NBA Playoffs! (for the 3 or 4 NBA fans on this board)

[YogSosoth]

So after a shortened season and a compressed schedule, its come to this. 16 teams (out of 30) battling it out for the championship. The last time this happened was in the 1998-1999 season, where the Spurs won their first championship in a 50 game season. Phil Jackson, ever the playful needler, referred to the Spurs' win with an asterisk, but Phil's no longer coaching (though Popovich and Duncan are still together). Wouldn't it be ironic if the Spurs win again this year? How many Spurs haters would come out of the woodwork and say they seem to only be able to win during shortened seasons (not counting the other 3 they won in the 2000's during regular length seasons)?

Lots of storylines this year, and if you want a more professional look at it, I suggest you read Bill Simmons' (the stupid Boston homer! ) article on Grantland.com. But that was written a few weeks ago, I have the benefit of having watched a couple games already!

West
#1 San Antonio Spurs vs. #8 Utah Jazz: [San Antonio leads 1-0]
Like last year, the Spurs are the top team in the West. Unlike last year, it doesn't look like they're going to get bounced by the #8 seed. Utah doesn't look like they have a chance, though a lot of the prognostication (word of the day!) before the series seems to give Utah a puncher's chance at it. The reasons are the same: Duncan and co. are old, they aren't athletic, and they'll need to try to slow down the pace of the much younger and faster Utah frontline. Same story as last year, but Utah doesn't have a couple of all stars like the Grizzlies did. Game one was a rout, I don't expect Game 2-5 to be much better. SA takes this in 5

#2 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #7 Dallas Mavericks: [Oklahoma City leads 2-0]
This would have been my pick before the playoffs to be the best series and so far it hasn't disappointed. The previous champ vs. the up-and-comers, this series features a bunch of fading but still great stars like Dirk Nowitski and Jason Kidd vs. some possible future HOF-caliber players like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The concern was that the Mavs kind of gutted their team from last year's championship for some reason and won't be able to compete this year. I generally agree with that, but now after finally winning a 'chip, I think Dirk's going to still be a force. Its unfortunate that they are going against the Thunder, who are really deep and have some superstars to carry the load when things get hairy. Its already been proven in the first 2 games. Durant won Game 1 at the last second and Game 2 pretty much came down to the end as well. However, I disagree with some, like an article on FoxSportsSouthWest.com, that the Mavs are done. The Thunder held homecourt but that's what they were supposed to do. The Mavs will get a boost once this thing goes back to Dallas. With how close the games were, the Mavs could still win it. However, I think the Thunder takes this in 7

#3 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #6 Denver Nuggets: [Los Angeles leads 1-0]
I was really concerned coming into this series, and still sorta am although Game 1 helped a lot to dissipate that worry. People were saying this was the worst first round matchup for the Lakers, as Denver has size and youth and speed, traditionally a killer for older teams (see last year's Spurs vs. Grizzlies). But LA's still got some size, even though we didn't get Howard (whoa, dodged a bullet there!) or Chris Paul, I think we are still capable of winning it all this year. Sure, I didn't see Game 1 as such a lopsided win, but who did? But I want to be a little wary because the same thing happened after the Spurs game earlier this year where Bynum got 30 rebounds, we lost the next 2 games against the Spurs. Game 2 will be much closer and I think we lose at least Game 3 in Denver. Still, Lakers should finish this in 5.

#4 Memphis Grizzlies vs. #5 Los Angeles Clippers(!!!): [Los Angeles leads 1-0]
A second LA team making the playoffs? What?! Its been 6 years since the Clippers even sniffed the playoffs so the fact that they're here makes things especially interesting for us who live here in the City of Angels. But this isn't the old Clippers team (I hope). We've got Chris Paul, the best point guard in the league, so this should actually be a regular occurrence for a few years (!!!). Maybe the dream of the Lakers vs. Clippers WCF will finally be realized soon? But back to the series, this team looked like the old Clippers for 3 quarters, going down by as much as 27 before impossibly shocking the Grizzlies at home with a 1 point win and a 28 to 3 run (!!!). I'm running out of exclamation points to describe their play!! I think most people thought this would be an exciting series and Game 1 didn't disappoint at the end. I hope it wasn't a fluke and they start playing more evenly from now on. Zach Randolph was hurt, I think, so that doesn't bode well for the Grizz. If he were healthy, I'd probably say Grizz in 7, but since he's not, I'm going with Clippers in 6.

East
#1 Chicago Bulls vs. #8 Philadelphia Sixers: [Chicago leads 1-0]
Lucky for the Bulls that they know how to play without Rose, but even though they'll win this series, I think they'll get beaten by the Heat for sure if they even make it that far. What a weird bunch of freak injuries they've had so far. I hope this is the last of them, except for Lebron. I hope he gets hurt, I can't stand that guy. This wasn't much of an interesting series before, but now with Rose out, I can see Chicago needing 6 games to win this.

#2 Miami Heat vs. #7 New York Knicks: [Miami leads 2-0]
So now we come to the other freak injuries. First Shumpert tears his ACL an hour after Rose, then Amare breaks his hand punching the glass from a fire extinguisher case last night. WTF? New York, why do you keep having these weird head cases on your team all the time? The Knicks were supposed to give the Heat some trouble with their size and length and shooting, but it looks like they're going to break their record tying 12 straight playoff losses in Games 3 and 4. I see a Miami sweep here, and NY, don't you dare rush back Jeremy Lin to try and save your asses. You're done, just give it up. I read a NY paper's article the other day about how terrible this team's been in the playoffs. They haven't won a playoff game in like 10 years. The article listed 96 NYK players who have come and gone in that time without ever winning a playoff game. Hell, the Clippers at even won some games 6 years ago! I just don't know what's wrong with this franchise. Somebody sell this team to the same owners as the Yankees, maybe they can do something about this travesty. And for the record, I'm not one of those people who think New York is the mecca of basketball. They haven't won anything since the early 70's and except for a brief window with Patrick Ewing, they haven't been relevant for 20 something years. I'm just annoyed that games in MSG could mean something but they don't. They do have really vocal and loud fans, which is always nice to see. They deserve better

#3 Indiana Pacers vs. #6 Orlando Magic: [Series tied 1-1]
This is kind of the snoozer series of the playoffs. Orlando's without Dwight Howard who is out with back surgery, and Indiana has almost nobody you'd be able to pick out of a lineup. With the exception of Danny Granger, I literally have no idea who is on that team. I want Orlando to win because all of the BS surrounding Howard this season (and the emergence of Andrew Bynum as a force) has soured me on him. Plus, I loved that weird press conference where Howard pretend like nothing happened between him and Van Gundy right after Stan told the media he knows Howard tried to get him fired. I wish players would just tell the truth, and I loved that Van Gundy did. It took balls to do that, so I can't root against him. I hope he outcoaches the Pacers into a Magic win. I'm going to predict (hope) Magic in 6

#4 Atlanta Hawks vs. #5 Boston Celtics: [Atlanta leads 1-0]
I have a sliver of hope, like Bill Simmons, that Boston goes on to win and beats the Heat again, setting up for a culmination of the trilogy with LA vs. Boston part 3. I think the Celtics will at least get to the ECF, because I've never had any confidence in the Hawks. They have terrible road history dating back the last few years. And Boston really only had 1 bad quarter before they played them pretty even for the last 3. I can totally believe Boston coming back to win Games 3 and 4 (since Rondo's suspended for Game 2) and then beating the Hawks on their home floor in a Game 7. And without Rose, I give a slight edge to the Celtics against the Bulls in the next round. Also, that was totally not a suspension worthy bump

[mkecane]

I didn't follow much this year, and I probably won't catch much of the 1st round. That said, I'm pulling for the Lakers, expect the Heat to win, and would be happy enough with another San Antonio title. I don't like any of the teams in the East, so I hope the West continues its dominance of the post-MJ era.

The Simmons from Friday column made a great point about the Duncan/Popovich Spurs. If they win the title, that would bookend a 13-year run, which is pretty amazing. So many people talk about the Patriots being the model sports franchise in the US, but it's hard to look past the Spurs first.

[YogSosoth]

I like the Spurs a lot. They are natural rivals with the Lakers over this past decade or so and both teams are very different in terms of style. It kind of reminds me of Lakers and Celtics. LA will forever be the glamorous Hollywood glitzy team, the sexy team, the team with the huge stars and egos. The Spurs are a blue-collar working class team from a small city, and Duncan eschews flashiness for fundamentals. Kinda like the contrast between Magic and Bird

One thing that I forgot to mention was the stat I read a few weeks ago. The Spurs last won a championship when Ginobili was healthy throughout the playoffs. Last year, he went down with an injury on the last game of the season. This year, he's healthy. I think either the Lakers or Spurs are coming out of the West this year. If that comes true, that would make 11 combined Spurs/Lakers and 1 more this year of West dominance. I like their chances

Originally Posted by Marley23

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.

-A Bulls Fan.

I agree Chicago should still beat the Sixers. I'm not sure what they would do in round two against (I'm assuming) Atlanta or certainly Miami if things got that far. It's a shame. If this isn't Miami's year, I don't know what is. It's still a flawed team, but LeBron had an amazing season and if Chicago can't beat them with out Rose, I don't see how Atlanta and Indiana can come close. Stoudemire didn't break his hand, by the way. He cut it and had to get stitches. He'll probably miss game three at least. The Knicks were screwed anyway, but that certainly makes it worse. I still think Oklahoma City is the likely champion in the West, but I love what the Spurs have done all season. They've been way better than expected at a time most people expected them to decline into irrelevance.

I feel you man. I think Rose is terrific as a person and a player (though kind of understated and muted during interviews). I wanted them to beat Miami this year (and next year, and the year after that...). Its really a bad break. I saw that jump and landing in slow motion and its hard to imagine you could tear your ACL just from that. But you guys are going to win a championship with Rose, he's too good not to win one. And he seems like the type of guy who will stay with his team like Durant, a not bail like Howard or Lebron

I agree that everything seems to be falling for Miami this year. If they don't win, I could totally see Bosh being shipped out in a trade. I think the chances are 100% of that if they don't make it out of the East and a resurgent Boston team somehow beats them

[Marley23]

I agree with the Spurs and Patriots comparison. They're both very well run teams. They draft very well, they know how to pick players who work in their system, and they usually don't make big mistakes that set them back for years (Richard Jefferson being a notable exception). Their coaches even both hate dealing with the press. The Spurs don't have that sleaze thing happening, of course; the knock against them is usually that they are boring. I've always been a big Tim Duncan fan. That being said, it's hard not to think it's Oklahoma City's time. The Lakers are far, far beneath those two teams in terms of depth even with Kobe healthy.

Originally Posted by YogSosoth

I feel you man. I think Rose is terrific as a person and a player (though kind of understated and muted during interviews). I wanted them to beat Miami this year (and next year, and the year after that...). Its really a bad break. I saw that jump and landing in slow motion and its hard to imagine you could tear your ACL just from that. But you guys are going to win a championship with Rose, he's too good not to win one. And he seems like the type of guy who will stay with his team like Durant, a not bail like Howard or Lebron

It's a huge bummer even though Miami would have still been a difficult matchup. Rose struggled with injuries all year (and the team was very good even without him), so I had a feeling he might not be full strength for the playoffs. But I didn't think this kind of thing was coming. He plays very hard and I hope injuries don't continue to slow him down. The core of this team should be together for a while yet and they look sure to win at least one in the next few years, yes- although you never know. And I'm not worried about Rose leaving. He just signed a contract extension and Chicago isn't Orlando or Cleveland.

[Marley23]

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.

-A Bulls Fan.

I agree Chicago should still beat the Sixers. I'm not sure what they would do in round two against (I'm assuming) Atlanta or certainly Miami if things got that far. It's a shame. If this isn't Miami's year, I don't know what is. It's still a flawed team, but LeBron had an amazing season and if Chicago can't beat them with out Rose, I don't see how Atlanta and Indiana can come close. Stoudemire didn't break his hand, by the way. He cut it and had to get stitches. He'll probably miss game three at least. The Knicks were screwed anyway, but that certainly makes it worse. I still think Oklahoma City is the likely champion in the West, but I love what the Spurs have done all season. They've been way better than expected at a time most people expected them to decline into irrelevance.

[DigitalC]

I'm pretty much over Howard by now, i wish we had traded him straight up for Bynum. Hopefully Orlando manages to make the second round, but even with that game 1 win i doubt we will.

[Barkis is Willin']

Originally Posted by YogSosoth

... as Denver has size and youth and speed, ...

As a Nuggets fan, I can assure you that Denver's size is nothing to be concerned about. I thought the Nene trade was horrible. They got a backup center and I don't even know what else in return. Nene's bulk would have been a bigger issue for the Lakers than Denver's current softies in the middle; Koufas, McGee and Mozgov. The fact that Bynum had 10 blocks in game 1 should make the Lakers feel much more confident.

Denver's speed, on the other hand, is serious. When they go small, they can put a very fast paced lineup on the floor. They just need to hit shots. I don't know how well Galinari, their best scorer, fits the fast paced play.

Overall, I'll be surprised if Denver can take 2 games in this series and won't be surprised in the least if they get swept. I'd have rather drawn the Spurs in round 1.

[YogSosoth]

Originally Posted by Barkis is Willin'

As a Nuggets fan, I can assure you that Denver's size is nothing to be concerned about. I thought the Nene trade was horrible. They got a backup center and I don't even know what else in return. Nene's bulk would have been a bigger issue for the Lakers than Denver's current softies in the middle; Koufas, McGee and Mozgov. The fact that Bynum had 10 blocks in game 1 should make the Lakers feel much more confident.

Denver's speed, on the other hand, is serious. When they go small, they can put a very fast paced lineup on the floor. They just need to hit shots. I don't know how well Galinari, their best scorer, fits the fast paced play.

As a Nuggets fan, do you think Ty Lawson's awful performance was something the Lakers did, or did he just have a bad game? I watched the game and couldn't see them doing anything different. Maybe that was how good Bynum's shot blocking was, that it not only blocked people but changed a lot of shots and made people afraid to come into the lane.

Originally Posted by Marley23

I agree with the Spurs and Patriots comparison. They're both very well run teams. They draft very well, they know how to pick players who work in their system, and they usually don't make big mistakes that set them back for years (Richard Jefferson being a notable exception). Their coaches even both hate dealing with the press. The Spurs don't have that sleaze thing happening, of course; the knock against them is usually that they are boring. I've always been a big Tim Duncan fan. That being said, it's hard not to think it's Oklahoma City's time. The Lakers are far, far beneath those two teams in terms of depth even with Kobe healthy.

Spurs always draft well. I don't know what it is. They got Parker and Ginobili, plus a lot of pretty decent role players through the draft, and since they've been so good, they've always had fairly low spots, like in the 20's as their highest. And wasn't Ginobili drafted in the 2nd round?

Originally Posted by Marley23

It's a huge bummer even though Miami would have still been a difficult matchup. Rose struggled with injuries all year (and the team was very good even without him), so I had a feeling he might not be full strength for the playoffs. But I didn't think this kind of thing was coming. He plays very hard and I hope injuries don't continue to slow him down. The core of this team should be together for a while yet and they look sure to win at least one in the next few years, yes- although you never know. And I'm not worried about Rose leaving. He just signed a contract extension and Chicago isn't Orlando or Cleveland.

Rose is still really young. I think he'll totally get over his stretch of injuries and be fine. Dwayne Wade was the same thing a few years ago. I remember when Miami, after their championship, were perennial 6-8 seeds for a like 3 or 4 years. Wade was always hurt because he was going 110% and the team made the playoffs but would always fall. But Rose got the Bulls to the best record twice in a row and is already an MVP. I think he'll end up better than Wade when all is said and done. All you guys need is maybe a slight upgrade from your 2nd best player, either Boozer or Deng, and I think you'd get to the Finals for sure. Miami, with all their hype, still is pretty thin in terms of depth

[Marley23]

Originally Posted by YogSosoth

Spurs always draft well. I don't know what it is.

They were ahead of the curve in international scouting, and since they don't have to swing for the fences and pick a star player, they can pick guys who need time to develop and in some cases won't even be in the NBA for a few years.

And wasn't Ginobili drafted in the 2nd round?

Near the end of the second round, even.

All you guys need is maybe a slight upgrade from your 2nd best player, either Boozer or Deng, and I think you'd get to the Finals for sure. Miami, with all their hype, still is pretty thin in terms of depth

I think they'd be in trouble if Boozer was their second best player.

[Barkis is Willin']

Originally Posted by YogSosoth

As a Nuggets fan, do you think Ty Lawson's awful performance was something the Lakers did, or did he just have a bad game? I watched the game and couldn't see them doing anything different. Maybe that was how good Bynum's shot blocking was, that it not only blocked people but changed a lot of shots and made people afraid to come into the lane.

I do think (hope) Lawson just had an off game. I don't like how much they rely on him to score because that's never been his strength, even in college. But yeah, I expect more from him.

As for the torn ACL, the fact of the matter is you know it's not as strong after reconstruction. It's just not. It's really hard to get that out of your head and it's almost inevitable that you will adjust your game because of it.

[DigitalC]

I would be very surprised if a torn ACL does not slow him down. Even if only because after that kind of injury it gets harder to trust your own body.

[Marley23]

I think if anybody can overcome that kind of psychological hurdle, Rose can. While speed is very important to his game, I was speaking more in terms of the fact that he's had to deal with a variety of injuries already: he has a toe problem that flares up periodically, he missed a third of this season with a back injury and a groin problem - although he might've missed fewer games had the season not been so compressed; the team was being very cautious - and now this ACL tear. He plays very hard and attakcs a lot, and I'm concerned these problems will continue to dog him.

[DigitalC]

And Tony Parker was the very last pick of the first round.

[Marley23]

And I hope you're right about Rose and Wade. It's true that Wade used to hit the deck on every drive seems to have figure out how to cut down on that kind of thing, and Rose has definitely improved as a shooter.

[Nars Glinley]

Thunder fan (probably the only one on the SDMB) checking in. I think that we'll make it to the finals against the Spurs and probably tank then. I've gotten quite a kick out of creeping the Dallas media sites to hear all of the "OKC are a bunch of thugs. Look at what they're doing to poor Dirk" complaints. Nowitzki himself isn't complaining. He's letting his play do his talking. He also flops a lot but that's no doubt due to being raised in a soccer loving country. I think the Thunder win in 6. No way in hell that the Mavs can will 4 out of 5.

I eagerly await a Lakers/Thunder matchup. I actually hope that that Lakers sweep the Nuggets so that Artest has to sit for the first 2 games. My guess is that the Thunder win that matchup in 7.

Then the Spurs beat the Thunder in 5. Experience trumps youth in that one. Next year will be our year. I think that Maynor's injury has hurt more than expected. I had hoped that Derek Fisher would be able to run the second team offense better than he has. So far, he's been mostly a disappointment. He did come alive in game 2 for the first time this season. Hopefully that trend will continue, if one game can constitute a trend.

[Jackknifed Juggernaut]

As much as I despise the Lakers, I'm getting that uncomfortable feeling that I get every time they win a championship. That said, I hope Lebron gets his ring. He deserves it. If Miami doesn't win, I'd like to see the Spurs win again.

[MOIDALIZE]

I think Indiana will win their series, and I still like Memphis.

OKC is lucky to be up 2-0. When they start settling for jumpers, their offense goes south.

[Take the cannoli]

Originally Posted by Jackknifed Juggernaut

As much as I despise the Lakers, I'm getting that uncomfortable feeling that I get every time they win a championship. That said, I hope Lebron gets his ring. He deserves it. If Miami doesn't win, I'd like to see the Spurs win again.

Miami is the heavy favorite to win the championship, but I like the Spurs to beat the Heat in the Finals.

[Jackknifed Juggernaut]

Originally Posted by Take the cannoli

Miami is the heavy favorite to win the championship, but I like the Spurs to beat the Heat in the Finals.

Miami is only the heavy favorite because everyone thinks that they have a clear path to the Finals, especially with the injuries to Rose and Allen. But they certainly won't be heavy favorites in the Finals if SA, LA or OKC make it through.

As for the Lakers, their Kobe/Bynum/Gasol trio seems to be unstoppable when Bynum and Gasol want to play hard. Bynum is playing like an MVP and Kobe already is one. That's what scares me about them. Plus, they will get MWP back next round, to make their front court even more superior to anyone else's by far.

[Take the cannoli]

Originally Posted by Jackknifed Juggernaut

Miami is only the heavy favorite because everyone thinks that they have a clear path to the Finals, especially with the injuries to Rose and Allen. But they certainly won't be heavy favorites in the Finals if SA, LA or OKC make it through.
.

That's true. Miami has a relatively easy path to the Finals.

But the Heat are almost even money right now to win it all. Not much value in that.

There's more value in backing the WC team that you like right now, at much longer odds.

[YogSosoth]

Well this is interesting. Boston summons the ghost of Larry Bird and takes Game 2 on the road. And without Rose, Chicago loses big at home to the lowly Sixers (104-84 right now with 2:15 left as I type this). I'm not going to say the Sixers have a chance, but I think Boston just improved their lot by a ton with this win. Atlanta, over the past few years, have been absolutely atrocious on the road in the playoffs

Come on Lakers! Don't have an off night! Beat the Nuggets!

[Marley23]

Originally Posted by YogSosoth

Boston summons the ghost of Larry Bird and takes Game 2 on the road.

This should say "Paul Pierce" instead of "Boston."

[YogSosoth]

I feel pretty confident in saying that Atlanta is done. If they can't beat the Celtics at home without Rondo and Ray Allen, they have little chance to do so 3 more times. I think Boston probably takes both games at home and closes this out in 6, I was not expecting them to win Game 2 at all and you know Rondo's going to come out with a chip on his shoulder next game. Does anyone know if Ray Allen is going to be able to come back during the playoffs? I don't know what injury he has

What happened last night in Chicago?? They were 18-9 without Rose this year. That did not look like an 18-9 team. Could they be in trouble? I'm not willing to pronounce them dead yet, I think last night was a fluke more than anything. But that was an epic spanking at home. Boozer needs to step up. 9 points is not cutting it, a guy like him should be averaging close to 20. If Noah and his crazy spin shot can hit 10-11, then Boozer needs to at least match that. However, one thing I'm confident in saying is that Jrue Holiday not going to go 11-15 again for 26 points

The Lakers and Nuggets game looked more like the regular season. Ty Lawson got on track, but so did Kobe, so the final score really doesn't tell you how far apart the teams are during the game. I'm echoing some radio analysis I heard earlier but the Lakers' defense is pretty good this year. Denver is the league leader in points and they also shoot a high percentage and the Lakers pretty much smacked them around the first couple of games. We need to cut down on the quick bad shots that lead to fastbreak points for Denver though. I think we should be able to do that without too much problems in Games 3 and 4

Tonight San Antonio will probably blow out Utah again. Usually a team rebounds well after a big loss, but I just think SA's too disciplined to fall into any kind of lull. Popovich deserves that Coach of the Year award

However, for the next two games, I have no idea who will win Game 3 of Ind/Orl and Mem/LA. These two series are the hardest to call in my opinion and so far the play has shown that. I hope the Clippers come out with a sense of accomplishment and not fall behind by 30 this time. If the game is even, I have ever confidence that Chris Paul will win the game for the Clips.

Originally Posted by Marley23

This should say "Paul Pierce" instead of "Boston."

I hate Pierce so I'm going with the more general Boston. Him and his malformed beard pisses me off. That and the fucking wheelchair game

[Kiros]

Originally Posted by YogSosoth

Does anyone know if Ray Allen is going to be able to come back during the playoffs? I don't know what injury he has

Bone spurs in his right ankle; he's going to need surgery after the season. As far as I can tell he's going to be permanently "questionable" until then.

[YogSosoth]

Originally Posted by Kiros

Bone spurs in his right ankle; he's going to need surgery after the season. As far as I can tell he's going to be permanently "questionable" until then.

Ah, that's right, now I remember. This brings up a new question though. Bone spurs aren't going to heal by themselves are they? Why not get the surgery now? I can't see what he may be waiting for

Originally Posted by Take the cannoli

BTW Popovich is an excellent coach, and deserves COY. But, how is it that Jerry Sloan never won COY with the Jazz? That's just wrong.

I have a theory on the COY that I think makes a lot of sense. There's only 2 types of coaches and teams that get the award, and those two are: coaches that overachieve with a young team or a team with some major new players, or coaches that overachieve with an old/experienced team with little changes. Jerry Sloan's problem was that he was too steady. If there was a lifetime coaching achievement award, it would definitely go to guys like him. But most years, they were either good to great, but not the cinderella team of the year nor the best team of the year. The few times they were the best in the West, the Bulls were a little bit better, so even though his overall achievement may be COY worthy, the fact that he wasn't coaching the top team dropped him down from consideration. Those years, the COY probably went to either the best team regardless of coach or the best storyline

Which brings us to the teams themselves. I looked at the last 12 years (cause I don't remember too much of the league before then) and every COY falls into one of those categories. That last 12 are:

11-12 Spurs - Gregg Popovich
10-11 Bulls - Tom Thibodeau
09-10 Thunder - Scott Brooks
08-09 Cavs - Mike Brown
07-08 Hornets - Byron Scott
06-07 Raptors - Sam Mitchell
05-06 Mavs - Avery Johnson
04-05 Suns - Mike D'Antoni
03-04 Grizzlies - Hubie Brown
02-03 Spurs - Gregg Popovich
01-02 Pistons - Rick Carisle
00-01 Sixers - Larry Brown

This tells me that its dangerous to win COY if you're simply a mediocre team that has overachieved. People expect you to sustain that overachievement and if you don't, you get fired or quit without 2-3 years like Larry Brown, Rick Carisle, Hubie Brown, Avery Johnson, Sam Mitchell, Byron Scott, and Mike Brown. If I were John Hollinger of ESPN.com, I'd probably devise some kind of metric to see how far a win total difference has to be before a COY is fired.

Originally Posted by Take the cannoli

Miami is the heavy favorite to win the championship, but I like the Spurs to beat the Heat in the Finals.

That would be delicious irony, because Duncan and the Spurs swept Lebron out of his first Finals appearance in 2007 and now they'd be able to beat them again!

[Marley23]

Yup, Sloan never won Coach of the Year and Phil Jackson won it once, tied with Sam Mitchell. It's an award you get for doing better than people expected you to do.

I really don't see the Lakers coming out of the West. They are obviously very good when it's all working, but they're an older team and sometimes it just doesn't work for them. I don't think they can keep firing on all cylinders for a full series against San Antonio or OKC.

Originally Posted by YogSosoth

That would be delicious irony

Not ironic.

[Take the cannoli]

Originally Posted by YogSosoth

I have a theory on the COY that I think makes a lot of sense. There's only 2 types of coaches and teams that get the award, and those two are: coaches that overachieve with a young team or a team with some major new players, or coaches that overachieve with an old/experienced team with little changes. Jerry Sloan's problem was that he was too steady. If there was a lifetime coaching achievement award, it would definitely go to guys like him. But most years, they were either good to great, but not the cinderella team of the year nor the best team of the year. The few times they were the best in the West, the Bulls were a little bit better, so even though his overall achievement may be COY worthy, the fact that he wasn't coaching the top team dropped him down from consideration. Those years, the COY probably went to either the best team regardless of coach or the best storyline

Which brings us to the teams themselves. I looked at the last 12 years (cause I don't remember too much of the league before then) and every COY falls into one of those categories. That last 12 are:

11-12 Spurs - Gregg Popovich
10-11 Bulls - Tom Thibodeau
09-10 Thunder - Scott Brooks
08-09 Cavs - Mike Brown
07-08 Hornets - Byron Scott
06-07 Raptors - Sam Mitchell
05-06 Mavs - Avery Johnson
04-05 Suns - Mike D'Antoni
03-04 Grizzlies - Hubie Brown
02-03 Spurs - Gregg Popovich
01-02 Pistons - Rick Carisle
00-01 Sixers - Larry Brown

This tells me that its dangerous to win COY if you're simply a mediocre team that has overachieved. People expect you to sustain that overachievement and if you don't, you get fired or quit without 2-3 years like Larry Brown, Rick Carisle, Hubie Brown, Avery Johnson, Sam Mitchell, Byron Scott, and Mike Brown. If I were John Hollinger of ESPN.com, I'd probably devise some kind of metric to see how far a win total difference has to be before a COY is fired.

Good post. I agree with a lot of what you say.

I think, in part, it's a popularity contest, too. Sports writers vote for who they like, or who gives them good quotes that help them write their stories. In my mind, that helps to explain why Sloan never won COY, and why Big Chief Triangle aka Phil Jackson won only once despite winning 11 rings. Yet, Don Nelson won COY 3 times although he never coached a team to a championship.

[Take the cannoli]

Originally Posted by YogSosoth

What happened last night in Chicago??

Sixers set a trap for the Bulls by playing up tempo in the 1st half, then sucker-punching them with a huge defensive effort in the 3rd quarter. Bulls were caught off-guard, and couldn't match their intensity.


Tonight San Antonio will probably blow out Utah again. Usually a team rebounds well after a big loss, but I just think SA's too disciplined to fall into any kind of lull. Popovich deserves that Coach of the Year award

Spurs win again tonight, but I'd be inclined to take Jazz plus the points. Tough call.

BTW Popovich is an excellent coach, and deserves COY. But, how is it that Jerry Sloan never won COY with the Jazz? That's just wrong.

However, for the next two games, I have no idea who will win Game 3 of Ind/Orl and Mem/LA. These two series are the hardest to call in my opinion and so far the play has shown that. I hope the Clippers come out with a sense of accomplishment and not fall behind by 30 this time. If the game is even, I have ever confidence that Chris Paul will win the game for the Clips.

Pacers should win & cover Game 3, and eventually win the series. SvG has about one more week of employment left.

Clipps/Grizz are playing Game 2 tonight. I like Memphis to win and cover, but I think LA will win the series.

[DigitalC]

Vintage Kobe last night. They needed it too.

[YogSosoth]

Originally Posted by DigitalC

Vintage Kobe last night. They needed it too.

One thing I noticed of Kobe these past 2 games, and the announcers mentioned too, is that Kobe seems to have added Dirk's off-balance one-footed fadeaway to his arsenal. He used it a couple times in the last few games and I think they went in. That's one thing that's absolutely amazing about him. He's 33 and been in the league for like 16 years, yet he's still trying to improve. A few years ago, during the summer, there was talk that he spent a month with Hakeem Olajuwan working on the Dream Shake, low-post moves, and footwork. Kobe came back that year with a better improved post-play. Now after being beaten by Dirk last year, he's taking his moves and adding them to his own! He's like a basketball Mega Man, taking the special abilities of his enemies!

I heard that Jordan did this too, but not to the same extent. As he got older, Jordan had to adjust his play because he was no longer as athletic as when he was younger, which is a smart and prudent move. But simply shooting more fadeaways and less dunks seems a lot different than actually incorporating new moves into his arsenal. I wish more players at Kobe's work ethic and drive to improve. I'd like to see Pau with a more consistent hook shot and Andrew continue to work on his passing

[Hennessy]

Bulls fan here -

It sucks that Rose torn his ACL but I don't think he will be any less of a star when he returns. I think he will work on his jump shot for sure though... He has relied on his explosiveness for so long and if he doesn't get it back, I think this could be a blessing in disguise as he will have to work on and improve other aspects of his game.

The Bulls without him are still a top team in the NBA and will easily get to the eastern conference finals... Last night against the 76ers was a fluke, that was their worst defensive effort all year and that just doesn't happen often with this team with Thibs as the coach, I noticed last night during the game interviews with Thibs that he kept on blaming the offense for the poor play and in his 2 years as head coach, he has never blamed anything other than defense... "The offense looked terrible and that's what cost us the game" is what most people would say but in reality, we scored 90 points and gave up over 100 when we average giving up less than 90...

Bulls will most likely face the Celtics because the Hawks suck terribly, game one was a fluke from the Celtics, Rondo was getting his guys open shots but they just couldn't hit them that night, not to mention the refs making sure the Celtics didn't come back and win at the end... I see the Bulls beating the Celtics as well at the most 7 games...

Against the Heat though, it is a toss up... I believe they can beat them but they will have perform very good. We played the Heat 4 times this season, lost twice with Rose, won twice without Rose, the playoffs may be another ball park but at least our guys will have the confidence... All 4 games did "seem" to be determined by what court they were on as we lost both at Miami and won our two at home, but at least we will have home court advantage...

If the Thunder get pasted the Mavericks as it is looking then they will most likely face the Spurs in the WCF, I don't see the Thunder beating the Spurs at all, So I am expecting a Spurs vs. Heat finals which the Spurs will win easily or Spurs vs. Bulls which should go to game 7.... Thunder & Heat will probably go to the Heat and Thunder vs. Bulls should go to the Bulls...

[Moonchild]

Hey, I guess I'm the fifth NBA fan here on the Dope. Save for Memphis-Clips, this has been a pretty disappointing first round so far.

As a big-time Lakers fan, my dream of a 2nd round matchup against Dallas will instead be a nightmare against OKC -- which I guess I pretty much knew all along. Not that I'm looking past Denver... oh, wait a minute, yes I am. Easy to do when Kosta Koufos, Timofey Mozgov & Javale McGee can make our center look like Wilt Chamberlain. But Lakers bigs against Ibaka & Perkins, that's another story altogether and with Harden and Sefalosha slowing down Kobe -- which they will -- I just don't see any way the Lakers can beat OKC (this is not to mention Scotty Brooks > Mike Brown). Maybe a puncher's chance if MWP is allowed to put the grapple on Durant all series (elbower's chance???).

I have little doubt Miami will roll through the East, but I'm not sure that helps them come the Finals -- Miami needs to be a little more battle-tested. Still, I've been saying all season that this is Miami's year. But when you say the Spurs should beat Miami, Yogosoth, that sure has, umm, a ring to it (pun not originally intended).

Timofey? Seriously? With a name like that, you should get your ass kicked in the paint every night. "Oh, Timofey, I'm rejecting your shot again..."

[MOIDALIZE]

Originally Posted by Moonchild

Hey, I guess I'm the fifth NBA fan here on the Dope. Save for Memphis-Clips, this has been a pretty disappointing first round so far.

It has been really lackluster. We'll see if Denver can make things interesting, but thus far the underdogs aren't showing up for the game 3s. And the fact that Indiana should be up 3-0 but has instead inflicted an extra game in that series on us is even worse.

I just don't see any way the Lakers can beat OKC (this is not to mention Scotty Brooks > Mike Brown).

I'm not sure I agree with that. Brown is at least a good defensive coach. OKC is more about the front office than Scotty Brooks. When they can run, he looks like a genius, but they keep having those stagnant periods on offense when Westbrook is shooting bad jumpers and they don't seem to have any idea what to do.

[YogSosoth]

Originally Posted by Moonchild

Hey, I guess I'm the fifth NBA fan here on the Dope. Save for Memphis-Clips, this has been a pretty disappointing first round so far.

I love this series, my favorite next to the Lakers. I can't wait until the Clips host them next game. I don't even remember what a non-Laker playoff game is like so if anything, the next two games should be interesting to watch

Originally Posted by Moonchild

As a big-time Lakers fan, my dream of a 2nd round matchup against Dallas will instead be a nightmare against OKC -- which I guess I pretty much knew all along. Not that I'm looking past Denver... oh, wait a minute, yes I am. Easy to do when Kosta Koufos, Timofey Mozgov & Javale McGee can make our center look like Wilt Chamberlain. But Lakers bigs against Ibaka & Perkins, that's another story altogether and with Harden and Sefalosha slowing down Kobe -- which they will -- I just don't see any way the Lakers can beat OKC (this is not to mention Scotty Brooks > Mike Brown). Maybe a puncher's chance if MWP is allowed to put the grapple on Durant all series (elbower's chance???).

I kind of want the Lakers to extend the series with the Nuggets a by a game if they are close to sweeping. Yeah, I know its dangerous to play like that during the playoffs, but when I give them almost no chance to beat the Thunder without MWP, then I think one extra game with the Nuggets is safer than 2 games without MWP against the Thunder. I definitely like MWP on Durant, I think with his strength and weight, he will be able to slow him down by a lot. Let's face it, Durant is skin and bones and much more of a finesse player. If he gets roughed up, he'll probably sit on the outside taking long jumpers. Westbrook is who the Lakers have to be wary of. 2 years ago in the first round, the Lakers were able to kind of slow him down with Kobe on him, but now we have a faster PG in Sessions who I think will be able to free up Kobe to do damage elsewhere on the court. But I'll admit that I'm scared of the Thunder. They and the Spurs look unstoppable right now.

Originally Posted by Moonchild

I have little doubt Miami will roll through the East, but I'm not sure that helps them come the Finals -- Miami needs to be a little more battle-tested. Still, I've been saying all season that this is Miami's year. But when you say the Spurs should beat Miami, Yogosoth, that sure has, umm, a ring to it (pun not originally intended).

It just really bugs me that Miami doesn't seem to have any competition now in the East with the Bulls gone. There's such a dropoff in talent between #2 and #3-8 in the East that they might as well give Miami a bye. However, my friend said that he thinks Indiana matches up really well with the Heat, so I'm hoping he's right. I still don't know anybody on that team outside of Granger

NY looks terrible. 13 losses in a row in the playoffs, and they'll probably make it 14 next game. Carmelo's just not a good leader. He's a great scorer, but that's all he wants to do. Spike Lee must be rolling in his grave

[Take the cannoli]

Originally Posted by YogSosoth

I love this series, my favorite next to the Lakers. I can't wait until the Clips host them next game. I don't even remember what a non-Laker playoff game is like so if anything, the next two games should be interesting to watch



I kind of want the Lakers to extend the series with the Nuggets a by a game if they are close to sweeping. Yeah, I know its dangerous to play like that during the playoffs, but when I give them almost no chance to beat the Thunder without MWP, then I think one extra game with the Nuggets is safer than 2 games without MWP against the Thunder. I definitely like MWP on Durant, I think with his strength and weight, he will be able to slow him down by a lot. Let's face it, Durant is skin and bones and much more of a finesse player. If he gets roughed up, he'll probably sit on the outside taking long jumpers. Westbrook is who the Lakers have to be wary of. 2 years ago in the first round, the Lakers were able to kind of slow him down with Kobe on him, but now we have a faster PG in Sessions who I think will be able to free up Kobe to do damage elsewhere on the court. But I'll admit that I'm scared of the Thunder. They and the Spurs look unstoppable right now.



It just really bugs me that Miami doesn't seem to have any competition now in the East with the Bulls gone. There's such a dropoff in talent between #2 and #3-8 in the East that they might as well give Miami a bye. However, my friend said that he thinks Indiana matches up really well with the Heat, so I'm hoping he's right. I still don't know anybody on that team outside of Granger

NY looks terrible. 13 losses in a row in the playoffs, and they'll probably make it 14 next game. Carmelo's just not a good leader. He's a great scorer, but that's all he wants to do. Spike Lee must be rolling in his grave

Nice call on the Spurs crushing the Jazz in Game 2. I was leaning Jazz + points, but laid off the game, it was too tough to call. I was right about the Pacers and Grizz, though.

I like the Clipps and the Lakers to win their next game. Actually, Lakers should win their next two games, and then move on to play the Thunders. I don't give them much chance in that series, though. It won't matter if they have MWP, or Magic Johnson, or Kareem playing for them. IMO both LA teams will get knocked out in the next round. I agree, Spurs and OKC look unstoppable right now.

Pacers might take a game from the Heat, but that's about all.

I still like the Spurs over the Heat in the Finals.

[Chicagojeff]

Blake G is really struggling today .. he's has so many aspects of his game he needs to work on.. unbelievable talent.. just needs more moves..

Rudy G is putting the grizz on his back today.. earlier game.. Big Baby gave you everything he had.. played like a Grown man.. Indiana just has too much.. Love how Vogel coaches and Larry B put together a helluva team.. Danny G needs to step up and STAR to get them to the next level..

Knicks should make their reservations about now.. Woody didn't have much to work with.. I don't see Phil coming back to coach a team he knows can't beat a healthy Bulls or Heat team.. Just not plausible..

[YogSosoth]

That was a fun weekend of basketball. In the end, it was the Knicks of all teams gutting out a win against the Heat, though if Spoelstra gave the ball to Lebron instead of Wade, they would probably have completed the sweep. Why the Heat keeps doing these things at the end of games is baffling. Its clear to everyone not on the court that when the game is on the line, you give it to Lebron and tell him to drive to the basket. Wade is great, but he just doesn't have the physical gifts that Lebron has, though his killer instinct is way better.

And I love the quote by Lebron afterwards, saying that he knew Carmelo was going to deny him the ball. Its Carmelo! The guy is allergic to defense! He's not going to suddenly turn into Dennis Rodman! Baffling play. Also, too bad about Baron Davis. The guy can be pretty good when he's motivated, and the Knicks were in the middle of a 9-0 run I think when he went down. Human knees aren't made to bend like that, that was pretty sick

Originally Posted by markdash

I saw some article on Yahoo! saying that the Lakers were the team to beat (this was prior to game 3). The author is probably changing his tune at this point (although the article was probably written mostly to inflame passions).

I really can't see this Lakers squad getting past the Thunder AND the Spurs. Both of those teams are playing at another level this year.

Who knows? Maybe if the Clippers beat the Spurs.....Don't laugh at me, I can dream!!!

Originally Posted by The_Peyote_Coyote

Sixth NBA fan checking in. As a Pacers fan, the series has been wonderful so far. I think they'll dispel the Magic in Game 5 and then comes the Heat. I think the winner of that series will take the East, as Chicago appears to be heading for an untimely exit. If the Pacers take out Miami -- and that's a mighty big if -- they'll make the championship. Regardless of that series' outcome, this is the best season we Pacers fans have had since Reggie left.

BTW, it's a shame about Rose. He's one of the best players out there, and I wish he was in the playoffs. Ah, well, there's always next year.

I think the Pacers will definitely have a chance to shock the Heat in the first game. Half their series with the Magic isn't even on regular TV! Everyone will be underrating them and they have to use that to their advantage. I keep hearing that the Pacers are athletic. Since I don't know anyone on that team with the exception of Danny Granger, I'm going to agree with that. While I don't think they can run the Heat out of the building, the Heat's got Lebron and Wade so the Pacers will do well to speed up the tempo and not settle for half-court basketball

Terrible luck for the Bulls though. Rose and Noah go down and they're 1-3 vs. an inspired Sixers team. That totally shocked me. If Noah can't go then I think the Bulls lose the next game. You can't lose your best player and your best defender and have Carlos Boozer as the best player on your team and still win, even against the #8 seed. The good thing for the Bulls is that Boozer finally got a 20-10, but he also took 24 shots to score 23 points, had 5 turnovers, and only go to the free throw line a ridiculous 1 time. I missed most of the game, but that probably means he only settled for outside jumpers instead of going to the basket. He's like Chris Webber at the end of his career: he should be driving but seems to be afraid of contact

Boston looks like they drank from the Fountain of Youth and absolutely demolishes Atlanta. That was vintage Boston and, sadly for them, vintage Atlanta. I've said it before but I have absolutely no faith in the Hawks. They've gotten middling seeds for the past 3 or 4 years and they've never been able to really gut out a team or surprise anybody. Sure, they usually can demolish a lower seed if they're supposed to win, but they're like a boxer with a glass jaw: put them up against anyone with even a bit of spunk and they fall on their face.

I was reading another message board and people were making the point that Atlanta has been completely stagnant in the past few years. Going back 5 years, they've been the 4th, 5th, 3rd, 4th, and 8th seeds in the East and lost in the 2nd round the last 3 years and the 1st round 5 years ago and it looks like the 1st round again this year. This collection of guys just can't cut it. And they haven't really made much changes to their core group at all. Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Jeff Teague, Marvin Williams, Zaza Pachulia, and Al Horford have all been on this team for 4-5 years. McGrady, Pargo, Radmonovic and Dampier is doing their 2nd stint with the team. WTF are they doing? They need to blow up this team and start over if they ever want to get anywhere

The sad thing is, they're stuck with the $120 million dollar man Joe Johnson and can't do anything about it. They've got decent trade assets that other contenders would love, but for some reason these particular guys just don't work and they keep going back to the same guys! There's no reason Erick Dampier should go back to a team after leaving it. Everyone's allowed 1 stint with Dampier and they learn their lesson. At this point its like an alcoholic going back into the bar after promising they won't drink, its just not going to work

Chris Paul, damn that guy's good. Another comeback win, and this time in LA too. I didn't know there were that many Clippers fans here but its interesting to see a non-Laker playoff game. I think the Clips have the Grizz on the ropes, they can definitely beat them again in Game 4 and probably close it out in 6. Zach Randolph seems to have gotten on track but he's still not much of a factor in rebounds. I heard he was coming back from a knee injury? Good fortune for the Clips I guess, cause we've got no one to deal with a healthy Zach Randolph

I think the Lakers are rounding into playoff shape after these last few close games. For the first time in like 3 years, they won't be favored in a series. I hope they will use that to their advantage and steal a game in OKC. If they close out the Nuggets in 5, which they should, that means we get MWP in Game 2 in OKC. That will be intersting. James Harden looked unstoppable in the last game against Dallas but maybe he'll be a little afraid to take on MWP. If anyone can shut him or Durant down, its the old Ron Artest

[DCnDC]

Originally Posted by Chicagojeff

Blake G is really struggling today .. he's has so many aspects of his game he needs to work on.. unbelievable talent.. just needs more moves..

I like the guy but I agree he's still not refined. Keeps trying to power through defenders down low but as big as he is, he's not Shaq. The offense goes through him and it should, but he needs to learn to pass out more from the block after he's drawn in multiple defenders.

[YogSosoth]

Originally Posted by DCnDC

I like the guy but I agree he's still not refined. Keeps trying to power through defenders down low but as big as he is, he's not Shaq. The offense goes through him and it should, but he needs to learn to pass out more from the block after he's drawn in multiple defenders.

Originally Posted by Barkis is Willin'

I am not a Blake Griffin fan at all. As mentioned above, his game has major holes. No jump shot, no post moves other than explosion straight to the hoop, no vision for passing, can't make free throws. He's just a dunker. CP has helped that team immensely, but they won't get past round 2.

I'll certainly be a Pacers fan when they play Miami. They've got some great young talent.

I think Griffin's played about as much of a complete game as he can last night. Well, except for the 5 rebounds. But he shot a high percentage and got 7 assists, and even made most of his free throws. Of course, the shots were mostly due to Chris Paul, but that guy's just amazing.

Originally Posted by Hennessy

If the Bulls want to win this next game, Luol Deng is going to have to step it up and demand the ball, I want him to go Kobe Bryant for us, taking 30 shots and either making them all or missing them all. Deng, Boozer, Taj, and a cutting Brewer is all I want to see tomorrow, inside game... Can't stand how our whole offense depends on point guards who are score first minded... Wasting possessions all the time, the other half of our possessions get wasted by Rip & Korver running through screens, can we not utilize our big men at all? Someone mentioned Boozer not driving, that's annoying as hell because he finishes so well around the rim, the refs hate that guy though for some reason (probably his yelling all game), every time he drives, he gets called for an offensive foul...

Maybe the refs didn't like Boozer reneging on his deal with the Cavs either You're right that they need to shake things up. Right now I still think they'll win Game 5 at home, but they're definitely not winning the series. Philly's looking pretty good right now.

Originally Posted by Hennessy

I think a couple of you guys are counting the Celtics out a bit too easily... The Celtics are a damn good team right now with Rondo having most of the control and being the team leader now... Doc is a hell of a coach and they are playing championship style once again and since the Bulls most likely aren't going to the ECF, they will be...

If Ray Allen can continue to play and space the floor, I think they've got a decent chance to make it to the ECF and do some damage. I wouldn't put them past the Heat still, because looking good against Atlanta in the playoffs is something of a tradition that teams do.

Originally Posted by Hennessy

Also, Atlanta is a straight mess, I had no expectations of them even winning one game in the playoffs... That teams needs a new everything from the FO to the players...

They need to blow it up and start over

[DCnDC]

Whenever I watch the Mavs play, I spend the whole game saying, "Holy shit that guy is still playing?!"

[Barkis is Willin']

The Nuggets did what they are best at last night, which is to come out flat in the 2nd half. They're just not a great team, which is too bad because the Lakers are down this year. I can't see LA beating OKC in a best of 7 series. They'll have World Peace back, which will help quit a bit, though.

And how 'bout those Knicks hanging by a thread? Miami obviously put it on cruise control, but that won't happen again.

[markdash]

I saw some article on Yahoo! saying that the Lakers were the team to beat (this was prior to game 3). The author is probably changing his tune at this point (although the article was probably written mostly to inflame passions).

I really can't see this Lakers squad getting past the Thunder AND the Spurs. Both of those teams are playing at another level this year.

[The_Peyote_Coyote]

Sixth NBA fan checking in. As a Pacers fan, the series has been wonderful so far. I think they'll dispel the Magic in Game 5 and then comes the Heat. I think the winner of that series will take the East, as Chicago appears to be heading for an untimely exit. If the Pacers take out Miami -- and that's a mighty big if -- they'll make the championship. Regardless of that series' outcome, this is the best season we Pacers fans have had since Reggie left.

BTW, it's a shame about Rose. He's one of the best players out there, and I wish he was in the playoffs. Ah, well, there's always next year.

[Hennessy]

If the Bulls want to win this next game, Luol Deng is going to have to step it up and demand the ball, I want him to go Kobe Bryant for us, taking 30 shots and either making them all or missing them all. Deng, Boozer, Taj, and a cutting Brewer is all I want to see tomorrow, inside game... Can't stand how our whole offense depends on point guards who are score first minded... Wasting possessions all the time, the other half of our possessions get wasted by Rip & Korver running through screens, can we not utilize our big men at all? Someone mentioned Boozer not driving, that's annoying as hell because he finishes so well around the rim, the refs hate that guy though for some reason (probably his yelling all game), every time he drives, he gets called for an offensive foul...

Did anyone see the final minute of that last Bulls 76ers game, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qD1uDRjYes - Boozer got hacked by 2 players and there is NO way anyone could have argued he didn't, people in the top level could probably see that without using the screens, lol... But the refs didn't call it and 2 free throws would have tied the game... The really bad part is how the 76ers get the rebound and get the foul call on a fast break when no one even touched them...

I think a couple of you guys are counting the Celtics out a bit too easily... The Celtics are a damn good team right now with Rondo having most of the control and being the team leader now... Doc is a hell of a coach and they are playing championship style once again and since the Bulls most likely aren't going to the ECF, they will be...

Also, Atlanta is a straight mess, I had no expectations of them even winning one game in the playoffs... That teams needs a new everything from the FO to the players...

[Barkis is Willin']

I am not a Blake Griffin fan at all. As mentioned above, his game has major holes. No jump shot, no post moves other than explosion straight to the hoop, no vision for passing, can't make free throws. He's just a dunker. CP has helped that team immensely, but they won't get past round 2.

I'll certainly be a Pacers fan when they play Miami. They've got some great young talent.

[markdash]

Atlanta's best player has been out most of the year, is just now playing again, and their second-best player missed game 3 (which they lost). I don't see a reason to blow that team up, they're not that far away.

The Joe Johnson contract was a debacle, though.

[YogSosoth]

Who's Atlanta's best player? Even when healthy, they haven't advanced past the 2nd round for the past 5 years with close to the same core group. In fact, I don't think they've actually been close. There was a bunch of 4-2 losses, but on the road they are horrible, just like that Game 4 where they got blown out by 30 points. Something's up with that team because they just cannot win a road game in the playoffs

Total agreement on the Joe Johnson thing. In a year with Lebron, Wade, and Bosh going into free agency, Joe Johnson emerges as the highest signing? He's a 2nd option at best, not a leader.

[Hennessy]

That was a terrible last possession for the Celtics but I guess they didn't have any time outs, I was expecting a Ray Allen game winner or tie...

The Bulls game was damn good though in my opinion... They played very well and all the guys I wanted to show up, Brewer, Taj, Deng, & Boozer all showed up and won us the game... They held the 76ers to 32%, incredible...

[Barkis is Willin']

Originally Posted by Hennessy

That was a terrible last possession for the Celtics but I guess they didn't have any time outs, I was expecting a Ray Allen game winner or tie...

In my mind I was screaming at Rondo to DO SOMETHING!!! But alas, he did not hear and so he did nothing.

Woohoo Nuggets! The thing is, I feel like the Nuggs brought their A game last night while the Lakers didn't turn it on until halfway through the 4th quarter. Kobe went out of his mind for about 3 or 4 straight possessions towards the end.

And I'm just gonna go ahead and say it, NBA refs are horrible. They, along with certain players constantly whining to them, are the biggest turn off in the game.

[markdash]

NBA refereeing is probably the most difficult job in sports.