NBA Playoffs/end of Reg. Season

[BlackThoughT]

Celtics clinched playoffs with a win over the pistons, who arent far behind obviously.

Top 4 spots in the east easy to predict, the rest who cares to be honest.
Out west, Everythings still way too close as only 5 games separate the #1 from the #8.

thoughts/predictions/etc?

[stas]

how did i know it would be a celtics fan posting this?

[Mercenary-VD]

Here's a prediction, the Raptors will be eliminating in the first round unless they can root Orlando and capture third seed in the East. If they hope to advance beyond the first round they can't sit between 4th and 6th seed.

[Milosenpotion]

I'm liking the Jazz for the most part right now because I think they can beat anybody in the league, but they've tended to go on ultra-shitty streaks this season where they give up like 120 pts to the twolves...makes me angry :/ I'd love to see a suns-lakers matchup in the 1st or 2nd rnd, and I'd love it even more if the Suns whooped thier ass :p Actually, I'm not sure there's a possible matchup in the west that I wouldn't like to see besides something like Spurs/Hornets. I don't think any team wants to see the Spurs/Lakers/Jazz in the first round. As far as the East goes, I'll prob watch some Celtics games in the first rnd or two and then watch the eastern finals; if that comes down to Celtics/Pistons it'll be one hell of a series.

[BlackThoughT]

how did i know it would be a celtics fan posting this?

just for you buddy

[Phazex3375]

lets go sixers lmaonade

[AGT-Shady]

Here's a prediction, the Raptors will be eliminating in the first round unless they can root Orlando and capture third seed in the East. If they hope to advance beyond the first round they can't sit between 4th and 6th seed.
What would be wrong with the 4th or even 5th seed in the first round? Do you think they'll struggle with anyone not named Boston/Detriot/Orlando in a 7-game series or is there a particular team you think they don't match up with outside the big 3?

I'm liking the Jazz for the most part right now because I think they can beat anybody in the league.

They can't beat the Spurs in a 7-game series. That's not a Spurs homerism because there's 4 teams in the league that can IMO, and it's not a Utah bash because I too think they're a very strong team, but it's the worst possible matchup for Utah play-style and matchup-wise and quite frankly I don't think they can.


But back to topic, the most fun matchups to watch would be:

Lakers/Warriors rd1, Lakers/Phoenix rd2, Lakers/Spurs rd3 - all 3 would draw huge ratings for the different twists specific to those series.

In the East it's really just Boston/Detroit unless by some fluke Orlando DOES drop to the 4th seed then an Orlando/Boston series would be very interesting as well in rd2. There's an outside chance that a Washington/Boston series in rd2 could be problematic since for whatever reason the Celtics are struggling with them, but I see that more of a fluke than anything and even if they did struggle that game to me would be boring as hell to watch.

[BlackThoughT]

Lakers/Warriors rd1, Lakers/Phoenix rd2, Lakers/Spurs rd3 - all 3 would draw huge ratings for the different twists specific to those series.

forget about any of those, along the same lines imagine the ratings/hype IF it ends up being the celtics and the lakers?

[Suicidal Anomaly]

Shady is talking about WC match ups not the finals.

As far as the Lakers go their defense is sporadic so I'm really hoping they get Bynum back because I'm tired of watching some guy who should be playing at venice beach driving an open lane on them. Right now in a 7 game series I think they'd be in trouble against San Antonio and possibly a few other WC opponents.

[BlackThoughT]

Shady is talking about WC match ups not the finals.

it looked to me like he was talking about tv ratings and hype for matchups of certain teams in playoffs

[Suicidal Anomaly]

it looked to me like he was talking about tv ratings and hype for matchups of certain teams in playoffs

He mentioned rd 1, 2 and 3 regarding WC teams which would be conference series'. Then he specifically went on to talk about the east.

[AGT-Shady]

I was leaving the Finals out of it until we get there, but a Boston/Lakers Finals would definetly have good ratings.

[Thrash]

Regardless, I think everyone can agree that no matter who ends up in what seed, playing whomever, the playoffs this year should be phenomenal overall

[caedere]

Regardless, I think everyone can agree that no matter who ends up in what seed, playing whomever, the playoffs this year should be phenomenal overallDefinitely, especially in the West. I haven't been this excited for the playoffs in a number of years. Usually there's 2, maybe 3 teams that are honest title contenders (4 at the most), but this year I count 8 teams that have a good shot.

[Magus]

After the first round of the Eastern conference playoffs I may watch every single playoff game this year.

And to whoever said they wouldn't want to watch the Hornets... they are very exciting.

[ruker]

The West is so close right now, I'll worry about the playoffs once we get there. But in the mean time, GO LAKERS!kobe show :)

[Mercenary-VD]

What would be wrong with the 4th or even 5th seed in the first round? Do you think they'll struggle with anyone not named Boston/Detriot/Orlando in a 7-game series or is there a particular team you think they don't match up with outside the big 3?

I don't think Toronto can beat Cleveland in a 7 game series, regardless of whether or not they are 4th of 5th seed. Toronto doesn't have anyone who can guard Lebron, and I don't think the team has the physical presence to prevent him from finishing. I don't want to sound like a homer but Lebron proved last year that he can will his team to victory against any Eastern Conference team, while he might not be able to do it against Detroit or Boston this year giving consideration to Toronto's players I don't think it's going to be difficult for Lebron to establish himself in a Raps/Cavs series.

[decap]

Regardless, I think everyone can agree that no matter who ends up in what seed, playing whomever, the playoffs this year should be phenomenal overall agreed, i'm really excited to see how the west unfolds and watching all the playoff series there. the east however, i'm really only interested to see the celtics/pistons matchup in the ECF, all the rest i could really care less about. unless of course lebron decides to man up and dominate and gets some help around him. can't wait

[AGT-Shady]

I don't think Toronto can beat Cleveland in a 7 game series, regardless of whether or not they are 4th of 5th seed. Toronto doesn't have anyone who can guard Lebron, and I don't think the team has the physical presence to prevent him from finishing. I don't want to sound like a homer but Lebron proved last year that he can will his team to victory against any Eastern Conference team, while he might not be able to do it against Detroit or Boston this year giving consideration to Toronto's players I don't think it's going to be difficult for Lebron to establish himself in a Raps/Cavs series.

Gotcha.

I disagree with you but I see what you're saying now, thanks for the clarification.

[Mercenary-VD]

I just don't see Toronto having any player that could combine the strength and skill necessary to guard Lebron. Parker is a very good defender in that he's smart, but he is suited to guard finesse players. Kapono doesn't bother defending. Graham has the physicality but not the fundamental know-how to consistently guard scorers. Could anyone outside of these guys be mached up against Lebron? Delfino? Maybe shift Bargs down if they go big?

Outside of Bosh does Toronto have anyone that can impose themselves physically over a 7 game series. I even hesitate to acknowledge Bosh has a physical presence, but with guys like Humphries and Rasho getting altnernating 15 minute shots at playing I think it will be hard for Toronto to lock up the paint.

It'd be a different story if certain players on Toronto had any sort of advantage against him, but I can't think of anyone on Toronto who could slow him down. When I consider some other teams, like Orlando for instance I think at least there perimeter guys are long, and they have Dwight holding down the fort.

[AGT-Shady]

I think any team would be stupid going into a Cavs game trying to figure out how to stop him, they should instead try to stop the rest of them and hope it takes Lebron 25+ shots to get his 40 points.

But to me, the Raptors have enough scorers from every position to just keep scoring, I think they win that series in 6-7 with most games having both teams over 90+, but again, I see where you're coming from and Cleveland is certainly capabler of taking that series.


IN OTHER NEWS:

Will the Jason Kidd led Mavs even MAKE the playoffs? They've lost 3 straight and both Denver and GS are less than 3 games back all vying for the last 2 spots.

[BlackThoughT]

IN OTHER NEWS:

Will the Jason Kidd led Mavs even MAKE the playoffs? They've lost 3 straight and both Denver and GS are less than 3 games back all vying for the last 2 spots.

its funny watching jason kidd try to defend tmac or even rafer alston for that matter.

or anyone

[Thrash]

Rafer Alston had a great game, and I love watching Mutumbo play because he is so old yet still fairly effective.

[Aic]

It's all about the Scola and Landry show.

[stas]

saw my first celtic game tonight. do they always get so many calls? it was unbelievably one sided.

[Thrash]

It's all about the Scola and Landry show.

where do you live?

[BlackThoughT]

saw my first celtic game tonight. do they always get so many calls? it was unbelievably one sided.

chicago bulls.

[BoSlim]

saw my first celtic game tonight. do they always get so many calls? it was unbelievably one sided.
Celtics - 43 FT attempts, 26 fouls against
Bulls - 38 FT attempts, 28 fouls against

holy shit thats so unbelievably 1-sided guys...

see stas, even you have homerism for your underachieving Bulls, so now hopefully you can shut the fuck up about people and their homerism.

[Milosenpotion]

To top it off he watches the Spurs. (Not that the Spurs are the only team that gets calls; all good teams get calls in thier favor vs shitty teams, I guess it's kinda a compliment.)

[stas]

Celtics - 43 FT attempts, 26 fouls against
Bulls - 38 FT attempts, 28 fouls against

holy shit thats so unbelievably 1-sided guys...

see stas, even you have homerism for your underachieving Bulls, so now hopefully you can shut the fuck up about people and their homerism.

i stopped watching when the disparity was 21-7, which i believe was in the first half. i didnt expect much afterwards (comeback or otherwise).

and LO-FREAKING-L homerism for the bulls? theyre not even my team man. i asked a question because i hadnt watched the celtics all season. granted i dont expect joakim noah (punk) to get calls against garnett, but i thought they let a lot go on the defensive end for the celts and blew everything on the offensive end. to me it just seemed unreal. thats why i asked. apparently they made it up once the game was out of reach.

[BoSlim]

doesn't matter who your team is, you still clearly showed your bias against the Celtics rather than being impartial when you watched the game considering neither team is "your" team.

If the Bulls then got most of the calls in the 2nd half, why didn't they comeback? Answer is because they aren't as good of a team, and the final score and season sweep shows it.

[FaZe]

i can honestly say that jason terry is the worst defender in the nba. Doesnt have the quickness to guard point guards, doesnt have the strength to guard bigger guards, just wants them to score so he can get the ball back and take a jumpshot. Jason Kidd is still a good defender, but he cant guard both backcourt positions at the same time. Guarding penetration starts on the perimeter, obviously no one told jason terry this. For how much Dirk gets for being soft/a bad defender, he at least is in position some of the time and gets some blocks, everytime I watch Terry it is like his feet are in cement blocks. Josh Howard should also get some of the blame, but at least when it counts he can play D. I don't think they'll miss the playoffs, but I don't think they will go very far in the playoffs with Jason Terry and Jerry Stackhouse playing significant minutes. Avery Johnson needs to come to the realization that running an iso for almost anyone on that team will have the end result of a long contested jumpshot. They just don't have the athletes to run that kind of an offense, they have no Corey Maggette types, not to mention with Jason Kidd as your point guard is it really intellegent to have him playing OFF the ball?? That's like paying $500 on a car and $20,000 on a hood ornament.


The west playoffs are going to be murder, any way you slice it. I think it will be San Antonio there at the end though. I just dont think the lakers will be in a good enough rhythm with bynum this year to win it all. He will basically be coming back right at the start of the playoffs. Phoenix has no chance, NO is too young(though they could surprise some people), Utah doesnt have the interior D. Dallas isnt mentally tough enough(still :rolleyes:), Rockets dont have a chance, Golden State and Denver dont either. And obviously it will either be Boston or Detroit in the finals. With the Cavs I just don't think I see lightning striking twice.

[AGT-Shady]

The Spurs gotta shoot better from the field than they did last night, they had wide open jumpers all game and only Timmy and Manu knocked any down.

GET BARRY BACK QUICK!

[Mercenary-VD]

Faze, Jason Kidd is not a good defender, he's been unable to effectively match up on the perimeter for quite a few years. This is exactly why Tony Parker thanked Mark Cuban once the Mavs/Nets trade was accepted. The West is filled with guards who are effective at breaking down man coverage on the perimeter. Kidd got exploited last year against TJ Ford -- imagine whats going to happen this year again guys like Parker, Williams and Paul. It's not all bad though, Kidd does match up against those guards that like to operate in post up situation. Those types of guards can't expose Kidd's lack of mobility and at thick 6'4 Kidd is well suited to body up to any guard in the league.

As a team though, Dallas doesn't have anywho who can really change the game on the defensive end. I've been impressed with Damp, who I didn't think would be suited to play more than 25 or so minutes, he's done a few positive things. However, the team as a whole has no ability to stop interior penetration. Outside of Kidd, I've been really disapointed with Terry and Howard. Terry who used to be an apt defender looks like Ben Gordon, and Howard has been a joke this season. I expected him to expand on his game this season, instead he's been lame on both ends of the court. I imagine that he's been nursing some injuries all season long.

[Tripwire]

Lakers/Warriors rd1, Lakers/Phoenix rd2, Lakers/Spurs rd3

more like...
Lakers/Nuggets rd1, Lakers/Jazz rd2, Lakers/Spurs rd3

I have a strong belief Phoenix is going to finish 9th or 10th. 4 out of 5 of their last home games have been losses and they have only won out 6 of 14 since getting Shaq.

[stas]

doesn't matter who your team is, you still clearly showed your bias against the Celtics rather than being impartial when you watched the game considering neither team is "your" team.

If the Bulls then got most of the calls in the 2nd half, why didn't they comeback? Answer is because they aren't as good of a team, and the final score and season sweep shows it.

oh man, im busted i hate the celts!

or the part of the game i saw was horribly refereed so i asked a legitimate question. guess that persecution complex goes for every boston team and not just the pats...

[AGT-Shady]

more like...
Lakers/Nuggets rd1, Lakers/Jazz rd2, Lakers/Spurs rd3

I have a strong belief Phoenix is going to finish 9th or 10th. 4 out of 5 of their last home games have been losses and they have only won out 6 of 14 since getting Shaq.

Yeah I wouldn't be surprised, but I was commenting more on ratings, and I was thinking a Shaq/Kobe series would draw higher than a Utah/Laker one.

[BlackThoughT]

oh man, im busted i hate the celts!

or the part of the game i saw was horribly refereed so i asked a legitimate question. guess that persecution complex goes for every boston team and not just the pats...

celtics have games where it goes the complete other way I assure you. But its the NBA, the officiating sucks leaguewide so its not like its because of the celtics at all.

Nuggets wont make the playoffs

ninja edit:
and I was thinking a Shaq/Kobe series would draw higher than a Utah/Laker one.

neither will the suns

[FaZe]

Not being able to keep up with super quick point guards doesnt make him a bad defender. If you haven't noticed those 3 you mentioned have been lighting up pretty much every team not just the mavs esp. paul. Paul and Parker this year have torched Devin Harris just as bad if not worse than they have with Kidd. Don't get me wrong I understand he is better suited guarding big guards, but fundamentally he is a good defender, hes decisive he knows whether to go under or over the screen he moves his feet well and he has active hands.

Most of the times when one of those small guards goes off is because Terry is guarding them (see my worst defender in the nba post). The only time he has ever been even a decent defender was when he was at AZ, he cannot defend at the NBA level. And you hit the nail on the head about him being like Ben Gordon, I think that should be his role. 6th man microwave. Any more than that he is a liability, any less and you are not getting your moneys worth out of that ridiculous contract.

[Falcon-[CfH]-]

i watched the Bulls/Celts game, mainly cause i've been a Bulls fan since 1989, but even i turned off the game after the first half. They got dominated and i dont even care that they basically did ok in the 2nd half. This a real disappointing season for all Bulls fans out there. Only reason i'm watching them is to see if they can even get in the playoffs w/ how crappy the East is, besides the top 3 teams of course. Also real excited to watch the west play out and in the playoffs.

[BlackThoughT]

joakim noah is uglier than a blocked punt

[Milosenpotion]

celtics have games where it goes the complete other way I assure you. But its the NBA, the officiating sucks leaguewide so its not like its because of the celtics at all.

Nuggets wont make the playoffs

ninja edit:


neither will the suns

Who's making that last spot then? Portland? Extremely doubtful. It's going to either the nuggets or the suns and I'd put my money on the Suns making it into the playoffs. They both have tough schedules for the remaining season, and they play each other twice so those games are gonna be huge.

ninja edit also:
The mavs and warriors are right there also as far as tough schedules and critical games down the stretch go.

[Mercenary-VD]

Not being able to keep up with super quick point guards doesnt make him a bad defender. If you haven't noticed those 3 you mentioned have been lighting up pretty much every team not just the mavs esp. paul. Paul and Parker this year have torched Devin Harris just as bad if not worse than they have with Kidd. Don't get me wrong I understand he is better suited guarding big guards, but fundamentally he is a good defender, hes decisive he knows whether to go under or over the screen he moves his feet well and he has active hands.

Actually, with Devin Harris in the lineup the Mavs faired better against the best conference teams than they have with Jason Kidd. You must keep up with the Mavs so you'd know that Harris is one of the best defensive point guards in the league. No doubt that Kidd is fundamentally a very strong defender; the guy used to be a bulldog. However, at this stage in his career Kidd doesn't have the physical means to impact the game defensively. Kidd gets broken down early in alot of defensive sets and his help defensive is non existant. Either way they've become a worse defensive team in the paint and on the perimeter since acquiring Jason Kidd and losing Harris and Diop.

[AGT-Shady]

Nuggets wont make the playoffs

neither will the suns

$100 bucks says you're wrong. ;)

[ffej-OD]

So I don't watch the NBA much but im watching the Suns/Spurs game, whats with the "LOS" Spurs and "LOS" Suns on the jerseys?

and to make my post some what relevant, go suns - they will make the playoffs ~_~

[stalf`]

Jeff: In honor of some latin day/community thing, I think.

[BlackThoughT]

$100 bucks says you're wrong. ;)

hmm you're right for some reason I thought somone else was above the nuggets and the suns were more like 7 or 8...

[caedere]

Phoenix will be fine..give Shaq a little time to "gel" and Phoenix will become a very dangerous team in the playoffs.

[Kaptain Kracker]

wizards could be a dangerous team in the soft weak east IF they are somehow healthy.

[chi-town]

-;1623862']i watched the Bulls/Celts game, mainly cause i've been a Bulls fan since 1989, but even i turned off the game after the first half. They got dominated and i dont even care that they basically did ok in the 2nd half. This a real disappointing season for all Bulls fans out there. Only reason i'm watching them is to see if they can even get in the playoffs w/ how crappy the East is, besides the top 3 teams of course. Also real excited to watch the west play out and in the playoffs.

i always wondered where all this "bulls will be a force in the east next year" was coming from before the season started. i not once got hyped up about it. the bulls are lacking what they did last season. paxson will be doing some huge trading next year.

the western conf will be fun to watch.

[Brick]

The west is insane right now. I was starting to get worried that the Suns won't make the playoffs, but after the big win against the Spurs today and looking at the rest of their schedule, I feel pretty good (still nervous since the Warriors are their achilles heal).

After changing my mind about a hundred times in the last 20 minutes, I'm thinking the Mavs won't make the playoffs. They have like 5 - 6 games I see them losing before the end of the season. The only chance of them making it would be if the Jazz (only 1.5 games ahead) blow it against a few teams they should beat or if the Hornets drop. The Hornets have a very tough schedule left and have lost to most of those teams as of late. But at this point, I'd say the Mavs will fall short and pray the Suns hold it together.

[H-Town]

My team has won 18 in a row, yet you don't see me on here whipping my dick out.

Just saying...:D

[BlackThoughT]

HOUSTANNNNN ROCKETTTTSSSSSSSSS

edit:
LOL MIAMI HEAT
dwade out for season

[AGT-Shady]

My team has won 18 in a row, yet you don't see me on here whipping my dick out.

Just saying...:D

I'd be curious to see what the longest win streak for a team that lost in the first round and for not winning a Championship. I'm not saying the Rockets will lose in the first round, but the fact that they could with as well as they're playing is a testament to the strength of the West this year.

[BlackThoughT]

and that was BEFORE yao got hurt

[BoSlim]

My team has won 18 in a row, yet you don't see me on here whipping my dick out.

Just saying...:D
Nobody would blame you if you did, after all, we watch sports to get excited about the competitive nature and they are playing great right now. Its a feel good story with Yao going down and them continuing the streak. People here tend to easily confuse being excited about something with their home team as being a cocky asshole with blinders on to everything else, when in fact its perfectly fine and actually normal to want to talk about something positive that your team is doing. So right now, you can whip it out, and nobody should have a problem with it, although they undoubtedly will because people like to argue here rather than discuss.

[AGT-Shady]

:rolleyes: lol

The Shame of H-Town's situation is that without Yao healthy there's no way they get thru the big men in the West, whereas they proved many of us wrong by being relevant down the stretch thus far.

[FaZe]

true devin harris has very quick feet and good hands, but he gets abused by any guard that doesnt fit his same mold, he gets in foul trouble very easily and you are no good to your team if you are on the bench.

I agree that they have gotten worse overall defensively, but that is mostly because of losing Diop, which weakened an already weak interior coupled with averys obsession with small ball. I just dont see as big of a dropoff defensively as you see between devin harris and jason kidd.

[stas]

done.

[Thrash]

H-Town should go to a game with me sometime.

[AGT-Shady]

boslim H-town has a lot more credibility than you do. instead of claiming that carl landry was the best draft pick ever and that steve francis is one of the best role players in the league, he has kept his mouth shut. instead of arguing every single point and plugging his ears when people point to numbers proving him wrong, hes just taken it all in stride. i guarantee he has more fun not arguing and watching them win than you do trying to defend any viable criticism people have of your favorite team.
Please edit and just let it go, I don't wanna see this shit start up all over again and ruin yet ANOTHER thread.

[BoSlim]

don't worry, its not going to start up, cause all stas does is ride shady's coat-tails, and I feel that myself and shady have come a long way in terms of arguing to discussing. So I don't really even care what stas writes since he never proved me wrong with any numbers, he's just following his AGT buddy, which is how things work in the clan world and I can't blame him for that.

[stas]

at least the lakers lost last night. that helped offset a bad game in phoenix and kept us only a half game back. itd be nice if the rockets started dropping a few too ;)

[SoulEdge]

tell the pope to add stas behaving badly to the new sins list haha

[decap]

never really agreed with the way stas presents himself or his opinions, but meh. you're welcome for the laker loss :] our season can't be salvaged, but we can ruin others team's seasons!

[H-Town]

H-Town should go to a game with me sometime.

One of these days I'll get to go to a game again. That's the problem with having small kids - they tend to take up too much damn time...:)

[Thrash]

Just take the recommended dose of NyQuil, double it for each hour you want to be gone, give it to them. Easy, duh.

[BlackThoughT]

Rockets in first after beating the lakers
They definitly wont hold up in the playoffs though.

Also, celtics got away at Spurs, then Houston, then mavs, then NO.
rough

[ruker]

Also, celtics got away at Spurs, then Houston, then mavs, then NO.
rough

Being a Lakers fan, I'm glad the Celtics are playing those teams this late in the season, need a little help with Gasol being out.

[Kuniva]

I am sorry, but I think if the Rockets can keep playing with the level of confidence they have, they could run to the title. They are play Van Gundy defense while running Adelmans offense reminsicent of the Kings in the late 90s. Even without Yao they are playing very well, and after watching Tracy have a terrible night vs the Lakers, the fact that team still found a way to win even if the Lakers didn't have Gasol is showing something. Oh and Carl Landry has missed like 6 games straight and was really showing game after the all star break.

[caedere]

Right now the Rockets are playing a caliber of basketball that absolutely makes them in the title picture. I remember back in 2004 when a little team called Detroit came out of nowhere and completely dominated a very heavily favored Lakers squad that had GP, Kobe, Shaq, and Malone. Could we see that with these Rockets? Way too soon to tell, but winning 22 games in a row (and counting) is extremely fucking impressive. If they can maintain this caliber of play, I'd be very, very nervous going into a playoff series against them.

[H-Town]

If you would have told me that Rafer would be playing like this a few months ago, I would have told you to lay off the crack pipe.

I think the Celtics will be tough, but not as tough as the following game against NO. Celts will be coming off a back-to-back from San Antonio, while the Rox will be playing in NO on a back-to-back following the Celts. I wouldn't be surprised if they lost that one.

[AGT-Shady]

I am sorry, but I think if the Rockets can keep playing with the level of confidence they have, they could run to the title. They are play Van Gundy defense while running Adelmans offense reminsicent of the Kings in the late 90s. Even without Yao they are playing very well, and after watching Tracy have a terrible night vs the Lakers, the fact that team still found a way to win even if the Lakers didn't have Gasol is showing something. Oh and Carl Landry has missed like 6 games straight and was really showing game after the all star break.
Right now the Rockets are playing a caliber of basketball that absolutely makes them in the title picture. I remember back in 2004 when a little team called Detroit came out of nowhere and completely dominated a very heavily favored Lakers squad that had GP, Kobe, Shaq, and Malone. Could we see that with these Rockets? Way too soon to tell, but winning 22 games in a row (and counting) is extremely fucking impressive. If they can maintain this caliber of play, I'd be very, very nervous going into a playoff series against them.


With Yao I'd have to agree but while you can win games, you don't win playoff series against title contenders firing away without a defensive center. This streak is abolutely impressive and they should look back on this season in awe at what they accomplished and hopefully build on it next year, but I'll lay money and odds against anyone who wants to take them to win it all. ;)

However the Rockets could make a huge statement playing 4 legit teams in a row over their next 4 games, that is much more series-oriented scheduling.

[mulisha]

I am sorry, but I think if the Rockets can keep playing with the level of confidence they have, they could run to the title. They are play Van Gundy defense while running Adelmans offense reminsicent of the Kings in the late 90s. Even without Yao they are playing very well, and after watching Tracy have a terrible night vs the Lakers, the fact that team still found a way to win even if the Lakers didn't have Gasol is showing something. Oh and Carl Landry has missed like 6 games straight and was really showing game after the all star break.

Are you kidding me? The Lakers are missing Gasol and Bynum, both of which will be back come playoff time. Given that, it was still only a 2 point game with a few minutes left. It's an impressive streak but the Rockets have absolutely no chance at winning the title.

[BlackThoughT]

I'm pretty sure to win in the playoffs you have to have defense. (Dont say "dikembe mutumbo" either, guy is way too old)
Rockets wont make it past the first round without yao, but if they do they'll lose in <5 games the next series

[Kuniva]

Are you kidding me? The Lakers are missing Gasol and Bynum, both of which will be back come playoff time. Given that, it was still only a 2 point game with a few minutes left. It's an impressive streak but the Rockets have absolutely no chance at winning the title.


Ok so the Lakers were without Gasol or Bynum... the Rockets were without Yao and Landry so your point is null. The Rockets also managed to beat the Lakers without TMac being much of a factor. If the shoe was on the other foot and the Lakers ended the Rockets streak with Kobe having the kinda night tmac did, you would be all over their dicks. To all the people saying its a "sure" thing that the Rockets can't win in the playoffs, stfu, honestly none of u guys have probably ever played comepetive league basketball before and are just talking out of your asses. Nothing is a sure thing, no matter what u want to say, so keep saying the Rockets will be out in the first round cause that way when they do make it to the second round none of you will have the right to post.

And I am not hoppin on any bandwagon, with the West as competitive as its ever been, I don't know how anyone can make a claim that their team is a lock for the title. I can honestly say that it wouldn't surprise me for 6 of 8 teams out west to make a run at the title. Trying to say "insert team here" is a favorite is nonsense, this year anything can happen I think and for once in a long time can't wait to watch the playoffs.

[Pro]

Blazers are gonna make a run at the title starting tomorrow, be scared.

[Brick]

Ok so the Lakers were without Gasol or Bynum... the Rockets were without Yao and Landry so your point is null. The Rockets also managed to beat the Lakers without TMac being much of a factor.Except Yao won't be back for the playoffs so it isn't the same. I'm not really a fan of the Lakers or the Rockets. I feel pretty neutral on the subject, but even I think the Rockets don't have as good of a shot at winning the championship as most other top teams right now. No one has said their team is a lock for the championship so don't go there and stop getting overly upset at people calling it how they see it.

There are a number of teams that have a legitimate shot right now (including the Rockets), which is what makes this season so exciting. But there are a handful of teams that I don't see Houston beating in a playoff series.

[ruker]

Right now the Rockets are playing a caliber of basketball that absolutely makes them in the title picture. I remember back in 2004 when a little team called Detroit came out of nowhere and completely dominated a very heavily favored Lakers squad that had GP, Kobe, Shaq, and Malone. Could we see that with these Rockets?

I highly doubt it. When Detroit came out of nowhere in 04 the East wasn't sandbagged with all-stars on good teams. It is possible for Houston to make the title run, but I'd say it's more likely the Cavs make the finals coming out of the Bos/Det conference (formerly known as the East) than the Rockets coming out the the tight west.

[Suicidal Anomaly]

Right now the Rockets are playing a caliber of basketball that absolutely makes them in the title picture. I remember back in 2004 when a little team called Detroit came out of nowhere and completely dominated a very heavily favored Lakers squad that had GP, Kobe, Shaq, and Malone. Could we see that with these Rockets? Way too soon to tell, but winning 22 games in a row (and counting) is extremely fucking impressive. If they can maintain this caliber of play, I'd be very, very nervous going into a playoff series against them.

Kind of easy to dominate Malone when he hurt his knee and didn't play in the finals. His injury was the final nail in that teams coffin as they were already about to implode.

[mulisha]

Ok so the Lakers were without Gasol or Bynum... the Rockets were without Yao and Landry so your point is null. The Rockets also managed to beat the Lakers without TMac being much of a factor. If the shoe was on the other foot and the Lakers ended the Rockets streak with Kobe having the kinda night tmac did, you would be all over their dicks. To all the people saying its a "sure" thing that the Rockets can't win in the playoffs, stfu, honestly none of u guys have probably ever played comepetive league basketball before and are just talking out of your asses. Nothing is a sure thing, no matter what u want to say, so keep saying the Rockets will be out in the first round cause that way when they do make it to the second round none of you will have the right to post.

And I am not hoppin on any bandwagon, with the West as competitive as its ever been, I don't know how anyone can make a claim that their team is a lock for the title. I can honestly say that it wouldn't surprise me for 6 of 8 teams out west to make a run at the title. Trying to say "insert team here" is a favorite is nonsense, this year anything can happen I think and for once in a long time can't wait to watch the playoffs.

I have played basketball and I know exactly what I'm talking about. Gasol and Bynum will be back for the playoffs, Yao will not. So no, my point is not null. Please don't act like Carl Landry is some star. He's a pleasant surprise for the Rockets and has become a good role player. So Tmac didn't have a good game? Whoopty fucking doo. He still played. With the Lakers doing so well, tell me exactly where I am riding their dicks? But I will say this, THE ROCKETS HAVE NO CHANCE TO REACH THE FINALS AND WILL NOT LAST PAST THE SECOND ROUND. Clear enough?

[Aic]

I'm pretty sure to win in the playoffs you have to have defense.

The Rockets are one of the best overall defensive teams in the NBA(even without Yao, have you seen them play lately?)..:confused:


Anyways, yea I don't see them having a shot at the title, maybe a 1st round win depending on the matchup, but not having Yao will hurt them alot. I've noticed it being a problem even recently when they've been winning, not defensively so much as on the offensive end(obviously). Not having that guy to throw the ball in to and demand a double team will haunt them when they play teams with a tough front court.

Oh I'll go ahead and say it now though since it's all I've been hearing lately:

"This entire streak is nothing but luck. The teams they've played haven't been very good and they've been missing some players. It doesn't matter that the Rockets are doing it with great defense, chemistry, and teamwork. Not having Yao/Landry is not a factor either. Sure, no other team in history except the Lakers have done this, but that's not important. Total fluke."

Not saying anyone here is saying that but I've heard it alot elsewhere. It's cute.

I wonder if SAS has overdosed on Cheez Doodles yet? Maybe he's waiting for the Rockets to lose a game so he can say "SEE, I TOLD YOU THEY HAVE NO SHOT AT THE PLAYOFFS" instead of saying he was wrong.

Eh, I don't expect them to win a series but nobody gave them a chance to even make the playoffs, so I'm pretty much enjoying what they're doing right now. Atleast it makes the season worthwhile after the tough start and the injuries. I'm pretty proud of what they've been doing. I know it won't last, but it's fun while it does.

God damn the Western playoffs are going to be insane this year.

[BlackThoughT]

The Rockets are one of the best overall defensive teams in the NBA(even without Yao, have you seen them play lately?)..:confused:

well wouldnt you rather have Yao rather than motumbo as your starting center for the playoffs? Having him for the regular season is all well and good where its just game to game, I'm not sure they'll be able to keep up the same performance when they have to beat the same team over a seven game series.

[Aic]

well wouldnt you rather have Yao rather than motumbo as your starting center for the playoffs? Having him for the regular season is all well and good where its just game to game, I'm not sure they'll be able to keep up the same performance when they have to beat the same team over a seven game series.

Of course. I mentioned how not having Yao is going to hurt us over the course of a series(specifically against teams with a strong front court), but that's more on the offensive end than defensively that I worry about. It makes me sad to think about what this team could have accomplished had Yao not gone down.

Oh well.

[BoSlim]

Celts beat Spurs tonight after being down 28-11 after the 1st. Down 9 with 5 mins to go and they battled back to win it 93-91. Horry had a look at a 3 at the end but missed it after KG threw away the inbounds. Doing this without Ray Allen was great to see, and Cassell had some big shots down the stretch, so that pickup looks like it'll work out.

Tomorrow night Celts/Rockets game should be great, with the way the Celts are playing (12 outta 13 or something, 7 straight road wins) and the Rockets streak of 23 on the line. Although the Celts will be without Ray Allen again most likely.

[BlackThoughT]

RONNNNNNNNNNNNNDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[AGT-Shady]

They were down 22 and come back on the Spurs floor to win, we NEVER let anybody do that, it's just sickening. Cassell was a great pickup and this game showed why on their end as a reserve that actually WILL perform when he's needed: (Cassell 7-13 17 points, 5 Rebs / Posey-House 1-7 7 points, 2 Rebs), but I'm more concerned about how fucking long it's gonna take the Spurs to get back to playing together now that everyone's healthy, Parker and Ginobli still look out of whack and not having Barry to knock down the outside shots when we need them is only showing how old and borken down Horry and Finley are.

They need to get the ship righted in a hurry if they wanna defend their title, but great win for the Celtics nonetheless.

[Aic]

Well so much for the streak continuing, atleast it took one of the best teams in the NBA to end it though!

I just hope they can bounce back and keep winning because they have some tough games ahead. Came from 10th to 1st though, and made history. I'm proud. It had to end sometime.

GG to the Celtics, they're going to be very tough to beat in the playoffs. Their defense is nasty.

Bring on the Hornets! That should be a good game, things got heated between them last time. I can't wait.

[BlackThoughT]

loss is probably good for the rockets in some way, takes off some pressure.
They've played way better than they did tonight (1st half was pretty good), just tmac and alston had a bad shooting night

[H-Town]

Well so much for the streak continuing, atleast it took one of the best teams in the NBA to end it though!

I just hope they can bounce back and keep winning because they have some tough games ahead. Came from 10th to 1st though, and made history. I'm proud. It had to end sometime.

GG to the Celtics, they're going to be very tough to beat in the playoffs. Their defense is nasty.

Bring on the Hornets! That should be a good game, things got heated between them last time. I can't wait.


I stopped watching at halftime (also got busy), I could just tell the way they were playing they were going to get beat. Tmac wasn't penetrating, Rafer wasn't shooting well, too many easy shots missed, couldn't make free throws, and getting owned on the boards - it was a miracle they were tied at the half.

This was a game that Yao would have made a difference in. They didn't penetrate that much for Deke to block anything, so he was forced to try and be a man-up defender, which he lost that ability a long time ago. Yao would have forced them to focus more on defense.

[jav]

Blazers are gonna make a run at the title starting tomorrow, be scared.

o how i wish this were true...

[BlackThoughT]

This was a game that Yao would have made a difference in. They didn't penetrate that much for Deke to block anything, so he was forced to try and be a man-up defender, which he lost that ability a long time ago. Yao would have forced them to focus more on defense.

also why the rockets probably arent going to make it out of the first round :\

[ruker]

What the hell happened to the Blazers??? Finally started playing teams with winning records or something?

[BoSlim]

They're just all too young and not NBA ready yet in terms of 82 games in a season. I wouldn't be worried at all though, as they'll have Oden next year as well as another year under all their belts. They are set to be competitive starting next year and for a long time into the future if the core of young talent they have continues to improve and stays together.

[caedere]

The Blazers have had an awesome season, especially if they can finish above 500. Next year should unquestionably be even better since they're getting Oden and (maybe) Rudy Fernandez, whom from what I hear is also a stud. Plus all of the key young players (Roy, LA, Outlaw, etc) will have another year under their belt, AND the Blazers will have another lottery pick this year (unless by some miracle they make the playoffs).

[BlackThoughT]

they will definitly be in contention

[chi-town]

hey cleveland, how's wallace doing? you guys like the 4 points (if that) 5 rebounds a night? I don't think he should of ever left the pistons.

drew gooden is playing excellent ball with the bulls so far. can't complain, the bulls got rid of wallace's huge contract.

[BoSlim]

Well thats why he left the Pistons, for the straight cash homey! Once people win a championship, the next thought process is, "OK, time to get paid."

[Milosenpotion]

On big contracts, period: “I think the money has gotten off the charts now. We’ve got probably 60-70 guys making $10 million or more. They are good guys, but if you making $10 million a year, there’s really no need to keep trying to getting better. ...We always say it’s tough to be motivated when you’re sleeping in cashmere pajamas on your yacht.”
.

[BlackThoughT]

you got a problem when sir charles is giving advice

[AGT-Shady]

^

[stas]

ill give boston credit, theyre playing well. two great games against houston and SA. however, watching this dallas game is frustrating. pierce pulls dampier on top of him in the 4th under the basket and got a foul called on dampier? :confused:

[SoulEdge]

did you ever watch stockton?

[stas]

did you ever watch stockton?

couldnt stand the dirty little bastard.

[BlackThoughT]

ill give boston credit, theyre playing well. two great games against houston and SA. however, watching this dallas game is frustrating. pierce pulls dampier on top of him in the 4th under the basket and got a foul called on dampier? :confused:

there were plenty of terrible no-calls in the SA game that went against the celtics courtesy of bitchass tony parker and a little from duncan too

edit:
this game was also a perfect example of why kidd isnt really going to do much for the mavs. When the game was close in the final minutes kidd (a great passer) kept jacking up threes and bad shots. nice 2 points there ya wife beater. mavs also havent won against a team above .500 since kidd came into town.
lolz sorry mark

[ruker]

Thank you Boston! Lakers are back on top of the west (1/2 game lead over N.O.). :D

[BoSlim]

What about the Ginobli flops his body every which way on EVERY DRIVE TO THE HOOP. If I was a ref I'd never give him calls just for throwing his body around. Theres no way he's in the NBA and has that horrible of balance, its clearly an act and the whole Spurs team for that matter think they're always getting fouled and never committing fouls. Tim Duncan and Bruce Bowen have never committed fouls in their life according to their reaction to every call.

As for the Dallas game, 21 fouls on the Celts, 22 on Dallas. Guys get away with cheap calls like what Pierce did to Dampier all the time, the fact is that the fouls usually even out as the refs have been pretty good this year in terms of keeping things even, even if they do get duped into blowing their whistle. However, if they never blow their whistle, these NBA games quickly get chippy and escalate from there, and thats what refs are trying to avoid. Its such a fast game you can't always blame the refs for making a few bad calls. I'd say probably 1 out of 4/5 games the refs make too many bad calls, which isn't bad considering the difficulty of being an NBA ref.

[AGT-Shady]

Top D players tend not to get called for contact while playing D - it's common knowledge.

[stas]

watching the dallas game was frustrating for multiple reasons, i wasnt singling out reffing as there was a lot more i could complain about if that was it. i just felt that it was an obvious call that deserved mention. dallas couldnt get it done, kidd has no business shooting instead of being content as a 4th or 5th option.

[AGT-Shady]

That Kidd trade was the best thing to happen to the rest of the West, making Dallas irrelevant for at least the next 5 years, gj Mark!

[BlackThoughT]

you'd think when peirce/allen/garnett/rondo score almost 90 points between them the celtics would be able to win... not when NO gets somethin like 40 points off of TO's...

posey + cassell: 0 pts
^

ninja edit:
and damn if peja isnt a shell of his former self

[BoSlim]

They went 4-1 on a tough road trip, if I was told that's what they'd go before the trip I'd have been very happy with that, and thats what happened. They can't win em all.

[Jarek]

i thought the celtics being good this year would inspire be to watch basketball again, but i was wrong. basketball fails

especially after my bracket got shit on last year

[BlackThoughT]

They went 4-1 on a tough road trip, if I was told that's what they'd go before the trip I'd have been very happy with that, and thats what happened. They can't win em all.

yeah but not being able to win when they were dominating NO and had a 15 point lead, something they should be able to do.

especially when paul was having a crappy game

[stalf`]

yeah but not being able to win when they were dominating NO and had a 15 point lead, something they should be able to do.

especially when paul was having a crappy game

Crappy game? 19 Pts on 6/10 shooting, 5/6 ft, to go along with 7 assists. 5 fouls didnt help, which i imagine is what you mean when you say "crappy".

[BlackThoughT]

Crappy game? 19 Pts on 6/10 shooting, 5/6 ft, to go along with 7 assists. 5 fouls didnt help, which i imagine is what you mean when you say "crappy".

well yeah, early foul trouble "only" 7 assists, only 19 points. To me thats a pretty crappy game in terms of what paul is capable of. Decent numbers for somone who isnt a star player.

in other news. Dallas season is over, dirk could be out for a few weeks, to me it looked like he really fucked up either his knee or ankle on that one play.

[Mercenary-VD]

The word is that Dirk has a moderate high ankle sprain, typically these types of injuries take about 8 weeks before players are in game shape and about 6 - 8 months before they fully heal.

[Suicidal Anomaly]

Makes the Kidd trade hurt that much more knowing that a window with him is pretty small. It sucks but to be honest I really don't think they were going to win it all with him healthy. Hopefully there is no damage that requires surgery.

[Yukfo0]

anybody see the end of that lakers/warriors game, it was so intense then a bad call with 3 SECONDS left ruined it ;( at least announcers ripped the refs

[mulisha]

anybody see the end of that lakers/warriors game, it was so intense then a bad call with 3 SECONDS left ruined it ;( at least announcers ripped the refs

I'll tell you what, considering the Lakers' injuries, they sure are playing passionate ball right now. Kobe and Odom have been incredible and now the Lakers are 4-2 without Gasol who supposedly comes back tomorrow. Btw in the home and home against the Warriors, Odom averaged 21/22/5 :eek:

[Magus]

Amazing what a guy with no heart can do against a team who doesn't rebound or play defense.

[AGT-Shady]

^rofl, exact same thing came to mind, the one team he can play where he's bigger and quicker than any big man on the floor.

[mulisha]

Still, he is averaging 17/13/4 in the previous games against Houston, Dallas, Utah, and Seattle. I know what you guys are saying and I agree for the most part; however, since Gasol's injury Odom has stepped up in a big way.

[Tripwire]

Turiaf has probably stepped up the more than Odom. He's getting points and blocks without committing as many fouls as he usually does. Mbenga can do the job, but it takes him like 10 attempts until he feels any rhythm, but after that he's good, however that's like 12 minutes of time on the court...

[Milosenpotion]

Am I the only person who notices that when somebody drives on Turiaf, he fouls them literally 90% of the time? He should be fouling out in the 1st quarter every game but the refs let him slide so much it's sick.

[FaZe]

dallas doesnt have a consistent #2 option...it was looking like josh howard would become that guy last year, but this year he is looking more and more like a chucker. Josh Howard should be the guy that benefits the most from Kidd being there and he has arguably been the one that has benefited the least so far. I agree that Kidd should be like a 4th option, but Dallas cant score enough consistently with him being a 4th option, they need a 2 that can consistently get to the line and get them in the bonus, like a Corey Maggette type. Kidd has never been a scorer, so trying to put him in that role is setting him up for failure.

I'm not sure that the Lakers will make the finals this year, but for the next 3-4 years they look awful scary. They have 3 all star caliber players, and a true deep bench, and a hall of fame coach. The only position they aren't 'above-average' at is point guard. And im sure that will be addressed next for them seeing as Derek Fisher is like 33?

Also I think that if the Hornets finish with the #1 seed, that Chris Paul deserves MVP..I disagree with just giving it to Kobe because he hasn't won one yet which seems to be the popular opinion (whether people say it out loud or not). If the Lakers finish #1 then Kobe should get it , but otherwise Chris Paul should because hes been playing unbelievable ball this season.

[chi-town]

yeah i think chris paul should win mvp too. im pulling for the hornets (chandler and pargo, ex bulls). its amazing what chandler is doing with them.

[Mercenary-VD]

Josh Howard has really regressed this season in terms of his versatility. He's not a good enough mid range player to shoot those 15 - 17 footers and he seems completely resistant to trying to establish anything in the lane. Aside from that Dallas looks completely baffled in transition play. None of the players have any ability to create off ball and it's limiting Kidd's ability to create. It's looking like the players and coaching staff haven't had time to adjust to Kidd. This team has become so dependant on half court isolation plays that they don't seem to be able to my the transition this late in the season.

[FaZe]

I agree, but they have gotten a lot better since the 1st game. None of them are particularly skilled in moving without the ball for sure. It's been known for a long time that Kidd isn't as effective in a half court set..but he can still be really good there, but the offense Dallas runs in the half court is bottlenecking Kidd's already diminished skills in the half court, they need to start running a motion offense, maybe Princeton like they played in Jersey...anything is better than constant isolations for Dirk,Stackhouse, and Howard because they clearly aren't working. They are a running team anyway....they are just a faux-half court team. I think Josh Howard is an ok shooter, more specifically I think his form is pretty good, but part of being a good shooter is good shot selection, and his has been terrible much of the year. I believe that in the NBA to be an elite team that you need at least 2 people that command a double team and i just dont think dallas has that.

[Tripwire]

Am I the only person who notices that when somebody drives on Turiaf, he fouls them literally 90% of the time? He should be fouling out in the 1st quarter every game but the refs let him slide so much it's sick.




If you are in the Box defending, you're allowed to make SOME contact. Basically, if your "hand" doesn't touch the arms of the offensive player with the ball, you're good.

From the NBA rules site:
b. Contact initiated by the defensive player guarding a player with the ball is not legal. This contact includes, but is not limited to, forearm, hands, or body check.
EXCEPTIONS:
(1) A defender may apply contact with a forearm to an offensive player with the ball who has his back to the basket below the free throw line extend-ed outside the Lower Defensive Box.
(2) A defender may apply contact with a forearm and/or one hand with a bent elbow to an offensive player in a post-up position with the ball in the Lower Defensive Box.
(3) A defender may apply contact with a forearm to an offensive player with the ball at any time in the Lower Defensive Box. The forearm in the above exceptions is solely for the purpose of main-taining a defensive position.
(4) A defender may position his leg between the legs of an offensive player in a post-up position in the Lower Defensive Box for the purpose of main-taining defensive position. If his foot leaves the floor in an attempt to dis-lodge his opponent, it is a foul immediately.
(5) Incidental contact with the hand against an offensive player shall be ignored if it does not affect the player's speed, quickness, balance and/or rhythm.

[BlackThoughT]

anyone watching the celtics/suns game...
now I know steve nash is a horrible defender, but damn rondo just about broke his ankles with that move

[ruker]

I'm not sure that the Lakers will make the finals this year, but for the next 3-4 years they look awful scary. They have 3 all star caliber players, and a true deep bench, and a hall of fame coach. The only position they aren't 'above-average' at is point guard. And im sure that will be addressed next for them seeing as Derek Fisher is like 33?

Um, have you heard of a kid named Jordan Farmar? I don't know if you know it or not, but he can straight up ball. He's growing into a younger version of D-Fish quick! Loved him at UCLA and was glad the Lakers picked him up.

[crosby]

anyone watching the celtics/suns game...
now I know steve nash is a horrible defender, but damn rondo just about broke his ankles with that move

poor nash

[AGT-Shady]

anyone watching the celtics/suns game...
now I know steve nash is a horrible defender, but damn rondo just about broke his ankles with that move

A bunch of us lol'd watching Rondo break his ankles, that was awesome, especially when he went to the bench and his teammates and the fans were giving him the business.

Um, have you heard of a kid named Jordan Farmar? I don't know if you know it or not, but he can straight up ball. He's growing into a younger version of D-Fish quick! Loved him at UCLA and was glad the Lakers picked him up.


Farmar is a SG.

[Mercenary-VD]

Farmar is a SG.

Physically Famar is not an SG; he's too small. He plays like one because he's restricted in how he's allowed to function within the system. Given his skill set he'll be alright until Kobe and Pau can't create which probably goes beyond the length of his contract.

[BlackThoughT]

Physically Famar is not an SG; he's too small. He plays like one because he's restricted in how he's allowed to function within the system. Given his skill set he'll be alright until Kobe and Pau can't create which probably goes beyond the length of his contract.

there are plenty of guys that shouldn't play PG and should be playing the 2. Some people are also just better when they dont have to worry about handling the ball, AI is the obvious example, not that he's a half-bad PG either though, just way better at scoring and creating opportunities when he's not the main ball handler

[chi-town]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=R2tbr6QhRbA

he did nash badly

[BoSlim]

Saw it in person, crowd went nuts. Game was awesome to go to, great atmosphere, dominant performance down the stretch once the D picked up. I love watching him play, very tricky player on both ends of the court.

[FaZe]

Yes, I know who Jordan Farmar is and although he is good, I have not seen much more out of him that stands out than being a good 3 pt shooter. I thought that Jose Calderon would be a great fit for that system and team (seeing how pau and him were teammates on the spanish team). Hes a great 3 pt shooter, he can drive, he can pass, and he is super fast with the ball in his hands. I heard the raptors are going to match any offer though so its probably all moot.

[ruker]

Farmar is a SG.

He always comes in to play the point and replace D-Fish. Sasha, not Farmar, is the bench SG that comes in for Kobe.

Yes, I know who Jordan Farmar is and although he is good, I have not seen much more out of him that stands out than being a good 3 pt shooter.

Yeah, I'd say he's decent at 3's. But who wouldn't be when you have teams double teaming Kobe, you're going to get a bunch of open looks (that is if Kobe passes ball). Jordan is really good at those drive and pull-up/tear drops shots. But this is his first season getting considerable minutes, so I expect him to progress just fine over the next 2 or so years.

[FaZe]

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z170/joejohnson24/rofl.gif

lol

[Mercenary-VD]

there are plenty of guys that shouldn't play PG and should be playing the 2. Some people are also just better when they dont have to worry about handling the ball, AI is the obvious example, not that he's a half-bad PG either though, just way better at scoring and creating opportunities when he's not the main ball handler

I recognize certain teams use PG sized players to play the SG but I refuse to believe that there are PG sized players player who should consistently play the 2. Iverson is a clear example of a player who made the transition to SG, he's also a clear example of a player who should not be playing at the two spot. In no way is it evident that Denver is a better team when Iverson is playing the two, esspecially against the elite teams in the East and West. He is such a liability on defense at the two position which is further compounded by having someone likes Atkins or Carter at the one. Sure it sort of works in Denver and Golden State but whens the last time an undersized transition team won a championship? Never.

Edit: Famar is a bulldog on defense and has decent range off the dribble. He's got good upside and he wont be expected to create as long as he's playing with Kobe, and Pau. Good match for the team.

[BlackThoughT]

well i can think of one because hes on the celtics...
eddie house is about 6'1" and he played alot of point to back up ronder before the celtics signed cassell, but he is way better as a spot up jump shooter or somone who stays out to get kick outs than he is as a distributer and ball handler.

[AGT-Shady]

He always comes in to play the point and replace D-Fish. Sasha, not Farmar, is the bench SG that comes in for Kobe.

No I realize how the Lakers are trying to use him based on their personnel, but he's a SG, nothing in his game is consistent with PG play and he's MUCH beter suited to the SG role, which is why the Lakers drafted Javaris Crittenton in the first round last year.

Height is hardly the defining quality of an NBA player Merc, it's just one of many factors to his success. There have been a ton of players undersized for their "typical" positions, but their play-style and skillset defines their game, he's in that Jason Terry, Ben Gordon, Cutino Mobley cast.

[mulisha]

No I realize how the Lakers are trying to use him based on their personnel, but he's a SG, nothing in his game is consistent with PG play and he's MUCH beter suited to the SG role, which is why the Lakers drafted Javaris Crittenton in the first round last year.

Height is hardly the defining quality of an NBA player Merc, it's just one of many factors to his success. There have been a ton of players undersized for their "typical" positions, but their play-style and skillset defines their game, he's in that Jason Terry, Ben Gordon, Cutino Mobley cast.

Actually Farmar is more of a pure PG. However, the triangle offense limits what we can do playmaking wise and I remember people questioning him as a draft pick since a pure PG isn't needed in the triangle. In the rookie/soph game I think he had somewhere around 15 assists. To be fair though, I think he has been working on his scoring ability as of late so that he fits into the triangle better, which doesn't require a pure PG.

[AGT-Shady]

Actually, he sure as hell is not, how is he a pure PG?

His on the ball defense is average, he has no desire to get to the rim nor create for his teammates, he's most comfortable spotted up outside the arc, and he drives and dishes about as much as the mascot with a A/TO ratio below almost every starting and about half the backup (pgs) in the NBA, and all of that was pretty much the same as when he was at UCLA.

I'm sorry but I just couldn't disagree more, what are you basing that statement on, because the media guide lists him as such? The Lakers spent their #1 pick LAST YEAR on a pure PG, do you really believe it's because they feel they don't need one?

Jason Terry, Ben Gordon, Cutino Mobley, Farmar, they're all the same guy with varying degrees of skill.

[Mercenary-VD]

Height is hardly the defining quality of an NBA player Merc, it's just one of many factors to his success. There have been a ton of players undersized for their "typical" positions, but their play-style and skillset defines their game, he's in that Jason Terry, Ben Gordon, Cutino Mobley cast.

Just because it happens doesn't make it proper and it doesn't mean it works. What have Terry and Gordon accomplished at the two? The disdain of fans? Both those players are horrible defenders at the two because physical they're unable to match up. I think it's unfair to mention Mobley along with these guys because he's not as undersized as players like Iverson, Terry, Gordon, Jones and House. Skill set may define position but you also have to consider how opponents at the same position light them up night in and night out on astronomical shooting percentages. Sure Farmar could play SG, but he'd be comming off the bench for the rest of his career and I think most people have higher expectations for him than 15 minutes a night.

Edit: Apparently the only player with a worse A/TO ratio than Farmer is whats his face Javaris Crittenton.
Edit2: Do you believe the Lakers need a pure PG Shady, and if so how does the Franchise make it happen without affecting Pau? With Pau, Odom and Kobe wouldn't you rather a PG that doesn't need the ball in order to be effective? I imagine that eventually Bynum will demand more ball time, so how is it going to happen?
B
eddie house is about 6'1" and he played alot of point to back up ronder before the celtics signed cassell, but he is way better as a spot up jump shooter or somone who stays out to get kick outs than he is as a distributer and ball handler.

Eddie House is a speciality player and career journey man. If Farmer turned out to be the next Eddie House he's be a major disapointment and huge underachiever. He plays against teams second units because he's a huge liability on defense. Farmer is neither of those, and despite him being able to move up a position and play the two it'll never happen on any NBA team that hopes to go beyond the first round.

[AGT-Shady]

Edit: Apparently the only player with a worse A/TO ratio than Farmer is whats his face Javaris Crittenton.
Edit2: Do you believe the Lakers need a pure PG Shady, and if so how does the Franchise make it happen without affecting Pau? With Pau, Odom and Kobe wouldn't you rather a PG that doesn't need the ball in order to be effective? I imagine that eventually Bynum will demand more ball time, so how is it going to happen?

I'm not sure how Crittenton has anything to do with Farmar not being a PG, for all I know he sucks, all I know about him is the Lakers used their 1st rounder on him.

A point guard......who doesn't need the ball in his hands to be effective......because he is better suited to creating space by staying outside so that his ball-handling teammates can kick to him for open shots........

How is that not a shooting guard again? ;)

No I don't think they need a PG to be effective with their roster makeup, they have plenty of playmakers already, so it's a good thing the only one they have is Fisher. :p

[stalf`]

Dear god, Miami is HARD to watch.
I think i could assemble a team in two days, that would compete with them.

[Tripwire]

Dear god, Miami is HARD to watch.
I think i could assemble a team in two days, that would compete with them.

Next year should be better for them, but it's going to take many years for them to rebuild.

Now the Clippers, ugh! This year has sucked for them losing Brand/Livingston to injuries, Cassell's whinning (and injuries), and the constant 8-man roster. I am still amazed that they don't lose every game by more than 12 points (and like last night were on top of the Spurs in SA until the last 2 min of the game). Hopefully LA's other team will heal up, retain their key players, and make next year like 2005-2006.

[ruker]

No I don't think they need a PG to be effective with their roster makeup, they have plenty of playmakers already, so it's a good thing the only one they have is Fisher. :p

Fisher is a PG but Farmar isn't? Do you even watch the Lakers much or are you just basing this off when they play your team? And Javaris Critternig (yeah, who?) was traded earlier this year... he was also the 3rd string point guard, behind Farmar. ;)

[Mercenary-VD]

I'm not sure how Crittenton has anything to do with Farmar not being a PG, for all I know he sucks, all I know about him is the Lakers used their 1st rounder on him.

A point guard......who doesn't need the ball in his hands to be effective......because he is better suited to creating space by staying outside so that his ball-handling teammates can kick to him for open shots........

How is that not a shooting guard again? ;)

No I don't think they need a PG to be effective with their roster makeup, they have plenty of playmakers already, so it's a good thing the only one they have is Fisher. :p

When I mentioned Javaris Crittenton it was because I thought you were trying to indicate that poor A/TO ratio is some indication of Farmar's point guard status.

It's not a shooting guard again because all he plays is the one because that is where he is suited to play.

Fisher isn't a play maker, never has been. He's of that same breed that you mentioned before, but because of his size most of his career was spent at the one. I think Utah was the only exception to this. He's also like 18x stronger than any of the other 1-2 hybrid guard's we've mentioned thus far which seemingly makes him less of a liability defensively.

[AGT-Shady]

They list him at the #1, the same way Dirk has been listed at Center for the Mavs, does that make him a center because they've listed that as his starting position and he's 7 feet tall?

That's what I'm geting at Merc, Farmar plays like a shooting guard doing the things you and I already mentioned. If you stuck him on a team with less playmakers where he was supposed to run the offense I think he'd fail horribly because that's not suited to his style of play, and he's not dynamic enough to be that Iverson version of scoring PG. Fisher never had to, but with Utah he did a very good job of being the more traditional PG, handling the ball, initiating the offense. Have you ever watched him in that role Varuker or do you just see him on your team?

Now stop V, I've never seen you give a lick of basketball IQ you didn't look up on ESPN. :D (Stick to hockey flaming)

[BlackThoughT]

after watching last night, I'll agree to whoever said that denver is better when ai plays point, but I still thing him personally is a better 2 than a 1 but regardless...

man dallas is bad. 70 point first half and they lose by 12 points...

at least jason kidd made more than 1 shot tonight

[BlackThoughT]

5 minutes into the game and rondo already makes a top 10 play of the week...

i cant wait till he actually learns how to shoot jumpshots well.

[Mercenary-VD]

About midway through the season Karl started to use Iverson at the point down the stretch in tight games. The guy is graciously listed at 6'0 and by all indications he's more like 5'10. On both ends of the court Denver is a better team when Iverson is at the point. Part of it's to do with Atkins and Carter being mediocre, the other part of it is Iverson doesn't have to guard players a half foot or more taller than he is.

[ruker]

Have you ever watched him in that role Varuker or do you just see him on your team?

Obviously yes. Haven't you? Since you've seen way more games then I have.

Now stop V, I've never seen you give a lick of basketball IQ you didn't look up on ESPN. :D (Stick to hockey flaming)

Do you watch me touch myself at night too? Stick to what you know, the Lakers and I definitely aren't that.

[AGT-Shady]

I know you weren't touching yourself when they lost to Memphis an hour ago. =)

[ruker]

Actually, I was grabbing my pee-pee because I had to pee so bad at the end. :o

[Milosenpotion]

gasol for mvp.







jk.





kinda.

[mulisha]

We need Bynum or Gasol back bad. The Lakers have no inside game right now and it's obviously causing them to suffer being strictly a jumpshooting team.

[BlackThoughT]

you'll be alright in the playoffs... long as kobe is kobe the lakers have a shot.

just like lebron and the cavs

[ruker]

We need Bynum or Gasol back bad. The Lakers have no inside game right now and it's obviously causing them to suffer being strictly a jumpshooting team.

But we expect to lose to teams that we should beat. Post-Shaq era, that's all the Lakers have done. Play great against good teams, play terrible against bad ones.

[klob-]

the sixers are looking good down the stretch. in the last few weeks, theyve beaten the suns (in phx), the celtics (in boston), the pistons, spurs and a few other better teams. they have 10-11 million in cap space. they could be a dangerous team next year if they use it wisely. they are making a pretty good run right now and they dont even have any major stars on the team. but im pretty sure they will finish 7th or 8th and just get rocked in the first round by the celtics or pistons.

[chi-town]

the sixers are looking good down the stretch. in the last few weeks, theyve beaten the suns (in phx), the celtics (in boston), the pistons, spurs and a few other better teams. they have 10-11 million in cap space. they could be a dangerous team next year if they use it wisely. they are making a pretty good run right now and they dont even have any major stars on the team. but im pretty sure they will finish 7th or 8th and just get rocked in the first round by the celtics or pistons.

iguodala is a monster.

I forgot the source but my friend showed me an article stating that the bulls are having inside the club house issues.

- Heinrich, Gordon, Tyrus Thomas got pissed off that Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden were getting featured roles so Tyrus Thomas thought it was good to take a day off, thus getting a 2 day suspension.

- Luol Deng won't stay in Chicago for less money, apparently wants off the team

paxson basically tore this team up. he fired a coach who brought them to the playoffs 2 years in a row. skiles should still be in chicago and wallace should of been traded long ago. I think the bulls will resign gordon and trade him along with a couple more players.

[BlackThoughT]

iguodala is good but he's not really a #1 option, he'd be alot better if he was not required to take all of the scoring load
if the 6ers use that cap money for a good big man to play next to dalembert and with iguodala and miller they'd be contending for one of the top spots, especially in the EC

[Magus]

Elton Brand to the Sixers = Sixers being a title contender.

Miller, Iguodala, Young, Brand, Dalembert = sick. If we could find a way to murder Dalembert, that is.

[BlackThoughT]

wow, I guess the pistons really DONT care anymore

[AGT-Shady]

Says the guy who's team escaped a 26-win Bucks team in OT, they rested their starters too ya know.

I was much more suprised that Utah handled the Hornets so easily on their home floor - a sub .500 road team decimating the #1 seed in the West, craziness.

[Milosenpotion]

It annoys me so much not knowing that Utah will dominate a game like @NO/@SAS and then go to Minnesota and get embarassed. :(

[AGT-Shady]

They were at home against SAS, but yeah, they and the Lakers have some of the biggest WHA??! losses of the year.

[cryptopsy]

Did the Hawks make it??:confused:

[BlackThoughT]

Says the guy who's team escaped a 26-win Bucks team in OT, they rested their starters too ya know.

I was much more suprised that Utah handled the Hornets so easily on their home floor - a sub .500 road team decimating the #1 seed in the West, craziness.

but not the 22-win knicks! hoorah!
must've been because of our crappy bench :rolleyes:

Utah confuses me all the time, so good at home but garbage on the road.
Hawks are still in it, but only barely

[cryptopsy]

C'MAWN HAWKS!

[AGT-Shady]

but not the 22-win knicks! hoorah!

Probably more to do with them honoring Isiah pre-game and the Knicks attesting their play singular to that, you miss that in the box score? :rolleyes:

[BlackThoughT]

Probably more to do with them honoring Isiah pre-game and the Knicks attesting their play singular to that, you miss that in the box score? :rolleyes:

sorry, box scores dont have a "Things i dont care about" category :p

gimme a break, the knicks are bad

[AGT-Shady]

They suck. :D

[Kaptain Kracker]

celtics cant beat the wizards. i hope the wizards make it out of the first rd and play celtics in rd2.

[decap]

lol i know right, a banged up wiz team seems to handle the celts all season... saddd

[BoSlim]

Celts have clinched home court in every series, Wizards are fighting to climb ahead of Cleveland in order to get the 4th spot and thus, home court advantage. Point is, the Celts could care less if they lose all these games, its just about executing certain plays, getting people playing time, etc...

Now, as for the Wiz, I'd say they are probably the team that scares me the most, as they are very athletic and can all shoot. Now that they're all healthy they are looking good, but lets not jump to conclusions about the outcome of a game that is meaningless for one team and extremely meaningful for the other.

[Kaptain Kracker]

if meaningless why did doc rivers play his starters the whole 4th quarter?

[Mercenary-VD]

They're on his fantasy team, gotta pad the stats it's the finals.

[BlackThoughT]

maybe for one game here and there, not for a 7 game series

[Kaptain Kracker]

well they beat them 3/4 this season including back to back. to be fair, the celtics dont match up well with the wizards. Not to mention the wizards went 2-1 against the celtics without arenas.

[Thrash]

They're on his fantasy team, gotta pad the stats it's the finals.If he managed to get all of the Celtic's starters on his fantasy team, who the hell is running that league? Isiah Thomas?

[BlackThoughT]

well they beat them 3/4 this season including back to back. to be fair, the celtics dont match up well with the wizards. Not to mention the wizards went 2-1 against the celtics without arenas.

eh they probably wont make it past the first round anyways

[Kaptain Kracker]

celtics fans are hoping that :)

[BlackThoughT]

maybe, maybe not.

[BoSlim]

If you want to think that the Wizards beating the Celtics in a game that means everything to them and nothing to the Celtics has any bearing on what happens in the playoffs, then be my guest.

[Mercenary-VD]

If he managed to get all of the Celtic's starters on his fantasy team, who the hell is running that league? Isiah Thomas?

Doc Rivers and his fantasy crew new Allen couldn't back up his ADP of 17. Rivers picked him up with pick 22 in the 3rd round. LEWLLLL

[stas]

If you want to think that the Wizards beating the Celtics in a game that means everything to them and nothing to the Celtics has any bearing on what happens in the playoffs, then be my guest.

what about the warriors and mavs last season? dallas lost the series, including losing to the warriors on apr 17 (2nd to last game, which they probably thougth meant nothing to dallas, but everything to GS) and got knocked out of the playoffs by them in the 1st round. not to mention, GS beat them in several games that did matter as well (like the celt-wiz games earlier in the season). im not predicting a major upset, im just saying its too early to blow them off like you are.

[BlackThoughT]

sure, except dallas never plays defense, and never could they just tried to outscore everyone

[BlackThoughT]

excellent win for the celtics, bench won the game in the 4th quarter against a probable round 1 opponent.

also, sam cassell looks like an alien

edit:
al horford is gonna be a beast too

[BoSlim]

what about the warriors and mavs last season? dallas lost the series, including losing to the warriors on apr 17 (2nd to last game, which they probably thougth meant nothing to dallas, but everything to GS) and got knocked out of the playoffs by them in the 1st round. not to mention, GS beat them in several games that did matter as well (like the celt-wiz games earlier in the season). im not predicting a major upset, im just saying its too early to blow them off like you are.
First off Stas I'd like to commend you on presenting your post with a reasonable discussion tone, so thanks for that.

Now, I wasn't blowing them off, but he seemed to be just a bit too excited about winning that game. I'm not writing off the Wiz, I even said in my original post about that game..."Now, as for the Wiz, I'd say they are probably the team that scares me the most, as they are very athletic and can all shoot. Now that they're all healthy they are looking good..." I agree that the Wiz could do some damage in the playoffs since they are all healthy and playing well at the right time of the season.

However, they do need to get by the Cavs in round 1, which I think will be a great series. If they do that, then they'll play the Celtics, assuming the Celtics beat the Hawks, and that could be a bad matchup for the Celts just like the Warriors were a bad matchup for the Mavs that year because both teams just tried to outscore the other, and the Warriors ran too much and outplayed them because they had no pressure on them.

Anyways, the playoffs this year should be amazing, almost every matchup looks to be entertaining.

[Mercenary-VD]

The Golden State/Dallas matchup last year was unique, and entertaining but lets not forget what happened to Golden State when they ran into Utah and got decimated. Everyone knew that Dallas was going to have matchup problems with Golden State which was compounded by Golden State being the hottest team in the league going into the playoffs. The Wizards run a high octane offense but they don't make matchup problems for the Celtics.
The GSW/Mavs series was a huge upset, but Dirk and Avery Johnson got exposed. This Wizards team doesn't have the ability to take it to Garnett like Jackson did to Dirk last year.

[AGT-Shady]

If he Celtics end up going deep or winning it all, the Big 3 will get the credit as they rightly should, but Sam Cassell is the piece they were missing early that will take them places in the playoffs they couldn't have acheived without him(a former star-player/leader that has led a team to championships and can still get it done NOW when it counts).

He has been clutch on a team where noone else on that bench has stepped up, and as great as the Big 3 are, they can't get it done in the playoffs by themselves. I'd be more concerned about the Wiz toward the Celts if he had been on the team for those other 2 losses.

I totally agree with BoSlim, this should be the most entertaining playoffs since the late 80's.

[Milosenpotion]

Cassell does help them, and I'm a big Cassell fan, but they'd be just fine in the playoffs with or without him. The Celtics have unquestionably been the best team all season and should win the playoffs.

[BlackThoughT]

not if they played 5 on 5 against 5 of you milos

[AGT-Shady]

Cassell does help them, and I'm a big Cassell fan, but they'd be just fine in the playoffs with or without him. The Celtics have unquestionably been the best team all season and should win the playoffs.

Barring some season ending injury we'll never know for sure now, but I'd be stunned if he doesn't come up big in many crucial games this postseason.

[BlackThoughT]

Playoff matchups as of now, eastern conference is locked up in terms of matchups but I think a few of the west's could swap depending on the last few days of games.

Post your predictions for the first round, i'll edit the WC if the matchups change

EASTERN COFERENCE:

(1) BOSTON vs. (8) Atlanta - Boston should win in 4 or 5 games. Atlanta just doesnt have an answer for KG.
(Boston won 3-0)

(2) DETROIT vs. (7) Philadelphia - Detroid in 5 or 6. Detroits lack of focus causes them to lose a game or two, unless the Andre connection fails to play to their usual level.
(Series tied 2-2)

(3) ORLANDO vs. (6) Toronto - Orlando in 5. Orlando has alot more talent, shouldnt be too much trouble for them.
(Orlando won 2-1)

(4) CLEVELAND vs. (5) Washington - Washington in 6. Trade didnt make any difference for cavs its pretty apparent, 'zards are healthy finally with Butler and Gilbert. Lebron cant keep winning all by himself.
(Series tied 2-2)

WESTERN CONFERENCE:
(1) LOS ANGELES vs. (8) Denver - Lakers in 7. Could be a sleeper for the best first round matchup, Even though LA won season 3-0, Denver has alot of playoff experience. Then again LA has kobe/gasol/etc.
(Los Angeles won 3-0)

(2) NEW ORLEANS (1A) vs. (7) Dallas - New Orleans in 6. Last years MVP cant get it done with this years probable candidate. Jason Kidd defending chris paul? are you joking?
(New Orleans leads 2-1)

(3) SAN ANTONIO vs. (6) Phoenix - Defense vs offense. Spurs in 6. They know how to win in the playoffs, even if they are getting a little old, they're not as old as the suns. Amare vs Duncan should be nice.
(Phoenix won 3-1)

(4) UTAH vs. (5) Houston - Utah in 5. Tmac hasnt shown he can win a playoff series WITH Yao, let alone without.
(Utah won 2-1)

[Thrash]

Anyone else irked that Golden State doesn't get in the playoffs, but the Nuggets do... then the Nuggets (POSSIBLY) lose Carmello? If he gets suspended or punished during the playoffs then the Nuggets series will definitely be a waste of time.

[Cyrus]

nuggets in 5 over the lakers.

[AGT-Shady]

^rofl

But I'd love to see it.

That Nuggets team is such a joke, they've got a STACKED starting 5 and have for years now and continue to underachieve.

[ruker]

Being a Lakers' fan, I'm glad GS got knocked out. Didn't want to see them or Phoenix in the first round.

[Suicidal Anomaly]

Yeah between Denver and GS despite the fact that I think Denver should be better after watching what GS did to Dallas last year I'd much rather play Denver. That said as a Laker fan for some reason I'm uneasy as the playoffs approach. Probably due to watching them give up way too many points in a half some time only to clamp down and make some come back in the 4th quarter.

[ruker]

It's all in the style of O they play. It's a fact that the Lakers suck dick at stopping the ball against those run-n-gun teams. Then they end up falling into the other teams game plan by taking those enticing 3's that they never seem to make.

[5KA]

It's pretty dissapointing seeing GSW not making the playoffs after a great season. I live in San Francisco so it sucks even more knowing that your home team didn't make it!

[BlackThoughT]

It's all in the style of O they play. It's a fact that the Lakers suck dick at stopping the ball against those run-n-gun teams. Then they end up falling into the other teams game plan by taking those enticing 3's that they never seem to make.

would that be because the only one of them who can really defend is kobe?

[Milosenpotion]

Overrated as shit on d. Fisher (fuck, even SASHA this year) are better perimeter defenders.

[AGT-Shady]

Than Kobe?

Jesus buddy you might be retarded.

[Suicidal Anomaly]

Kobe's defense has actually been much improved this year over last year. Some of his all NBA defensive team honors in the past were a joke but he stepped it up this year.

[mulisha]

Kobe's defense has actually been much improved this year over last year. Some of his all NBA defensive team honors in the past were a joke but he stepped it up this year.

nailed it

[Milosenpotion]

Yea, I guess I'll defend what I said since I'm not expecting people that only see Kobe in national games to fully understand it. He's not the same player in national games as he is in regular games, although the line is way less blurred this year than in the past ~4 years. He's been cruising on reputation for a while now; he doesn't play defense on every play like Sasha or Fisher. I've always considered Fisher a good defender and Sasha has transformed from being a joke to the most annoying pest (along with Bowen) in the league. This isn't to say I'd rather have one of these two guys defending the opposing star in the last shot of the game. Kobe certainly has the ability to defend very well, but he opts not to until late in the game for whatever reason. I will say that he's been more consistent this year for sure. Look at the player, not the name.

[ruker]

Stoled the words right out of my mouth haha.

[Suicidal Anomaly]

Yea, I guess I'll defend what I said since I'm not expecting people that only see Kobe in national games to fully understand it. He's not the same player in national games as he is in regular games, although the line is way less blurred this year than in the past ~4 years. He's been cruising on reputation for a while now; he doesn't play defense on every play like Sasha or Fisher. I've always considered Fisher a good defender and Sasha has transformed from being a joke to the most annoying pest (along with Bowen) in the league. This isn't to say I'd rather have one of these two guys defending the opposing star in the last shot of the game. Kobe certainly has the ability to defend very well, but he opts not to until late in the game for whatever reason. I will say that he's been more consistent this year for sure. Look at the player, not the name.


National games? Both myself and mulisha live in SoCal and I'm guessing like me he sees more than just the national games...like the one last night on channel 413 for TWC HD. Since basketball doesn't overlap with football much and it's more tolerable on TV than baseball I watch 90%+ of the Laker regular season games and every playoff game. Sasha while being a good defender is dirty as fuck and one of those guys who if he isn't on your team (aka Bowen, Stockton, etc) you're not a fan of his. Fisher is still a decent defender but even in his prime he's been abused by some of the smaller, quicker guards ala Tony Parker. As far as cruising on reputation I pretty much said the same exact thing in my last post. This year his defense is far superior to anything he's done in recent years. Even the Laker kids over at ESPN who spend all day loving or berating the guy hav