NBA Thread

[ScottyB724]

anyone see that overtime game last night against the heat?! Da bulls have clinched home court advantage with that win I believe.
I'm scared for D Rose though, I know he was incredibly rusty after missing so much time, but I'm worried about his and Rip's health and longevity throughout the playoffs. Who knows though, with our depth we can go far without the reigning mvp. I am excite.

[Azyiu]

Originally Posted by VILARIKA

This thread slipped my mind for a minute, probably because I haven't been watching much basketball lately. Anyways...

What's up with this Dwight drama you're talking about Azyiu? I didn't even know it existed. I'm sure it's an old topic now, but I thought it was the Magic that were playing awful, and Dwight having the occasional flop game.

You've missed some great fun, man! Long story short, SVG was telling reporters one day he received info not from the media, rather from within the organization that D12 went to management, and asked SVG to be fired.

Stan Van Gundy Confirms Reports That Dwight Howard Wants Him Fired - SBNation.com

[Azyiu]

Originally Posted by ScottyB724

anyone see that overtime game last night against the heat?! Da bulls have clinched home court advantage with that win I believe.
I'm scared for D Rose though, I know he was incredibly rusty after missing so much time, but I'm worried about his and Rip's health and longevity throughout the playoffs. Who knows though, with our depth we can go far without the reigning mvp. I am excite.

Congrats to you guys for the other night's victory over the Heat, man. Especially when Rose virtually a non-factor most of the game, and your Bulls still managed to win this one.

Having said that, I am NO Heat fan, but I am curious to know what is going on with them as a team. They've been playing .500 ball in the past 12 games. I know their bench sucks as much as ours (Lakers), but their starters are just too good to be playing like crap this close to the playoffs. I won't be surprised at all if they get beaten earlier than most people are expecting, says, in the second round vs. the Pacers. Hell, as of now I just don't see them making it back to the Finals at all.

[ScottyB724]

Agreed, what I have been hearing most about the Heat is that they are just bored and waiting for playoffs to start when they believe they can just magically flip the switch on and start dominating. Obviously this is not the right way to go about things, and I think they will get knocked out before the conference finals, maybe by the resurgent Celtics even.

The whole D. Howard thing is just a hilarious car wreck, that guy has lost his mind.

[VILARIKA]

Originally Posted by Azyiu

You've missed some great fun, man! Long story short, SVG was telling reporters one day he received info not from the media, rather from within the organization that D12 went to management, and asked SVG to be fired.

Stan Van Gundy Confirms Reports That Dwight Howard Wants Him Fired - SBNation.com

Wow, it must be really awkward in Orlando right now . And I agree, they should have just traded him when they had the chance. He's obviously not coping well with the organization there, he's better off pulling a Shaq.

I wish I couldn't comment on the Heats recent failures but I haven't watched enough basketball to add anything. I will say this though; the Heat got a lot of shit last year when they were on a painful losing streak. They were (and still are) the most hated team in the NBA by teams and lot's of fans, plus they just formed an entire new team (minus Wade, Haslem, etc.). Somehow, they pulled their shit together and competed for a championship in only their first year as a team.

I'm not a Heat fan at all, but I do commend the amount of work it takes to get an entirely new team to come together and nearly live up to their hype. At this point, I still see the Heat going far and the Bulls almost making the cut unfortunately. Rose and Rip have to stay healthy and consistent for the Bulls to have a fighting chance at beating an offensive and defensive force like the Heat.

Also, these damn Spurs never quit man. Never. I just watched some highlights of a recent Spurs game and I saw their season record so far. How are they still one of the best teams in the league?

[RTheodoppalus]

Looks like Ron Artest showed up this afternoon. So much for "Metta World Peace." Hardin could have been crucial in the final minutes of regulation, I hope he's okay. Let's see what happens in overtime.

[RTheodoppalus]

And that's all she wrote folks. What's everybody's pick for the Finals? Honestly, the Thunder have the potential to get there, they just have to commit themselves not to be so careless with the ball. They average 15+ turnovers a game.

[Azyiu]

Metta World Peace was more like Metta World War. What he did yesterday was uncalled for and it was terrible! As a Lakers fan I am pretty pissed at both Bynum and World Peace for what they did last year and yesterday.

[djpharoah]

Originally Posted by Azyiu

Metta World Peace was more like Metta World War. What he did yesterday was uncalled for and it was terrible! As a Lakers fan I am pretty pissed at both Bynum and World Peace for what they did last year and yesterday.

MWP transformed back into Ron Ron with that play... disgraceful.

[VILARIKA]

Why is it that every time a player intentionally fouls another player, they act like they didn't mean to do it?

[JP Universe]

....ing hate Metta world peace/Ron artest....... Poor Harden.... Go Thunder!!!

[RTheodoppalus]

Looks like Ron Ron/MWP is going to miss at least the first series of the playoffs with a seven game suspension, barring the first round doesn't go seven games. I guess David Stern decided to bring down the hammer for the repeat offender. [FACT: MWP has been suspended fourteen times in his fourteen year career.]

Also, tonight my be the last night Steve Nash wears a Suns uniform.

[Azyiu]

Originally Posted by RTheodoppalus

Looks like Ron Ron/MWP is going to miss at least the first series of the playoffs with a seven game suspension, barring the first round doesn't go seven games. I guess David Stern decided to bring down the hammer for the repeat offender. [FACT: MWP has been suspended fourteen times in his fourteen year career.].

It's hard for me to say it, but World Peace has once again done something so stupid and again let his team down; just like he had done while with the Pacers.

Originally Posted by RTheodoppalus

Also, tonight my be the last night Steve Nash wears a Suns uniform.

Where will he go next is what I am most interested to know. At this moment, the Heat seem to be the most logical destination for him, as long as he is willing to take just the vet minimum. But Nash joining the Heat?!

[Azyiu]

First round prediction time:

I think the Hawks are finally going to beat the Celtics this playoffs, I'd say 6 games the Hawks! Especially now that Pierce got hurt (toe), and who knows how serious his injury might be?

As much as the Mavs playing like they don't care lately, I still think they have a great chance in "upsetting" the Thunder. That series would be a tight one, and could potentially be a classic series. I don't know, Thunder in 7, and barely beat the Mavs.

The Grizzlies over the Clippers. IMO, the Grizzlies are simply a much deeper and better coached team. Grizzlies in 5 or no more than 6! Losing Billups hurts the Clippers more than people realize.

And I think we should take care of the Nuggets, but that team is too quick and so balance on the offensive ends, we might lose at least 2 in that series. I'd say we will take care of them in 6, but it won't be an easy series for us.

Am I crazy to predict the Pacers are going to sweep the Magic?

[ScottyB724]

Son of a mother ....er. D Rose has torn his ACL and is done for a looong time. I can't even believe this shit I just want to cry. Oh well, I think we may even have a chance to still make it to the conference finals, but it won't be pretty.

....

[Sicarius]

Expected the Heat to pull some shady shit to get foul shots.

Did not expect it to be that much, or that often.

When are they going to implement regulations against players faking hits, or throwing themselves into players to get the contact foul on jumpers? It's getting pretty ridiculous.

[chrisharbin]

Sorry about Rose, Go anyone except fakers, warmth, or cellticks. Unfortunately that is who will win though.

Anyone miss shack? Na, me neither.

[Azyiu]

Poor D-Rose and the Bulls... but then injury is part of the game.

Man, that Mavs / Thunder game turned out to be more entertaining than I'd expected originally. Great win for OKC! I understand the Mavs had zero TO, but did Marion realize there was ONLY 1.5 seconds left on the clock? I'd much rather throwing up a pray then this... geez.

[Sebastian]

Miami Good to see them in good shape, but I Really hope the Lakers will get to the finals this year!

[chrisharbin]

Booooooooooooooooo!

[VILARIKA]

Shame on the Grizzlies for letting the Clippers achieve one of the best comebacks in playoff history.

The Heat are toying with the Knicks; it's uncomfortable to watch the games...

[texshred777]

My thoughts on the playoffs thus far:

I really wish the Mavericks would stop shooting the 3 so much. They get into this habit where they keep lobbing up 3's which don't fall, time and time again down the floor. When the game's close, it's the time to be aggressive and not settle for low percentage shots. Get in the paint and draw the fouls. The Mavs are an excellent free throw shooting team. They can be a good three point shooting team too, but when it's not falling and you're down by 4 or 5 just take the high percentage shots and get back on D. Missed 3's are a perfect transition opportunity for an athletic team like OKC. The Mavs may be able to get past OKC(doubtful from what I've seen so far) but I doubt they'll win the conference again.

I'm disappointed in Boston, between Pierce injuring his toe, KG's chronic hip flexor issues, Ray Allen being out with bone spurs and Rondo's temper tantrums-I was looking forward to seeing them in the playoffs. I like the team play of Boston. They're terrible on the offensive glass but they're a great team

Amare, Amare. I know he's frustrated, what was supposed to be his team has become Melo's. He doesn't really have as big a role as he (thought he)should have and from what I've heard he wanted to go to Miami but they wanted Bosh(I would have gone with Amare myself). Be that as it may, playoffs are not the time to let your anger or frustration get the best of you(that goes double for Rondo). That's when everyone needs each other more than ever. With that said, Miami was going to sweep them(best case scenario 5 game series) anyway. NY seriously needs to look at the team dynamic and make some choices this summer. They need more weapons for sure.

[Azyiu]

Originally Posted by texshred777

My thoughts on the playoffs thus far:

I really wish the Mavericks would stop shooting the 3 so much. They get into this habit where they keep lobbing up 3's which don't fall, time and time again down the floor. When the game's close, it's the time to be aggressive and not settle for low percentage shots. Get in the paint and draw the fouls. The Mavs are an excellent free throw shooting team. They can be a good three point shooting team too, but when it's not falling and you're down by 4 or 5 just take the high percentage shots and get back on D. Missed 3's are a perfect transition opportunity for an athletic team like OKC. The Mavs may be able to get past OKC(doubtful from what I've seen so far) but I doubt they'll win the conference again.

I'm disappointed in Boston, between Pierce injuring his toe, KG's chronic hip flexor issues, Ray Allen being out with bone spurs and Rondo's temper tantrums-I was looking forward to seeing them in the playoffs. I like the team play of Boston. They're terrible on the offensive glass but they're a great team

Amare, Amare. I know he's frustrated, what was supposed to be his team has become Melo's. He doesn't really have as big a role as he (thought he)should have and from what I've heard he wanted to go to Miami but they wanted Bosh(I would have gone with Amare myself). Be that as it may, playoffs are not the time to let your anger or frustration get the best of you(that goes double for Rondo). That's when everyone needs each other more than ever. With that said, Miami was going to sweep them(best case scenario 5 game series) anyway. NY seriously needs to look at the team dynamic and make some choices this summer. They need more weapons for sure.

I don't entirely agree with your thought on the Mavs shooting 3s. True, they are only ranked 20th in terms of 3-point shooting this year as a team, but who do they really have a low post scorer? Instead of just going low post they should run some pick and rolls, or pick and pops. They are a dangerous mid-range team, and I am a bit surprised they don't run more of those.

Between the Hawks and the Celtics, game 3 is make or break for the Hawks in my opinion. With Josh Smith status unclear, the rest of the guys better show up and get one in Boston. If they fail and lose game 3, this series won't go between 5 games!

NY had no shot at the Heat before the series even started, so I am not really sure what Amare is pissed about. He took it hard to the glass, I can give him that!

Although the Grizzlies relaxed too early and choked away game 1, I think they will still win the series against the Clippers. Without Butler, they really have no one else can chase around Gay; and to me Griffin still remains a "fun to watch" guy, if you know what I mean.

[chrisharbin]

Goodbye dallas. Question, why does the nba do this every year? They have teams who are finished and done with the series when others haven't even had game 3?

Hate the nba playoffs, always a drawn-out thing. Was at least better when the first round was only 5 games.

[Azyiu]

Originally Posted by chrisharbin

Goodbye dallas. Question, why does the nba do this every year? They have teams who are finished and done with the series when others haven't even had game 3?

Hate the nba playoffs, always a drawn-out thing. Was at least better when the first round was only 5 games.

Yep, it is official, and the Mavs are forever linked with the Heat as the only other defending champs to get swept in the first round the next season.

As for the scheduling, I don't have a problem with that, and it has improved a lot as compared to the 2002 - 2004 seasons. Sure, I think those 5-game first round series are more exciting to watch; only the true better team can win in the 7-game settings. Usually that translates into better competitions in the latter rounds. So I have no trouble with it.