Re: NBA Playoffs

[Guest]

Utah is really, really good this year.

 

I see we both have them making the NBA Finals...I hope we're right!

[Guest]

I take it Phoenix didn't watch the national title game either. Two times they could have fouled and stopped game tying threes. Two times they didn't. Two times the Spurs made threes. It really isn't rocket science. You give the foul.

 

In their defense, if you winning or going to overtime depends on Tim Duncan missing or making a 3-pointer, you take your chances every day and twice on Sunday.

[illiniguy]

I take it Phoenix didn't watch the national title game either. Two times they could have fouled and stopped game tying threes. Two times they didn't. Two times the Spurs made threes. It really isn't rocket science. You give the foul.

 

In their defense, if you winning or going to overtime depends on Tim Duncan missing or making a 3-pointer, you take your chances every day and twice on Sunday.

I don't think so. It is simple math. They cannot beat you if you foul. There is still a chance, albeit a small one, of Duncan beating you on a three. Just foul, box out, and win.

[shnsajax]

Utah is really, really good this year.

 

I see we both have them making the NBA Finals...I hope we're right!

 

They were really really good at the end of last season. Sloan has to be one of the greatest coaches of the last 25 years. I still don't think they will make it this season though, thinking they are the 5th best team in the West.

[Guest]

I really don't understand why ABC is making such a big deal about Denver's "high-powered attack" and wondering if the Lakers can score with them.

 

2007-08 PPG:

Denver 110.7

Los Angeles: 108.6

 

It's not like the Lakers were averaging 100 or fewer points this year, they certainly showed the ability to score with the best of them this year.

[Guest]

I really don't understand why ABC is making such a big deal about Denver's "high-powered attack" and wondering if the Lakers can score with them.

 

2007-08 PPG:

Denver 110.7

Los Angeles: 108.6

 

It's not like the Lakers were averaging 100 or fewer points this year, they certainly showed the ability to score with the best of them this year.

 

Gotta hype up a potential sweep somehow.

[Guest]

I really don't understand why ABC is making such a big deal about Denver's "high-powered attack" and wondering if the Lakers can score with them.

 

2007-08 PPG:

Denver 110.7

Los Angeles: 108.6

 

It's not like the Lakers were averaging 100 or fewer points this year, they certainly showed the ability to score with the best of them this year.

 

Gotta hype up a potential sweep somehow.

 

Heh. Yeah, I guess.

[Guest]

It's really nice winning Game 1 by 14 points despite Kobe getting in foul trouble and having a horrible shooting game (9-for-26).

 

The other thing that bugged me was, when the Lakers went on their run in the third quarter and then again at the end of the game, the announcers almost seemed surprised that Denver gave up 128 points.

[Guest]

Wow. Philly upset Detroit in Game 1. I did not see that coming.

[Andy]

Wow. Philly upset Detroit in Game 1. I did not see that coming.

Get them out of the playoffs, the sooner the better. Go Sixers.

[rawaction]

It's really nice winning Game 1 by 14 points despite Kobe getting in foul trouble and having a horrible shooting game (9-for-26).

 

The other thing that bugged me was, when the Lakers went on their run in the third quarter and then again at the end of the game, the announcers almost seemed surprised that Denver gave up 128 points.

 

Gasol was a monster. 38, 16, 8 and 3 blocks! Easily the best trade deadline move in the NBA this year.

[NOLA]

Yes, I am a homer, but Chris Paul just owned the Mavs Saturday night. I think to overlook NO in the west this year would be a huge mistake. They play GREAT defense, have an MVP type at PG, a strong inside presence and they have vets who can hit the three. The Mavs are soft. BTW, I do like the Bulls, and you guys would do well to get Avery Johnson (St. Augustine High School-New Orleans grad) as coach. It's not his fault the Mavs' superstar is soft and there is no inside game. What the heck happened with the Bulls this year?

[imb]

It's really nice winning Game 1 by 14 points despite Kobe getting in foul trouble and having a horrible shooting game (9-for-26).

 

The other thing that bugged me was, when the Lakers went on their run in the third quarter and then again at the end of the game, the announcers almost seemed surprised that Denver gave up 128 points.

 

Gasol was a monster. 38, 16, 8 and 3 blocks! Easily the best trade deadline move in the NBA this year.

 

best one in a long time, considering what they gave up for him

[illiniguy]

Anyone watching inside the nba? I think Kenny Smith just gave Rasheed Wallace cancer. Or something.

[ELCABALLO45]

Sorry if this is late but im a big NBA fan and here are my predictions...

 

(1) Lakers defeat (8) Nuggets - How crazy is it that a 50 win team is a 8 seed? And after saying that this is a mis match. The only way Denver has a chance is if AI and 'Melo do something special, and I don't see that happening.

 

(2) Hornets defeat (7) Mavericks - This one is interesting, ask yourself this: If the Mavericks were the 2 seed, who would you pick? I like the Hornets in 7 in this one. CP3 probably could argue with Steve Nash on who the best PG in the league is.

 

(3) Spurs defeat (6) Suns - I really want the Suns to win, I really do. However this is the worst 1st round match up they could ask for. Tim Duncan is a man, and during playoff time he brings it. I really want the Suns to win, but I got the Spurs in 7.

 

(4) Jazz defeat (5) Rockets - What could of been? Missing Yao is going to hurt bad for the Rockets, I see the Jazz taking this easily in 5, maybe even a sweep.

 

---

 

(1) Celtics defeats (8) Hawks - "Were going to shock the world" - Josh Smith, hey Josh, just stop talking now, The Celtics will deliver a beat down, and the Boston 3 Party will march into the 2nd round.

 

(2) Pistons defeats (7) 76ers - Wow, Upset in game 1. Won't matter, Pistons in 5.

 

(6) Raptors defeats (3) Magic - This is going to be a fun series to watch, if no one has seen the Raptors play, they play a really fun up and down style of basketball (Suns like). The Raptors can get HOT and shoot with any team in the league, upset here. Raptors in 7

 

(4) Cavaliers defeats (5) Wizards - King James will continue writing the legacy. Cavs blow it open.. win in 5.

 

======

 

2nd Round

 

(1) Lakers defeats (4) Jazz - Should be a fun series, West is so strong, But Kobe Bean Bryant has a Championship on his mind. I see the Lakers in 6

 

(5) Spurs defeats (2) Hornets - Parker vs. Paul, now THAT is a match up. Paul will show everyone why he is the next great point guard. However, it won't be enough to slow down Duncan and the Spurs. Spurs in 7.

 

---

 

(1) Celtics defeats (4) Cavaliers - LeBron vs. The Nation. LeBron will have to put on another "Jordan" performance to keep up with the Celtics, Jesus Shuttlesworth's outside shooting will be to much. Celtics in 6.

 

(6) Raptors defeats (2) Pistons - JC and AM get hot and STUN the Pistons. Pistons will think they got a easy matchup, however the Run and Gun Raptors live to see another series. Raptors in 7.

 

=========

 

Semi-Finals

 

(3) Spurs defeats (1) Lakers - Kobe can taste it now, 1 series away from the finals, until they run into the machine known as the Spurs. Gasol will fold under Duncan, and the Spurs wave the Western Confrence Banner for the 2nd year in a row.

 

(1) Celtics defeats (6) Raptors - The Cinderella story ends her for the country of Canada. The Celtic Nation will celebrate the Eastern Confrence Championship, and David Stern grin gets even bigger. Celtics sweep.

 

========

THE FINALS

 

(1) Celtics defeats (3) Spurs - The Celtics have been on a mission since day 1. They will not be denied. Great Series that will go back and fourth, But Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen will get their rings and the NBA front office goes crazy.

 

--

 

Those are my predictions, and The Raptor one probably won't come true, but hey its always fun. And I typed a book for every one of my predictions so I will stop typing now.

[Guest]

Yes, I am a homer, but Chris Paul just owned the Mavs Saturday night.

 

The best part of that game, by far, was at his halftime interview with the Mavs up 12, Jason Kidd said that the Mavs wanted to make Chris Paul shoot the ball more and try to limit his assists. Then in the second half, Paul came out and scored 15 points in the third quarter as the Hornets outscored the Mavs 36-20. Then he added nine more in the fourth.

[imb]

Btw, in a season where Lebron averaged 30, 7 and 7, Chris Paul had the best season by a PG in over a decade and Kobe Bryant dominated the league, Bill Simmons picked Kevin Garnett as his MVP.

 

It's sad really, Simmons was great at first, then got to the point where only his NBA stuff was accurate and now he's fallen into the ESPN trap of saying stupid S just to get a reaction instead of actually doing good work.

[bukie]

Btw, in a season where Lebron averaged 30, 7 and 7, Chris Paul had the best season by a PG in over a decade and Kobe Bryant dominated the league, Bill Simmons picked Kevin Garnett as his MVP.

 

It's sad really, Simmons was great at first, then got to the point where only his NBA stuff was accurate and now he's fallen into the ESPN trap of saying stupid S just to get a reaction instead of actually doing good work.

 

I think he's completely drunk on Boston success. He was much more accurate on everything when all his favorite teams were jokes.

[Warpticon]

Garnett is a great, great player, but he's nowhere near MVP level this year. Hell, if you want to be direct about it, the guy he got traded for was better than him. I'm disappointed that Lebron basically got removed from consideration for some reason...the year he put u is ridiculous, and he's clearly carrying that team. No, they're not as good as the Lakers or Hornets, but how much worse would they be without him? Look at what they did while he was out hurt.

[ELCABALLO45]

Garnett is a great, great player, but he's nowhere near MVP level this year. Hell, if you want to be direct about it, the guy he got traded for was better than him. I'm disappointed that Lebron basically got removed from consideration for some reason...the year he put u is ridiculous, and he's clearly carrying that team. No, they're not as good as the Lakers or Hornets, but how much worse would they be without him? Look at what they did while he was out hurt.

 

KG turned around a team that was 24-58. Yes Ray Allen helped that out alot, but Garnett was the best player on the best team this year. He was the leader of the best team in the NBA. If that isn't MVP material then a I dunno what is. And to say Al Jefferson was better than him, im sorry then I don't want to talk NBA with you anymore.

[bukie]

Btw, in a season where Lebron averaged 30, 7 and 7, Chris Paul had the best season by a PG in over a decade and Kobe Bryant dominated the league, Bill Simmons picked Kevin Garnett as his MVP.

 

It's sad really, Simmons was great at first, then got to the point where only his NBA stuff was accurate and now he's fallen into the ESPN trap of saying stupid S just to get a reaction instead of actually doing good work.

 

I think he's completely drunk on Boston success. He was much more accurate on everything when all his favorite teams were jokes.

 

I swear I posted this comment before he posted this article. God help us all if the Bruins win tonight.

[Guest]

Btw, in a season where Lebron averaged 30, 7 and 7, Chris Paul had the best season by a PG in over a decade and Kobe Bryant dominated the league, Bill Simmons picked Kevin Garnett as his MVP.

 

It's sad really, Simmons was great at first, then got to the point where only his NBA stuff was accurate and now he's fallen into the ESPN trap of saying stupid S just to get a reaction instead of actually doing good work.

 

I love how he started the Garnett explanation with "Let's get the bad stuff out of the way so you don't think this is a homer vote".

[imb]

Garnett is a great, great player, but he's nowhere near MVP level this year. Hell, if you want to be direct about it, the guy he got traded for was better than him. I'm disappointed that Lebron basically got removed from consideration for some reason...the year he put u is ridiculous, and he's clearly carrying that team. No, they're not as good as the Lakers or Hornets, but how much worse would they be without him? Look at what they did while he was out hurt.

 

KG turned around a team that was 24-58. Yes Ray Allen helped that out alot, but Garnett was the best player on the best team this year. He was the leader of the best team in the NBA. If that isn't MVP material then a I dunno what is. And to say Al Jefferson was better than him, im sorry then I don't want to talk NBA with you anymore.

 

KG's year was just a tad better than Jefferson's (25.3 PER to 22.8) but we're also talking about $23m and $2m.

 

The other top guys go like this

 

Kobe Bryant 24.3

Chris Paul 28.3

Lebron James 29.23

[Guest]

Garnett is a great, great player, but he's nowhere near MVP level this year. Hell, if you want to be direct about it, the guy he got traded for was better than him. I'm disappointed that Lebron basically got removed from consideration for some reason...the year he put u is ridiculous, and he's clearly carrying that team. No, they're not as good as the Lakers or Hornets, but how much worse would they be without him? Look at what they did while he was out hurt.

 

KG turned around a team that was 24-58. Yes Ray Allen helped that out alot, but Garnett was the best player on the best team this year. He was the leader of the best team in the NBA. If that isn't MVP material then a I dunno what is. And to say Al Jefferson was better than him, im sorry then I don't want to talk NBA with you anymore.

 

It's not necessarily that Al Jefferson is better than Garnett, it's that if the Celtics didn't make that trade and had a trio of Pierce, Allen and Jefferson, not much would have changed. The Celtics won their division this year by 25 games, they were 14 games better than No. 3 Orlando and 21 games better than No. 4 Cleveland. I don't think they would have had the best record in the league and probably wouldn't have been No. 1 in the East, but Boston would have won their division and would have been at least the No. 3 seed in the East, if not the No. 2 ahead of Orlando.

 

As far as LeBron, I discount him a bit because he's in the East and any team with a pulse could have made the playoffs in the East. I also hold this against Garnett. The West was far and away the tougher conference this year and when determining MVP candidates, that has to be in consideration. I wouldn't take LeBron out of the discussion, but I'd put him a solid third behind Kobe and Chris Paul and easily ahead of Garnett.

 

And even though I'm a Lakers fan and my choice of Kobe for MVP is a semi-homer pick, I won't be disappointed at all if Paul wins it because he's been ridiculous this year as well.

[rawaction]

Kobe has never won the MVP. If it wasn't for that fact, Chris Paul would get my MVP vote. Kobe deserves at least 1 MVP. He should have gotten it after the 05-06 season. It's arguable who's had the better season between Paul and Kobe. It's not arguable who is the better overall player, which is my tie breaker.

 

There's really no one else in the discussion, IMO.