NBA Playoffs
 

The First games are being played Sat the 22nd, if someone wants to make a pool like one thats been done for NHL, more power to you, i'd just like to hear some thoughts on this.

My predictions

Detroit over Milwaukee, 5 games
Miami over chicago, 6 games
New Jersey over Indiana 5 games
Washington [upset special] over Cleveland 7 games.

I like washington here because Ilgauskas doesn't seem to fit very well with the time so that negates Washington's lack of a center. I think LeBron will go off for 50 at some point in the series but predict he will have trouble finding the balance between doing too much himself and trying to get other team-mates involved too much, its his first series i think his inexperience will show.

in the West

San Antonio over Sacramento 6 games -> duncan's health issues
Pheonix over lakers in 6 ->
you hafta guess Kobe can take over at least two games, but with no defense on the lakers he can't outscore Phoenix by himself

Denver over Clippers 6 games -> I haven't had the chance to see either of these teams play, but I just think the Clippers aren't used to winning while Denver has an absolute assassin in 'Melo.

Dallas over Memphis 5 games -> How are the grizz in the playoffs?


Back East
Miami over New Jersey in 6 ->NJ won the season series, but D-Wayde can bring it, he carried the Heat to the conf. finals last year, he can singlehandledly take them

Detroit over Washington in 5 ->I hate to say my wizards are losing, but Detroit is too solid.

In the West.
San Antonio over Dallas 6-> San Antonio is too balanced.
PHeonix over Denver 6 -> Phoenix has too many weapons for Denver to D

Miami over Detroit in 7->Assuming Zo and Shaq stay healthy, Miami has too many good experienced pieces by now with one superstar player in Wade who can make the difference


Phoenix over San Antonio in 7-> I think the Suns athleticism will bother Duncan who is sure to be aching by this point

FINALLY I say
Miami over Phoenix in 7
Again, I just think this is Dwayne's time to shine, Nash will make it interesting but I think the inside presence of Shaq and Zo [assuming they are still there] will make the difference with Stoudamire being gone.

I'll just make my 1st round picks for now. I don't really see any upsets happening in this round. The top 3 (record-wise) in each conference are way ahead of the rest.

Detroit in 4
Miami in 5
New Jersey in 5
Cleveland in 6

San Antonio in 5
Phoenix in 5
Clippers in 6
Dallas in 5

Boy it's a good time to be a Detroit fan.

Detroit in 5
Miami in 6
New Jersey in 7
Cleveland in 7

San Antonio in 5
Phoenix in 4 (I'm not a big Lakers fan)
Clippers in 7
Dallas in 6

Detroit in 4
Miami in 6
New Jersey in 6
Cleveland in 6

San Antonio in 6
Lakers in 6
Clippers in 5
Dallas in 7

Random Observations:
I realistically know that the Lakers are probably going to lose in 6 or 7 games, but they are a different team now than the beginning of the year and my homer instinct kicks in. The thing that worries me is the fact that Kwame is going to have to guard a non-center because the Suns don't really have one. They can bring Kwame (and his new found defensive ability) away from the basket at will, leaving the lane open for Nash to drive and score, or drive and kick.

I also think Memphis can surprise some people, they have been inconsistent, but when they are on, they are a great defensive team.

There is no reason Detroit and San Antonio should not steamroll everyone into the Finals.

And here we go.
1st Round:

No. 1 Detroit vs. No. 8 Milwaukee: Pistons in 5. Michael Redd gets his, the rest of the Bucks get shut down. Could be a supremely boring series. Pistons lose a game for Stern and the NBA (and Shaq). Wish it were Chicago playing Detroit instead.

No. 2 Miami vs. No. 7 Chicago: Shaq seems to like to sweep the early rounds, and Stern will want him rested, so Miami in 4. Chicago is a really bad team, with no playoff experience to speak of. Ultimately, Miami's fortunes hang on whether Alonzo Mourning is healthy enough to play.

No. 3 New Jersey vs. No. 6 Indiana: NJ in 5. Too much firepower, and Jermaine O'Neal hasn't been playing well (or at all). Indiana is another horrible team. Will watch for moments of Vinsanity alone. NJ could reach the EC Finals quite easily.

No. 4 Cleveland vs. No. 5 Washington: Gooood matchup, pretty even here. The wildcard of course is King James. He could make this a very short series. Regardless, Cleveland in 6.

--

No. 1 San Antonio vs. No. 8 Sacramento: Sactown is a team reborn under Artest. They should win 50 games next year. Still, they are playing the Spurs. Spurs win 4-1, probably 4-0. They are like scary monsters, the Spurs.

No. 2 Phoenix vs. No. 7 Los Angeles Lakers: This should be a fun series. Kobe will be a madman. The Lakers have actually been playing decent ball post-Allstar game. Kwame Brown is even something resembling a player now. While I hate Phoenix for the pretenders they are, Nash and his children should win the series, 4-2. Keep an eye on Kobe, though.

No. 3 Denver vs. No. 6 Los Angeles Clippers: Great matchup. 2 middle-of-the-road teams with some great individual players. I think Brand will have a better playoffs, but Denver should win the series in 7. Skill > Experience.

No. 4 Dallas vs. No. 5 Memphis: Another good series. For winning 60 games, Dallas is rewarded (cursed) with a 4 seed and will face a good team in Memphis. Dallas is too deep for Memphis in the long run, but Memphis will make it close. Dirk Nowitzki is a phenomenal shooter, and has playoff experience. Have his leadership skills improved since last year??? Dallas in 6.

Some weird opinions you guys got here.

I'll start with my teams.

Clippers will win against the Nuggets. The only reason people doubt them is 'cause they haven't seen them play. Chris Kaman is gonna open a lot of eyes in this series. Carmello gets all the credit for being clutch, but that's just 5 games out of the year that didn't necessarily prevent his team from being #1 in a weak weak weak weak weak division. The Clippers in 6.

Phoenix over the Lakers. I hate to say it, but the Lakers don't stand a chance. The Suns are NOT pretenders though. I'm gonna watch these games, even though it will hurt my heart to see the Lakers crumble, it will be entertaining to see the Suns play. Kobe may be able to turn it on, but he cant turn his teammates on. Phoenix in 5.

Spurs are a foregone conclusion. The only people who picked the Kings are the Kings themselves. 4 games.

Dallas also drew a fairly easy pick. How the Grizzlies got the 5th seed is beyond me (I'm gonna guess that people just didn't take them seriously throughout the entire year). Dallas in 5.

I don't really care about the East, so I'll just say that the top seeds will win. It's gonna go down like a cookie cutter tournament. Some tension here and there because the teams are all equally horrible. Detroit seems to be the only good team over there still. The Nets will be entertaining to watch though.

Hooray for the Phoenix Suns!!! Glad they beat the Lakers! Hope the Suns go the distance this year (that is, unless The Cavaliers get really lucky)....

I love little Stevie Nash #13 - He's such a cute ball handler!

However, the Detroit Pistons have a great record this year. All the games should be fun to watch this season.

I can't believe you really think that. He's never struggled at anything, and he won't in this series. Maybe against Detroit, but only because Detroit is a far superior team. LeBron should be MVP. He's the most complete package in the NBA.

Spurs in 6 over Detroit. Nothing else really matters.

Anyone ever notice how much Nash looks like Kelly Leek from the Bad News Bears?

Yep, and it looks like we're not the only ones.
http://www.truehoop.com/2005-playoff...elly-leak.html


The Suns are going to need some more balance in Game 2. Tim Thomas isn't going to be knocking down every single shot for the whole series. They really need to get Kurt Thomas back if they want any hope of getting out of the West this time. If the Lakers can hurt them inside, imagine what Brand or Duncan will do.

You have to understand that no matter how skilled an individual player is, experience is invaluable, this is LeBron's first playoff series, and his inexperience has already shown. If you remember late in game two, there was a jump ball and the Cav tipped it towards Ilgauaskas and James, the both of them expected the other to corral the ball and at the last moment Lebron jumped for it, threw it behind his back where Arenas stole it and scored an easy 2.

This is an example of what I expected from LeBron, simple mistakes that are mental rather than physical.

It looks like New Jersey really has their hands full early on, I hope Indiana can take care of them so vince Carter gets no taste of victory.

WIz Cav tip off in 8 minutes, go get em Wiz!

i hate to post back to back, but I can't let this go. Did anyone watch the Wiz - Cav game? did you see how many steps LeBron took on his game winning shot? 4!!! two more than allowed. he had a jump-step, which should have been his last movement, then took two more steps before shooting the ball and had the gall to run back screaming about a no-call...unfrickin believable the officiatiing has been completely one sided this series and may turn out to be the deciding factor in the outcome....

anyways, as i write this Kobe Bryant is being outscored by FOUR of his team-mates, and has taken the 3rd most shots...am in bizarro world?? i know this is how they've been playing the series but it's still a surprise...you have to hand it to P. Jackson, he deserves all that ring candy he has.

If LeBron's only weakness is his playoff experience imagine how devastating he'll be after a couple of years of playoff experience. LeBron is special and no rules apply to him. He doesn't need experience because his learning curve is quicker than anyone else in the league. Cavs win in 6 games. Then get beat by a superior Detroit team in 5.

I agree he's special and really look forward to seeing how he's gonna be in a few years along with Dwayne Wade...but without the ref's help on Friday it'd be Wizards 2-1. hopefully the ref's are a little more evenhanded tonight.

Is anyone else shocked at how the bulls have evened the series with Miami? hinrich and gordon are playing like vets...good stuff all around.

KOBEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know it's coming so, please don't complain about Nash calling a timeout or any of that BS. I saw nothing of the sort. He was trapped plain and simple. If you want to bitch, tell Diaw to make both free throws with under a minute to go. Tell the Suns to not let Smush steal the ball and Kobe to waltz underneath and make a floater to tie.

Man, these Lakers have more heart than any Laker team since '02.

Yeah, absolutely phenomenal game in LA today.

It was surreal to see the Lakers fight so hard to the very end. They seem to have slooowly gotten better and better all season, but I didn't think they were capable of playing this intensely. I didn't see any bad calls go against PHX...it's playoff basketball. I saw Nash as trapped also, just excellent D and a great steal by Smush. What a ball game -- hope they close this one out next game.

I screamed so fucking loud. I went nuts!

Amazing, tense, frustrating, gripping.. that game was awesome.

The only thing that makes me sad is.. it will be an LA vs LA second round. I want wanna choose.

something tells me you weren't talking about the wizards game...

i didn't get to see the game live cuz i got kicked out of the student center at 10 (eastern time) those bastards didn't even let me see the end of the wiz game.....but i caught the clips online, that floater to send it into overtime was just spectacular, and the two Nash turnovers were his only two in the entire game...unbelievable, kobe keeps adding to his resume.

Talk about embarrasment of riches...has this ever happened before? I thought if one is a fan of one LA team that they automatically hate the other LA team...nevertheless, obviously both teams still need to win their games to advance. It's good to see the Lakers playing so well again.

Kobe always comes thru for his team. He is an amazing talent.

Hats off to the Lakers today! What a great game!!!!

Common Hal you can't be a clipper and a laker fan.

It's okay to like the Angels and Dodgers cause they're in opposite leagues (although if they met in the Series you would have to choose)

But the Clips and Lakes are in the same division! I have to say that I am a Laker fan through and through. I like this Clipper team and if the Lakers lose I hope the Clippers do well, but I'm not sure about the being a fan of both thing. Although I also don't like Heroin and Prison sex, but who am I to talk?

That being said the game today was amazing. Luke and Lamar have been great the whole series. The fouls on Kobe in the 1st half were way worse than any non-call on Nash.

Go Lakers!

PS- Did you see Kobe botch both of his free throws when the crowd started loudly chanting MVP while he shot from the line- stupid playoff fans.

Here's the worst part about being a Laker fan.

They'll win out against the Suns.
Then they'll beat the Clippers in 7 cause common they're the Clippers. Then Dallas beats the Spurs and the Lakers beat Dallas.

Then the Lakers play either LeBron, the Bulls or the Nets any of those should be winnable plus they'll make for good TV.

Then we go from not even expecting to make the playoffs to championship city!

I dream and dream.

As a Suns fan, that was by far the worst game I've ever seen in my life. I'm too pissed off to really complain. I will say that D'Antoni is the most over-rated coach in the game right now. I suppose it's just as well that they lost, since there was no way they were going to get very far without Amare, Kurt Thomas, and Brian Grant.

I am hoping the Lakers get stomped by the Clippers just to shut up all their bandwagon-jumping fans (not anyone here, of course). Either way, there's no way they make it past the Western Conference finals.

That's why I'm not too excited about the Lakers beating the Suns and why I think the Lakers can take Dallas. I think beating the Clippers in a 7 game series would be tougher for the Lakers than beating Dallas. I'm just praying Duncan gets injured... I hate watching the spurs in the finals. Anyone but the Spurs please.

Ok Clippers got it down. Lakers are next. Then they meet. Hmm.

I really don't know who to choose. Both are awesome stories. Both are capable of playing great games. Both are my home teams.

So, I guess I'd go for whoever is more capable of surviving the next round. After 3 games, I think we'll know. The Lakers may just be that team.

I know I kind of did it myself in my last post, but I wouldn't count Phoenix out just yet. Sure, they are completely overmatched down low and could be deflated after the tough loss, but if they ever get on track from behind the arc, they have a chance of winning any game. I also expect Nash to really step up now. He's probably feeling pissed off and embarassed after that last game and his competitive spirit should give him some new energy. If he can regain his form from the Dallas series last year, he could will the Suns to victory on his own.

Lakers have been playing smart and effective basketball. I have never seen Kobe more disciplined in his career, and Odom is finally getting the touches he deserves.

That being said, Nash blew it in game four. He missed three wide-open three pointers in the fourth quarter, and then he gets it stolen at the end of regulation. No excuse, he had time to get a firm grip with both of his hands (had both hands on the ball) before Smush reached in with just one hand to knock it loose. I still don't understand how Walton can get away with that foul on the last shot. Yes, refs tend to swallow their whistles with less than a minute to go, but not when it’s that blatant.

The Clippers were great; Ross is a very good defender despite his thin frame. He positions himself very well and forces difficult shots.

Memphis didn't have the effort, and Josh Howard has been and still is, underrated.

The refs need to let Shaq play and Malik Allen has a nice, fluid jumper.

Lebron did take several steps on late in game three, and that was a blatant no-call. Doesn't surprise me. Wiz-kids still came back and won game four. Caron Butler has schooled Lebron one-on-one several times this series. He is difficult to guard.

I think the Raja Bell suspension will probably play out to Phoenix's advantage. Now, the Suns will play with even more of a chip on their shoulder. Raja is a tough defender, but they have guys like Eddie House, Barbosa, and James Jones who can step in and do many of the same things offensively.
I don't expect the Lakers to relax since they know what's at stake, but I do expect Kobe to try and assert himself more. Based on what's happened in their past games, that can't be good for the Lakers. On top of that, you have the distraction of Kwame Brown's situation.
If I had to make a pick right now, I'd give the edge to the Suns.

Wow, that was a heck of a win by the Suns. Even though I gave them the edge, it was still a gutsy performance by every single guy on the team. Nash has really stepped up like an MVP should. Kobe was playing out of his mind as well and the Lakers gave it their best shot, but it was the Suns who had the luck for once.

If the Suns can jump out to a lead early in Game 7, I think the Lakers will fold. If they come out complacently and let the Lakers hang around though, Kobe will be looking for the kill down the stretch. It's going to be a great Game 7, but I still think the Suns have the edge at home.

I HATE THE LAKERS!

not really, but they're killing me. ATTENTION LAKERS: the only way you can win in the playoffs is to play extreme defense. If you can't hold the Suns to under 95 don't bother showing up.

Defense. It's what you do after you score. Circle the wagons boys it's going to be crazy in the desert sun.

it's been a great first round...how do you think kobe should play game 7, regular kobe, or bizarro kobe? because it's a home game, i think the best thing to do is to try and stick to the gameplan of pounding it down low and slowing the tempo, if the crowd starts getting behind Sun runs...it'll all be over.

speakin of which...here's to hoping that the ref's don't blow any big calls tonight against the Wizards.

Last nights Lakers/Suns Game 6 was absolutely nerve racking. I imagine it was almost like the Suns fans felt after Game 4. God, I wish Kwame would have just been a little more effective on his run out to challenge Tim Thomas' trey, but he had to do the fly by to avoid fouling, leaving Thomas wide open as hell.

The Suns have been gutsy and I'm am very, very nervous about tomorrow's Game 7. Kobe needs to probably be somewhere in between regular and "bizarro" Kobe. He can't go to straight setting up everyone because of the lack of Game 7 experience with guys like Lamar and Kwame. He will have to go for around 30 pts and 6 or 7 asts for the Lakers to win.

Well, the Lakers folded, just like I thought. Kobe was playing well in the first half, but it looks like he gave up since he wasn't getting any help.
I think the Suns should be able to ride this win into a good start against the Clippers. Sure, Brand is going to absolutely kill them inside, but they have to just hope they can either get him in foul trouble or outshoot them from outside. Now that they have this momentum, I think they might be able to pull it out. Then, they just gotta hope Dallas knocks off San Antonio.
One interesting stat is that 5 of the 7 teams who've come back from 3-1 down have gone on to win the Championship. I don't really expect that to happen this time, but it's something positive for the Suns to look at.

My predictions for the next round are:

Phoenix in 6
Dallas in 6

Detroit in 5
Miami in 7

you're right about kobe seeming to give up in the second half, i mean 3 shots in the second half isn't going to help his team out. Kobe just lost a lot of his supporters with that performance.

Clips in 7 <-should be a fun series
Spurs in 6 <- Duncan is waking up

Detroit in 5
Miami in 6

Agreed. And not only did he not take shots, he didn't even try to help out his teammates by drawing double teams or setting picks or otherwise help set them up. He would pass the ball, then sit back and watch. Weird.

Horrible loss by the Suns. It's hard to win when you give up 15 offensive rebounds in the first half and get outrebounded by 31 overall. It doesn't sound like Kurt Thomas is coming back anytime soon, so they just need to step up their effort in LA or they're finished. Brand and the Clippers won't let them come back from 3-1 down like Kobe and the Lakers did.

So the NBA is now officially the league with the worst drug problem
 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playof...ory?id=2442732

Cliff Robertson has been suspended 5 games for a drug violation. DURING THE F*IN PLAYOFFS. I understand the issues with steroids, but this is too much and demonstrates the NBA's problems. My title may be over-exaggerating a little, but I think this is the single most egregious act of drug abuse in the history of sports.

But relating this to the topic, I think this devestates any chance that New Jersey had...who is going to stop Diesal now? Robinson has been averaging about 24 minutes - half the game. If Shaq has anything left in the tank, and I think he clearly does, he is going to steamroll however is matched on him, expect to see Hack-A-Shaq return with a vengeance.

This is so dissapointing...how devestating drugs can be. Sure, he makes millions, and lives a life of luxury most can't even imagine, but he is still a slave...its depressing.

Probably marijuana again. It's a shame. You can take the player out of Portland, but you can't take the Portland out of a player.

:-) funny

it'd bet everything I own its marijuana, it's a good way to numb the pain he's been taking from big daddy shaq.

Of all the times for a guy to spark up a fatty, Spliff Robinson has to light up during the 2nd Round of the NBA Playoffs. You know a lot of these guys are hitting the bong anyway...Kobe surely was hungover for his game 7. If the Nets lose the series, Robinson is going to look real bad.

Barely a peep in the media about the Cavs-Pistons series, which I find strange considering God Himself I mean LeBron is in it. He usually makes Cavs-Hornets games front page news. Maybe the NBA didn't mean for us to be "witnessing" a human sacrifice instead of a dominating superstar. Suns-Clippers series has been great so far.

All over but the shouting for NJ. Really effed up what Uncle Cliffy pulled on that team...Miami closes it out next game.

After being shut down the first 2 games, LeBron "GOES OFF" for a triple double (barely) in a Cavs win, and suddenly the series is back in the headlines. I like LeBron, but the Pistons continue to get no love. Fortunately, this is a source of motivation for Detroit, and they will end this series in the next 2 games.

Battle Royal in Dallas last night. Duncan is a monster. A nappy-headed monster. Nowitzki is a drooling, sweating Ostrogoth. I'd like to see Dallas win, because I think SA has another "Finals" gear they pull out of their asses against Detroit.

Poor Minnesota. How stupid can you be to give up Sam Cassell for nothing. Clippers in seven!!!

powerclown:
I agree that LeBron get a lots of love from the media even if the Cavs are getting beat (which seems likely in this series, as much as I hate to say it). However, "barely" getting a triple double is like hitting a home run just over the wall -- it's still a great feat. I think the Cavs can probably get one more game, but they'll lose the series 4-2.

The media is going to report what the casual fan cares about. Tiger Woods, LeBron, Bonds' HR chase, even if nothing happened.

So true...but jesus, the LeBron corporate headjob is ridiculous.

Example: During Game 3 in Cleveland, the Pistons are up by 10 in the second quarter, and we gets this from Brent Musberger:

(long, awkward silence from the commentators) .... "Yeah, I'm just waiting for something good to happen."

SOMETHING GOOD IS HAPPENING...THE PISTONS ARE UP BY 10, FOOL!!! DON'T YOU HAVE ANYTHING WHATSOEVER TO SAY ABOUT THAT?

You watch tonight. Detroit will be up by 25 at halftime, and all we'll see are LeBron highlights. If there aren't any of those, we'll just see highlights from last night's games.

I say this with full knowledge that the Cavs will lose this series:
HAHA!

Just unbelievable. I've watched just about every Pistons game in the last 3 years, and these last 2 have been among the absolute worst. Out of nowhere, Billups suddenly decides to become Allen Iverson, play 1 on 1, and stop passing the ball (and not scoring). Rasheed played like shit after talking shit, then he rolls his ankle on top of that. God only knows why Maurice Evans is on this team - he should be flipping burgers at Burger King. The rest of the bench was uncharacteristically useless. The Pistons scored over 100 points the first 2 games for christ sake! 7 turnovers in the 4th quarter!!

Credit to Cleveland. They played extremely good defensively, they played with emotion, and they deserved to win both these games. If the Pistons continue to play this way, Cleveland will win this series.

This is very disturbing!

These playoffs have been very good this year. There have been some bad calls as well, but overall, this has been one of the better ones in recent memory. So many close finishes and clutch performances.
I think the Pistons have been way too over-confident. They really needed this to scare them back into shape.
And even though I picked the Mavs, I'm still surprised to see them up 3-1. But as we saw with the Suns-Lakers series, it's not over yet. Duncan looks like he's back to normal and they've just got too many weapons to be counted out.

But the Mavericks present some horrible matchup issues for the Spurs and the Mavs are not the soft team that shoots jumpers all night anymore. I'd wager the Spurs won't punk out in San Antonio but I'm saying the Mavs close it out in Game 6 after they beat on San An in Game 5 but maybe don't get the bounces to win.

It really looks like San Antonio is done...I think the Spurs took their place in the finals for granted and turned it on too late.

Rasheed is either an idiot or a genius for his comments before game 4. I think it definitely provided the extra emotion for bothplayers and fans to help the cav's pull out the game...but all they did was hold serve. I think it was too emotional of a game and the pistons will blowout the cav's in the next game....games six and possibly seven will be great basketball, I guarantee it. (anybody know why Drew Gooden was on the bench with 2 fouls during crunch time?)

Stick a fork in NJ because they are done...why the hell is Carter ball-handling late in the game when you have Jason Kidd on the roster...i don't get it. Dwayne Wade is proving he is the real deal and will lead Miami to the finals over Detroit/Cav's

I'd choose idiot to describe Rasheed right now. He's talking, the Pistons are sucking, the Cavs are fired up, and Sheed is now injured.

That Mavs-Spurs game last night took some of the taste of vomit out of my mouth after Detroit's putrid non-performance. How great was that game? While the Spurs are in a deeep hole, I can't count them out. I still have nightmares of Robert Horry burying that 3 (ON SHEED) to destroy the Pistons last year. SA is too good, and they're playing extremely well. Dallas has just been playing better, which I never thought would happen. But if anyone can pull this out, it's the Spurs.

I haven't been able to see too much of any of the games out west due to The timezone split and more importantly the fact that this is fiinals week at uni...

from what i've been reading, its the small ball that avery johnson is using thats giving the spurs trouble...the spurs are a dominating defensive team when their big men are controllign the paint but due to small-ball they can't do that. Avery johnson really deserves the award he got this year.

the clippers are clearly enjoying one of the biggest turnarounds in sports history (i enjoy hyperbole) but if they win they are goign to lose to the spurs/mavs (i also enjoy getting ahead of myself)

I haven't been this into the playoffs since the Philadelphia Iversons played the Lakers in the Finals....You Gotta Love It

You know, if I were the Spurs I would play:
Duncan,
Nazr Mohammed
Ginobili
Finley
Parker
for their main minutes, this would allow the spurs to assert their dominance in rebounds/blocks while keeping flexibility to D up the quick guys and score in bunches.

I like that rotation -- a lot of firepower in that group. Plus they'd have a superior defender and decent shooters coming off the bench. Sooo deep. Yet, so many guys have been stepping up for Dallas too, especially Devin Harris. For a 23 year old kid in only his 2nd NBA season, he's been phenomenal this series. Jason Terry has been excellent as well. Unlike a certain underperforming top team in the East, all the teams left in the West have been playing great basketball.

The Philadelphia Iversons...has a certain ring to it. :p

I give vast amounts of credit to Avery Johnson. Jason Terry has always had ability but I can't remember a situation in which he's played so well inside the team concept. Devin Harris is an absolute gift to the Mav's....i would LOVE to see the Mav's - Suns reunite in the finals....Cuban would be good for at least $50,000 worth in fines.

Oh man.. tonight's Clippers game was nervewracking. So tense.. and they let it get away. The Suns just have so much firepower and depth. You can foul out their stars and they still come right back at you. If the fuckin' Suns beat both of my teams, I'm gonna be very disappointed. The least I can ask of my guys is to take them to 7 games.

I hate you west-coasters....I just watched the clips on ESPN
[http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=260516021]

I was getting goosebumps watching the way Marion was struggling to get up after tweaking his ankle...that is one of the reasons I love sports...indescribable

I think there's a good chance Marion finished the game on an endorphin high....if this is the case and if he can't play 100% game six will be the clips...fuck finals, i'm watching.

Ok but you have a couple of problems here.
Nazr is not going to be able to guard Dirk. They do that high pick and roll with Dirk and Mohammed is not going to be able to keep up with him when Dirk puts it on the floor. Bowen is the only reason Dirk has been some what silent. I mean he's only averaging 24 PPG and that includes him getting to the line a lot. Dirk will have Mohammed in foul trouble early or he's going to get torched.

Parker can NOT D up Devin Harris right now. Devin is looking against the Spurs like Parker looks like against everybody else.

Finley...you do not want him starting the game right now. The man is a defensive liability. Daniels would abuse him.

I like the idea of the defender coming off the bench to maybe help stem the runs the Mavs tend to go on when Duncan is sitting but there are one too many match up problems that for this line up to work one would hope Dirk is going to have an off night. Otherwise it's going to be a massacre early if Dirk gets hot and gets on track for a 40 point game.

Well, Uncle Cliffy, hope that joint was worth costing your team an early exit in the 2nd round of the 2006 NBA Playoffs. Your ganja bill is going to rise exponetially when you have to face Jason Kidd and Vince Carter to explain how you could screw your team over when they needed you most. Have fun playing in Siberia for the rest of your career.

On the opposite spectrum of athletic excellence, how clutch is Raja Bell??? How tense of a game was that? I thought LA had it locked up for sure, but Raja Bell hits an evil, demonic, cold-blooded 3 in OT that would've make Kobe Bryant weep. Just sick! If the Clippers can come back from this to force a game 7, it will be some kind of miracle. The Clips really missed having Kaman down the stretch.

Sam Cassell, on The Executioner's OT 3: "We had a young guy in the game. It's not his fault that Raja made his shot, but we've got to know better in that situation," Cassell said. "We've got a foul to give, we've got to put Raja Bell in the fifth row with the popcorn man, but we didn't do it." Classic!

The Suns sure look like a team of destiny right now. Wins like that really bring teams together. The problem for them might be that their bodies are breaking down and they might not have enough left in the tank to go on. Tim Thomas, Marion, and Nash have all had injuries and are suffering physically. Kurt Thomas isn't ready to come back and may never be. Brian Grant is finished. Eddie House has disappeared. They're relying on just 7 guys, at least 3 of whom are worn down. It's gonna take alot of guts for them to pull this off, but luckilly, I think they have it.

I do expect the Spurs and Pistons to come through tonight as well. They know what's at stake and they'll be ready at home.

powerclown: you have my sympathies. That game could easily have gone either way.

I think some will need to rethink their Cavs-Pistons predictions. Ever since the GuaranSheed, the Pistons have imploded...

I think the death of the brother of Larry Hughes probably also had an effect. It looks like the team has really rallied around Larry and the decision to go to the funeral was a very good one, not just for basketball reasons.
I never would have expected both the Spurs and Pistons to be one game away from elimination this early. I still wouldn't count either of them out, but I wouldn't want to be in their position.

Thanks but the Pistons earned that loss. Again, they didn't play anywhere near how they've been playing all year long and up to the last 3 games. Who knows why. Bottom line: The Cavs have come to play, LeBron is a force and Detroit is struggling with something. I agree: the Larry Hughes thing could be bringing a lot of confidence to the Cavs. Hard to believe the Spurs are on the verge of elimination also. No lack of drama this year... :crazy:

The Mavs/Spurs overtime game and the Suns/Clips Double OT game wasn't drama enough for ya? :)

That's what I'm saying...it's been a great playoffs. At this point, I'm just hoping the Pistons series ends already and I can enjoy the rest of the playoffs without worrying about how Detroit is doing. I can't take the stress anymore!! :lol:

I don't understand.

The TNT crew is stressng defense for the Pistons, I have news for you. Numbers don't lie.

Cleveland is more then 13 less per game then the regular season in this series. Lebron is more then 10 under his points per game. Almost every single player on the roster except Varejao is under in almost every category when compared to the regular season.

It's not defense, The Cavs are making the Pistons work for every bucket through hard fouls, and good perimeter defense and with no interior Detroit is working that much harder, somthing they haven't had to do since Larry Brown left.

I still think Detroit wins this series, but really. Defense isn't the problem.

I'm performing voodoo rituals right now to make sure the Clippers win tonight.

Voodoo rituals? Does that involve sticking pins into a Raja Bell doll? If so, I'd be careful. Raja Bell is so tough that when you stick his voodoo doll with a pin, it reaches up and clotheslines you. Yes, Raja Bell is Chuck Norris with a 3-point shot.

In other news, the Jason Terry suspension just made things even more interesting in the Mavs-Spurs series. Personally, I don't think Jason should have been suspended, but I also think this could work out in the Mavs' favor, just like Raja's suspension worked in the Suns' favor. Jason has a bigger offensive role than Raja did, but now that Devin Harris is playing well, I think Dallas might be able to compensate. Dirk will need to take a bigger role than he has so far in the series, but he's more than capable of doing that.

People are not happy campers here in Detroit. They are blaming everyone and everything, from the coach to the towel boys. My only concern is getting out of the city alive once the rioting starts.

Should be a heck of a game tonight in LA. Hopefully Brand and Cassell will be at the top of their games...and that Kaman is playing. And GUARD RAJA BELL. Can anyone say triple overtime? Clippers 126 - Suns 122.

Wow thats the first I heard Jason Terry was suspended. Was it really that bad that it deserved a suspension? Christ, people pay good money to see bloody fighting in hockey -- these NBA guys are treated like children. (edit: just saw it on espn, quick rabbit punch to the nuts, no big deal. Jaysus christ. What a break for SA.)

Clippers Karma!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...clown/jack.jpg

My voodoo is strong.

I am so proud of my Clippers. They totally dominated that game. Something tells me Phoenix bought into the fact that they had played a shitload of basketball in the past month. Now they have a few days to rest and maybe they'll come out on Monday with a lot of energy. Either way, with Brand playing like the basket is 15 feet wide, and Kaman simply owning the inside, I feel like the Clippers have a better chance than the Lakers did.

I'd like to step back and reflect on these playoffs so far.. and note that they have been the most entertaining playoffs in recent history. Anyone else agree?

Two words:

GO CAVS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With all the injuries that the Suns have had to their big men (Amare, Kurt Thomas, and Brian Grant), the Clippers should be dominating every single game. The Suns have only made it this far on luck and heart. That's what's going to have to carry them in Game 7 as well. Getting Brand in foul trouble would probably help as well.

I totally agree, Halx. These playoffs have been amazing. The first round was great, and the second round has been even better. The Clips and Suns trading blows and taking it to game 7 completely up in the air. The two favorites from each conference being put up against the wall by surprising underdogs and then pushing it to game 7 in both match-ups. I almost feel bad for the teams that make the finals, because at this rate basketball fans will be completely emotionally drained before the tipoff of game one, hah. Either way, my faith has been somewhat restored in pro hoops.

just imagine how good the suns series would be if they had amare, and kurt thomas. It would be that much better

When I saw that there would be days and days between game six and seven in the Suns Clips series I told myself... I bet Kurt Thomas plays in game 7.

What a psychological boost it would be. Game 7, a new face and facet to their game- at home.

ESPN Tonight: "Thomas has a chance of playing spot duty in game 7."

Add to the fact that Dunleavy hasn't done to well in pressure packed game 7s and we have a very interesting game 7 coming up on Monday.

TO THE GOLF COURSE!!!

:D

I post this out of love. I love LeBron's game.
One day, King James is going to win multiple championships.
But not this year.
He is the real deal. And he will get his. But not now.

In the meantime, and for one day only, I will gloat.

--

2 game 7's tonight.
Gentleman, we have been spoiled this year with these phenomenal playoff series. Hope the Mavs and Clippers prevail!

Well the Mavs upheld their end. I'm cheering for the Clips as well.

I'm TRYING not to get over confident about them though.

Great wins by the Mavs and Suns.
The rest paid off for Nash, but can he keep it up throughout the next series? I think he can. Suns in 6.
The Pistons-Heat matchup should be fun as well. The Heat are coming in confident, while the Pistons have to be doubting themselves. Heat in 6.

I did not think Dallas would beat SA in a 7 game series, and they almost didn't. I think Dallas is going to win the Championship now, because the Suns are too one-dimensional while the Mavs are bigger, play better defense and they can score at will.

I thought LA would give the Suns a better match in game 7...hopefully that team (LA) will stay together and make a strong return . Once and if Stoudemire returns to the Suns, then they can talk about seriously winning a championship.

Detroit is playing poorly once again and I don't see them beating the Heat after watching the first game, which was basically a continuation of the Cavs series. Out of sync, no flow, poor shooting. Each Detroit player is trying to do too much, which simply won't work because there are no LeBron's or Wade's on this team. Flip Saunders should take A LOT of the blame for this, as the starting 5 are out of control, and the bench rotation is terrible - No energy out there. None of these things ever happened under Larry Brown. Disappointing for me to see after watching them play so great all year.

+++++++++++++++++

While I am inclined to agree with you, despite being a Suns fan, I think the key to this series is Kurt Thomas. He's been injured from the better part of the second half of the season. However, with him in the lineup, it opens up the low post for Diaw and Marion. If the Suns get an effective Thomas back in the lineup, they definitely have shot at beating the Mavs. Of course, it'll be another 6 or 7 game series.

Good point...it will be interesting to see if KT can make that difference for PHX if he can return, it will be much needed! PHX has better guards, all they need is that critical inside/post presence. Maybe Amare returns in a pivotal Game 7? :p

Wish I would have seen this earlier before the game because what I thought would happen happened.

The Suns don't need a post player. Becauser Dallas' 5s are not offensive threats. If the Mavs had a Duncan type player who was an offensive threat this would not be pretty for Phoenix. But considering Dampier is about as effective offensively as Shawn Bradley he's likely going ot sit for a good portion of the series. He could affect the game around the basket on the defensive end and keep all those easy runners in the lane from being there and even that could be mitigated by the Suns clearing out. But he's an offensive liability. You remove a viable offensive threat from the floor with him in the game. And even if he was able to get the ball deep in the post he probably wouldnt' finish. The worst thing he could do would be to cause a crap load of fouls on the Suns, but since he's a crappy free throw shooter hacking him would be a good defensive strategy. It would be worth a gamble for a quarter if Phoenix is not shooting lights out to feed him or Diop the ball down low in the post to draw some fouls. Phoenix is on a light rotation anyway. Forcing them to go into their bench early would be devastating possibly.

This is going to be a good series but unfortunately I kind of think this favors the Suns because the Suns cause as many match up problems for the Mavs as the Mavs lineup and depth caused for the Spurs.

Too bad Steve seems to never get tired playing with Phoenix like he did with the Mavs. He disappeared late into series with us. If Nash started playing poorly the Suns are finished.

I think one of the biggest problems for people playing the suns is that for most NBA players it's impossible not to play the Suns style.

When the Suns start running and gunning it gets everyone's juices flowing- players are reminded of their high school club ball days or similar all-star games where you just tried to score and bring the crowd to its feet. I think that in a 7 game series a good coach can only convince his players to stay away from the beer for so long then his players find themselves with a beer in their hands and say "wtf" let's go for it.

Plus everyone knows the Suns are small Nash is slow there's no one big down low to stop the drive or get rebounds so how can you help yourself. You've got to try and outscore these guys. (what the other team is thinking, not me.)

Great game.

I thought Dallas took too many (missed) quick shots down the stretch...they carelessly blew a big lead, but this is coming from a guy who has watched the game played at Detroit's speed for a while. Most of the game Dallas owned the paint, but when it mattered, the canuck took it to another level from outside. He was awesome. I still have to wonder how the Suns will survive if/when the shots stop falling -- though depending on the severity of their injuries, I think Dallas will be worse off without Howard. A LOT more fun to watch than the Eastern Finals so far.

Yep, yet another thrilling finish. Wouldn't have expected anything else.
Devin Harris really changed the game for the Mavs and the Suns need to find a way to stop him. Nash can't stay with him, the help is late, and then they commit silly touch fouls to let him get to the line for the +1. Also, they need to do a better job on the glass, limiting 2nd chance points and just grabbing onto loose balls.
I don't think Kurt Thomas is going to be able to help much in this series. Perhaps a handful of minutes at home, just to get the crowd going. He'll be more useful in the Finals, assuming they get there, so they don't want to rush him back too soon.

That last part is what happened last year. Everyone here was waiting for them to go cold. Dallas ran that same kind of team out and inevitablely the Mavs would go cold and it would allow the other team to come back or extend on them. But the shots likely are not going to stop falling because the Suns aren't settling for jumpshots. They are attacking the rim and nobody on the Mavs is putting the other guys on the floor for coming in the paint. Dampier would do that. But Dirk isn't going to hammer his bestest buddy Nash. Van Horn doesn't have that kind of mentality. And the other guys like Daniels and Howard just don't play that way. Terry and Harris aren't built to put Marion or that Diaw(sp?) on the floor. The Mavs need to ugly this game up but I don't think they are capable of doing it.

The heat nearly blew the game to start the 4th, Wade had a terrible three consecutive possessions of a turnover, two missed free throws, and another turnover. Nonetheless, he played an excellent game. The Pistons are known for making #1 options struggle from the field, but Wade is shooting 69% from the field this series, that’s insane. I give the Pistons credit for being a resilient team the last three years. However, that resiliency is well known because they have faced elimination several times since their Championship run. I thought the Heat were clearly the better team last year, and with Wade missing a game and Shaq injured (missed entire first round, just couldn't go full strength) they still went up 3-2. I'm not a Heat fan, and it isn't the Pistons fault that Miami was banged up, but just food for thought.

I love watching the Suns/Mavs series, it’s a shame that Bell is out. Barbosa isn't a bad substitute though, but they need somebody bigger and more physical to match up with Stackhouse and Howard. I think its funny how the broadcasters talk about Dirk adding a postup and 'drive to the bucket' game this year to elevate his overall game. It is simply not true. He has been playing very similarly for the last several years, and the statistics also agree. The key difference is that his team is winning more (Avery Johnson and defense).

How about Shaq dribbling over half the length of the court to lay it up. What had me laughing was Hubie Brown's commentary on that play.

When Shaq starts to dribble: Hubie> "Here we go"
When Shaq maintains his dribble and is charging the basket: Hubie> "Oh My"
When Shaq lays it up: Hubie> "Wow"

It is not as funny in text, and I am not positive that is what he said word-for-word. If you recorded the game, go back and check it out, funny stuff.

Shaq needs to do that more often. Who in their right mind would stand in front of a moving Diesel? The Heat are looking good and have to be the favorites to win the whole thing right now.

The Suns have to win tonight and I think they will. Even if they make it through this series though, I'm not sure how much of a chance they'll have against a rested Shaq. They're broken down and stumbling toward the finish. Now we'll really see what they're made of.

I hope Hubie will be commentating the Finals...he's good and funny. And you know your series is over when Shaq steals the ball from you and goes on a "fast break" for an uncontested layup. jesus. Miami comes out of the East, as the Pistons are too busy bitching about the coach, the refs, the system and eachother. Meltdown City. I have to admit, Miami is a decent team to watch. That Wade guy is good.

How about Dirk Nowitzki last night? Dallas paid him approximately $150,628 for taking off Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals and putting PHX back into the series. Well done, Dirk. So PHX plays an inspired game and its tied up now. This is turning into an interesting series.

Well, looks like Dirk made up for that day off in a big way. Still, I think the Suns got screwed on the technicals. That completed changed the momentum of the game. It went from a back-and-forth 1 point Mavs lead to a comfortable 5 point Mavs lead on 1 possession. The Mavs probably still would have won without those calls, but it's unfortunate that the game-breaking play was made by the refs and not the players.

It's looking more and more like a Game 7 showdown is on the horizon. Hopefully, Raja Bell can bounce back. He didn't look good in Game 5 and they'll need him if they're going to win this thing.

Miami needs to close things out tonight and I think they will. Shaq will be motivated after being knocked on his ass in Game 5.

Miami Dallas in the Finals.

Dallas dismantled the Heat in the regular season but Shaq didn't play in one game...think Wade didn't play the other.

Definately will be a good series. Quite looking forward to it. Will have to wait and see how this gets done but I think the Mavs in 7. The keys will be can Avery continue to morph and adjust his team line up to his advantage.

What's the line on Dallas vs Miami? I'd venture that Dallas are favorites, but not by much.

Dirk just went nuts after his 11 point night off and took over...what a beast. What a luxury it must be to have a guy like that on your team. Don't know what the line is, but I agree - Dallas has to be favored.

On paper, shouldn't it be a blowout? Is Miami really that good of a team? I can't tell yet. They have the 2 great players and a sack full of role players who run hot and cold depending on the weather (Haslem can be dangerous though). It seems Dallas matches up much more favorably top to bottom besides the 5. Dallas' role players are more athletic and consistent than Miami's, the bench is better, they're younger...why shouldn't this be a blowout? Coaching could be a factor, and superstar form could be a factor, and injuries/fatigue. I just don't see how Miami can beat Dallas. I'll go with 6 games.

Been a very, very enjoyable NBA playoffs 2006.

I'm only giving the Heat a shot because of Shaq. That is it. Dallas has played guys like Wade before and have won. I think if it was just him they could minimize his impact. However Shaq LOVES playing in Dallas. I have no idea why but he does. I'm not too worried about the other mercenaries on their team. Coaching COULD be a factor but I don't think people realize what a talent Avery Johnson is in that area.
Shaq will be the key to the games.

If he starts getting off offensively and keeps the Mavs big men in foul trouble...the games could be close to swing them in Miami's favor in the end. Dallas will not have a widen open shot in the lane like they had against San Antonio and the Suns. If Shaq struggles on the offensive end that means Wade and the rest of the team has to pick it up on the exterior and I think that can play into Dallas' hands. If the Heat aren't hot from outside it could be a simple matter of kind of letting Shaq having his. Shutting Wade down and getting out and running the ball. Miami can not run with the Mavs.

This has been the best overall playoff run in a long time.

I love that Detroit and San Antonio lost. I hate both those teams. Detroit is way over-rated and I have no clue why they've won so many games over the past few years.

I hope Miami wins just so Shaq can make his point to the Lakers and Kobe, that Shaq is the better player. Anyway, I just can't see Avery Johnson out coaching Pat Riley...... Go Heat.

Hopefully The Cavs can make a few moves to put them over the top.

Go ahead and hate the Pistons, but overrated? Really? No clue how they won so many games? Have you been paying attention the last 4 years?
Is this a West thing?
;)

I like Miami in 6. Shaq is back and even though Dallas has now got some big guys to foul him with, I don't think it's gonna be good enough. It's definitely a great matchup. Great players, great coaches, great cities. Mark Cuban. Yeah, it should be interesting.

i see miami winning in 7. haslem is a good enough athlete to slow nowitzki down and i'd love to see how nowitzki handles alonzo's physicality...i guarantee alonzo puts an elbow in the german's beer mug.

it's an interesting matchup in that the mav's have lots of athleticism and youth, while the heat have experience. should be a fun series.