Greg Oden found to be 48 Years Old

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » March 7, 2007, 2:39 pm

Winnow wrote:
Zamtuk wrote:No. You are trying to lump an MVP conversation into a win streak conversation. It seems whenever the Suns don't have the top spot, you must point something out that is totally irrelevant to make the Suns look good.
That goes without saying.

I do rag on the Suns on occasion but I'm an admitted fanboy. Cart knows I give Dallas props.

Record wise, there's Dallas ahead of Phoenix, both ahead of everyone else, then comes Utah and San Antonio. Of those two, San Antonio has the win streak and which is why I mentioned all three teams in the "hot teams" comment. Also, in point differential, no other team comes close to those three.

Dallas 8.2
San Antonio 8.6
Phoenix 7.8

Next team: Chicago 4.6 (my pre-season vote for most improved this season)

Your right Winnow Ive seen you give other teams and players props. I just hope this is going to be the best Dallas season ever and not another huge let down like last year.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » March 12, 2007, 9:31 am

Looks Like Kobe is Dallas bitch

Thats 17 and the streak continues.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 12, 2007, 12:30 pm

Doh!

Lakers had no chance vs Dallas Sunday. Things are shaping up nicely for the Suns vs Mavs on ESPN Wednesday.

If the Suns can get by a pretty hot Houston team tonight, they'll be shooting for win 50 vs Dallas while the Maves will be looking for win 19 in a row? Whether the teams enter that game like that or not, I'll be glues to the TV watching that one.

Dallas seems untouchable atm. I don't see any weaknesses barring injury. Phoenix is one of the few teams that can even threaten them with a loss, but not in a full series.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » March 12, 2007, 2:15 pm

Winnow wrote:Doh!

Lakers had no chance vs Dallas Sunday. Things are shaping up nicely for the Suns vs Mavs on ESPN Wednesday.

If the Suns can get by a pretty hot Houston team tonight, they'll be shooting for win 50 vs Dallas while the Maves will be looking for win 19 in a row? Whether the teams enter that game like that or not, I'll be glues to the TV watching that one.

Dallas seems untouchable atm. I don't see any weaknesses barring injury. Phoenix is one of the few teams that can even threaten them with a loss, but not in a full series.

This season is shaping up to be a lot of fun.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 13, 2007, 2:08 am

Best winning streaks in the NBA this year:

Phoenix: 17
Dallas: 17

Tonight's scores:

Houston 82
Phoenix 103 (49-14) W5

Dallas 100 (52-10) L1
Golden State 117

I'm glad the Mavs lost so the Suns and Mavs share the best win streak of the year but man, Dallas is going to be pissed on Wednesday as Phoenix tries to get their 50th win.

The Suns are 10-1 since the All Star break but this last game against Houston is the first that they've looked good.

-3 1/2 back. Suns can close the gap tp 2 1/2!

Phoenix (49-14) W5 (9-1 last 10)
Dallas (52-10) L1 (9-1 last 10)

ESPN 9PM EST WED MARCH 14TH

Hoping for a fun close one.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » March 13, 2007, 7:52 am

Mavs Suck im off the bandwagon after last nights game.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 13, 2007, 1:29 pm

Cartalas wrote:Mavs Suck im off the bandwagon after last nights game.

I was reading over on ESPN that Golden State has won their last four meetings vs Dallas. That would suck if Dallas ends up playing them in the first round.

Certain teams match up poorly with others. Utah is that team for the Suns.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » March 13, 2007, 1:39 pm

Winnow wrote:
Cartalas wrote:Mavs Suck im off the bandwagon after last nights game.
I was reading over on ESPN that Golden State has won their last four meetings vs Dallas. That would suck if Dallas ends up playing them in the first round.

Certain teams match up poorly with others. Utah is that team for the Suns.

I kinow I was just kidding, I think a loss is good for them

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 14, 2007, 8:59 pm

Don't forget!

Phoenix @ Dallas

ESPN 9PM EST Tonight!

Best record vs Second best record
Top two MVP candidates
Mavs 23 game home win streak on the line
Suns going for win #50
Chance to close gap to 2.5 games with 19 left to play
Naked Women

Pherr the Dorf · Post by **Pherr the Dorf** » March 15, 2007, 12:14 am

Clips lose tonight... which puts GS in a virtual tie for that 8th spot... the last thing the Mavs want to see is the W's in the first round... or ever for that matter.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 15, 2007, 2:41 am

Phoenix 129
Dallas 127 F (2OT)

Great game : )

The two MVP candidates played well but I think Nash gets the nod this game because he hit the critical shots and also scored 10 points in the final minute of regulation to send it to OT...2rbs from a triple double doesn't hurt either.

Nash 32 pts, 16 assists, 8 rb, 1 stl (11-25 from the field)

Dirk 30 pts, 16 rbs, 6 assists, 1 blk (11-28 from the field)

can compare Dirk more to #2 Suns man:

Amare 41 pts, 10 rbs, 2 blks (16-19 from the field!)

Marion 15pts, 12rb, 2 stl, 3 blks

This game wore me out. The Suns were up big, then the Mavs were up big and then they battled back and forth through two overtimes.

That's Dirk on the ground behind Amare with two Suns already back on defense!:

Headline from CNN:

Game For The Ages

Wow. That's the only thing that can be said about Wednesday night's Suns-Mavs game. Phoenix blew a 16-point lead, then came back from 15 down to beat Dallas 129-127 in 2OT.

--

DALLAS (AP) -- Steve Nash played like an MVP down the stretch and Amare Stoudemire had 41 points and 10 rebounds, carrying the Phoenix Suns to a 129-127 double-overtime victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night in a tense, thrilling game between the NBA's top teams.

Nash scored 10 points in the final minute of regulation, forcing overtime with a 3-pointer in the closing seconds. Then Dallas' Jason Terry had five points in the final 48 seconds of the first extra period, including a long 3 with time running out to force another period.

With Stoudemire patrolling the lane, the Suns led throughout the second OT -- but it took a missed 8-footer by Dirk Nowitzki as time expired to secure a win that ended Dallas' 23-game home winning streak and tightened the race for the top seed in the Western Conference.

I hope Phoenix and Dallas meet again in the Western Conference Finals but I also hope the Suns manage to grab the top seed so Dallas can play the Spurs first!

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » March 15, 2007, 9:29 am

Wow!! is all I can say what a great game, Im kinda bummed how it ended . I attribute the ended to 3 thing, 1. The Mythical foul by Eric Dampier on a rebound the Suns were clearly holding his arm, 2. Dirk Missing 1 damn free throw, and 3. Josh Howard fouling Nash on a 3pt shot.

Oh well the Mavs are 2-1 against the Suns and still in first place.

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » March 15, 2007, 10:04 am

Great game.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » March 15, 2007, 10:21 am

Cartalas wrote: 3. Josh Howard fouling Nash on a 3pt shot.

Howard didn't foul him there. Nash jumped at about a 60 degree angle in order to hit Howard while he was in the air.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » March 15, 2007, 11:11 am

Boogahz wrote:
Cartalas wrote: 3. Josh Howard fouling Nash on a 3pt shot.

Howard didn't foul him there. Nash jumped at about a 60 degree angle in order to hit Howard while he was in the air.

I agree

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 15, 2007, 11:53 am

While I think the officiating wasn't great, Dallas wasn't the only team to get some bad calls in this one. Nash was being bounced around like a pinball with no calls.

I was very concerned when Amare had to sit with 2 fouls early in the 1st quarter...turns out it kept him fresh for the two OTs though. Boris Diaw was disappointing this game but at least D/Antoni recognized it and benched him. Barbosa is just amazing to watch.

Dirk picking up the technical was his biggest mistake and he almost got tossed while having another tantrum a few minutes later. Dirk has a great jumper though. His advantage is that he can get a good shot off no matter who's on him so it's just a matter of if he hits his shot, not if he can get a good one off.

People tend to focus on their team's fouls but I noticed them (bad calls) on both sides.

Nash didn't miss his free throws when it counted and jumping into someone on a shot is done all the time...defenders can't get themselves up in the air like that and while Nash jumped into him, Josh also wasn't jumping vertically either. Just a savvy move by a 2X MVP.

Anyways, Dallas won in the last minute of one game and by 2 points in the other game in the last 2.5 seconds, and Phoenix won in double overtime this game by 2 points (while breaking a 23 game winning streak for Dallas). I'd say these teams are evenly matched and would place the odds at 50/50 in a series. Dallas has not manhandled Phoenix. It may come down to the game April 1st in Phoenix for a tiebreaker.

I'm looking forward to a series between them and hope the Spurs don't spoil things (ok, unless it's by beating Dallas but that would mean Phoenix ends up with the best record and that's 2.5 games to make up in the last 18 games. The early round matchup possibilities of Dallas/Golden State and Phoenix/Utah are concerning as well...although Utah would probably come in second round for Phoenix. Phoenix getting Houston in the second round would be like getting a bye...PHX owns HOU.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » March 15, 2007, 12:16 pm

"It may come down to the game April 1st in Phoenix for a tiebreaker"
?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Dallas is up 2-1 how can that game be the Tiebreaker?????????

The Worse Dallas can do is Tie.
the Best Phx can do is Tie.

I see Phx losing 5 more games this year.

66 Fri. Mar. 16 10:00 p.m. ET Pistons -
67 Sat. Mar. 17 10:00 p.m. ET at Nuggets -
68 Tue. Mar. 20 10:00 p.m. ET Timberwolves -
69 Thu. Mar. 22 10:00 p.m. ET Kings -
70 Sun. Mar. 25 3:30 p.m. ET at Kings -
71 Mon. Mar. 26 10:00 p.m. ET Grizzlies -
72 Thu. Mar. 29 10:30 p.m. ET at Warriors -
73 Fri. Mar. 30 10:00 p.m. ET Nuggets -
74 Sun. Apr. 01 3:30 p.m. ET Mavericks -
75 Tue. Apr. 03 8:00 p.m. ET at Grizzlies -
76 Thu. Apr. 05 9:30 p.m. ET at Spurs -
77 Fri. Apr. 06 8:00 p.m. ET at Hornets -
78 Sun. Apr. 08 3:30 p.m. ET at Lakers -
79 Wed. Apr. 11 10:00 p.m. ET SuperSonics -
80 Fri. Apr. 13 10:30 p.m. ET Lakers -
81 Sat. Apr. 14 9:00 p.m. ET at Jazz -
82 Mon. Apr. 16 8:30 p.m. ET at Rockets -
83 Tue. Apr. 17 10:00 p.m. ET Clippers

I predict loses to Detroit,Dallas,One to the Jazz, Spurs and one scrub team im picking the TWolves.

64 Fri. Mar. 16 8:30 p.m. ET Celtics -
65 Sun. Mar. 18 3:30 p.m. ET at Pistons -
66 Tue. Mar. 20 7:30 p.m. ET at Knicks -
67 Wed. Mar. 21 8:00 p.m. ET at Cavaliers -
68 Fri. Mar. 23 7:30 p.m. ET at Celtics -
69 Sun. Mar. 25 2:00 p.m. ET at Hawks -
70 Tue. Mar. 27 8:00 p.m. ET at Hornets -
71 Wed. Mar. 28 8:30 p.m. ET Bucks -
72 Fri. Mar. 30 8:30 p.m. ET Knicks -
73 Sun. Apr. 01 3:30 p.m. ET at Suns -
74 Tue. Apr. 03 10:00 p.m. ET at Kings -
75 Fri. Apr. 06 10:30 p.m. ET at Nuggets -
76 Sat. Apr. 07 9:00 p.m. ET Trail Blazers -
77 Mon. Apr. 09 8:30 p.m. ET Clippers -
78 Wed. Apr. 11 8:00 p.m. ET at Timberwolves -
79 Fri. Apr. 13 8:30 p.m. ET Jazz -
80 Sun. Apr. 15 1:00 p.m. ET Spurs -
81 Tue. Apr. 17 10:30 p.m. ET at Warriors -
82 Wed. Apr. 18 10:00 p.m. ET at SuperSonics

I only see Dallas only losing 3 maybe 4 which makes gaining 2.5 games hard. I see Dallas losing to Detroit, and either the Spurs or Jazz and one scrub team Im picking the Warriors ( Fucking Don Nelson)

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 15, 2007, 12:52 pm

Cartalas wrote:"It may come down to the game April 1st in Phoenix for a tiebreaker"
?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

NBA Tiebreaker Rules:

Two Teams

(1) Results of games against each other.
(2) Better winning percentage within own division (only if tied teams are in same division).
(3) Better winning percentage against teams in own conference.
(4) Better winning percentage against playoff opponents in own conference (including teams that finished the regular season tied for a playoff position).

Looks like Dallas would win tiebreaker based on #3 since Phoenix has owned the East but has more losses vs West.

I was thinking that if tied, they might go by point differential in wins/losses between the two teams in which case Phoenix would need to win by 7 points or so.

Here's a good site to keep bookmarked:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/matchups

look at Golden State right there at #9...sooo close to matching up with Dallas in the first round! Actually that's a day old so I think Golden State is in the #8 playoff spot.

On that same page, the fucking Atlanta Hawks have the #3 odds spot for the draft lotto...need them to drop to #4 so the Suns get their pick! (if the balls fall into place the right way : )

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 16, 2007, 2:41 am

Spurs 90 Bucks 101

...ends the 13 game winning streak and knocks them back a game from threatening the top two records in the NBA.

Now I don't have to add them to:

17 Phoenix
17 Dallas
15 Phoenix

*list ended due to space considerations*

Phoenix is up 17.5 on the Lakers with 18 games to play...weakest division you say...Golden State has beaten Dallas twice this year!

Now the Suns better beat Detroit tomorrow or I shall receive shit from the East Coasters! I hope they don't overlook them with the Nuggets game on Saturday.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » March 19, 2007, 12:29 am

Winnow wrote:Spurs 90 Bucks 101

...ends the 13 game winning streak and knocks them back a game from threatening the top two records in the NBA.

Now I don't have to add them to:

17 Phoenix
17 Dallas
15 Phoenix

*list ended due to space considerations*

Phoenix is up 17.5 on the Lakers with 18 games to play...weakest division you say...Golden State has beaten Dallas twice this year!

Now the Suns better beat Detroit tomorrow or I shall receive shit from the East Coasters! I hope they don't overlook them with the Nuggets game on Saturday.

Winnow we took care of the Pistons for ya, They are on farm status now.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 19, 2007, 1:12 am

Thanks, the Suns got walloped the next two games after playing Dallas.

Pistons hit their shots and had nice ball movement that kept the baseline threepoint shooter open. They kept doing the same play and Phoenix didn't catch on. The Suns missed left and right. Any game that Violet Palmer refs doesn't really count. She sucks something awful.

Denver just kicked the Suns asses. No excuses for that one.

It's not yet time to hit cruise control and wait for the playoffs. Phoenix needs to kick in in gear if they want to keep the second seed.

Gzette · Post by **Gzette** » March 22, 2007, 5:32 pm

so change the topic title! seeing that score over and over is killing me

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » March 22, 2007, 6:20 pm

hehe, this is what happened when the last Suns streak ended as well

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 22, 2007, 6:54 pm

The Suns beat Minnesota yesterday and play Sacramento tonight and again on Sunday. Diaw is being replaced by Barbosa in the starting lineup for at least a game or two to try him out as a starter.

I hope Barbosa still gets 6th man of the year.

I usually leave memorable scores up for awhile. I had the 2-OT mega points PHX/NJ game score up a long time!

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 23, 2007, 3:03 am

(52-16) Suns 118 Kings 100

Amare 33 pts, 21 rbs, 2 stls, 3 blks

Nash 17pts, 16 assists

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 29, 2007, 12:56 pm

Grats to Dallas on win #60.

Josh Howard injuring his ankle in the game is no surprise (he sprains his ankle(s) like clockwork), but what's up with Dirk's ankle and the two bone spurs?

I'm wondering if those two will be out for the Phoenix game on Sunday. Phoenix has Golden State tonight and Denver on Friday before the Dallas game Sunday. I'm hoping both teams will be full strength again for another late season test. Dallas has #1 seed wrapped up though and Phoenix is relatively secure in the #2 spot so who knows what to expect.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » March 29, 2007, 2:08 pm

Winnow wrote:Grats to Dallas on win #60.

Josh Howard injuring his ankle in the game is no surprise (he sprains his ankle(s) like clockwork), but what's up with Dirk's ankle and the two bone spurs?

I'm wondering if those two will be out for the Phoenix game on Sunday. Phoenix has Golden State tonight and Denver on Friday before the Dallas game Sunday. I'm hoping both teams will be full strength again for another late season test. Dallas has #1 seed wrapped up though and Phoenix is relatively secure in the #2 spot so who knows what to expect.

I hope they start resting Howard and Dirk, There is no need to keep them in.

The Awards should be flowing this year though.

MVP >>> Dirk
6th Man >>>>> Stackhouse
Coach of the Year >>>>>> The Little General
GM of the year >>>>>>>>>>>Donnie Nelson

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 29, 2007, 2:32 pm

Cartalas wrote:
MVP >>> Dirk
6th Man >>>>> Stackhouse
Coach of the Year >>>>>> The Little General
GM of the year >>>>>>>>>>>Donnie Nelson

That's pretty much what Phoenix did last year witn Nash, Diaw, D'Antoni and Sarver. Can't remember if D'Antoni was coach of the year last year or the year before though.

That might happen but I think Barbosa is going to have a very good chance at 6th man...dude's awesome.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » March 29, 2007, 5:36 pm

Winnow wrote:
Cartalas wrote:
MVP >>> Dirk
6th Man >>>>> Stackhouse
Coach of the Year >>>>>> The Little General
GM of the year >>>>>>>>>>>Donnie Nelson
That's pretty much what Phoenix did last year witn Nash, Diaw, D'Antoni and Sarver. Can't remember if D'Antoni was coach of the year last year or the year before though.

That might happen but I think Barbosa is going to have a very good chance at 6th man...dude's awesome.

Johnson was last year, And I agree Barbosa is having a great year.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » April 1, 2007, 7:53 pm

Gzette wrote:so change the topic title! seeing that score over and over is killing me

Topic title updated!

Phoenix 126 Dallas 104 (Suns 55-18 )

Season series tied 2-2. Nice 22 point win.

The next big game for the Suns is Thursday @ San Antonio

Don't give Dirk the MVP just yet! Nash sure looks good when they go head to head.

A couple notes on the game:

Phoenix set an NBA high and a US Airways Center record with 64.8 percent shooting in a 126-104 showpiece victory against the Dallas Mavericks.

Amaré Stoudemire hit 10 of 13 shots, making him 26 of 32 from the field (81.3 percent) in two victories against Dallas.

Amare shooting 80+% from the field is scary. don't forget he averaged 37ppg against Duncan in the playoffs two years ago!

Hoping it comes down to Phoenix and Dallas in the WCF.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » April 2, 2007, 9:25 am

Winnow wrote:
Gzette wrote:so change the topic title! seeing that score over and over is killing me
Topic title updated!

Phoenix 126 Dallas 104 (Suns 55-18 )

Season series tied 2-2. Nice 22 point win.

The next big game for the Suns is Thursday @ San Antonio

Don't give Dirk the MVP just yet! Nash sure looks good when they go head to head.

A couple notes on the game:

Phoenix set an NBA high and a US Airways Center record with 64.8 percent shooting in a 126-104 showpiece victory against the Dallas Mavericks.

Amaré Stoudemire hit 10 of 13 shots, making him 26 of 32 from the field (81.3 percent) in two victories against Dallas.
Amare shooting 80+% from the field is scary. don't forget he averaged 37ppg against Duncan in the playoffs two years ago!

Hoping it comes down to Phoenix and Dallas in the WCF.

Damn you Phx, You might be right about Dirk not winning the MVP but I really dont think the NBA will give it to Nash 3 years in a row.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » April 2, 2007, 7:59 pm

Man, the Atlanta Hawks are tanking games on purpose I think. They've lost six in a row. Right now, they have the 4th worst record in the NBA and Phoenix gets their draft pick if it's not one of the top three. With this year's draft one of the best in years, they're probably thinking it's worth it to try and get into the top three now. Bastards.

Phoenix would get a great player with the 4th pick if it happens to fall that way. Joe Johnson for Diaw and two #1 picks is still under review for whogot the best of that trade. Diaw's got a huge fat ass now but isn't necessarily playing bad, just French-like soft. I'll call it the sophomore slump for now since last year was really his rookie season.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » April 8, 2007, 12:13 am

Impressive triple double from teammates in the same game tonight:

New Jersey Nets:

Vince Carter: 46 pts, 16 rbs, 10 assists
Jason Kidd: 10 pts, 16rbs, 18 assists

Damn, nice.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=270407017

Gzette · Post by **Gzette** » April 9, 2007, 5:46 pm

my fantasy basketball team was lucky enough to weather the storm of Mr. Carter's performance that night and advance to the finals. Winnow you'll be happy to know that the person I am playing in the championship has Steve Nash. I have Dirk

I also have Tim Duncan too which is some sort of unholy alliance if you asked me.

Atlanta has got Joe Johnson out right now as well as Josh Childress. Johnson is a pretty integral part of their offense so I'm not surprised they're doing even worse than usual, especially with Childress who could serve as a backup for Johnson out for the rest of the season as well. There were lots of injuries last week, the worst being Arenas, which makes me sad since he is so much fun to watch. Second being LaMarcus Aldridge cuz I got much love for ex Longhorns.

As far as the PHX game goes I could tell we were done by half time. There is no way we can win against them if we let them score 55-60 pts a half. They need to be stopped early or else they get comfortable and then Amare can shoot for 80%. Really I think the Spurs match-up way better, I think Amare shot like 15% or something pretty bad against them. There's no doubt that PHX is going to win in a shoot out. I'm hoping the Mavs wont have to see them in the post season. I'd rather play an aging Spurs team then a Suns team with Amare. I'm thinking Dirk shouldn't win the MVP now, especially after the two losses to the Suns where he had a few chances to put the team on his shoulders and pull out the W.

I dunno, give it to Kobe?

I stand by my opinion of not giving it to Nash because he just isn't dominant enough to earn three in a row, and he hasn't won a championship yet.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » April 9, 2007, 5:59 pm

Gzette wrote: As far as the PHX game goes I could tell we were done by half time. There is no way we can win against them if we let them score 55-60 pts a half. They need to be stopped early or else they get comfortable and then Amare can shoot for 80%. Really I think the Spurs match-up way better, I think Amare shot like 15% or something pretty bad against them. There's no doubt that PHX is going to win in a shoot out.

That last Suns Spurs game wasn't your typical game for those two teams. Amare averaged 37 ppg vs Duncan and the Spurs in the playoffs two years ago so his 15% shooting was an anomaly.

For some reason watching that game, I just don't feel that threatened by the Spurs. The Suns played about as bad as they can and still almost came back in that game. The Spurs do have a great defense but the Suns were screwing themselves with either bad passes from Nash or butter hands from Amare and Diaw that game. Diaw dribbled a few out of bounds and a few went through Amare's hands.

Given the choice, I'd prefer to avoid the Spurs though and save some energy for Dallas in the finals. I'd also like to see Golden State sneak into the 8th playoff spot to give Dallas trouble in the first round. Kobe will be doing the same vs the Suns.

I'd give Nash the MVP again this year. I think he deserves it. His stats are up for the third year in a row (which is amazing for someone over 30 in the NBA to keep bettering their averages each year) and the Suns lose without him.

Gzette · Post by **Gzette** » April 9, 2007, 7:44 pm

I saw it as the Spurs screwing up the Suns game. I don't see as many of the Suns games as you though. So from that perspective, I had seen the entire team go ape-shit shooting like 70% against the Mavs and then go like 30% against the Spurs. Thats it. My only idea was superior defense that continued to frustrate and dominate. Everyone knows basketball is a game of streaks, so the ability to not let a team put together a few scores is a feat, especially against the Suns.

I feel particularly dirty for defending the Spurs btw, because i really hate them, especially Manu Ginobli, but I guess I am.

Oh I just remembered that Devon Harris was out during the Suns game, now I feel a little better.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » April 9, 2007, 8:10 pm

Gzette wrote: Oh I just remembered that Devon Harris was out during the Suns game, now I feel a little better.

I don't think Devon Harris was out for the second game. He did get into early foul trouble during the double OT loss. Dallas was missing Erick Dampier the last game the two teams played. Dampier is hit or miss vs the Suns. If he doesn't establish himself in the post early, he usually ends up on the bench.

Gzette · Post by **Gzette** » April 9, 2007, 9:21 pm

thats it, yeah you're right. Dampier is a pretty mediocre player. Just about everytime I see him score I go apeshit, because if he can score 8+ pts in a game theyd pretty much win every one. Despite that, him not being there means more minutes for Austin Croshere

which is very bad. especially when Diop gets in foul trouble (which him and Damps usually do)

Gzette · Post by **Gzette** » April 9, 2007, 9:28 pm

pharm

i guess ill have to take up cartalas's spot as the token Mavs fan

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » April 10, 2007, 8:21 pm

Winnow wrote:
Cartalas wrote:Mavs Suck im off the bandwagon after last nights game.
I was reading over on ESPN that Golden State has won their last four meetings vs Dallas. That would suck if Dallas ends up playing them in the first round.

Certain teams match up poorly with others. Utah is that team for the Suns.

Hey Cart. (and Gzette) Look who's in the #8 playoff spot in the West...Golden State! Dallas being 0-4 vs the Warriors is going to make for a tough first round for them.

It's still very tight at the bottom of the West...I hope Golden State doesn't jump to 7th and play the Suns. The Lakers are an easier opponent for the Sun's style. Denver could drop to 7th as well which wouldn't be good for the Suns. I'm sure Dallas is hoping the Clippers get it together and regain the 8th spot.

Getting close to playoff time!

standings:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings

Post by **Sylvus** » April 12, 2007, 12:55 pm

The Spurs are a league best 22-3 since the All Star break. Are you scared yet, Winnow?

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » April 12, 2007, 1:08 pm

If Golden State hangs onto the 8th playoff spot, they have the best shot in the first round for an upset vs the Mavericks as they are 4-0 vs them. It's a very bad match up for Dallas.

It's looking like Denver is going to play the Spurs. Spurs are 2-0 vs them this year.

I'm confident the Suns can take the Lakers a lot easier than last year so in my fantasy world, Golden State upsets Dallas and the Suns and Spurs will play in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs for the World Championship!

For some reason, I'm less worried about San Antonio than Dallas. Watching that ugly Suns loss to San Antonio a week or so ago gave me the feeling that the Suns couldn't possibly play any worse (missed open shots and bobbled passes) and were able to come back in that game for a chance to win.

Suns don't match up extremely well with Golden State either although we've had more success with them than Dallas this year. I think Houston/Utah would take down Golden State but Dallas would walk over either of those two teams.

This year's playoffs are going to be great right from the start in the West at least.

I don't see much happening over in the East. The Pistons seem like they have it locked up. Miami, Cleveland and Chicago aren't legitimate contenders this year imo.

Post by **Sylvus** » April 12, 2007, 1:15 pm

The Pistons won their 5th Central Division title in 6 years last night and have home court throughout the playoffs.

They're going to win it all this year, and they won't be playing the Suns in the Finals. Mark my words!

Chris Webber is finally going to vindicate himself to the whole state of Michigan for that botched timeout call in the NCAA finals by putting up huge numbers these playoffs.

I'm quite confident of it.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » April 12, 2007, 1:37 pm

Webber used to be one of my favorite players in the NBA before the knee injuries. He's turned out to be a nice pickup for the Pistons.

Amare's knees > Webber's Knees

The only advantage the Pistons will have over the West is being able to sleep through the early rounds due to the East's complete lack of good teams except for the Pistons.

Barring injuries, if the Pistons meet up with the Suns, Mavs or Spurs in the Championship, they're going to get smoked! The Mavs brought shame upon the West by letting Miami come back in the finals. We all know the Suns would have crushed Miami! The Pistons and the three time running Pacific Division Champion Suns have traded games for the most part over the past few years.

April 22nd can't get here fast enough. Lets hope for no injuries so we can see the Suns at full strength for once in the playoffs!

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » April 15, 2007, 3:46 pm

Good article. If Nash doesn't win the MVP this year, the only reason will be because people are idiots and are trying to take a historical approach to the MVP as opposed to picking the best player for the current year:

Nash schooled Dirk this year head to head. Nash is having, yet again, his best year ever. The Suns have won 61 games and can win 63 (a franchise record). Giving it to Dirk simply because he's "best player on best team" is weak with the Suns so close in wins, and Nash making the money shots where Dirk failed head to head this year.

Don't penalize Nash for winning previous MVP awards

Posted: Thursday April 12, 2007 1:22PM; Updated: Thursday April 12, 2007 3:50PM

Steve Nash could become just the fourth player to win three straight MVP awards.

The MVP award is always good for some spirited debate, and this year is no exception. While it appears to be a two-man race between Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash, there is no shortage of supporters on both sides.

Some believe Nowitzki deserves it because he is the best player on the best team. Moreover, his Mavs have racked up one of the best regular-season records in NBA history.

Others prefer Nash for his clever playmaking, deadeye shooting and overall ability to make his teammates better. The Suns are one of the top teams in the league, and Nash orchestrates their attack like a maestro.

I'm voting for Nash, but I can see the argument for Nowitzki.

When it comes to this year's MVP debate, reasonable minds can disagree.

But what is not reasonable is voting against Nash because he happened to win the award the past two seasons.

This argument is just plain silly.

Why should the past have anything to do with this season?

Even more ridiculous is the argument that Nash should not win MVP for historical reasons. These adherents point out that the only players in NBA history to win three in a row are Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell and Larry Bird. That trio of basketball royalty has a combined 16 rings. Nash has never even been to the Finals.

Does Nash, they ask, deserve to be in that select company?

The answer, of course, is no. He doesn't. At least not yet.

But he's the most deserving MVP candidate this season, and that's all that matters.

The NBA does not provide much guidance in the way of criteria for the award. The ballot says simply, "You have been chosen by the National Basketball Association to serve on a committee to vote for the NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2006-07 season. The winner of this award receives the Maurice Podoloff Trophy, named after the first Commissioner of the NBA." That's it. No specifics.

But it does say clearly on the ballot that the award is for the 2006-07 season.

Nash deserves it because, as stated above, he got the best out of guys like Raja Bell, Boris Diaw and Leandro Barbosa. He was also more indispensable to his team. Take Nowitzki off the Mavs, and they would still be pretty good. Take Nash off the Suns, and they're like a Ferrari that suddenly blows a tire.

Yes, Phoenix boasts two other All-Stars in Shawn Marion and Amaré Stoudemire. But those guys would not have been in Las Vegas this season without Nash's ability to get them the ball for easy baskets. Besides, Nowitzki has Josh Howard and a deep cast around him too.

Nash's ability to deliver in the clutch also stands out in my mind. It just seems like the little magician finds a way to hit the big shot or make the key play, something the Mavs know all too well. In their March 14 double-OT classic at Dallas, Nowitzki missed a key free throw late that could have iced the game. Nash (who scored 10 points in the final minute of regulation) came down and drilled a three-pointer to tie it.

When it comes to the MVP, that's the only kind of history that should matter.

If you want to argue against Nash for MVP, go ahead and say that he's not a great defender. Or that his Suns are slumping a bit down the stretch.

Those are valid reasons. But don't reject him because he's already got two trophies on his mantle. That makes about as much sense as saying he doesn't deserve it because of his haircut.

The good news is, on CNN at least, 2 out of three voters picked Nash over Dirk so I think he still has a shot even with the morons that don't want to give him the MVP simply so he doesn't get three in a row as opposed to evaluating the single season as it should be.

Kilap · Post by **Kilap** » April 16, 2007, 1:41 pm

The Suns need to sit their starters and give the Rockets a chance to win tonight. Must have home court over the Jazz.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » April 16, 2007, 2:13 pm

Kilap wrote:The Suns need to sit their starters and give the Rockets a chance to win tonight. Must have home court over the Jazz.

Man, the final games of the season are all meaningful this year.

While Phoenix has locked up the second seed, Golden State and the Clippers are both trying to take the final playoff spot in the West.

Golden State plays Dallas the final game of the season while the Clippers play the Suns their final game.

Dallas has lost three games to Golden State and would be swept if they lose the last game, and on top of that, would face Golden State the first round. I don't think Dallas wants to do that so I believe they'll play hard the last game. The Suns, on the other hand, may not want to ease up on the Clippers as it would be nice to see Dallas play Golden State the first round when looking down the road at the WFC. Phoenix would be doing Dallas a favor by letting the Clippers win (if Dallas beats Golden State the final game). Phoenix is also going for a record win total of 63 if they win the final two games...if Houston beats the Suns tonight (Phoenix owns Houston but you never know with resting players and Houston having something on the line), Phoenix may not care as much about the final game with a record not on the line...still...the Golden State/Dallas scenario makes everything a lot more interesting for the final two games of the season.

Good stuff!

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » April 17, 2007, 9:45 am

woopsie...117-120?

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » April 17, 2007, 10:40 am

That game didn't mean anything for the Suns except for a shot at the all time win record. The starters got more bench time deeper into the 4th quarter than usual. The significance of the game is that Houston will get home court in the first round vs Utah.

The game tonight means something I think. If the Suns beat the Clippers, Golden State locks up the eighth seed and plays Dallas. If Dallas gets swept by Golden State, the Suns don't need to win their last game either. Dallas/Golden State tips off 30 minutes after Phoenix /LA C tonight so it should be interesting.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » April 17, 2007, 6:57 pm

On tonight's Golden State @ Dallas Game:

Even though the Mavericks have clinched home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, they may try particularly hard to win Tuesday and hurt the postseason hopes of the Warriors and former Dallas coach Don Nelson. If Golden State does grab the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, it would face top seed Dallas in the first round.

"We don't want to lose any games regardless if we have it wrapped up or not, we still want to try to play well and not throw any games away," Mavericks swingman Devean George said after the team's 91-86 win over San Antonio on Sunday.

The Warriors have won the last four meetings, including two in Dallas, while averaging 115.0 points. Only two other teams defeated the Mavericks more than once this season - Utah and Phoenix - and neither of them beat Dallas three times.

Golden State ended the Mavs' franchise-record 17-game winning streak with a 117-100 victory on March 12.