The OFFICIAL NBA Playoffs Thread

[RahKhem]

Re: The OFFICIAL NBA Playoffs Thread

And if the Spurs play like they need to play, with hustle and energy, they can beat any team in the NBA, period.

Not saying the Pistons will crumble into a smelly heap, but when San Antonio is on their game, they are unbeatable. Too clutch. Too good on defense. And have the best player in basketball.

And let's not forget the Lakers had a miracle happen with the 0.4 second shot by Fisher.

Which means that this series is going to be a hell of a series, probably going 7 games as well. and yes, the Lakers did have that miracle shot, but they also had to win 3 other games. Kobe Bryant hit a clutch shot in game 2 of the finals against the Pistons, and the Pistons went on to beat down the Lakers the next 3 games. I would tend to think that is a positive attribute for Detroit, to not fold when you get beat by a clutch shot.

[Dynasty4Kobe]

Re: The OFFICIAL NBA Playoffs Thread

The whole starting five is injured

=>Haslem (2 fingers)
=>Jones (bruised foot, eyething)
=>DJones (bruised heel)
=>O'Neal (Thigh)
=>Wade (Ribs)

The Jones/Haslem "injuries" are nothing in the playoffs. I'm talking about injuries to key players. Peja missed almost all of the WCF. Kobe was playing with a shoulder and a knee that needed to be repaired surgically throughout the series against San Antonio. We all know how bad Kidd was hurt last year. And this year it's Wade. The thing is, each team will have that one key player with an injury, but in playoffs, you play through that. That's why depth is so important.

Just look at the Suns vs. Spurs series. Tim Duncan and Joe Johnson were both hurt, but the Spurs had the ability to fall back on players like Parker, Ginobili, etc.

[Programmed2Kill]

Re: The OFFICIAL NBA Playoffs Thread

Which means that this series is going to be a hell of a series, probably going 7 games as well. and yes, the Lakers did have that miracle shot, but they also had to win 3 other games. Kobe Bryant hit a clutch shot in game 2 of the finals against the Pistons, and the Pistons went on to beat down the Lakers the next 3 games. I would tend to think that is a positive attribute for Detroit, to not fold when you get beat by a clutch shot.

The Pistons also are not the Pistons of last season. And it's not just the loss of members off the bench. That has something to do with it. But the team this year damn near let the Sixers put them on the ropes. The Sixers. And frankly, I think the Pistons shouldn't be having this tough of time with the Heat. I knew it was going to be a tough series, but not to the point where the Heat damn neat had their foot on thier neck. Something's missing. And the Spurs are the type of team that will not mess up where the Heat have.

[RahKhem]

Re: The OFFICIAL NBA Playoffs Thread

Wait a minute, you mean to tell me that a 4-1 series win is being put on the ropes? Wow. I think you are underestimating just how hard it is to repeat as champions. The Spurs found out how hard that was as well, as they didn't even make it to the conference finals. If the Pistons win game 7, which I think they will, because the Pistons have won 9 straight close out games, It will be a tooth and nail series with the Pistons. This sounds SO similar to last year it isn't even funny. "Whoever wins the Detroit-Indiana series has no shot against the Lakers" "Lakers are just a much more talented team" "Lakers are too clutch" "Lakers have the most dominating player in the league"

Simply put, the Pistons have the best and most complete starting five in the league, they can do it all, even better than the Spurs, and they have the best coach in the league. Especially with all these people saying that Detroit has absolutely no shot in this series, I see them stealing game 1 from the Spurs, than taking two of three from SA in Detroit, and I see them getting game 7. That's how I see it.

[Sarah]

Re: The OFFICIAL NBA Playoffs Thread

At the current situation with Miami, if they win this series they will probably fall short against SA unless Wade can get back 90%. With Wade's current situation, they have no hope against SA. It is very difficult for Miami to win a series of games to two of the best defensive teams in the NBA. SA has already proven they can beat Phoenix in Phoenix's own game. They have also proven that they can hold Phoenix under 100 points through thier defense. And that is something not many current teams can do.

The tandem of a healthy Shaq and Wade is a very familiar combination for the Spurs not to see them coming. They have fought the Shaq and Kobe combination for 7 season and all of thier playoff games are classic. The only advantage of SA is they don't have to deal with Phil's tactics which has broght him 9 rings or something.

Now don't get me wrong, I love Miami to win the series, but for entertainment reason I would rather have Pistons face SA unless Miami can have a 100% Wade.

[Programmed2Kill]

Re: The OFFICIAL NBA Playoffs Thread

Wait a minute, you mean to tell me that a 4-1 series win is being put on the ropes? Wow. I think you are underestimating just how hard it is to repeat as champions. The Spurs found out how hard that was as well, as they didn't even make it to the conference finals. If the Pistons win game 7, which I think they will, because the Pistons have won 9 straight close out games, It will be a tooth and nail series with the Pistons. This sounds SO similar to last year it isn't even funny. "Whoever wins the Detroit-Indiana series has no shot against the Lakers" "Lakers are just a much more talented team" "Lakers are too clutch" "Lakers have the most dominating player in the league"

Simply put, the Pistons have the best and most complete starting five in the league, they can do it all, even better than the Spurs, and they have the best coach in the league. Especially with all these people saying that Detroit has absolutely no shot in this series, I see them stealing game 1 from the Spurs, than taking two of three from SA in Detroit, and I see them getting game 7. That's how I see it.

Well I see much different

[nkhera1]

Re: The OFFICIAL NBA Playoffs Thread

The whole starting five is injured

=>Haslem (2 fingers)
=>Jones (bruised foot, eyething)
=>DJones (bruised heel)
=>O'Neal (Thigh)
=>Wade (Ribs)

You can say that about any team that gets this deep.

[jakobslad]

Re: The OFFICIAL NBA Playoffs Thread

You can say that about any team that gets this deep.

How right you are. Pistons fans are just letting out a collective sigh of relief after they whooped our a**** minus D-Wade. Now if they feel the need to begin trash talking Miami again or explaining why the Pistons could've been done with this series in five had it not been for the refs then they've clearly been spoiled by a homecourt blowout minus the opposing team's best scorer. I don't know everyone at this post so some slippage of the tongue is expected from time to time(even from me lol). But anyways, Game 7 prediction. Pistons 98-Heat 93. I want the Heat to win and will be rooting for them all the way. But for the Heat to win, I think Wade needs to go for at least 30. And with his health in question coupled with the injuries to their role players, I'd honestly have to give a slight edge to Detroit. The stat Psyblast brought up earlier was a good one. That's why I wouldn't bet the house on the Heat.

[poster]

Re: The OFFICIAL NBA Playoffs Thread

How right you are. Pistons fans are just letting out a collective sigh of relief after they whooped our a**** minus D-Wade. Now if they feel the need to begin trash talking Miami again or explaining why the Pistons could've been done with this series in five had it not been for the refs then they've clearly been spoiled by a homecourt blowout minus the opposing team's best scorer. I don't know everyone at this post so some slippage of the tongue is expected from time to time(even from me lol). But anyways, Game 7 prediction. Pistons 98-Heat 93. I want the Heat to win and will be rooting for them all the way. But for the Heat to win, I think Wade needs to go for at least 30. And with his health in question coupled with the injuries to their role players, I'd honestly have to give a slight edge to Detroit. The stat Psyblast brought up earlier was a good one. That's why I wouldn't bet the house on the Heat.

Get off your high horse man. Who exactly is talking ****? Ya the calls were terrable, but they still got outplayed in those games, just like Miami got outplayed in their losses. All I ask for is consistency and to not see the bs bailouts that D Wade has gotten. He's not Jordan so he shouldn't get those calls. I hope these refs got enough guts to put the whistles away save for the obvious foul calls. Game 7's are won on hustle and guts. Injuries are a part of life. The Pistons got burned by it a couple times in their history in big deciding playoff games. Life isnt fair, hopefully he plays and I think he will.

[Psyblast]

Re: The OFFICIAL NBA Playoffs Thread

I fully expect Wade to play, but I expect him to struggle.

It's gutcheck time for both these teams. I must've seen around 50 Pistons jerseys at school today, it was crazy. I hope the Pistons' defense is truly in swarm mode tonight, running to the ball, not giving a single open shot, crashing the boards, getting hands up, etc.

As for the end result....I can't call it. It's that close.


One more stats: Chauncey Billups has averaged 29.5 PPG in two career Game Sevens.

[Psyblast]

Re: The OFFICIAL NBA Playoffs Thread

They reported on SportsCenter, as expected, Dwyane Wade will start Game 7.

[poster]

Re: The OFFICIAL NBA Playoffs Thread

Well the time is here. I wonder if the Heat are playing rope a dope . Go Pistons!!!

[Psyblast]

Re: The OFFICIAL NBA Playoffs Thread

Ya know, I gotta tell ya...I'm shaking like a leaf.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: The OFFICIAL NBA Playoffs Thread

Almost game time! There's nothing like a Game Seven. Man, I wish the Suns were participating in one too, oh well.

I'm REALLY not sure who I want to win....I have a lot of conflicted interest. On one hand, I really like the Pistons and their style of play. They have a lot of my favorite players, and theyre fun to watch. Plus the Detroit crowd is always rockin' and energetic.

On the other hand, the Spurs and Heat represent so much on so many levels. Shaq v. Duncan, AGAIN. Shaq showing to the Lakers what theyre missing out on, the South Beach spin on the Finals, everything. I dont know, the Spurs and Heat seems more marquee for me.

[elicoleman]

Re: The OFFICIAL NBA Playoffs Thread

Ah, what the hell. I'll watch a game 7

I'm going to make an AIM Chatroom if anyone wants to join...

"OS Game 7 Chat" is the name..