5-18, who is going to shoot no matter how bad the shot he has available to him, is lunacy. Seriously, that bailout foul on the 3 pointer by Gordon late in the game... he should be pulled from the game for being moronic enough to even consider putting up that shot. The final play before OT... they clearout for Gordon, he waits until there's 5 seconds on the clock to even get within 30 feet of the basket, and takes a ridiculous fadeaway over a defender from 22 feet out. There's no thought of going 2 seconds earlier for the chance at a tipin? No consideration to passing the ball to an open man?

3. Taking 1 and 2 into consideration, why the hell are you going to your ice cold terrible decision maker of a SG. Give the ball to Rose. He drives, dishes if his drive causes enough chaos that someone gets open, takes a shot if its there, draws contact if he can. You crowd the middle allowing the chance for a tip-in off a miss.

4. When Paul Pierce hits open 15-18 footers every single trip down the court without breaking a sweat, with no effort or intent of doing anything different until stopped, how many times does Chicago allow this to happen before putting someone else in the game? Or putting a different defender on Pierce? Or making any kind of move *at all* to prevent this from happening?


Admittedly I don't watch enough of the NBA to know all the players anymore, but Rose/Rondo and the closeness of this series got me interested in watching a bit, and Chicago was just a complete embarrassment down the stretch and in the entirety of overtime.

am I missing something?

[DaddyTorgo]

dola -

Since when did the Celtics become so obnoxious? They've been acting like complete punks the entire series, I think they forget that its them that are the #2 seed that are being pushed to their limits by this up and coming #7 seed.

http://www.nbcchicago.com/sports/basketball/Worst-Person-In-The-World-Kevin-Garnett.html

i didn't read your link, but if it's talking about Garnett - hasn't the knock on him always been that he's super-intense and he comes off as sort of a bully/psycho because of his intensity?

[larrymcg421]

It probably should've been a flagrant, and I agree that the time of the game shouldn't matter one bit. If that was the case, then why wouldn't the team ahead just be utterly brutal in the closing seconds? If someone commits a technical with 0.1 left in a 3OT game that is the 7th game of the NBA finals, then it should still be called.

However, why is this getting so much play? It was a bad call, but they happen. Just like Gordon being out of bounds before he was fouled on the 3 pt attempt.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

I just have a feeling that Gordon has an 8 for 25 night coming up.

So it was 6 for 21. But there's no doubt he cost them that game.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

However, why is this getting so much play? It was a bad call, but they happen. Just like Gordon being out of bounds before he was fouled on the 3 pt attempt.

Also see Ray Allen in the second half.

[Coffee Warlord]

Admittedly I don't watch enough of the NBA to know all the players anymore, but Rose/Rondo and the closeness of this series got me interested in watching a bit, and Chicago was just a complete embarrassment down the stretch and in the entirety of overtime.

am I missing something?

No, and I put this heavily on the fact that Del Negro has no business being a head coach in the NBA. He hasn't shown he can make adjustments and adapt to how games are shaping up. I've watched a pretty fair amount of Bulls games this season, and the VAST majority of the time, anything he draws up out of a timeout turns into a disaster.

The talent of the team has made the Bulls interesting to watch. The tactics/team discipline has been abysmal all season, and that's heavily on the coach.

[larrymcg421]

4. When Paul Pierce hits open 15-18 footers every single trip down the court without breaking a sweat, with no effort or intent of doing anything different until stopped, how many times does Chicago allow this to happen before putting someone else in the game? Or putting a different defender on Pierce? Or making any kind of move *at all* to prevent this from happening?

Easier said than done. Pierce is a complete player that can hit from anywhere on the court. If you challenge his outside shots, he'll get by you and to the line. If you sit back, he'll pull up and hit a jumper. The defense wasn't so bad on those shots down the stretch. A couple of them were somewhat off balance.

Plus the problem is that the Bulls are a .500 team, and there's probably a reason for it. Think about it in text sim terms. You've got a guy with a 5 rating in defense and put him on their star who has 10's across the board. He might get burned, but you don't take him out and put your guy with a rating of 3 on him.

[gstelmack]

Also see Ray Allen in the second half.

Not having watched the game, I didn't know what else had gone on until I read Simmons today:

If the Bulls fans want to whine about it, fine, just remember that (A.) Boston's best clutch guy (Ray Allen) fouled out on two of the worst calls of the playoffs, and (B.) Ben Gordon stepped out of bounds right as he got fouled by Tony "Why Am I In The Game Again?" Allen for three game-tying free throws in the final 30 seconds. Sweeping incompetence will eventually even out over time.

Sounds like from you guys these are valid questions.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Meh Allen kept getting called for ticky tacky fouls over and over again until they'd run him from the game. On one hand it's his own fault, but on the other it seemed ridiculous to me.

[Radii]

Easier said than done. Pierce is a complete player that can hit from anywhere on the court. If you challenge his outside shots, he'll get by you and to the line. If you sit back, he'll pull up and hit a jumper. The defense wasn't so bad on those shots down the stretch. A couple of them were somewhat off balance.

Plus the problem is that the Bulls are a .500 team, and there's probably a reason for it. Think about it in text sim terms. You've got a guy with a 5 rating in defense and put him on their star who has 10's across the board. He might get burned, but you don't take him out and put your guy with a rating of 3 on him.

Yeah I can understand that for sure. But Salmons is an inch shorter than Pierce and seemed a foot shorter by the time Pierce makes a jab step and Salmons falls over himself to jump back and protect against the drive. I know I'm exaggerating a bit but Garnett is hurt, Allen has fouled out... Pierce is the only one of the big 3 left in the game. Don't you at least try something different after he hits 2 or 3 of those jump shots in a row? Tell Salmons to play tight and set up a switch/rotation behind him if he gets by. Double team him at the top of the key... sure you may still lose anyway, but make him give up the ball to someone else, or work a good bit harder for his shot if he's going to take it.

The Bulls offensive tactics were a much bigger problem to me than the defense, but that still bugged the heck out of me watching it.

[RainMaker]

If he can get to Tony Parker´s level that would be great allready. That´s also the best i can envision him becoming and he´d have to think about changing his form as well, just like Parker did.
Right now his shot is pretty much "broken". Not terrible form, but inconsistent because he has way too much movement in his shooting motion combined with his big hands. Parker basically "shortened" the way he shot with an earlier release point, thus less possibility of leaving course during the shooting motion.
A technique that won´t ever make him (Parker) a great shooter but which is more consistent and relieable.

But the way he´s playing is really impressive, no doubt about it. And Rose isn´t exactly a pushover either despite being a rookie, so that adds to his performance.

A skinny PG that isn´t even big for his position without a jump shot putting up that kind of numbers is just sick, he´s really incredibly good at finding holes in the defense (sth that translates to his rebounding, too.).

And he´s also a good passer technically that isn´t dependent on drawing the help to make a good play (unlike f.e. Brooks).

The Rockets just stunk it up yesterday in the 4th. Too many unnescessary fouls where the Blazers weren´t even in scoring position, shitty rotations in help situations and on broken plays. Plus Aldridge absolutely abused Scola/Landry/Hayes, inspired performance. And then on offense they went cold without Scola and with Yao being defended extremely well. Brooks was just terrible (and the same problems in terms of passing, again), Battier way too passive, Landry sleepwalked and Artest was Artest ...

For Portland Blake was the X-Factor + MacMillan finally went completely without Batum in the 2nd half who just has no place this series on either end of the floor (no need for a defensive "stopper", he doesn´t help well and on offense he does absolutely nothing since the Blazers can´t get anything in transition), can´t play someone like that especially with Przybilla being a non-factor on offense as well.

I´m still confident the Rockets will pull it out tomorrow, but it´s far from over ...

I think he's a much different player than Parker. First, Rondo is a great rebounder, probably the best rebounding PG in the NBA right now. He's also a better defender. Parker is a better passer which may be the most important quality.

Rondo needs to become a better mid-range shooter as well as hit his free throws. If he does that, he'll be the best PG in the NBA.

[RainMaker]

Yeah I can understand that for sure. But Salmons is an inch shorter than Pierce and seemed a foot shorter by the time Pierce makes a jab step and Salmons falls over himself to jump back and protect against the drive. I know I'm exaggerating a bit but Garnett is hurt, Allen has fouled out... Pierce is the only one of the big 3 left in the game. Don't you at least try something different after he hits 2 or 3 of those jump shots in a row? Tell Salmons to play tight and set up a switch/rotation behind him if he gets by. Double team him at the top of the key... sure you may still lose anyway, but make him give up the ball to someone else, or work a good bit harder for his shot if he's going to take it.

The Bulls offensive tactics were a much bigger problem to me than the defense, but that still bugged the heck out of me watching it.

I was actually surprised that they didn't have Hinrich on him. He has much quicker hands and is real fiesty. He had been giving Pierce fits when guarding him throughout the series.

[whomario]

I think he's a much different player than Parker. First, Rondo is a great rebounder, probably the best rebounding PG in the NBA right now. He's also a better defender. Parker is a better passer which may be the most important quality.

Rondo needs to become a better mid-range shooter as well as hit his free throws. If he does that, he'll be the best PG in the NBA.

fully agree, i merely brought Parker up as a recent example of a good PG that lacked a jump shot and changed his shooting form to get to a respectable level (at times even better than respectabel, if he gets to his sweet spots).
Best PG in the NBA ? I don´t know about that one and that´s not a knock on him with guys like Paul and Williams who are really, really good. Just that they lost in the first round doesn´t change how good they are.

@ Radii : The thing is that it worked pretty good so far, Salmons did a great job on defense. But i agree that they should have come up with some defensive scheme, some 1-3-1 traping zone or pick another poison and double agressively.

The Celtics made that sort of adjustment with Rose late in Game 1 and have forced him out of his comfort zone the next games.

[molson]

dola -

Since when did the Celtics become so obnoxious? They've been acting like complete punks the entire series, I think they forget that its them that are the #2 seed that are being pushed to their limits by this up and coming #7 seed.

http://www.nbcchicago.com/sports/basketball/Worst-Person-In-The-World-Kevin-Garnett.html

They could learn from the classy Ben Gordon and his crotch grabbing after big shots.

[DaddyTorgo]

They could learn from the classy Ben Gordon and his crotch grabbing after big shots.

I noticed that last night - wtf is up with that?

[Big Fo]

Dwight Howard has been suspended for game six. Without him and Lee this is probably going to seven games.

[MikeVic]

What did Howard do?

[RainMaker]

I don't watch a lot of NBA basketball, but I'm still amazed that we're talking about this foul instead of how a team as terribly coached as Chicago is a playoff team. Seriously, my impressions from the game yesterday:

That's the saddest part of it as a Bulls fan. The team should be a lot better. They were well under .500 to start the year until Vinny learned that playing a half court style with quick guys who can run doesn't work.

He is by far the worst coach in the league and really doesn't know what he's doing. He ran out of timeouts in the first two games in the series when the team could have used them.

[RainMaker]

fully agree, i merely brought Parker up as a recent example of a good PG that lacked a jump shot and changed his shooting form to get to a respectable level (at times even better than respectabel, if he gets to his sweet spots).
Best PG in the NBA ? I don´t know about that one and that´s not a knock on him with guys like Paul and Williams who are really, really good. Just that they lost in the first round doesn´t change how good they are.

@ Radii : The thing is that it worked pretty good so far, Salmons did a great job on defense. But i agree that they should have come up with some defensive scheme, some 1-3-1 traping zone or pick another poison and double agressively.

The Celtics made that sort of adjustment with Rose late in Game 1 and have forced him out of his comfort zone the next games.

I'm a big Paul fan but not as much on Williams. I think he disappears from games too much.

I know it's probably bias, but I think Rose will be better than all of them. He's 20 years old and playing on a team that has two guys who just don't pass (Salmons and Gordon).

[RainMaker]

dola -

Since when did the Celtics become so obnoxious? They've been acting like complete punks the entire series, I think they forget that its them that are the #2 seed that are being pushed to their limits by this up and coming #7 seed.

http://www.nbcchicago.com/sports/basketball/Worst-Person-In-The-World-Kevin-Garnett.html

It is funny seeing Garnett calling someone a choker when most of his career has been spent choking in the first round of the playoffs.

[SirFozzie]

What did Howard do?

blatant elbow to the head

[RainMaker]

Dwight Howard has been suspended for game six. Without him and Lee this is probably going to seven games.
I'm a bit surprised he was suspended. He did throw an elbow but you'll probably see it a dozen or so times in the playoffs. But I know the league wants a Game 7 bad.

[SirFozzie]

NBA OK with Rondo foul - Celtics Blog - Boston.com (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2009/04/nba_ok_with_ron.html)

NBA has agreed that Rondo's foul was not a flagrant

[Big Fo]

I'm a bit surprised he was suspended. He did throw an elbow but you'll probably see it a dozen or so times in the playoffs. But I know the league wants a Game 7 bad.

I thought it was harsh as well and was hoping the league would give Howard the benefit of the doubt.

[RainMaker]

I thought it was harsh as well and was hoping the league would give Howard the benefit of the doubt.
Not when there is big money to be made in a 7 game series.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

It's a conspiracy!

[molson]

Not when there is big money to be made in a 7 game series.

This again? As long as you're not whining when people say the refs "handed game 6" to the Bulls. Because you know it's coming.

[RainMaker]

This again? As long as you're not whining when people say the refs "handed game 6" to the Bulls. Because you know it's coming.
I know the Bulls will get the benefit of the doubt in Game 6.

[Karlifornia]

I just don't think it's fair that the higher seeds get a home court advantage.