NBA Thread

[Stephenson]

-----------

[MillaKilla8]

Go Blazers!

Ps Pau Gasol is weak
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090310/capt.a2dd9a35be194ec0aafffb5818b587bc.lakers_trail _blazers_basketball_pda103.jpg

[Pjames32]

Go Blazers!

Ps Pau Gasol is weak
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090310/capt.a2dd9a35be194ec0aafffb5818b587bc.lakers_trail _blazers_basketball_pda103.jpg

Go Lakers!

PS, you're wrong... I'll take his 19, 10, and 4 any day.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5VI8x55xvnY/R6azqZ-qUTI/AAAAAAAAAjw/B5fwkwLOggc/s1600/pao.jpeg
:lmao

[Titanico]

Go Lakers! :)

[FearKVB93]

Go CAVS! Mo Williams is a beast!







I bet you expected I'd say Lebron is a beast haha

[TitanTom0987]

Go Lakers!

PS, you're wrong... I'll take his 19, 10, and 4 any day.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5VI8x55xvnY/R6azqZ-qUTI/AAAAAAAAAjw/B5fwkwLOggc/s1600/pao.jpeg
:lmao

Then look softer than Charmin as he gets beasted on in the block like he did in the Finals.

[DelawareTitans]

Even though I don't follow b-ball as much as I used to, I still root for the Lakers!

Looking at a Lakers/Cavs finals I think.

[Titanico]

Portland hasn't become a good place to visit for the Lakers. They are 2-14 in their last 16 visits there...that was painful to know. :(

[Rolltide14TOMB]

stephenson the lakers looked good...like champions...what happened to your TO picture i always liked that

[NiagaraTitan]

I feel like I should drop a reply as my Hawks are up by 20 on the Heat

:)

[Rolltide14TOMB]

they look like the globetrotters

[MillaKilla8]

I dont even want to talk about Portland's game the other night. I had skybox seats which were really sweet, too bad they got pounded. They might get swept if they dont win tomorrow night..they're too young.

[Bobcat]

I dont even want to talk about Portland's game the other night. I had skybox seats which were really sweet, too bad they got pounded. They might get swept if they dont win tomorrow night..they're too young.

Quite possibly one of the best things that could actually happen to them. Even if they don't advance far in this years' playoffs, they now have some playoff experience to build on and know just how different the playoffs are from the regular season.

If they could add a veteran in the off-season who comes with some playoff experience under his belt who could mentor their younger players (I don't know Portland's roster, but looking at it they don't have anyone who fits that description), they could make a decent run next year.

[TitanTom0987]

Pistons......*sigh* At least it's painless.

[Titansfan777]

well the grizzlies, i believe, are only one good piece away from 35+ wins next year...and that is a good PF. I have been running through some possible scenarios if they get a good top 3 pick...

(Assuming they Re-sign Warrick and Ross)

If pick #1:
-Draft Blake Griffin, Damion James, and Dionte Christmas

C-Gasol/Milicic/Haddadi
PF-Griffin/Warrick/Arthur
SF-Gay/Ross/James
SG-Mayo/Christmas
PG-Conley/Jaric/Buckner

If pick #2/#3
-Draft Ricky Rubio, Damion James, and Dionte Christmas
-Trade Conley for Jason Thompson (Kings) straight up

C-Gasol/Milicic/Haddadi
PF-Thompson/Warrick/Arthur
SF-Gay/Ross/James
SG-Mayo/Christmas
PG-Rubio/Jaric/Buckner

If pick #2/#3 and the Kings draft #1 overall
-Draft Ricky Rubio
-Trade Rubio and Jaric to the Kings for Nocioni and Jason Thompson and their Houston pick
-Package the Houston pick + the Orlando pick and trade to get back into the lottery for a guy like Tyreke Evans
-Draft Darren Collison in round 2

C-Gasol/Milicic/Haddadi
PF-Thompson/Warrick/Arthur
SF-Gay/Nocioni/Ross
SG-Mayo/Evans
PG-Conley/Buckner/Collison

Either way the grizzlies become way better.

[shadowboxin']

James will be back at Texas most likely. The only reason he declared was to see where he stands with the NBA teams and what they want him to work on this year. And with the team, Texas has coming in, he has the opportunity to be on a Final Four team.

Go Mavs... ran the Spurs out of the building for a 2-1 series lead going into Saturday's game.

[MillaKilla8]

Blazers have a big game tomorrow. It's basically win or go home, because they aren't going to win 3 in a row after losing twice in Houston and going down 3-1.

[Titanico]

The Jazz is an easy way to go for the Lakers. Let's see what happens in the next series, because this one is not offering much complications.

[MillaKilla8]

Great game on right now. Bulls and Celts tied up at 91 with a minute to go. Rose and Rondo are unbelievable.

[MillaKilla8]

The Bulls are going to beat themselves. Hinrich and Gordon haven't made their free throws.

[MillaKilla8]

Double OT. If you haven't yet I suggest you turn it on...GREAT game.

[MillaKilla8]

Bulls 121 Celts 118 great game and series.

[Jimmyd24]

my miami heat are gonna take it all
believe me

[MillaKilla8]

I am rooting for Miami and Chicago in the East, but that is never going to happen. No one will come close to beating the Cavs in the East(IMO). It's going to be Lakers vs Cavs I think.

[Bobcat]

I wonder if it's possible for any team to suck worse than New Orleans did tonight.

The last time someone got beat by that much in the playoffs was Lakers vs. Hawks.

That would be the Minneapolis Lakers and St. Louis Hawks in 19-freaking-56!

[MillaKilla8]

Go Blazers! Win or go home!

[shadowboxin']

Dear Kevin Garnett,

Please stop. You're not intimidating anybody. You just look like an ass on national television.

Signed,
TNT viewing audience.

[MillaKilla8]

No kidding. It seems like every time out in this series he stares down the Bulls bench and curses at them.

[TitansFan23]

Lakers win it all...

[shadowboxin']

A big :finger to ESPN for thinking the Mavs couldn't close it out on the road against the "four-time champion" (seriously this gets old... the Celtics aren't referred to as the 17-time NBA champions everytime they're mentioned) Spurs.

Bring on the Nuggets.

[MillaKilla8]

Rajon Rondo is officially on my I hate you list.
Hinrich should have beat the **** out of him. That's Rondo's third stunt this series. What a you know what.

[shadowboxin']

Eastern conference playoff teams are so underwhelming... Magic without Nelson... Celtics without KG... Heat with half-strength D-Wade and nobody else.

I don't think there's been an easier path to the Finals than the Cavs have this year.

[MillaKilla8]

Watch for the hawks. They gave the Celts a run last year in the first round, they could give the Cavs one in the second round. Anything could happen.

[shadowboxin']

Problem numero uno is the Hawks will have to beat the Cavs at home to steal that series, and I seriously doubt they have the firepower to do it.

Problem two is that I still don't think the Hawks aren't an experienced enough team to take down the Cleveland Lebrons.

Once you take out D-Wade (which the Hawks have done), the Heat are about as good as the Clippers. So I'm not putting too much stock into this series. Hawks are a good young team though.

[MillaKilla8]

Shadow what are your thoughts on the Blazer - Rocket series? What do you see happening tonight?

[shadowboxin']

With the Blazers last win the pressure's on the Rockets now... and everyone knows their postseason history... If Portland wins tonight I'm going to go with them to close out the series at home. Rockets just cannot find a way to win when Yao is fronted, and the Blazers have done a good job of that.

The game tonight is a real push though, anything could happen there. I'll definitely be tuned in the full 48 minutes.

[MillaKilla8]

I agree 100%.
The way I look at it is that the Rockets are biting their nails right now.
The Blazers have had a lot of success with Yao since game 1, which was a disaster. Joel is doing a nice job defensively. And even though he has a tendency to make dumb fouls and still needs to develop his offensive game, Oden is a hell of a hard worker that hustles on defense and he really frustrates Yao. I think that if L-Train or Rudy steps up tonight(along with Roy's usual) that the Rockets are toast, because if this sucker goes game 7, there is no way in hell the Blazers are going to lose at home again. Once again I think the pressure is on the Rockets, because I think they know they have to win tonight.

[shadowboxin']

OK, so I WOULD be tuned in to Rockets-Blazers if a Boston-Chicago game would end in regulation for once.

I'm gonna miss the entire first half.

[MillaKilla8]

Well you didn't miss much!

Blazers got embarrassed... oh well, they are young.

[Titanico]

Where the hell did Chicago get strength to be battling as they are against Boston? :huh

[Rolltide14TOMB]

chicago is playing great but we will see in game numero 7 in Boston what they are REALLY REALLY made of....i will be impressed even if they barely lose...cause you can bet your ass boston will get all the calls

[ryangm2123]

Go Celtics!

[Titanico]

Lakers vs. Houston...

Let's have a rocket ride!!! Go Lakers!!

[Aaron3322]

Lakers vs. Houston...

Let's have a rocket ride!!! Go Lakers!!

Rockets took off in L.A. last night! lol


This is going to be a wild series. Especially if Htown can keep up the tempo.

[Rolltide14TOMB]

the lakers will rebound and win game 2....split in houston...win game 5 in staples and then kobe will dagger them in 6 in houston.....if the mavs lose tonight and go down 0-2 they are in trouble...they cannot beat denver 4 out of 5 games with 2 being in Denver...Cavaliers will be in for a brawl with ATL...i say this one goes 7 with the home team winning everygame...orlando and boston is tough...you would think boston would rebound in game 2 but can they win in orlando? i think the magic are superior but man can they choke in a heartbeat...they dont seem like a well coached team...howard would get 20-30 shots a game if i was on the bench...him scoring less than 20 against perkins, baby is pathetic and all on van gundy...i will predict that the celtics rise up again and win this one in 7 games.....

[Aaron3322]

Rockets Vs. Lakers : Rockets win in 6
Nuggets Vs. Mavs : Nuggets Dominate
Cavs Vs. Atl : Cavs with in game 7
Celtics Vs. Magic : Magic goes up 3-0 and Celtics come back and win the last 4 games (that would be some good tv)

[Rolltide14TOMB]

Celtics Vs. Magic : Magic goes up 3-0 and Celtics come back and win the last 4 games (that would be some good tv)

that would be great...and i really hope the mavs can come back i DESPISE THOSE THUG NUGGETS

[Titanico]

Rockets took off in L.A. last night! lol


:cry

[shadowboxin']

Good thing the Battier incident didn't happen to Artest.

Pulling for the Rockets to sweep (unlikely, but I hate the Lakers).

[Titanico]

Isn't it time for a Lakers to get a second tri-champ run? :D

[shadowboxin']

Gasol =/= Shaq.

Survey says... No!

[Zephyr]

My only motivation to watch the NBA is to see Kobe fail, Rockets, Rockets, Rockets

[Titanico]

My only motivation to watch the NBA is to see Kobe fail, Rockets, Rockets, Rockets

Kobe = King of the NBA. :p

[Rolltide14TOMB]

King of the NBA is the CURRENT league MVP LeBron James....however i forsee the Lakers winning the title...ppl always overreact when the lakers lose a game

[Titans and Turtles]

King of the NBA is the CURRENT league MVP LeBron James....however i forsee the Lakers winning the title...ppl always overreact when the lakers lose a game

No, it's been enough time, enough pieces assembled. Everyone knew it was coming, everyone knew it was inevitable, and I believe it is here. Lebron is going to begin his run with the MVP and a Title Ring this year, and will own both for several more years, at least 2 of them consecutively.

Witness.

[shadowboxin']

Mavs are done. Howard's out and they're playing like total punks against Denver's physicality (although refs allowing a little more than they should). Stupid turnovers, missing open shots, no post presence, no penetration, Dirk refuses to man up... Done.

[MillaKilla8]

Cavs might not even lose until the finals series.

[Aaron3322]

:cry

lol it was a good game though. This could be tough for the lakers. Itll be a nice series either way.

[Toronto]

I thought it was a sweet move of David Stern to stick Joey Crawford in for last nite's game. Good to see the 3 hour BJ that POS ref gave Kobe and the Lakers all nite. Made me all warm inside.

Only in David Stern's NBA does Ron Artest get elbowed in the head by one of his two horses, then called for the only foul. Shock.

[ZachLV27]

I thought it was a sweet move of David Stern to stick Joey Crawford in for last nite's game. Good to see the 3 hour BJ that POS ref gave Kobe and the Lakers all nite. Made me all warm inside.

Only in David Stern's NBA does Ron Artest get elbowed in the head by one of his two horses, then called for the only foul. Shock.

The chest...his head. Close enough, I guess. :slap

The hatred and bias the Lakers have against them by every other teams fans makes me like them more and more. I knew going into the game that if the Lakers won then there would be crying like this from fans no matter what happened.

Scola got a technical foul like he should have.
Walton got a technical foul like he should have.
Odom got a technical foul which was questionable, but whatever. He didn't complain.
Fisher got tossed and hit with a flagrant 2 like he should have. He knew he was going to be tossed before he did it and probably knew he was going to be suspended for a game as well. It was a spark and a show of the teams toughness.
Artest rightfully got tossed from the game because of who he is, what his reputation is, and how stupidly he responded.
Kobe should have gotten a flagrant 1 for his elbow to the CHEST, but they didn't call it.

Outside of that missed call on Kobe the game was fairly equally officiated leading up to the drama that ensued. Once that all went down the refs cracked down, like they are supposed to, and basically called any contact a foul.

[shadowboxin']

Show of the team's toughness? More like a show of Fisher's stupidity. He completely decked Scola with a hockey check. And regardless of what Artest has done in the past, he didn't deserve to get ejected. A technical, maybe, but not an ejection. You can't hold a player's past transgressions against him while calling a game. He starts every game with 0 fouls like all the other players.

Kobe likes to throw those subtle cheap shots all the time and gets away with it, it's gonna come back to bite him one day.

[ZachLV27]

Show of the team's toughness? More like a show of Fisher's stupidity. He completely decked Scola with a hockey check. And regardless of what Artest has done in the past, he didn't deserve to get ejected. A technical, maybe, but not an ejection. You can't hold a player's past transgressions against him while calling a game. He starts every game with 0 fouls like all the other players.

Kobe likes to throw those subtle cheap shots all the time and gets away with it, it's gonna come back to bite him one day.

What world are you living in? Name a single team sport where someones reputation doesn't weigh in on how they get officiated. There isn't one. It may not be "right" or "fair", but it's how things go.

As for Fisher's "stupidity". He did what he set out to do and if the Lakers win the next game without him then his "stupidity" becomes a smart play on his behalf. It already worked by sparking the Lakers and getting them to toughen up and beat the Rockets in game two.

[shadowboxin']

What world are you living in? Name a single team sport where someones reputation doesn't weigh in on how they get officiated. There isn't one. It may not be "right" or "fair", but it's how things go.

As for Fisher's "stupidity". He did what he set out to do and if the Lakers win the next game without him then his "stupidity" becomes a smart play on his behalf. It already worked by sparking the Lakers and getting them to toughen up and beat the Rockets in game two.

I understand that part, but any other player does that and its a regular technical, and some guys probably get away with it. I just fail to see anything there deserving of an ejection. There was no physical contact whatsoever other than him being in Kobe's face. Regardless of what anyone thinks, Crawford being the ref on the call certainly was not something working in Artest's favor.

I fail to see how Fisher getting himself taken out of a road playoff game can possibly be a smart play. Him getting taken out reduces the Lakers' chances of winning. If the Lakers do win, I don't think it can be attributed to what Fisher did.

[ZachLV27]

Fisher's foul might not have been a smart play, but Farmar getting the start and a lot of playing time allowed him to gain some of his confidence back. Farmar playing well and leading the 2nd team is pretty big for this team.

[Toronto]

I hate the guy, but christ was Kobe terrific last nite. That isn't swiss cheese D he's playing - he's having to battle for space and shots, and last night, reminded us that he's still way above everyone in the NBA minus Lebron.

Pleased with the fight the Rockets are giving them though.

Last nite they were a coach's worst nightmare. No passing, tons of guys (Artest and Wafer especially) trying to win the game 1 on 5. Their turnovers and awful shots were just brutal all game.

[ZachLV27]

Well it's pretty much guaranteed that the Lakers are going to advance to play the Nuggets next. That should be a real fun series.

I do hate that Yao can never seem to stay healthy. He would have been much more dominant throughout his career if he could have just avoided the injury bug.

[ZachLV27]

Mavericks got screwed over today.

[ZachLV27]

Lakers forgot to show up for the game today.

[MillaKilla8]

Well it's pretty much guaranteed that the Lakers are going to advance to play the Nuggets next. That should be a real fun series.

I do hate that Yao can never seem to stay healthy. He would have been much more dominant throughout his career if he could have just avoided the injury bug.

Lol what?
2-2 bro.

[Titanico]

Lakers forgot to show up for the game today.

It's only that they don't want to get bored as it happened on past round! :p

[Toronto]

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.latimes.com%2Fsports%2Fla-sp-plaschke-lakers11-2009may11%2C0%2C533585.column&h=dd69cc3c510a30ec7ce75cf554fccfd5

Life is good...

[shadowboxin']

Mavs/Nuggets should be tied 2-2 if not for that debacle the other night. Big difference between that and 3-1.

[TRUTitan]

I got to say these are some of the best playoff series I have seen. Boston played a great series against Chicago and now the same can be said about their series with Orlando. This match between Houston and the LA is bloodier than some UFC events. I don't think it is going out on a limb to say that both the texas teams will be out of the Playoffs by this weekend.
I believe Orlando and and Boston are playing to see who will ultimately lose to Lebron and company. I am very anxious to see Denver VS. LA. That should be a good series.

[ZachLV27]

Rockets never bothered to come to LA for game 5.

[Rolltide14TOMB]

the lakers will rebound and win game 2....split in houston...win game 5 in staples and then kobe will dagger them in 6 in houston.....



orlando and boston is tough...you would think boston would rebound in game 2 but can they win in orlando? i think the magic are superior but man can they choke in a heartbeat...they dont seem like a well coached team...howard would get 20-30 shots a game if i was on the bench...him scoring less than 20 against perkins, baby is pathetic and all on van gundy...i will predict that the celtics rise up again and win this one in 7 games.....

my predictions.....i obviously left out my 7 game series forecast for cleveland ATL

[Toronto]

I wasn't shocked at all by the Lakers Game 5 whupping. For 2 days they had to read countless articles, reports etc about the egg they laid in Game 4 and not showing up. I'm sure they took it personally, and also realized they had Chuck frigging Hayes guarding Gasol. Ooops.

[Rolltide14TOMB]

kobe will cruise along in a close game 6 and then dagger em with about 10-14 4th quarter points...then we get denver LA...if LA "gives" games away then they are in for a fight...if they play 5 straight games 100% focused they could win 4-1...but i find the lake show incapable of that feat....i look for LA in 6-7

[Rolltide14TOMB]

AHHHHHHHHHH THE MAVS PISS ME OFF.....WHY DO THEY CONSTANTLY ALLOW DENVER FAST BREAK DUNKS!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH...th ey just need one miracle win to get back in this damn series but it aint gonna happen

[TRUTitan]

Looks like it will be a Denver LA series which I believe Denver can come out strong and beat LA. Setting up the Carmello VS Lebron series.

[FearKVB93]

Cleveland ownzzzz all

[ChrisJohnson'sdreads]

Nuggs Win! :)

[TRUTitan]

OK I was wrong Houston lives to fight another day. That would be funny if the Lakers get beat in LA. Orlando is not going down without a fight.

[Toronto]

http://www.jockandballs.com/2009/05/nba-where-amazing-happens.html

[TRUTitan]

There is no reason that the Rockets should have given the Lakers that much trouble without its big name guys. The Nuggets will put them out in the next round.
I figured the Celtics would put up more of a fight than they did against Orlando, especially in Boston.

[shadowboxin']

At this point I'd rather see Denver play Cleveland than LA. We'll see what Stern wants to see...

[Titanico]

Yesterday, was a game that I thought that the Lakers weren't going to pull off.

Anthony is a great player for the Nuggets, he got Kobe under check. No matter that Kobe got 40 pts. and Anthony 39, in the Lakers' victory 105-103.

It's going to be a great series. No matter if you are not a Nuggets' or Lakers' fan...there's going to be very good basketball played with those two.

[Yvette]

I cannot believe I saw the Cavs lose with one lousy second on the clock. Mo's 3 pointer tonight made me love the game again :cool:

[Toronto]

Game 1 tonite was the best game of the playoffs, and there have been some great ones.

I was doing Jays/Sox and every 2 mins, found myself wishing to god I had cherrypicked that assignment instead. What a frigging game.

[TitansFan23]

I turned it off at the half figuring it would be a Cleveland rout.

Dumb...

[ZachLV27]

This game should have been a lot of fun to watch but the horrible officiating throughout the game ruined it.

[TitansFan23]

Can the Lakers get one in Denver?

Am I the only one who thinks PG is a weakness for LA?

[ZachLV27]

PG has been a weakness for them all year long. Fisher has lost his ability to actually hit shots and wasn't that great at distributing to begin with. Farmar has been injured and when he hasn't been injured he's played like someone who looks scared he's going to get injured. Brown is the only one that actually looks decent at times, but I think that mainly has to do with his hustle.

[TitansFan23]

I see.

I don't keep up with the NBA that much, but for some reason I've checked into this post-season; maybe it's all the Kobe/Lebron hype.

Phil really needs to put Fisher on the bench. 1/9, 5 fouls and three straight layups he shanked that lead to Cleveland points. I think Farmar is a much better option at this point, but Phil seems content to stick with Fisher.

Also, what's up with the big men for the Laker's?

Why wasn't Bynum in the game towards the end? Is he still suffering from his injury? And I keep hearing Gasol is soft. I have to admit, he doesn't dominate the paint like other bigs I've seen. I know Odom is hurt.

I gotta say it isn't looking too good for a Laker's final, but maybe Kobe can do enough to get em past Denver.

[Titanico]

Fisher has lost his ability to actually hit shots and wasn't that great at distributing to begin with.


I agree. He is not the Fisher that he used to be. He was mentally lost during yesterday's game.

[ZachLV27]

:jawdrop

[shadowboxin']

We'll be seeing that shot for many years to come.

[TitansFan23]

Damn!

That was messed up.

[ZachLV27]

That shot might be the boost the Cavs need. They better hope it is at least. They let the Magic back into this game and almost went down 2-0 going back to Orlando. They need to stop relaxing when they have big leads.

[TRUTitan]

These are some of the best playoffs ever!!!

[Bobcat]

Game 1 tonite was the best game of the playoffs, and there have been some great ones.

Well, that status didn't last long...

[Toronto]

My boss must really love me. I got to do that game tonite.

Yes, I was a witness. The man is a frigging basketball god.

He gets his Pippen, he wins 6 rings. That simple.

[Sect309Fan]

It has been a long time since I have wanted to watch an NBA highlight over and over again. :dancegrin

Simply amazing!

[Livid13]

My boss must really love me. I got to do that game tonite.

Yes, I was a witness. The man is a frigging basketball god.

He gets his Pippen, he wins 6 rings. That simple.

Where does he land Toronto , NYC ?

[TitansFan23]

If he wins a title with Cleveland, he should stay there and turn them into a dynasty.

[Toronto]

Where does he land Toronto , NYC ?

If you asked me 4 months ago, I'd say NYC.

Now? I'm not sure he's going anywhere. If anything, he may convince Bosh or Wade that Cleveland rocks.

[ZachLV27]

Technical foul on Fisher and not on Martin? Seriously?

Another game filled with horrible officiating (for and against both teams).

[Titan723]

Lakers win!!

:toast

[ZachLV27]

Ugly win. Lakers bad free throw shooting and inability to cover guys down low is going to catch up with them.

[Rolltide14TOMB]

Lakers bad free throw shooting and inability to cover guys down low is going to catch up with them

its gonna follow Phil jackson straight to his 10th NBA world title....that win at Denver last night has the Lakers the heavy favorite in my eyes now

[Titanico]

Phil Jackson is proving why he has been a successful Coach in the NBA, one more time. I saw a tight game, but Carmelo Anthony simply couldn't hold the pressure and he was rejected from the game thanks to his 6 personal fouls.

The Lakers are playing in one note, and winning the first game at Denver was a solid proof that they are mentally and phisically prepared for this battle.

Nothing is said and done, though.

[TitansFan23]

Laker's are just too inconsistent.

And the officiating is horrible.

[ZachLV27]

Laker's are just too inconsistent.

And the officiating is horrible.

The officiating throughout this series and in last nights Cavs game (Could they give Lebron anymore phantom calls?) is pretty much turning me off from watching these playoffs.

[TitansFan23]

You'd think the officiating would be going the Laker's way, if the NBA wants a Kobe/Lebron finals, but it isn't.

They push Kobe in the back and it's only a personal, they intentionally trip him, and it's nothing, but Bynum swats the ball out of a guys hands and that's a flagrant?

Also, I'm starting to understand why Cuban called the Nuggets a bunch of thugs.

[ZachLV27]

I've never bought into conspiracy theories about the league having refs call a game a certain way just to get the match-ups they want. That would involve too many people knowing about it and there is no way a league could keep it a secret for that long. There are some officials that call games certain ways based on their own opinions or feelings. It happens in all sports. Officials are humans just like the players and are just as much subject to their emotions as anyone else. Most do their best to not let their emotions get involved in how they call a game, but nobody is perfect. Every official in every sport has been guilty numerous times of letting their emotions get in the way of how they should properly be calling a game.

Now back to the horrible officiating as of late. I think one of the major problems with the playoffs is the officials get switched out too much. What one referee considers a flagrant foul in one game is considered a regular foul by a different referee in the next game and in the third game it isn't even considered a foul by a third referee. That's a major problem with the NBA. There is no consistency with how fouls are called from game to game and there is no consistency with how fouls are called on certain star players. The biggest problem I have though is something I hate in all sports. What is a foul in the first minute of the game should be the same as in the last minute of the game. I hate that to get a foul called in the last 30 seconds of a close game you have to be a star player. If you're just some random bench player and you get run over while taking a shot then you're SOL. The referees don't want to "impact the game" and want it to be "decided by the players". The problem with that is by not making the call the referees are impacting the game and are taking it out of the players hands.

The push in the back on Kobe was changed to a flagrant and this trip should be changed too. I personally think they are both weak for flagrant fouls, but they have been calling stuff like that as flagrant fouls so they need to be consistent.

Bynum's foul was a flagrant foul. You could tell he was frustrated at the time and he meant to take it out on Andersen.

Some of the Nuggets do play like a bunch of thugs. J.R. Smith is talented and is a good shooter that most teams would love to have, but he's also a punk. This is where some hockey rules would come in handy. If you act like J.R. does then you send in your enforcer to hit him with some hard, clean checks into the boards.

Dahntay Jones is just out there to rough up people until he gets enough fouls that he needs to be sat. Kenyon Martin has always been a punk, but I've actually always liked him. He is a player who plays physical ball and gives it his all. His problem is he gets carried away from time to time.

Outside of them I really like the players on the Nuggets. I first started watching Billups back in college at Colorado and he's always impressed me. I think he has turned into 100 times the player anyone ever thought he could be coming out of college and I think he is still underrated. I don't know why but I always felt bad for Nene with all the criticism he got from fans for how injury prone he was. I'm glad to see him playing well while healthy. Last is Chris Andersen. EVERY team needs a Chris Andersen. The hustle and enthusiasm he brings to each game isn't something you'll always see in stat sheets, but you will notice that it has an impact on one column in the stat sheet. The Win column.

[Titanico]

I am still trying to figure...how the hell Denver was able to be so dominant in the score yesterday's night!

This Series are a "dog fight".

[Titans and Turtles]

Lefraud James and the Cleveland Choke-aliers can now WITNESS the earliest reservation available at the golf course.

Series Over.

LeBron will get no help next year, will fail again, and will win his first championship with his new team in 2010-2011.

[TitansFan23]

The push in the back on Kobe was changed to a flagrant and this trip should be changed too. I personally think they are both weak for flagrant fouls, but they have been calling stuff like that as flagrant fouls so they need to be consistent.

It was.


Bynum's foul was a flagrant foul. You could tell he was frustrated at the time and he meant to take it out on Andersen.

They downgraded it to a personal.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4207241

[shadowboxin']

Lefraud James and the Cleveland Choke-aliers can now WITNESS the earliest reservation available at the golf course.

Series Over.

LeBron will get no help next year, will fail again, and will win his first championship with his new team in 2010-2011.

Really?

Not like it's his fault... dude is averaging 42 PPG this series, not to mention 7 boards and 7 dimes.

[TRUTitan]

Really?

Not like it's his fault... dude is averaging 42 PPG this series, not to mention 7 boards and 7 dimes.

I know... I don't know why everyone is turned on Lebron here recently. As someone mentioned earlier even Jordan needed help. He is playing his heart out.

[FearKVB93]

Really?

Not like it's his fault... dude is averaging 42 PPG this series, not to mention 7 boards and 7 dimes.

couldn't agree more....IT's not LJ's fault that his help has suddenly disappeared.

[Titans and Turtles]

couldn't agree more....IT's not LJ's fault that his help has suddenly disappeared.

Ok, ok, you're right. They really couldn't ask any more from LeBron. He's the only thing working for Cleveland. And he's been spectacular.

But the team has fallen apart other than him. The choke-a-liers part stands, because everyone not named Lebron on that team couldn't hit the ground with their hat this series. If just one, one stinking guy on that team other than Lebron actually could make some shots, Cleveland would likely be winning this series. But Mo Williams, Delonte West, Ilgauskas - the whole bench - they've all let James down.

As I said in my earlier comment, I actually do think Lebron will win championships - more than one. It just won't be in Cleveland. Cleveland has had enough time to find their Scotty Pippin - and Mo Williams ain't even close. Lebron is gone in 2010, and will go to a team that actually can get someone to join him that can play basketball and maybe make a shot or two.

[ZachLV27]

I know... I don't know why everyone is turned on Lebron here recently. As someone mentioned earlier even Jordan needed help. He is playing his heart out.

I will premise this with saying that I've never been a fan of Lebron's. No matter what sport or who the player is I've always had a problem with guys that get made out to be the next greatest thing before they ever step foot into a game and before they ever prove themselves. I've got nothing but respect for how he plays the game and I think he's a damn good player, but I still root against him.

Now onto my thoughts on him recently. My major problem with him isn't really his fault at all. It's pretty much the fault of the media.

In this series against the Magic Lebron has scored more than 40 points 3 times. All 3 of those games were losses. The media says he is playing great and basically is carrying his team. They are saying that his team doesn't even look like they are in the game. Now here is where my problem comes in. If you put Kobe in this same exact position he wont get the same praise. It will be quite the opposite for most of the media actually. The media loves to jump on Kobe and say it is his fault when he shoots so much and his team looks like they aren't even part of the game. The media loves to blame Kobe saying that if he didn't shoot so much then the team would be more involved and look much better. This might be true and it might not be. the one thing I do know for sure is that it is hypocritical and it annoys the hell out of me.

Before I sound like a hypocrite myself I will say that when Kobe came into the league I cheered for him because he played for the Lakers, but it also annoyed me that he got so much praise before every proving himself. It wasn't until him and Shaq won a championship together that I really accepted him as one of the best players of this era.

[ZachLV27]

Oh, Lebron will still have to become a lot more consistent with his outside jump shot and he'll have to win a couple championships before I'll ever consider him to be one of the greatest players to ever play this game (not that he gives a damn about what I think). Even if he does these things he wont come close to being in the top 5 best players of all time. There are just too many great players in the past that most fans today have never even heard of.

This reminds me of another rant I went on lately which has absolutely nothing to do with this subject, but I'm going to say it anyways.

I was talking to a couple guys in their low 20's who claimed to be big baseball fans. We were talking about great players in the past and I brought up Roberto Clemente. Neither of them had heard of him! I almost lost it and asked them how they could claim to be fans of baseball and its history nd yet they hadn't heard of him.

[Toronto]

Lefraud James and the Cleveland Choke-aliers can now WITNESS the earliest reservation available at the golf course.

Series Over.

LeBron will get no help next year, will fail again, and will win his first championship with his new team in 2010-2011.

LOL did you really call him that? If he had anyone even remotely near Pippen-status this Cavs team wins it all. Reminds me a ton of the Jordan Bulls before he got his help.

[Toronto]

Ok, ok, you're right. They really couldn't ask any more from LeBron. He's the only thing working for Cleveland. And he's been spectacular.

But the team has fallen apart other than him. The choke-a-liers part stands, because everyone not named Lebron on that team couldn't hit the ground with their hat this series. If just one, one stinking guy on that team other than Lebron actually could make some shots, Cleveland would likely be winning this series. But Mo Williams, Delonte West, Ilgauskas - the whole bench - they've all let James down.

As I said in my earlier comment, I actually do think Lebron will win championships - more than one. It just won't be in Cleveland. Cleveland has had enough time to find their Scotty Pippin - and Mo Williams ain't even close. Lebron is gone in 2010, and will go to a team that actually can get someone to join him that can play basketball and maybe make a shot or two.

He better pray his new team is willing to break the cap then, because that's the only way a Bosh or someone of that skill level joins him. Guess its the Knicks or bust.

[Titans and Turtles]

He better pray his new team is willing to break the cap then, because that's the only way a Bosh or someone of that skill level joins him. Guess its the Knicks or bust.

Yeah, because that would be like getting Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce all on the same team, and we know that would never happen!

Maybe, just maybe, someone would work for a little less than full value in exchange for a great shot at a ring or two. Perhaps it would be a deal that a another team could work out, as it's obvious Cleveland cannot.

[TitansGiantsBears]

I may be in the minority but I'm not that impressed with James as a player. I never have been. This series is a microcosm of him as a player. Is he exciting to watch? Yes. Is he a physically-gifted marvel? Absolutely. Is he a great basketball player? I'm no so sure.

Some folks look for points scored and highlight reels to evaluate a player. I don't. To me the true value of a player lies in the number of trips down the court he helped his team vs. the number of times he hurt his team. In my opinion the single most important statistic that defines a player is his shooting percentage followed by the number of times he turned the ball over.

Despite 40 points in three games of this series, LeBron's only played one truly good game and that was game one. In that game he was 20/30 from the floor and 6/10 from the line. It can truly be argued that he got no help from his teammates in this game. They were a combined 21/51 from the floor. When the rest of the team shoots 41% and you hit 67%, you have a legitimate case of the rest of the team costing the Cavs that game. 30 times he called his own number and 20 times he helped his team. 10 times it was the wrong choice and he turned the ball over twice. He was +8, which is a VERY solid game. That equates to him giving his team a potential 16 points in their favor by him being on the floor.

Let's move on to game two. The Cavs won this game and LeBron scored 35 points on 12/23 shooting and was 10/12 from the line. The rest of the team was 18/46 for only a 39% shooting percentage. LeBron carried the team despite having a poor game. He took the shot 23 times and was successful on 12 of those tries and missed on 11 of them. He turned the ball over 6 times, giving him a -5 for the game. Giving up 10 potential points in a close game can cost you but the Cavs took this one.

In game three, LeBron was 11 of 28, a mere 39% from the floor in a 99-89 loss. This is the one that gets me, as this was the game I heard people saying Lebron wasn't getting enough help. Lebron took over a third of his team's scoring opportunities. He was successful on 11 of those opportunites. He missed 17 times and turned the ball over twice. By my count he was -8 in this game. Iin other words, for all his points in the game the net result was a loss of 8 scoring opportunities for his team that went Orlando's way. When one player gives away 16 potential points in a game and takes nearly 30 shots, something is wrong with that picture. Did the other players on his team step up in their limited roles? No, but they were no worse really than James.

In game 4, Lebron tallied 44 points on 13 of 29 shooting for only 44%. He was successful on 13 attempts, unsuccessful on 16 and turned the ball over a whopping 8 times! That's a -11 for the game or in other words it's like giving away 22 potential points in a two point ballgame. By contrast Dwight Howard was 10 of 16 and turned the ball over twice for a +4. That's 8 potential points Howard gave his team vs. the 22 potential points LeBron gave away.

The more I watch of this guy the more I see another over-hyped ESPN media machine and ball hog. Of course he's still young. I used to run these things on Jordan early on and he would kill his team in his early years. By the (real) end of his career when he retired the first time, Jordan was regularly posting crazy stuff in the +10 to +15 range. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird regularly posted in the +8 to +12 range for much of their entire careers.

To me it comes down to the newer generation of NBA stars being more "athletes" than basketball players. They have amazing body control, agility, leaping ability, etc, but there are very few who are the real deal when it comes to being basketball players. At this moment in his career, LeBron is not.

[Toronto]

I may be in the minority but I'm not that impressed with James as a player. I never have been. This series is a microcosm of him as a player. Is he exciting to watch? Yes. Is he a physically-gifted marvel? Absolutely. Is he a great basketball player? I'm no so sure.

Some folks look for points scored and highlight reels to evaluate a player. I don't. To me the true value of a player lies in the number of trips down the court he helped his team vs. the number of times he hurt his team. In my opinion the single most important statistic that defines a player is his shooting percentage followed by the number of times he turned the ball over.

Despite 40 points in three games of this series, LeBron's only played one truly good game and that was game one. In that game he was 20/30 from the floor and 6/10 from the line. It can truly be argued that he got no help from his teammates in this game. They were a combined 21/51 from the floor. When the rest of the team shoots 41% and you hit 67%, you have a legitimate case of the rest of the team costing the Cavs that game. 30 times he called his own number and 20 times he helped his team. 10 times it was the wrong choice and he turned the ball over twice. He was +8, which is a VERY solid game. That equates to him giving his team a potential 16 points in their favor by him being on the floor.

Let's move on to game two. The Cavs won this game and LeBron scored 35 points on 12/23 shooting and was 10/12 from the line. The rest of the team was 18/46 for only a 39% shooting percentage. LeBron carried the team despite having a poor game. He took the shot 23 times and was successful on 12 of those tries and missed on 11 of them. He turned the ball over 6 times, giving him a -5 for the game. Giving up 10 potential points in a close game can cost you but the Cavs took this one.

In game three, LeBron was 11 of 28, a mere 39% from the floor in a 99-89 loss. This is the one that gets me, as this was the game I heard people saying Lebron wasn't getting enough help. Lebron took over a third of his team's scoring opportunities. He was successful on 11 of those opportunites. He missed 17 times and turned the ball over twice. By my count he was -8 in this game. Iin other words, for all his points in the game the net result was a loss of 8 scoring opportunities for his team that went Orlando's way. When one player gives away 16 potential points in a game and takes nearly 30 shots, something is wrong with that picture. Did the other players on his team step up in their limited roles? No, but they were no worse really than James.

In game 4, Lebron tallied 44 points on 13 of 29 shooting for only 44%. He was successful on 13 attempts, unsuccessful on 16 and turned the ball over a whopping 8 times! That's a -11 for the game or in other words it's like giving away 22 potential points in a two point ballgame. By contrast Dwight Howard was 10 of 16 and turned the ball over twice for a +4. That's 8 potential points Howard gave his team vs. the 22 potential points LeBron gave away.

The more I watch of this guy the more I see another over-hyped ESPN media machine and ball hog. Of course he's still young. I used to run these things on Jordan early on and he would kill his team in his early years. By the (real) end of his career when he retired the first time, Jordan was regularly posting crazy stuff in the +10 to +15 range. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird regularly posted in the +8 to +12 range for much of their entire careers.

To me it comes down to the newer generation of NBA stars being more "athletes" than basketball players. They have amazing body control, agility, leaping ability, etc, but there are very few who are the real deal when it comes to being basketball players. At this moment in his career, LeBron is not.

Gonna hit on two of your comments. First of all, I love the fact that I don't hate or love Lebron. I actually feel kinda neutral towards him, which helps me analyze their games a tad better.

1) Is he a great basketball player? I argue he is. To me, the criteria is down as follows.
a) Can he create his own shot and not just be a dunking machine (the Dominique syndrome). Yes
b) does he involve teammates? Yes, averaging over 7 assists per game all season is a good barometer.
c) Does he make good decisions and not 'hog' the ball? Improving, but to be honest, if I am Mike Brown with the game on the line, I want the ball in his hands. It was the same for Phil Jackson and MJ.
d) Think about what Jordan, Magic and Bird each had for a supporting cast - in years 5 of each of their careers.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Boston
McHale
Parrish
Dennis Johnson
Ainge
Sam Vincent
Quinn Buckner
Cedric Maxwell

LA
Jabbar
Cooper
Worthy
Scott
Kupchak
McAdoo
Rambis

Chicago
Paxson
Pippen
Ho Grant
Bill Cartwright

Now look at Cleveland this year
Ilgauskas
Varejao
Mo Williams
West
Sczerbiak

No wonder James is going to fall short - his supporting cast is brutal, when you compare with the other three - also worth noting that the Bulls, even with a maturing Jordan and cast, still lost to the Pistons that year in the conf. final.

James will get there - just needs a realistic #2 that can take enough pressure off him that he can improve on D more.

[TRUTitan]

TGB, you can't compare James and Howard as far as shooting percentage. They're two different kinds of players.

[ZachLV27]

TGB, you can't compare James and Howard as far as shooting percentage. They're two different kinds of players.

One is a bad jump shooter that still takes plenty of jump shots while the other is bad at jump shots and doesn't take them?

[TitansGiantsBears]

Gonna hit on two of your comments. First of all, I love the fact that I don't hate or love Lebron. I actually feel kinda neutral towards him, which helps me analyze their games a tad better.

1) Is he a great basketball player? I argue he is. To me, the criteria is down as follows.
a) Can he create his own shot and not just be a dunking machine (the Dominique syndrome). Yes


What good does it do to create your own shot if you miss it when you take it? The guy isn't even an average shooter. Again, more hype than substance.

[ZachLV27]

Down goes the "King". :toast

[Titanico]

..and the Lakers go back to a Final.

:nutkick <-- to all haters :p

[Toronto]

I just became the world's biggest bandwagon Magic fan.

:thumbsup

[FearKVB93]

Dang I hope LJ doesn't go to NY....I hope he stays in Cleveland and the FO will get rid of Illgauskus and Wallace and get a couple of big men who can actually move their feet, unlike Big Z, and can score, unlike Wallace. I think Varajao is good enough on d to keep. I think our guards are fine, just need better big men. Our big men not being able to guard a fence post is what lost this series.

[TitansFan23]

I'm not a big follower of the NBA, but I'm really enjoying these playoffs.

That being said, is there reason to believe that if LBJ goes to the Knicks they will be any better at putting a team around him than Cleveland?

I know it's a bigger market, but what are the owners/front office like?

[ZachLV27]

I'm pretty sure that that's what you call an ass whoopin.

[Livid13]

Let me preface this by saying I'm a Rockets fan. Except when in head to head competition, I have casually pulled for the Lakers, all the way back to the Magic Johnson days. That being said, is it just me, or does anyone else get tired of Kobe ? I'm talking the whole enchilada, not just his game.

['Nator]

Gonna hit on two of your comments. First of all, I love the fact that I don't hate or love Lebron. I actually feel kinda neutral towards him, which helps me analyze their games a tad better.

1) Is he a great basketball player? I argue he is. To me, the criteria is down as follows.
a) Can he create his own shot and not just be a dunking machine (the Dominique syndrome). Yes
b) does he involve teammates? Yes, averaging over 7 assists per game all season is a good barometer.
c) Does he make good decisions and not 'hog' the ball? Improving, but to be honest, if I am Mike Brown with the game on the line, I want the ball in his hands. It was the same for Phil Jackson and MJ.
d) Think about what Jordan, Magic and Bird each had for a supporting cast - in years 5 of each of their careers.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Boston
McHale
Parrish
Dennis Johnson
Ainge
Sam Vincent
Quinn Buckner
Cedric Maxwell

LA
Jabbar
Cooper
Worthy
Scott
Kupchak
McAdoo
Rambis

Chicago
Paxson
Pippen
Ho Grant
Bill Cartwright

Now look at Cleveland this year
Ilgauskas
Varejao
Mo Williams
West
Sczerbiak

No wonder James is going to fall short - his supporting cast is brutal, when you compare with the other three - also worth noting that the Bulls, even with a maturing Jordan and cast, still lost to the Pistons that year in the conf. final.

James will get there - just needs a realistic #2 that can take enough pressure off him that he can improve on D more.


Note that Bird led his team to 62 wins in his rookie season before Parish or McHale arrived being the only signifigant addition to a team that only won 29 games the year before.

Plus that league was pre-expansion, talent laden. Lots of teams were deep with talent.


During the 90s you needed a pre-eminent superstar, a really good #2 and then role play/spot up shooters/defenders to round out your roster. See Jordan Pipper and his bulls squad and Hakeem/Drexler (hell he really didnt have anyone in 94) and thier squad. Jordans Bulls werent all that impressive individually ourside of Jordan and Pippen.

In the 80s you needed varitable all star teams. The Sixers with Dr. J, Andrew Tony, Moses Malone, Maurice Cheeks, Bobby Jones -- that team was sick. The 80s Lakers were incredibally deep as mentioned. Hell they had Bob Macadoo scoring in double figures as their 8th or 9th man one year.

Every team had more talent then.

The league has finally started to re-up. It suffered from expansion depletion for years, epsecially the 90s from 92 or 93 to 2000 or so. Now your having to have your superstars supported by at least 2 or 3 all star to near all star caliber players.

Still dont think the 90s Bulls could have matched up with 80s Lakers or Celtics or even Sixers. They couldnt even beat the Pistons till they team got old and worn out. They'd certainly would not have sniffed 72 wins in 1986.

Lebron is a phenomen. Of course he is a great player. Its his vision, handles with his power forward build thats unprecedented. He has already surpassed Kobe. If he becomes a dependable jump shooter it will be unfair for everyone.

Side show Bob, 'Brons old 7'3 Euro-trash Center and Mo Williams just aint going to do it. That team is a near lottery team without Lebron.

[Titanico]

I'm not a big follower of the NBA, but I'm really enjoying these playoffs.

That being said, is there reason to believe that if LBJ goes to the Knicks they will be any better at putting a team around him than Cleveland?

I know it's a bigger market, but what are the owners/front office like?

And hopefully it's not the same case as Sanders and the Lions...where he got stuck there and never got a brighter chance to win a Championship.

[Toronto]

Not that I got to watch a ton of the game tonite, but I caught enough to remember a huge pet peeve.

Can the NBA, for the love of god, please reduce the number of timeouts each team gets a game? The amount of timeouts left and pauses/restarts in the final 2 minutes if just brutal, and should not takeso frigging long.

[ZachLV27]

More bad officiating tonight (a lot in the Lakers favor so not using it as an excuse). Can someone please keep Joey Crawford away from these games?

The first half consisted of Kobe, Gasol, and ,well, pretty much ever Magic player hitting every shot they put up. In the second half the teams came back to earth with their shooting. Odom showed up big in the first two games, so of course it was time for him to completely disappear again.

[Toronto]

I did this game tonite - will comment more later....
long nite!

[TitansFan23]

Is there anything Bynum can do other than create stupid fouls?

He's not doing much on offense, or defense.

[TitansFan23]

More bad officiating tonight (a lot in the Lakers favor so not using it as an excuse). Can someone please keep Joey Crawford away from these games?

The first half consisted of Kobe, Gasol, and ,well, pretty much ever Magic player hitting every shot they put up. In the second half the teams came back to earth with their shooting. Odom showed up big in the first two games, so of course it was time for him to completely disappear again.

The Magic made history with their shooting, yet still managed to only win by 4 on their court, and that's with Kobe missing 5 foul shots and turning the ball over at the end.

Lakers win game 4, lose 5 and then take the title in 6.

[Toronto]

There were a few things about the game I noted.

1) The officiating was fine - other than Howard getting a little leeway that reminded me a lot of all the non-calls Shaq gets....

2) 75% shooting in the 1st half and still only up 5? Record 63% and it still comes down to the last minute? Bad omen IMO

3) Kobe needs more help. It's clear he's frigging exhausted. Why else would Jackson sit him for a full 5 mins in the 4th quarter? Odom and Bynum need to play much much better. Gasol is doing what is expected of him.

4) I knew Turkoglu was a solid player, but this year's playoff run has been his coming out party. He's a fantastic player that is a mismatch for almost anyone on D. He can penetrate, shoot, and in certain circumstances play a little PG. Last night was no exception - his basketball IQ is off the charts too.

No doubt the Lakers will take the series IMO. Kobe will get an extra day of rest for Game 5, and I can't see the Magic winning any games in L.A.

[TitanTom0987]

More bad officiating tonight (a lot in the Lakers favor so not using it as an excuse). Can someone please keep Joey Crawford away from these games?

The first half consisted of Kobe, Gasol, and ,well, pretty much ever Magic player hitting every shot they put up. In the second half the teams came back to earth with their shooting. Odom showed up big in the first two games, so of course it was time for him to completely disappear again.

This. Joey Crawford sucks and loves to make himself the center of attention. Get him out of the league, or give him one of those Tim Donaghy prison beatdowns.

[Toronto]

Hey Dwight Howard, how does that solid choke taste?

Unreal - 1 FT and it's toast.

Nitynite series...

God it's gonna suck watching Kobe Bryant win again.

[TitansFan23]

If Bynum ever becomes the dominant player he's supposed to and they get a PG that's consistent to replace Fisher after this year, I think Kobe wins a few more...

[ZachLV27]

We can only hope. :toast

[Titanico]

I liked the way the Lakers tuned their defense up at yesterday's night game. Orlando has been a disciplined team, regarding their tactics.

Fisher found his old self, and helped with those 3 pointers.

3-1 Lakers.

[Toronto]

I liked the way the Lakers tuned their defense up at yesterday's night game. Orlando has been a disciplined team, regarding their tactics.

Fisher found his old self, and helped with those 3 pointers.

3-1 Lakers.

Let's call a spade a spade. Orlando choked that game away. Howard had a chance to salt it away and make Fisher's 3 meaningless. I will paste Howard's post-game comments later. What an idiot for not taking the blame and talking only about Fisher's 3.

[TitanTom0987]

Let's call a spade a spade. Orlando choked that game away. Howard had a chance to salt it away and make Fisher's 3 meaningless. I will paste Howard's post-game comments later. What an idiot for not taking the blame and talking only about Fisher's 3.

You can point the finger at Turkoglu too. There's plenty of blame to go around. Like the fact that Jameer Nelson happened to be on the court.

[TitansGiantsBears]

Not to mention that Jameer Nelson came through in the clutch with some bonehead plays for Los Angeles. I can't remember the last time I saw a team give a game away like that one last night.

[TitansFan23]

That's because experience isn't an issue and it doesn't matter... right Stan?

[Titanico]

That's because experience isn't an issue and it doesn't matter... right Stan?

word!

[TitanTom0987]

That's because experience isn't an issue and it doesn't matter... right Stan?

His idiocy has cost this team two games. His stubbornness of trying to fit Jameer "Round Peg" Nelson into the round hole of the point guard slot has killed Orlando's offense in each game. He's killed Rafer's confidence and has cost his team this series barring a miracle.

[ZachLV27]

His idiocy has cost them one game, maybe. I don't think they had a shot in game one no matter who did or didn't play. Game two was lost because Lee couldn't hit two easy layups. He showed his "brilliance" in game four with having Alston sit so much at the end of the game and then saying "I didn't want to bring him back in because he had been sitting so long." His response to the questions about experience were just as laughable too. With that said his idiocy could have been hidden if Howard and Peja actually hit their free throws. That loss is on those two more than it is on Stan.

[TitanTom0987]

I beg to disagree with Lee's layups being easy. The first was a runner in the lane with Odom charging. The second he caught under the backboard with a low pass. There was nothing easy about that last play, especially for a rookie. Van Gundy then buried Lee after the game. He's an awful coach. He cost Miami in 2005 and he's costing Orlando now.

Stan also played Nelson the entire fourth quarter, he's been getting starter minutes. Plus, someone justify JJ Redick's presence on an NBA roster? He got 27 minutes in that one loss. Disgraceful coaching.

[ZachLV27]

You wont see me defending Stan. I agree the guy is an idiot and is a horrible coach. I also agree Redick shouldn't have been anywhere near the court.

I'll have to agree to disagree on Lee though. His first layup / runner was an easy shot to make for an NBA player. The second play was a lot more difficult and if it was being looked at just by itself then it would be one thing. When you combine it with the play just seconds before then he has to shoulder a majority of the blame.

[TitanTom0987]

You wont see me defending Stan. I agree the guy is an idiot and is a horrible coach. I also agree Redick shouldn't have been anywhere near the court.

I'll have to agree to disagree on Lee though. His first layup / runner was an easy shot to make for an NBA player. The second play was a lot more difficult and if it was being looked at just by itself then it would be one thing. When you combine it with the play just seconds before then he has to shoulder a majority of the blame.

I agree, but he is just a rookie, so I tend not to try and bury a rookie like that in the NBA Finals, unlike Stan Van, who destroyed him after the game.

[TitanTom0987]

Well the long wait is finally over.....Mbenga finally gets his ring

[Titan723]

Championship!!

[ZachLV27]

:toast:banana

[Toronto]

I was so excited by the prospect of Kobe lifting the trophy that with 30 seconds left, I turned off the TV and changed my son's diaper. I volunteered.

[Titanico]

Championship!!


:toast:banana

Let me join you. It feels so good to say again:

CHAMPIONS!!!!

[Titansfan777]

I just want to see Kobe get up there with MJ...2 more titles to go...and he'll only be 31 next season.

[TitanTom0987]

I just want to see Kobe get up there with MJ...2 more titles to go...and he'll only be 31 next season.

I think even if he does, he's not better than Jordan all time. For a good part at the start of his career, Jordan never trusted his teammates, but he overcame that and started winning titles.

Kobe never has trusted his teammates to win games for him late. He may dish it and dime it out through the first three quarters, but when it gets down to crunch time, Kobe will force shots. For instance, in Game 2, he dribbled into three guys and got blocked when he had Ariza, Odom AND Fisher wide open for the win.

Kobe may be the first superstar to win a title without fully trusting his teammates. Also, he may be 31, but he's been in the league 13 years and did the Olympics. A lot of miles on those tires.

[ZachLV27]

I think even if he does, he's not better than Jordan all time. For a good part at the start of his career, Jordan never trusted his teammates, but he overcame that and started winning titles.

Kobe never has trusted his teammates to win games for him late. He may dish it and dime it out through the first three quarters, but when it gets down to crunch time, Kobe will force shots. For instance, in Game 2, he dribbled into three guys and got blocked when he had Ariza, Odom AND Fisher wide open for the win.

Kobe may be the first superstar to win a title without fully trusting his teammates. Also, he may be 31, but he's been in the league 13 years and did the Olympics. A lot of miles on those tires.

Really? You don't watch enough Lakers games and you really aren't remembering how Jordan was in his career either.

Are there time where Kobe should pass more often? Of course. That happened just as often with Jordan though. That's just what you get with star players. They think they are the best and think they can make almost anything happen.

I haven't watched a whole lot of basketball outside of the Lakers since Jordan and others left the league since it has become a "who can jump the highest" league, but as I said I have watched a ton of Lakers games. I can think of tons of games where Horry, Fox, Fisher, Radmonovich, Vujacic, Ariza, etc. have taken the last shot of the game after getting the ball kicked out to them on a drive by Kobe.

I know you hate Kobe and the Lakers (at least it seems that way), but lets try and keep away from revisionist history.

[ZachLV27]

I will agree that Kobe is old for a 31 year old guy and probably doesn't have as many years left as a lot of fans think. I think Kobe's best chances at more titles will come with the development, or lack thereof, of Bynum.

[TitanTom0987]

I know you hate Kobe and the Lakers (at least it seems that way), but lets try and keep away from revisionist history.

I don't hate Kobe, I think he's a Top 10 All-Time player all time. I'm not talking about some meaningless regular season game. I'm talking in the clutch, pretty much since 2004, Kobe Bryant tries to take over a game by himself and at times he just shoots his team out of a rhythm and a game.

Simmons broke this down in the Game 4 retro diary.


1:02: Kobe clangs another horrendous shot (a contested 28-foot 3-pointer). Orlando gets the rebound. Quick recap of Kobe's fourth quarter, because he's going to win the Finals MVP and it can't be forgotten how bad he was from the second half of Game 3 (3-for-14) through the one-minute mark of Game 4 (9-for-26 to this point): Turnover; contested jumper (make); contested jumper (miss); contested drive (miss); contested jumper (make); contested drive (blocked), wide-open 3 (miss); contested drive (bad pass, recovered by L.A.); contested drive (draws blocking foul); contested 3 (miss).

We saw him do it in the 2004 and 2008 Finals; we're seeing it now. As soon as he can smell that trophy, he goes into Get Out of My Way, Let Me Do It Mode.

2004 Finals (five games): 113 FGA, 25 FTA, 38.0 FG percent

2008 Finals (six games): 131 FGA, 49 FTA, 40.5 FG percent

2009 Finals (four games): 112 FGA, 36 FTA, 42.9 FG percent

I watched every game of the Finals and at times during those games, it went from the Triangle offense to the Rectangle offense, where the other four guys watched Kobe clang off a ridiculously poor shot. Kobe's one of the all time greats, but in my eyes, he'll never be in Jordan's league. No one probably ever will. Like I said in my post, for a long time, Jordan was exactly like Kobe is now, but eventually he learned to trust his guys to get it done. Maybe one of the reasons I love the book "The Jordan Rules." He went from the biggest dick, to a great teammate. The Jordan quotes from the first period are a riot, for the record.

[ZachLV27]

You just quoted Bill Simmons as a reference.

I'm done here.

[Toronto]

I say this as someone that never EVER loved Michael Jordan. Kobe, Lebron etc. all have a long way to go before being considered as great as Jordan was.

If Jordan hadn't decided to go fart around in A ball and be a mediocre baseball player, he has 8 rings minimum. I say this as an old Rocket fan - those Bulls teams would have NEVER lost to the Rockets.

[TitanTom0987]

You just quoted Bill Simmons as a reference.

I'm done here.

It's not like he made up stats.....

[ZachLV27]

It's still Bill Simmons.

Just a clarification. I don't think Kobe is as good as Jordan was. I also don't qualify Jordan as the best of all time. It's just too hard to qualify people from different generations. It's also difficult to qualify people who play different positions. Jordan could never do what Magic did at times (playing 5 positions in one game is an example) and Magic couldn't do some of the things Jordan did.

Can you really compare Jordan to Kareem, Russell to West, Chamberlain to Kobe, etc.?

[Toronto]

It's still Bill Simmons.

Just a clarification. I don't think Kobe is as good as Jordan was. I also don't qualify Jordan as the best of all time. It's just too hard to qualify people from different generations. It's also difficult to qualify people who play different positions. Jordan could never do what Magic did at times (playing 5 positions in one game is an example) and Magic couldn't do some of the things Jordan did.

Can you really compare Jordan to Kareem, Russell to West, Chamberlain to Kobe, etc.?

If you had to pick one guy, any one guy, to win a basketball game for you in a one-possession game, who would you pick? No brainer for me, and Jordan transcends generations. Also, Jordan and Kobe/Lebron aren't that far apart, as is Jordan with Magic/Bird/Jabbar.

[Titansfan777]

For what its worth, in 15 years from now I believe Lebron will have 4-6 titles and be considered the greatest wing player in history. He is so far ahead of Kobe and Jordan at this point at their ages.

[Toronto]

For what its worth, in 15 years from now I believe Lebron will have 4-6 titles and be considered the greatest wing player in history. He is so far ahead of Kobe and Jordan at this point at their ages.

I am a HUGE non-partisan fan of Lebron and even I don't see him winning this much. I think Jordan has one advantage over Lebron, in that I can't see the Cavs being able to construct a powerhouse thanks to the cap. Lebron is going to have to be willing to be a non-max player to get his Pippen/Rodman.

[Rolltide14TOMB]

MJ beat.....LA-Portland-Phoenix-Seattle-Utah- and Utah
Kobe beat....Philadelphia-Indiana-NJ- and Orlando
kobe lost to Boston and Detroit
MJ lost to NOBODY

[TitanTom0987]

Just because Jordan didn't lose to anyone doesn't mean he's automatically better. It is a team sport. I mean one of those Chicago teams won 70 games.

I mean Jackson almost took the Bulls, sans-Jordan to the Finals, the teams were that good. While I agree with your final point, I don't agree with how you got there.

[Rolltide14TOMB]

my point is that the competition was much tougher for jordan
stockton
malone
gary payton
shawn kemp
magic johnson
barkley
clyde drexer
byron scott
james worthy
the lakers opponents
iverson
jason kidd
reggie miller
dwight howard

and there is a HUGE difference in ALMOST making it to the finals and winning the 6 championships that jordan did

[Titan723]

Phoenix traded Shaq to Cleveland.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4285489

[Old Oilers Fan]

Phoenix traded Shaq to Cleveland.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4285489

I am not a Basketball fan. I just hear things but is this a good deal for Cleveland? I would think that Shaq is washed up.

[shadowboxin']

Contrary to what ESPN will tell you, he had a solid season in Phoenix last year. He averaged nearly a double-double, and played in 75 games averaging 30 minutes. Hell he even shot the second-highest FT percentage of his career. And now that he's with Lebron he'll have even more motivation to get in shape for another ring. I don't think he alone can push them over the top but now they're one more piece away IMO.

[Livid13]

OHHHH MAAAAN! Is he going to LOVE the nightlife there ! LMAO!

[Titansfan777]

Contrary to what ESPN will tell you, he had a solid season in Phoenix last year. He averaged nearly a double-double, and played in 75 games averaging 30 minutes. Hell he even shot the second-highest FT percentage of his career. And now that he's with Lebron he'll have even more motivation to get in shape for another ring. I don't think he alone can push them over the top but now they're one more piece away IMO.

So now he can add Lebron to the list of amazing players he has been paired with over his career:

-Hardaway
-Kobe
-Malone
-Payton(x2)
-Wade
-Mourning
-Nash
-Stoudamire
-James

...dayum.

[TitansFan23]

Is anyone on this board a Memphis fan?

For that matter, is anyone anywhere a Memphis fan? :lol

If you're going to suck so badly for so long why even bother?

Seriously, just call it a day and shut down already.

[FearKVB93]

Wow!!! I can't wait for next season to see Shaq and LeBron dominate!

[Titansfan777]

Wow!!! I can't wait for next season to see Shaq and LeBron dominate!

And shaq is still a top 5 center even at his age...its amazing

[ZachLV27]

Shaq and Kobe worked because Shaq controlled the middle while Kobe was good at hitting jump shots.

Shaq and Wade worked because Shaq controlled the middle while Wade was good at hitting jump shots.

In Cleveland you will have Shaq clogging up the middle and doing hid thing down there. The problem is that a lot of LeBron's game involves him driving to the basket to make a play. With Shaq hanging out down there then so will be whoever is defending him. Now a lot of LeBron's easy shots will be contested. If LeBron can improve on his inability to make jump shots then this setup could work out a lot better. I don't, however, think that these two together means a championship. They still need to get themselves some people that can knock down some three point shots.

[Titansfan777]

Shaq and Kobe worked because Shaq controlled the middle while Kobe was good at hitting jump shots.

Shaq and Wade worked because Shaq controlled the middle while Wade was good at hitting jump shots.

In Cleveland you will have Shaq clogging up the middle and doing hid thing down there. The problem is that a lot of LeBron's game involves him driving to the basket to make a play. With Shaq hanging out down there then so will be whoever is defending him. Now a lot of LeBron's easy shots will be contested. If LeBron can improve on his inability to make jump shots then this setup could work out a lot better. I don't, however, think that these two together means a championship. They still need to get themselves some people that can knock down some three point shots.

If he develops a reliable jumper just like how he improved his D in the past year, you might be looking at the most dominant player since wilt.

[Titansfan777]

So the grizzlies are sure having an "interesting" off-season:

-Last week, their roster was:

C-Gasol/Milicic/Haddadi/Mihm
PF-Warrick/Arthur
SF-Gay/Miles
SG-Mayo/Ross/Buckner
PG-Conley/Jaric/Wilks

7 days later, they have made multiple trades and signings and have completely reshaped the team:
-Drafted Hasheem Thabeet, C, UCONN
-Drafted Sam Young, SG/SF, PITT
-Drafted Demarre Carrol, SF/PF, Missouri
-Traded D. Milicic for Q. Richardson
-Traded Q. Richardson for Zach Randolph

Which makes the current roster:

C-Gasol/Thabeet/Haddadi
PF-Randolph/Arthur
SF-Gay/Carrol
SG-Mayo/Young/Buckner
PG-Conley/Jaric

And now they are rumored to be signing Allen Iverson as a FA, and trying to re-sign Hakim Warrick too...

C-Gasol/Thabeet/Haddadi
PF-Randolph/Warrick/Arthur
SF-Gay/Carrol
SG-Mayo/Young/Buckner
PG-Conley/Iverson/Jaric

What a change only a few days can bring. I'm so torn about Randolph however, as he brings us some toughness and a good banger down low who can rebound and net 15-20 ppg. But he is a headcase and not good at D and can be a blackhole at times. Iverson would be a great 6th man if he could accept that role on the team. If all of this does go down, I expect to see 35-40 wins at least from them.

[LiamVengeance]

Is anyone on this board a Memphis fan?

For that matter, is anyone anywhere a Memphis fan? :lol



Yes :sad

[MillaKilla8]

The Celtics lookin strong this year with Rasheed coming to town.

Celt fans are probably pretty excited.

[t1tan5]

Basketbrawl: Italy vs. Canada (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWsC_XdG7NA)

[MillaKilla8]

That looked like it hurt.

[MillaKilla8]

LeBron likely to explore FA after this year.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4383960

[LiamVengeance]

With Rubio staying in Spain for 2 years, Does he come into the NBA as a Rookie or 2 year Pro?

[Titansfan777]

With Rubio staying in Spain for 2 years, Does he come into the NBA as a Rookie or 2 year Pro?

He will be a rookie. Kinda like how oden was a rookie in his 2nd year

[Titansfan777]

C-Gasol/Thabeet/Haddadi
PF-Randolph/Arthur/Hunter
SF-Gay/Carrol
SG-Mayo/Iverson/Young
PG-Conley/Marcus Williams/Jaric

Well its true, Iverson just said it out loud that he is in fact joining the grizzlies. So now the grizzlies have more offensive firepower than just about every NBA team out there...only one problem, there is only 1 ball for the team. IMO they prbably buyout Jaric and Williams at somepoint in the year. Conley (32 MPG) and Mayo (36 MPG) will be the starting roles in the backcourt. While AI gets the remaining 28 Minutes in the backcourt as the backup.

[LiamVengeance]

Iverson to Memphis :D:D:D

Hope he can really help the team, I'm sure he will.

Also Marcus Williams looked superb in the summer league, hopefully he can carry on from the bench and take the PG spot over conley

[Titansfan777]

Conley would kill Williams with his speed and Conley is better at just about everything Compared to Williams. Williams is good for a backup...but if Conley plays like he did from The All-Star game till the end of the season, you have a top 10 PG easily. If Gay uses his new found strength (apparently he weighs as much as Lebron now at around 250 compared to last season when he was maybe 230) and can continue his effort to improve his D which he was working on at the National Team he could be a big bully all over the court. Mayo said he was working on getting bigger and touch faster and his D is already good. Gasol looks just jacked up from the summer and is much lighter and quicker now. Last year he was overweight and slow off his feet, now they say he lost 25 pounds or so and is in amazing condition, add in Z-Bo, who has lost weight and supposedly committed himself to the team, and you have a team thats loaded and deep at all the positions. With the addition of AI, I am saying they will get 40-45 wins this season.

[Titansfan777]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exOxUAntx8I

I peed a little

[MillaKilla8]

iverson is not a shooting guard 777....i dont think he is capable of stayin happy w/o taking the ball up the court each time

[Titansfan777]

iverson is not a shooting guard 777....i dont think he is capable of stayin happy w/o taking the ball up the court each time

he is a combo guard...and apparently part of the reasoning behind signing him is bc he will be the 6th man...and he has to be alright coming off the bench or he is gone. Also, just bc he isnt a point guard doesnt mean he cant bring it up the court. Brandon Roy is a pure SG and brings it up almost all of the time BTW, Kobe brings it up alot, same with Wade (another SG).

[MillaKilla8]

he is a combo guard...and apparently part of the reasoning behind signing him is bc he will be the 6th man...and he has to be alright coming off the bench or he is gone. Also, just bc he isnt a point guard doesnt mean he cant bring it up the court. Brandon Roy is a pure SG and brings it up almost all of the time BTW, Kobe brings it up alot, same with Wade (another SG).

Yes I know but every team AI has ever been on he has always wanted the ball in his hands and he has always wanted to take the last shot--i guess we'll just see how it works out. Its a great pick up for the Grizz i mean theres no doubt hes a great player and still has some gas in the tank but I just hope it doesnt backfire on them considering the young talent they have.

[Titansfan777]

http://www.grizzliesonline.com/gallery/0910/gal-ai_portraits-090910/images/90578186_10.jpg
http://www.grizzliesonline.com/gallery/0910/gal-ai_portraits-090910/images/90578108_10.jpg
http://www.grizzliesonline.com/gallery/0910/gal-ai_portraits-090910/images/90578131_10.jpg
http://www.grizzliesonline.com/gallery/0910/gal-ai_portraits-090910/images/90578135_10.jpg
http://www.grizzliesonline.com/gallery/0910/gal-ai_portraits-090910/images/90578137_10.jpg
http://www.grizzliesonline.com/gallery/0910/gal-ai_portraits-090910/images/90578144_10.jpg
http://www.grizzliesonline.com/gallery/0910/gal-ai_portraits-090910/images/90578175_10.jpg
http://www.grizzliesonline.com/gallery/0910/gal-ai_portraits-090910/images/90578178_10.jpg
http://www.grizzliesonline.com/gallery/0910/gal-ai_portraits-090910/images/90578182_10.jpg

[Titansfan777]

http://www.grizzliesonline.com/gallery/0910/gal-ai_portraits-090910/images/90578183_10.jpg
http://www.grizzliesonline.com/gallery/0910/gal-ai_portraits-090910/images/90578189_10.jpg
http://www.grizzliesonline.com/gallery/0910/gal-ai_portraits-090910/images/90578193_10.jpg

[ryangm2123]

http://web7.twitpic.com/img/29485059-86aae79daaa2a606f0e6e9abf9ed4b74.4aac8322-scaled.jpg

me and kenny the jet smith chillin

[Titansfan777]

http://web7.twitpic.com/img/29485059-5d88237e1ab4df3b9e0fab6eef71d1fd.4aac7ff7-scaled.jpg

me and kenny the jet smith chillin

was that at the induction last night?

[Titansfan777]

btw did anyone hear michael jordans speech last night. It was the ultimate retribution speech.

[ryangm2123]

was that at the induction last night?

na it was tonight at mohegan sun in ct for the ring ceremony, ill post more pics in a little bit of jordan and some others as soon as i upload them to fb

[ryangm2123]

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs265.snc1/9228_156799007641_706252641_3695574_4952783_n.jpg

Karl Malone

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs265.snc1/9228_156799182641_706252641_3695583_5482017_n.jpg

Jerry Sloane

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs245.snc1/9228_156799317641_706252641_3695590_6946330_n.jpg

John Stockton

[ryangm2123]

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs265.snc1/9228_156799372641_706252641_3695594_308938_n.jpg

Tyrese Gibson

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs245.snc1/9228_156799622641_706252641_3695615_7616503_n.jpg

David Robinson

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs265.snc1/9228_156799827641_706252641_3695630_7792392_n.jpg

Michael Jordan!!!!

[ryangm2123]

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs245.snc1/9228_156800577641_706252641_3695643_4360702_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs265.snc1/9228_156800602641_706252641_3695645_5125810_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs245.snc1/9228_156800647641_706252641_3695649_3595949_n.jpg

[ryangm2123]

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs265.snc1/9228_156800712641_706252641_3695653_4723294_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs245.snc1/9228_156801032641_706252641_3695675_6119638_n.jpg

Spike Lee

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs265.snc1/9228_156801052641_706252641_3695678_5479321_n.jpg

Spike Lee/Tyrese table

[ryangm2123]

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs265.snc1/9228_156801337641_706252641_3695700_3673998_n.jpg

Moses Malone

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs265.snc1/9228_156801667641_706252641_3695715_4894340_n.jpg

Ron Harper and I

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs265.snc1/9228_156801682641_706252641_3695716_5343053_n.jpg

Geno Auriemma and I

[ryangm2123]

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs265.snc1/9228_156801212641_706252641_3695691_7377247_n.jpg

Kenny The Jet and I again b/c the other link doesnt seem to be working

[Titansfan777]

Hasheem thabeet has looked great in his last two games. He really does shut down the inside of the paint. It was funny watching everybody have to adjust their shot like crazy or send it out to the 3 point line bc he was blocking people once they got in his zone. I hope he gets better with olajuan teaching him in practices

[FearKVB93]

So ready for the season to start and watch Shaq and Lebron dominate. I picked up NBA 2K10 last night and it is awesome.

[Titansfan777]

So ready for the season to start and watch Shaq and Lebron dominate. I picked up NBA 2K10 last night and it is awesome.

I think this is the first year NBA live is actually better. I've tried both of them and live has really come along way. And I'm biased to 2k sports

[FearKVB93]

I like 2k10 this year because the post moves are more fluid and easier to perform

[MillaKilla8]

Go BLAZERS! 1-0 baby

[Titansfan777]

Grizz start play tonight missing their backup pf Arthur, conley, and iverson

[Titansfan777]

wow iverson is single handedly destroying the team. He has become such a big circus sideshow in only 3 games and has destroyed the team. he is a psycho. so messed up. the season is over and its only 5 games in.

[MDK Titan]

i will never understand I the verson signing. The team is loaded with scorers as it is and AI is a guy that needs a bunch of shots just to get in some kind of rythym. Grizzlies deserve what they get...

[Titansfan777]

Now it's coming out that he is having major fam. Issues which is y he is gone. But they needed a scorer of the bench. Without him their bench gets less than ten ppg

[Jones31]

He's going on waivers now.

[Toronto]

He's going on waivers now.

Read tonite at work the Knicks are talking to him, which makes sense. Only a dysfunctional team that enjoys throwing away money would sign him - so the Knicks are a perfect fit.

[MDK Titan]

I liked Iverson in his prime but he needs to retire immediately

[Titansfan777]

Grizz have done pretty good the last 2 weeks. After starting 1-8 they rebounded to get to 6-10 only losing to the Bucks at the last minute and the Suns in that span.

[MillaKilla8]

Blazers have looked terrible in their 2gm L streak.

[Titansfan777]

Grizzlies were beating the clippers 81-65 after 3 quarters...the grizzlies lost by 10!!!

They were pitscored 33-7 in the last 12 minutes. Pathetic.

[Titansfan777]

Grizzlies got destroyed last night with Gay and conley sitting out...thats 30 PPG right there off the floor.

And BTW Thabeet is starting to not look like a bad pick. He really is a scary presence down low. It is funny to watch him just sit under the basket and watch him shut down the inside.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtZjAQM6uh0

[Titansfan777]

Grizz beat up dallas on friday night and won by 16...and tonight they take out king james. they were down by double digits after 24 minutes but managed to keep chipping away at the lead by shutting down king james with rudy gay going crazy on him in the 2nd half with a few highlight reel steals against him and overall just great play. The refs werent calling anything memphis' way but they still forced OT and won in the closing seconds. I particularly like watching Thabeet. He wont be rookie of the year or anything but watching him all over shaq was funny and thabeet got one mean staredown. If he can cut down on the fouls a bit, he will overtake Gasol in a snap. Watching Thabeet, you cant help but notice how far he has come since the season started...If there was a Most improved rookie trophy that was given out every month, Thabeet would win in a landslide. Getting tutored by Hakeem Olajuwaun must be paying off.

After starting 1-8, they are now 9-12!!!

[Jones31]

Arenas, Crittenton pull guns on each other (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-wizards-guns&prov=ap&type=lgns)

[don28]

Arenas, Crittenton pull guns on each other (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-wizards-guns&prov=ap&type=lgns)

Definitely something the NBA could do without.

[Jones31]

Lifetime BAN sounds about right!

[Titansfan777]

Grizzlies improve to 16-16 after a 1-8 start to the season by destroying the Suns last night. Arguably one of the hottest teams out there right now. I hope they can keep it up. Thabeet really is a presence down low and just blew up amare on a block. Its pretty cool to watch him in the game bc the second he is in, the other team stops driving to the basket half as much.

[Titansfan777]

Grizzlies win another...12 in a row now at the FedEx FORTRESS!!!

[Parddy]

It's nice to hear Thabeet is playing well. Hasheem is a really nice kid who worked very hard at UConn. Good for him and good for the Grizz.

[Titansfan777]

He is one of those players who just does a great job at what he was brought in to do: defend the paint. You cant see it in the stats but just watching him shut it down and scare the slashing kobe's, lebrons, etc into contested/blocked shots.

Anyway another good win for the team tonight. With tonights win, they have won more games than they have in the previous 3 years. They are now the 7th seed in the west and are 25-19!!! They still need to get in a trade for a good bench scorer that can get them 10 or so PPG a night. As of now, their bench scores about 4-8 points per game TOTAL. Maybe the coaches dont want to interfere with the chemistry/egos of Randolph/Gay/Mayo who score 60% of the teams points combined with the 3 of them going for 20 a game each. Gasol and Conley also take shots and both get 10-15 a game.

As of now, rumors are circulating that they are going to try and get Ronnie Brewer from the Jazz with one of their 3 first round picks. He would add both a great bench option AND a great defender on the perimeter. He could really propel this team to a top 4-5 team in the west. Yeah I said it. Honestly, this team (if they can get 1 good bench player) could not only win a game in the playoffs, but could win a series or two. The starting 5 is arguably the best in the NBA right now and undoubtedly the best scoring lineup.

[Toronto]

One of the best post-game interviews of all-time.

http://www.tsn.ca/nba/story/?id=308060 - Click on the one on one with Hedu....

[Titansfan777]

Crazy thought, if the grizz win tonight against the Spurs, they become the 5th seed in the west!!!

But if they lose they fall back to the 9th spot. Thats how good the west is this year. It is ridiculous how good it is with 11 teams over .500. In the east, you have 6 teams above .500.

I just wish the grizzlies were in the east bc they are by far the most eastern team in the conference (they are in line with chicago and milwaukee - who are in the east). If they were in the East, with the talent the grizz have, we would be talking about probably a top 3 team right after the Cavs and Celtics...simply bc of the schedule they would have with more eastern conference foes - easily 5-6 more wins as of now making them 31-13 which would actually make them the 2nd best team in the conference.

However. I doubt they get past the 1st round if they make the playoffs with the bench they have. If they can get just 1 player (preferably a SF/PF or a hybrid) who could get them 10/5/2 in 25 minutes or so a night to spell Rudy Gay and Randolph for stretches. If they get that however, you have a very dangerous team. If I were them, I would be trying to take advantage of that logjam in New Jersey at SG/SF, where they have C. Lee/T. Williams/C. Douglas-Roberts. CDR would look amazing in Beale Street blue and could be a real crowd pleaser if he could be gotten. He has become a decent 6th man/starter and would just be a great final piece before the final push after the all star game when the level of play gets jacked up. He is a decent defender, and could probably be had for two of our first rounders this year and maybe a player like Haddadi, who is a good center, but is the odd man out in the rotation in memphis.

[gnarl]

One of the best post-game interviews of all-time.

http://www.tsn.ca/nba/story/?id=308060 - Click on the one on one with Hedu....

...ball...

LOL

[Titansfan777]

Well the grizzlies just went 1-3 on the craziest back to back ever...4 games in 5 nights against New Orleans, San Antonio, Cleveland, and LA Lakers...thats ridiculous

[Titansfan777]

brings back memories of the best decade of basketball ever: the 90's!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AQ3IAriL0k

[Titan723]

brings back memories of the best decade of basketball ever: the 90's!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AQ3IAriL0k

NBC tried using this song the other day when talking baout the olympics. That theme is meant for one thing only, NBA on NBC.

[Titansfan777]

its the greatest TV sports anthem ever IMO.

[ZachLV27]

The NBA All-Star game is usually boring as is (basically a dunkfest) but this year is even worse. Playing the game in that monstrosity has completely taken the fans out of the game. It doesn't even seem like they care about what is going on on the court.