I might be early!

noel · Post by **noel** » April 26, 2006, 2:07 am

WOOOOOO GRATS SAN ANTONIO!!!! Best team in the Western conference! They sure manned up and handled those pesky Artest free queens like the defending champs that they are...

Maybe we shouldn't print out that championship banner just yet.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » April 26, 2006, 8:08 am

Im Glad I said Might

noel · Post by **noel** » April 26, 2006, 9:06 am

Cartalas wrote:Im Glad I said Might

I wasn't picking on you.

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » April 26, 2006, 9:44 am

They won. That is all that counts. And in fact, Ginobli is getting warmed up which is not exactly a good sign for their opponents.

noel · Post by **noel** » April 26, 2006, 10:16 am

Absolutely... scoreboard.

But now they're going to Sacramento and now Artest is back and we're only in the first round. You have a Spurs team that needs rest that almost dropped a game on their home court. Luckily for them, the queens don't have a clutch shooter.

We'll just tack on an extra quarter to all the games from now on so Duncan and Ginobli have a chance to get warmed up. Ginobli had what? 16 points at the end of regulation? Don't get me wrong, he was fucking MONEY in overtime, but he needs to bring out that game before overtime.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » April 26, 2006, 1:45 pm

Ginobili is due for an injury. He took out Barbosa's knee with one of his flops earlier this season. Maybe Artest will "flop" on Ginoboli.

Hate that fucker. He's a good player but I'm not into floppers at all. Dude thinks he's playing soccer or something where you have to roll around and fake injuries with dramatics. This is the NBA not one of the Euro/South American Soccer flopper leagues.

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » April 26, 2006, 5:13 pm

With him being warmed up I meant it more metaphoricly really. He has had a slow season but seems to be getting better with each game. With him and Parker at a high level the Spurs add another dimension to their game. Not many teams (Suns might be one) can keep up with those two on fast breaks.

Crav · Post by **Crav** » April 26, 2006, 7:01 pm

noel wrote:WOOOOOO GRATS SAN ANTONIO!!!! Best team in the Western conference! They sure manned up and handled those pesky Artest free queens like the defending champs that they are...

Maybe we shouldn't print out that championship banner just yet.

Oh I'm sorry I guess your too used to watching games in the LEast that you expect teams who are blown out in their first game to just lay down and start thinking about next year. I'm thinking you also expect home teams to crumble when a team make a run at them.

When your used to having 5 playoff teams and 3 lottery teams to fill out the bracket you are shocked to see a team show some heart and play above their abilities.

Bottom line is the Spurs defended their home court and showed that a team is going to have to put in more than just a great effort to beat them.

StupidMcDupid · Post by **StupidMcDupid** » April 26, 2006, 11:34 pm

Sacramento did play a good game last night,while Spurs played like shit,but now the series is 2-0 in favor of the Spurs,and dont expect the Queens to come back,cause they already blew it.There is No Freakin way they are coming back.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » April 26, 2006, 11:45 pm

I hope I dont sound like a Fanboi but Dallas Looks good

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » April 26, 2006, 11:56 pm

Cartalas wrote:I hope I dont sound like a Fanboi but Dallas Looks good

You sound nothing like Winnow

noel · Post by **noel** » April 27, 2006, 2:14 am

Scoreboard Lakers!

Glad to see this is going to be a series!

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » April 27, 2006, 2:57 am

Suns looked like shit tonight! It was a pathetic effort for a playoff game. That's why these series are best of seven although, if they keep this shooting slump up, it wont matter.

Kelgar · Post by **Kelgar** » April 27, 2006, 12:46 pm

noel wrote: The only reason the Spurs won last year was that Parker and Ginobli dragged Duncan through the finals where (like usual) he was nearly invisible and Larry Brown was too busy negotiating his contract with Isaiah to coach a fucking game.

I wouldn't go as far as saying "as usual". Duncan was a no brainer for finals MVP prior to last years finals.

noel · Post by **noel** » April 29, 2006, 2:17 am

Oh SNAP!

M-V-P! M-V-P! M-V-P!

Lakers/Clippers is looking really good in round 2.

Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, Smush Parker and Kwame Brown are playing out of their goddamn minds right now. Major, major props to Phil Jackson. I'm amazed he got Kobe to buy into this gameplan. Totally incredible.

Also... Spurs played GREAAAAAAAAAATTTTT tonight! I think they'll beat the Queens in 6 or 7, but they're going to get decimated by the Mavs.

Pherr the Dorf · Post by **Pherr the Dorf** » April 29, 2006, 3:16 am

"We are two All-Stars," James said. "We don't want our teams to lose the game. It was unfortunate that one team had to lose, but I am happy I was on the winning side. It was a great performance by myself and Gilbert.

He just exudes class, so refreshing

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » April 29, 2006, 9:20 am

Suns have two more games to snap their funk. The way they're playing wouldn't be entertaining anyway if they went on. This last Suns/Laker game was all fighting and pushing...more like a hockey game.

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » April 29, 2006, 11:29 am

I wouldn't worry about Spurs just yet. This is what, the 4th time they go up 2-0 and every time it has ended with 2-2. Sorry to break your extacy like that though Noel heh.

And if anybody still wonders why the entire Cleveland area loves LeBron.. skills, humor, personality.. and class. And he is friggin 21 years old!

noel · Post by **noel** » April 29, 2006, 12:25 pm

Kelshara wrote:I wouldn't worry about Spurs just yet. This is what, the 4th time they go up 2-0 and every time it has ended with 2-2. Sorry to break your extacy like that though Noel heh.

And if anybody still wonders why the entire Cleveland area loves LeBron.. skills, humor, personality.. and class. And he is friggin 21 years old!

Hey man, I'm only piling on because there are a few homers on this board that aren't being realistic about the Spurs chances. I'd say they're one of about 3 teams that have the ability to win the championship this year, but they're not the team they were last year and I don't think they match up well with the Pistons at all.

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » April 29, 2006, 1:07 pm

I am a huge Spurs fan you know that. Imo they are better offensively this year, but worse defensively. They are slowly coming together though. Ginobli plays great off and on. Parker is stable at a good level. Duncan seems to be getting going. If they start to actually play good at the same time they have an outside chance. I still believe they will make it to the finals, but I believe they will lose to Pistons there.

Detroit is looking scary good. I honestly believe nothing short of a miracle will prevent them from winning. And of course, since I can't stand Detroit I am hoping for a miracle!

Crav · Post by **Crav** » April 29, 2006, 3:58 pm

noel wrote:
Kelshara wrote:I wouldn't worry about Spurs just yet. This is what, the 4th time they go up 2-0 and every time it has ended with 2-2. Sorry to break your extacy like that though Noel heh.

And if anybody still wonders why the entire Cleveland area loves LeBron.. skills, humor, personality.. and class. And he is friggin 21 years old!
Hey man, I'm only piling on because there are a few homers on this board that aren't being realistic about the Spurs chances. I'd say they're one of about 3 teams that have the ability to win the championship this year, but they're not the team they were last year and I don't think they match up well with the Pistons at all.

I assume that you’re lumping me in as a "homer". I don't honestly see how my saying that if the Spurs have a quick first round series and are able to rest up Duncan and Giniboli they will have as good a chance as they had last year qualifies me as a "homer".

If you are talking about my reference to the Spurs having won the championship last year and that giving my earlier comment on their chances of winning again then you might be correct in calling me a "homer", but in all honesty I made that comment more as a reaction to your dismissive attitude towards the Spurs victory over the Piston last year.

Having said all that do the Piston have the best chance to win the championship? They are healthy and are playing great basketball, they don't have concerns like getting their key players to 100% so there is no built up to the finals like last year for them. All they have to do is sustain both what is in parts luck and good training (no major injuries to the starting 5) and a high level of basketball for three more series. Can they do it? Yes of course, but the NBA playoffs can be a long journey so who knows.

Just remember neither Duncan or Ginoboli are 100% although I think the long rests between games is helping in that department. Yes they lost a game, a road game by one point to a decent Western conference team, a team that in the Eastern conference would have been a fifth seed. I just want you to keep all that in mind when you dismiss the Kings as an opponent and ignore the Bucks who by all rights should be getting a slot in the lottery.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » April 30, 2006, 7:41 pm

Fucking bullshit game.

Suns won that game by 10. Seriously fucked up calls at the end of regulation and in OT. Disgusting.

noel · Post by **noel** » April 30, 2006, 8:15 pm

I agree that some of the calls were questionable. The refs haven't been calling half the fouls on Kobe throughout the series.

Seriously though, it's a testament to the excellent defense of the Lakers that the score is so close at the end of regulation and overtime where they're in a position to make those shots. The Lakers defense, and Kobe's switch from being a shooter to a guy who gets double-teamed (and mauled) everytime he touches the ball and passes it off instead are the stories of this series.

I think the game on Tuesday night is going to be sick.

On a related note, I find it funny that the main reason given that Kobe wasn't the MVP was that he wasn't on an elite team, and he wouldn't get out of the first round. Hindsight being 20/20, I wonder what those sportswriters/voters would say now.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » April 30, 2006, 8:37 pm

I'm not giving up yet. The Suns still look rather dead on their feet out there. Not sure what's wrong with them but I do see a lack of motivation.

This game hurts though. IMO the Suns won it. James Jones was held on the last play of OT but one play doesn't make the game...have to look at the multiple no calls on Steve Nash's drives to the hoop and horrible last "jump ball" call when he was clearly being banged around just like every player does when waiting to get a foul called in the last seconds. The turnoever at the end of regulation was legit but the jump ball call that allowed the Lakers to get the last shot in OT was ridiculous.

The Suns didn't help matters with a ton of rim-out shots.

The Suns can take three in a row but something's got to get them fired up. I smell a blowout in game five with the Suns winning big but that would still leave two more games to win. Their current underdog role should help as what's what they have thrived on over the past two years.

noel · Post by **noel** » April 30, 2006, 8:57 pm

Winnow wrote:I smell a blowout in game five with the Suns winning big but that would still leave two more games to win. Their current underdog role should help as what's what they have thrived on over the past two years.

I totally agree. I also agree that the jump ball call against Nash was... odd. I don't claim to have a good enough basketball eye to understand how that call is made, but Hubie Brown didn't seem to be questioning it so I dunno...

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » April 30, 2006, 9:38 pm

I agree that there were some bad calls, but a loss is a loss is a loss.

I've been very impressed by the Lakers. Lamar Odom is a really good and really underappreciated player (sort of like Shawn Marion two years ago), and I enjoy watching him play. Kwame is improving. Luke Walton is a valuable member of a rotation. If the Lakers can pick up another good player (like around the Carlos Boozer level), along with making solid acquisitions along the fringes, they'd be an elite team again. Phil Jackson is out there justifying his NINE rings. Seriously, did you see how many shots Kobe took tonight? He's led the team in assists in all four games, but points only twice.

I'd be pretty surprised if the Suns came back and won this. Noel, I agree with you-- if the MVP voting occurred right now, I bet LeBron would win.

noel · Post by **noel** » May 1, 2006, 12:32 am

Haha... not exactly wear I was going, but I'd probably have to agree.

If the Lakers win, and the Clippers win... That's going to be so fucking huge in this town. LA isn't as rabid a sports town as some places in the US, but something like a Lakers / Clippers series would be fucking crazy in this town. I'm really looking forward to that possibility. Additionally, if we do get to that point, it means that either the Lakers or the Clippers are going to the Western Conference Finals and I'd honestly give the edge to the Lakers in a 7 game series. I think Dunleavy is a great coach, but I see the Lakers as being able to match up well with the Clips and probably winning. Really looking forward to whatever comes next.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » May 1, 2006, 2:28 am

Yes I should have qualified my agreement.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » May 1, 2006, 7:51 am

Question:

As it sits right now I still see San Antonio wininng ( But I see them worn out ). So who will they play if they win? Wont they play the Lakers?

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » May 1, 2006, 7:54 am

Cartalas wrote:Question:

As it sits right now I still see San Antonio wininng ( But I see them worn out ). So who will they play if they win? Wont they play the Lakers?

They'll play Dallas.

Lakers/Suns would play Clippers or Nuggets

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » May 1, 2006, 8:01 am

Winnow wrote:
Cartalas wrote:Question:

As it sits right now I still see San Antonio wininng ( But I see them worn out ). So who will they play if they win? Wont they play the Lakers?
They'll play Dallas.

Lakers/Suns would play Clippers or Nuggets

Hmm i would think being the #1 Seed they would get to play the lowest seed left.

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » May 1, 2006, 9:01 am

Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:I'm a Heat fan, but I find it hard to believe anyone will be able to beat the Spurs or the Pistons.

ummmmm....nevermind.

Lakers!!!! GO LAKERS!!!?

Pherr the Dorf · Post by **Pherr the Dorf** » May 1, 2006, 10:09 am

Cartalas wrote:
Winnow wrote:
Cartalas wrote:Question:

As it sits right now I still see San Antonio wininng ( But I see them worn out ). So who will they play if they win? Wont they play the Lakers?
They'll play Dallas.

Lakers/Suns would play Clippers or Nuggets
Hmm i would think being the #1 Seed they would get to play the lowest seed left.

Seeds are not adjusted between rounds

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » May 1, 2006, 10:12 am

Pherr the Dorf wrote:
Cartalas wrote:
Winnow wrote:
Cartalas wrote:Question:

As it sits right now I still see San Antonio wininng ( But I see them worn out ). So who will they play if they win? Wont they play the Lakers?
They'll play Dallas.

Lakers/Suns would play Clippers or Nuggets
Hmm i would think being the #1 Seed they would get to play the lowest seed left.
Seeds are not adjusted between rounds

So a LA/LA Final cannot happen!!

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » May 1, 2006, 10:23 am

Cartalas wrote:
Pherr the Dorf wrote:
Cartalas wrote:
Winnow wrote:
Cartalas wrote:Question:

As it sits right now I still see San Antonio wininng ( But I see them worn out ). So who will they play if they win? Wont they play the Lakers?
They'll play Dallas.

Lakers/Suns would play Clippers or Nuggets
Hmm i would think being the #1 Seed they would get to play the lowest seed left.
Seeds are not adjusted between rounds
So a LA/LA Final cannot happen!!

I am not sure where it was mentioned that they could play each other in the Finals. They could play each other in the next round. Noel was just referring to a series with the two teams in the playoffs.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » May 1, 2006, 10:31 am

Boogahz wrote:
Cartalas wrote:
Pherr the Dorf wrote:
Cartalas wrote:
Winnow wrote:
They'll play Dallas.

Lakers/Suns would play Clippers or Nuggets
Hmm i would think being the #1 Seed they would get to play the lowest seed left.
Seeds are not adjusted between rounds
So a LA/LA Final cannot happen!!
I am not sure where it was mentioned that they could play each other in the Finals. They could play each other in the next round. Noel was just referring to a series with the two teams in the playoffs.

Im sorry I should of Formed that in a question, I was not busting Noel's balls I just was thinking about his statement.

noel · Post by **noel** » May 1, 2006, 10:32 am

Whoever said an LA/LA final? I'm talking about the next round my man... What I did say was that after this round, assuming things go the way they're currently going, it's 100% sure that there will be an LA team in the Western Conference Finals.

Both the Clippers and the Mavericks are good matchups for the Lakers. I would expect Dallas to win that series, but I can't imagine the Clippers winning a 7-game series in LA when the Lakers are essentially playing on their own home court, not having to travel at all.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » May 2, 2006, 9:55 am

Well The Clips and Mavs advance Looks like they will have a long break before they play again.

noel · Post by **noel** » May 3, 2006, 3:00 pm

Spurs and the Suns played awesome last night. Especially the Suns. They finally had shots falling down, and they got to play their kind of game... which is something to behold.

Not sure what Bell was thinking in the waning minutes, but it will be interesting to see what the NBA does or doesn't do.

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » May 3, 2006, 4:08 pm

They have been very inconsistent on how they react if you ask me. Personally, I think Bell should be suspended for one game. I also thought the player from the Clippers - Nuggets game should have been suspended though.

If Artest was suspended for the elbow Bell should be suspended for the wrestling neck toss.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » May 3, 2006, 4:21 pm

Kelshara wrote:They have been very inconsistent on how they react if you ask me. Personally, I think Bell should be suspended for one game. I also thought the player from the Clippers - Nuggets game should have been suspended though.

If Artest was suspended for the elbow Bell should be suspended for the wrestling neck toss.

And Kobe should be suspended a game for the intentional elbow to the jaw of Raja and also getting double technicals in a game.

In the interest of an enjoyable series, neither should be suspended. The Suns have already been screwed enough this series, thanks. If he Lakers can't win after being given a game, then the NBA needs to figure out a better way to rig a series.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » May 3, 2006, 4:25 pm

Winnow wrote:And Kobe should be suspended a game for the intentional elbow to the jaw of Raja and also getting double technicals in a game.

What changed in the NBA that would let him stay in the game with the two technicals? Sounds like I missed a good one too...

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » May 3, 2006, 4:31 pm

Boogahz wrote:
Winnow wrote:And Kobe should be suspended a game for the intentional elbow to the jaw of Raja and also getting double technicals in a game.
What changed in the NBA that would let him stay in the game with the two technicals? Sounds like I missed a good one too...

Do the technicals have to come one right after the other? He got one early in the game then the second later in the game and was tossed. I also thought that double T's in a game was an automatic game suspension but I must be wrong.

My prediction:

Kobe suspended for one game
Raja suspended for two games

That way the Lakers will have the advantage in game seven and the money making greedy NBA will have their seven game series.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » May 3, 2006, 4:45 pm

Winnow wrote:
Boogahz wrote:
Winnow wrote:And Kobe should be suspended a game for the intentional elbow to the jaw of Raja and also getting double technicals in a game.
What changed in the NBA that would let him stay in the game with the two technicals? Sounds like I missed a good one too...
Do the technicals have to come one right after the other? He got one early in the game then the second later in the game and was tossed. I also thought that double T's in a game was an automatic game suspension but I must be wrong.

Ah, I was assuming he wasn't even tossed by your prior post. No, suspensions are not required. Those are usually based on the severity of the action they received the technical for.

noel · Post by **noel** » May 3, 2006, 5:16 pm

Winnow wrote:In the interest of an enjoyable series, neither should be suspended.

I agree, Kobe agrees, Phil agrees, I'd assume the Suns agree?

The Suns have already been screwed enough this series, thanks. If he Lakers can't win after being given a game, then the NBA needs to figure out a better way to rig a series.

Give me a fucking break. I have yet to hear any of the Suns players complain about the officiating. Steve Nash said he wasn't fouled at the end of that game you're whining about. His only complaint was that the officials didn't hear his call for a timeout. The bottom line on that game is that the Suns should never have been in that position in the first place.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » May 3, 2006, 6:05 pm

noel wrote:I have yet to hear any of the Suns players complain about the officiating.

Interesting. I was searching for Tim Thomas's comments but it looks like the articles were pulled. The only thing I could find was google cached search quote:

Houston Chronicle, United States - Apr 30, 2006
... Tim Thomas expressed anger and frustration concerning the big plays involving Nash. "We have Nash, the NBA's MVP last year, and he can't get a call," Thomas ...

But when I go to the actual link, the story has been changes and Tim Thomas' comments gone. His comments were more extensive than that...it's taken out of context from the quote above so don't get your panties in a bunch over seeing a partial quote about MVP.

Of course they're pissed off. Players don't particularly like being fined and suspended so they typically won't say it on record.

noel · Post by **noel** » May 3, 2006, 6:13 pm

I remember that quote, but even that doesn't change the substance of it all. Kobe and Nash (or Nash and Kobe if you prefer) have both said it, (paraphrase 4tw) "This is the playoffs... shit happens." You don't see either of them complaining.

The only people who are complaining are the Suns fans who once again can't seem to grasp that it's defense that wins championships, not beautiful offense.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » May 3, 2006, 6:51 pm

I don't see the Lakers scoring a bunch of points, it's the Suns offense that's out of funk. The games have been low scoring except for the 114 scored by the Suns in game 5. The lakers scored over 100 only once (102 in game one and lost it)

noel · Post by **noel** » May 3, 2006, 7:01 pm

That's my point.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » May 3, 2006, 7:26 pm

Bell's teammate Steve Nash said the Lakers have gotten the best of the officiating in the series.

"We're playing a very heated battle and people on the outside are constantly telling guys that we've got to be more physical," Nash said. "It's tough, and he's faced a lot this series. He's done a great job on Kobe, and Kobe gets away with whatever he wants. That's kind of frustrating."

Bell is suspended for one game. Grats on an undeserved win in game 4 and another in game 6 due to superstar treatment...gotta save the ratings! Not like Kobe doesn't deserve to sit a game for elbowing (they can review after the game) and double technicals.

Sweet. Lame shit.

Bell said he had been repeatedly hit in the face by Bryant during the game.

"I got a bruised cheek here and I can barely open my jaw on this side," he said, indicating the left side of his face, "and that didn't come from nowhere, and I felt like I'd had enough of that."

Bell said it went from a game to a personal insult.

"When I get hit in the face multiple times, you've stepped across the line with me," he said. "It's not basketball anymore. It was basketball for four games, then when he hit me in the face, that was the last straw last night. It still doesn't excuse me, but that's just the way I felt about it."

At the other end of the court just before Bell threw Bryant down, the Suns guard said he complained to referee Greg Willard about getting hit in the face, and Lakers coach Phil Jackson hollered out that Bell "deserved it," adding a profanity to emphasize the point.

Classy Phil