2008-09 NBA Playoffs

[bcl412]

I really hope the Rockets can ruin the inevitable but now not quite as inevitable Lakers vs Cavs finals. It would actually make the NBA playoffs a little more interesting and not seem so scripted.

 

On the other hand, if the Lakers lose Cleveland pretty much will have an easy road to the title and I kind of want to see Lebron pull a Dan Marino and never win one (even though he'll probably win multiple ones.)

[wolf stansson]

If someone gets in the way of Kobe v LeBron, I'm going to be upset.

[CubbieBum]

I really hope the Rockets can ruin the inevitable but now not quite as inevitable Lakers vs Cavs finals. It would actually make the NBA playoffs a little more interesting and not seem so scripted.

 

On the other hand, if the Lakers lose Cleveland pretty much will have an easy road to the title and I kind of want to see Lebron pull a Dan Marino and never win one (even though he'll probably win multiple ones.)

 

If Rockets pull the upset and meet Cavs in the Finals Rockets will beat the Cavs. LeBron has less help than Kobe, although more than in years past, and just like with Kobe the Rockets are one of the rare teams in history to have two of the top perimeter defenders in the league. Battier won't be as good on LeBron as he is with Kobe because LeBron will muscle him but Artest is probably the only guy in the league that isn't a PF/C that has the strength to matchup on LeBron.

[wolf stansson]

I really hope the Rockets can ruin the inevitable but now not quite as inevitable Lakers vs Cavs finals. It would actually make the NBA playoffs a little more interesting and not seem so scripted.

 

On the other hand, if the Lakers lose Cleveland pretty much will have an easy road to the title and I kind of want to see Lebron pull a Dan Marino and never win one (even though he'll probably win multiple ones.)

 

If Rockets pull the upset and meet Cavs in the Finals Rockets will beat the Cavs. LeBron has less help than Kobe, although more than in years past, and just like with Kobe the Rockets are one of the rare teams in history to have two of the top perimeter defenders in the league. Battier won't be as good on LeBron as he is with Kobe because LeBron will muscle him but Artest is probably the only guy in the league that isn't a PF/C that has the strength to matchup on LeBron.

You're on crack.

 

Your team will not beat the Lakers.

 

Even on the chance they do, they will not beat the LeBrons.

[CubbieBum]

I really hope the Rockets can ruin the inevitable but now not quite as inevitable Lakers vs Cavs finals. It would actually make the NBA playoffs a little more interesting and not seem so scripted.

 

On the other hand, if the Lakers lose Cleveland pretty much will have an easy road to the title and I kind of want to see Lebron pull a Dan Marino and never win one (even though he'll probably win multiple ones.)

 

If Rockets pull the upset and meet Cavs in the Finals Rockets will beat the Cavs. LeBron has less help than Kobe, although more than in years past, and just like with Kobe the Rockets are one of the rare teams in history to have two of the top perimeter defenders in the league. Battier won't be as good on LeBron as he is with Kobe because LeBron will muscle him but Artest is probably the only guy in the league that isn't a PF/C that has the strength to matchup on LeBron.

You're on crack.

 

Your team will not beat the Lakers.

 

Even on the chance they do, they will not beat the LeBrons.

 

I agree we probably won't be the Lakers but my post clearly says if the Rockets do beat the Lakers (and whoever is in Conf. Finals) they can beat the Cavs. The Cavs don't have the depth like the Rockets (and Lakers) and the Rockets have two players that can do as well as anyone can on LeBron. Its not a good matchup for the Cavs. There's a reason why the Cavs have lost 3 of 4 to the Rockets over the last two seasons and why Lebron averaged 24 pts, 5 rebs, 2.5 assts on 41% shooting against the Rockets this season.

[wolf stansson]

I agree we probably won't be the Lakers but my post clearly says if the Rockets do beat the Lakers (and whoever is in Conf. Finals) they can beat the Cavs. The Cavs don't have the depth like the Rockets (and Lakers) and the Rockets have two players that can do as well as anyone can on LeBron. Its not a good matchup for the Cavs.

So you think they probably won't beat the Lakers but you think they'd beat the Cavs. Am I to believe you think Battier and Artest match up better against LeBron than Kobe?

[CubbieBum]

http://i40.tinypic.com/xelpxl.gif

 

Kobe could be receiving a suspension. The Rockets are likely to be sending this in to the league office and its rather clear it was purposeful. Howard got 1 game for an elbow with no contact Kobe will get at least one.

[Mike Aller]

LeBron is a MUCH harder player to match up against than Kobe.

 

With Kobe though, sometimes there is just nothing you can do. He's not nearly as athletic as LeBron, but he has a killer jumper. You just have to play solid D and hope his jumper isn't falling.

[Guest]

http://i40.tinypic.com/xelpxl.gif

 

Kobe could be receiving a suspension. The Rockets are likely to be sending this in to the league office and its rather clear it was purposeful. Howard got 1 game for an elbow with no contact Kobe will get at least one.

 

Hah, no way Kobe is suspended when the Lakers are already down 0-1.

[Mike Aller]

http://i40.tinypic.com/xelpxl.gif

 

Kobe could be receiving a suspension. The Rockets are likely to be sending this in to the league office and its rather clear it was purposeful. Howard got 1 game for an elbow with no contact Kobe will get at least one.

I don't see a suspension coming. I can't see the league doing that, even if it MIGHT be warranted. Also, I thought it was hilarious last night how when they showed that replay they started to talk about how Kobe does this because he needs something to get himself fired up like MJ. Let that have been J.R. Smith, Melo, Rasheed, or anyone else in the league portrayed as a "thug" and they would have spent the next half hour talking about what a cheap shot it was and how that player just doesn't "get it." Edited May 5, 2009 by Mike Aller

[wolf stansson]

http://i40.tinypic.com/xelpxl.gif

 

Kobe could be receiving a suspension. The Rockets are likely to be sending this in to the league office and its rather clear it was purposeful. Howard got 1 game for an elbow with no contact Kobe will get at least one.

 

Hah, no way Kobe is suspended when the Lakers are already down 0-1.

Yeah I was going to say, I don't think he knows how the NBA works. Dwight got suspended because they were going to roll anyway. Although I'm sure Stern died a little inside when he his hand was forced on that one.

[Guest]

http://i40.tinypic.com/xelpxl.gif

 

Kobe could be receiving a suspension. The Rockets are likely to be sending this in to the league office and its rather clear it was purposeful. Howard got 1 game for an elbow with no contact Kobe will get at least one.

 

Hah, no way Kobe is suspended when the Lakers are already down 0-1.

Yeah I was going to say, I don't think he knows how the NBA works. Dwight got suspended because they were going to roll anyway. Although I'm sure Stern died a little inside when he his hand was forced on that one.

 

If Stern didn't suspend Rondo for dragging Hinrich 10 feet and throwing him into the scorers table and then throwing an elbow (that was harder but didn't connect), there's no way they suspend Kobe for this.

[CubbieBum]

I agree we probably won't be the Lakers but my post clearly says if the Rockets do beat the Lakers (and whoever is in Conf. Finals) they can beat the Cavs. The Cavs don't have the depth like the Rockets (and Lakers) and the Rockets have two players that can do as well as anyone can on LeBron. Its not a good matchup for the Cavs.

So you think they probably won't beat the Lakers but you think they'd beat the Cavs. Am I to believe you think Battier and Artest match up better against LeBron than Kobe?

 

The Cavs are a much better matchup for the Rockets than the Lakers. The Rockets strengths are great defense, a center who no one can really matchup one alone, and a deep bench. The Lakers have a lot of size so they do as well as anyone in matching up with the Rockets size and they have a deep bench. The Cavs don't have much of a bench so when starters need rest the Rockets should be able to catchup/pull away.

 

As to your question ... No Artest and Battier don't matchup better against Lebron than Kobe. No one does. LeBron is too strong for any perimeter player and too quick for a PF/C. However the Rockets do matchup against LeBron better than any other team in the league. Because the Rockets are stronger have a deeper team and don't have to rely on one player as much they tend to beat the Cavs. What the Rockets would do (just as with Portland and LA) is make sure every LeBron shot is contested whether it be on the perimeter or with Yao when LeBron drives. This means LeBron won't be able to score at will and not rely on his teammates. It will come down to whether or not the supporting cast can hit their shots. Over the course of a 7 game series the Rockets believe they can win 4 games when its up to the non-LeBron players to make the shot.

[CubbieBum]

http://i40.tinypic.com/xelpxl.gif

 

Kobe could be receiving a suspension. The Rockets are likely to be sending this in to the league office and its rather clear it was purposeful. Howard got 1 game for an elbow with no contact Kobe will get at least one.

 

Hah, no way Kobe is suspended when the Lakers are already down 0-1.

Yeah I was going to say, I don't think he knows how the NBA works. Dwight got suspended because they were going to roll anyway. Although I'm sure Stern died a little inside when he his hand was forced on that one.

 

If Stern didn't suspend Rondo for dragging Hinrich 10 feet and throwing him into the scorers table and then throwing an elbow (that was harder but didn't connect), there's no way they suspend Kobe for this.

 

He probably won't suspend Kobe. However Rondo could at least say he tried to go for the ball. Kobe's elbow happened when the ball was no where near so there is no way he can say he was trying to get the ball. He also doesn't get much leeway by claiming it was an accident because he was suspended a couple years ago for throwing elbows so he has a history.

 

If the media were making a massive deal about this and showing the video over and over again Stern would probably be forced to suspend him. Instead the media is caught up in the upset and how they were all wrong about how easily the Lakers would cruise.

[wolf stansson]

Over the course of a 7 game series the Rockets believe they can win 4 games when its up to the non-LeBron players to make the shot.

Lol, of course they do. If they didn't they'd have no business being pro athletes, but that doesn't you should believe it too.

[CubbieBum]

Over the course of a 7 game series the Rockets believe they can win 4 games when its up to the non-LeBron players to make the shot.

Lol, of course they do. If they didn't they'd have no business being pro athletes, but that doesn't you should believe it too.

 

Why? The stats back it up. Sure the Cavs could be hot for a series and the Rockets lose but more times than not the Rockets will win the series. If you go the other way and make sure no one other than LeBron does anything you will lose more often. The LeBron's, Kobe's and such are just too good. If you let them go you will lose almost every time. The Rockets should be able to do to LeBron what they have done to Kobe. Force him to take jump shots.

 

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-40-15/Houston-Gets-Defensive.html

 

Thats a story about how the Rockets play on defense. Here's the best paragraph.

 

[4th Quarter, 6:04] Derek Fisher leaves the ball at the top of the arc for Bryant, who's being guarded by Battier. Fisher clears out, as Pau Gasol steps up from the pinch post to give Bryant a screen. It's a fairly quick sequence: Battier runs beneath the screen. Meanwhile, as Bryant takes two dribbles to the right of the screen, Yao is four feet in front of him. Should Bryant try taking Yao off the dribble? Only if he's prepared to deal with the "third guy," as Battier referenced above. That would be Luis Scola, who has sagged off Trevor Ariza. Theoretically, Bryant could dish the ball off to Ariza to his left along the arc. Problem is: Battier has taken that angle away, too. As a result of their tight defense, the Rockets have effectively taken both the drive and the kick away from Bryant, leaving him with a contested jump shot -- which is exactly what Houston wants.

 

They forced Kobe to take a jump shot almost every possession. That strategy will work against LeBron as well. Battier won't be as good of a matchup on LeBron as Kobe but Artest will be a much better matchup on LeBron.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

The Cavaliers have 4 guys aside from LeBron who shoot upwards of 40% from 3, and a center who is one of the best mid range shooters around for a big man. They're also a Top 3 defensive and rebounding team, and they have the best player in the world.

[wolf stansson]

Why? The stats back it up.

Then by all means, post some of these stats.

 

Just fyi, if you actually do have some stats that back it up, which I doubt, I will just point out the dubious relationship between traditional statistics and the game of basketball and discredit you that way.

 

Edit - I just reread that post and realized it had a super Mephy, condescending tone for which I apologize. I really am interested in how you think the Rockets are better. I am naturally skeptical because of your bias and what I know about the two teams.

[CubbieBum]

Why? The stats back it up.

Then by all means, post some of these stats.

 

Just fyi, if actually do have some stats that back it up, which I doubt, I will just point out the dubious relationship between traditional statistics and the game of basketball and discredit you that way.

 

I don't have specific stats. I have the example of the Portland series and have read numerous quotes from our GM Daryl Morey that they indeed employ this strategy when they play teams with a superstar because statistically it gives you a better chance to win. Morey is a uncommon stat guru so I'll trust what he says.

[wolf stansson]

Why? The stats back it up.

Then by all means, post some of these stats.

 

Just fyi, if actually do have some stats that back it up, which I doubt, I will just point out the dubious relationship between traditional statistics and the game of basketball and discredit you that way.

 

I don't have specific stats. I have the example of the Portland series and have read numerous quotes from our GM Daryl Morey that they indeed employ this strategy when they play teams with a superstar because statistically it gives you a better chance to win. Morey is a uncommon stat guru so I'll trust what he says.

Well you were 0-4 against the Lakers in the regular season and 1-1 vs the Cavs, so forgive me if 1-5 doesn't really make me want to buy in. We'll see.

[SouthSideRyan]

and they have the best player in the world.

 

Derrick Rose with 1 hand tied behind his back?

[Mike Aller]

Why? The stats back it up.

Then by all means, post some of these stats.

 

Just fyi, if actually do have some stats that back it up, which I doubt, I will just point out the dubious relationship between traditional statistics and the game of basketball and discredit you that way.

 

I don't have specific stats. I have the example of the Portland series and have read numerous quotes from our GM Daryl Morey that they indeed employ this strategy when they play teams with a superstar because statistically it gives you a better chance to win. Morey is a uncommon stat guru so I'll trust what he says.

The problem is, this isn't the LeBrons anymore. This team doesn't stand and watch LeBron. You can't defend just LeBron and "let the others beat you" because they WILL beat you. Mo Williams is a fantastic shooter, and Z has increased his range even further this year which will force Yao further out onto the floor.

[Guest]

http://i40.tinypic.com/xelpxl.gif

 

Kobe could be receiving a suspension. The Rockets are likely to be sending this in to the league office and its rather clear it was purposeful. Howard got 1 game for an elbow with no contact Kobe will get at least one.

 

Hah, no way Kobe is suspended when the Lakers are already down 0-1.

Yeah I was going to say, I don't think he knows how the NBA works. Dwight got suspended because they were going to roll anyway. Although I'm sure Stern died a little inside when he his hand was forced on that one.

 

If Stern didn't suspend Rondo for dragging Hinrich 10 feet and throwing him into the scorers table and then throwing an elbow (that was harder but didn't connect), there's no way they suspend Kobe for this.

 

He probably won't suspend Kobe. However Rondo could at least say he tried to go for the ball. Kobe's elbow happened when the ball was no where near so there is no way he can say he was trying to get the ball. He also doesn't get much leeway by claiming it was an accident because he was suspended a couple years ago for throwing elbows so he has a history.

 

If the media were making a massive deal about this and showing the video over and over again Stern would probably be forced to suspend him. Instead the media is caught up in the upset and how they were all wrong about how easily the Lakers would cruise.

 

You're thinking of the wrong Rondo play. I'm talking about the one in Game 6 on Kirk Hinrich and not the one on Brad Miller in Game 5.

[wolf stansson]

The problem is, this isn't the LeBrons anymore.

Oh yes this is.

[CubbieBum]

Why? The stats back it up.

Then by all means, post some of these stats.

 

Just fyi, if actually do have some stats that back it up, which I doubt, I will just point out the dubious relationship between traditional statistics and the game of basketball and discredit you that way.

 

I don't have specific stats. I have the example of the Portland series and have read numerous quotes from our GM Daryl Morey that they indeed employ this strategy when they play teams with a superstar because statistically it gives you a better chance to win. Morey is a uncommon stat guru so I'll trust what he says.

Well you were 0-4 against the Lakers in the regular season and 1-1 vs the Cavs, so forgive me if 1-5 doesn't really make me want to buy in. We'll see.

 

I don't see how the Rockets against Lakers has anything to do with how the Rockets would do against the Cavs. I already said that the Lakers will likely beat the Rockets BUT IF THEY DON'T and the Rockets play Cavs in Finals I like the Rockets chances. They are 3-1 the last two years against the Cavs and LeBron doesn't do well against us.

 

Anyways the Rockets 0-4 to Lakers is very misleading and incomplete. Only one of those games were played with the current Rockets team. We still had Rafer in games one and two (plus T-Mac in game one when we were still finding a rotation), Battier was out in game one, Artest is game two, Landry in game four. Only in game three was it this current Rockets team and we lost by 6 points when Artest shot 4 of 16.