This Blazers-Rockets game is a good one. Tied with 5 minutes left. Yao and Przybilla have been battling.
Deron Williams is keeping the Jazz in it. But as I type this, Kobe just hit a sick, sick jumper near the end of the third.
[quote]Dabba wrote:
SergeantQ wrote:
Kaizen08 wrote:
That kobe dunk in Game 1 was one of the sickest I’ve seen in a while. Heres my predictions:
Lakers over Jazz in 5
Nuggets over Hornets in 6
Spurs over Mavs in 6
Blazers over Rockets in 7
Cavs over Pistons in 5
Celtics over Bulls in 7 (maybe bulls over Celts now that they are without KG and Powe)
Magic over 76’s in 6
Hawks over Heat in 7
Lakers over Blazers in 6
Denver over Spurs in 6
Cavs over Hawks in 6
Magic over Celtics in 6
Lakers over Denver in 5
Cavs over Magic in 6
Finals: Lakers over Cav’s in 6, im calling it right now
WooooooW! An early prediction of Lakers in 6 over Cavs with Cavs having homecourt advantage; very Ballsy! Especially with Cavs having a 39-1 record at home. In order for Lakers to pull this off, I think Odom and Kobe need at least 20 a piece every time they play in order to overpower the Cavs and force Lebron out of his game. If Kobe and Odom put up solid numbers, lebron will leave his teammates out and try to win it himself causing the Cavs downfall.
Overall, Ballsy prediction, but very possible with the Zen master at the helm.
The Cavs are actually 39-2 with that loss to Philadelphia at the end (although you might not have been counting that because LeBron and others rested). I don’t think this is too far out of the realm of possibility though, considering the Lakers were basically the only team to beat the Cavs at home. I think you’re right about LeBron taking it over by himself in that it would doom the Cavaliers. Then again, they aren’t an incredibly strong team without him. The increasingly obvious Cavs-Lakers matchup should be great to watch though.[/quote]
Well, the only way we have of telling how these two teams may match up in the finals (which is quite likely) are the two regular season games, both one by the Lakers (one of which was at the Cav’s home court). Now, the playoffs are drastically different, the case that each team has up to 7 games to devise a strategy to beat the other team. They will constantly be trying different strategies, and adjusting their strengths and taking advantage of the others weaknesses. Long term adjustments are made from game to game. The regular season doesn’t really allow for that. Only short term adjustments are made from quarter to quarter. Also, the Lakers can play some great D, but suffer from consistency. The Lakers also match up very well to the Cav’s in general. They’ve got the height, skill, and (at times) the depth.
Now, that really leaves stopping Lebron. I know that Kobe plays down to his opponent, often straying off his matchups. But when he knows he’s in for a challenge, Kobe plays some of the best D that could ever be seen. Ex. 2nd game of the series, when Lebron went ~30% on field goals. The rise of Shannon Brown both on perimeter offense and his ability to play D well provides more depth. Ariza has also been consistent on his defense, and his ability to knock down the 3 has seen some vast improvement. Bynum is back, and while he isn’t back to his pre-injury ways, he adds alot to the Lakers and creates better spacing on the floor. I predict the Cav’s to be a more difficult match-up than Boston was for the Lakers in 2008. With that said, the Lakers will have to be playing their absolute best basketball. In the past, Phil Jackson’s teams tend to play the best basketball when it matters the most, the playoffs. The Lakers also play very well in away games.
The Lakers have had 2 consistent and obvious weaknesses the entire season. One is defending big men who are also great perimeter players (ex. Okur, Troy Murphy). Two, weakness defending the PG, both on the perimeter and dribble penetration (ex. probably every game the Lakers have played). I have a feeling that alot of it will come down to how well Mo Williams is able to play. The Laker’s X-factor? Andrew Bynum. I think it all comes down to matchups and help defense. If not Lakers in 6, then Lakers or Cavs in 7.
[quote]Xeneize wrote:
Just too much LeBron. Especially for this fan.[/quote]
I don’t think the lady minds, she is smiling that LeBron is sitting in her lap. I just wish I had courtside seats haha.
B-Roy is sick, 42 points, including the GW shot was nice! He’ll definitely make a name for himself this playoffs and catapult himself into the NBA Elite. As Xenieze said, Kobe’s SICK jumper at the end of 3q was ill, it’s something only a few guys can pull off. The Lakers couldn’t shut the door on the Jazz in either of the first two games, but then again, as I stated earlier, the Jazz are a much better team than what their seed shows.
[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
pushmepullme wrote:
So tmoney, you’re not going to become a Nuggets fan?
PMPM, OKC is my hometown and since the Thunder are here, I’m a Thunder fan first and foremost. Gotta support the hometown. However, I do like the Nuggets, and when I move to CO, I will definitely watch them, and will try to make it down to Denver when OKC comes to town.
Being from CO, I assume you are a Nuggets fan.[/quote]
I grew up with them, and I am still so confused when I see that they are in the playoffs.
[quote]Kaizen08 wrote:
The Cavs are actually 39-2 with that loss to Philadelphia at the end (although you might not have been counting that because LeBron and others rested). I don’t think this is too far out of the realm of possibility though, considering the Lakers were basically the only team to beat the Cavs at home. I think you’re right about LeBron taking it over by himself in that it would doom the Cavaliers. Then again, they aren’t an incredibly strong team without him. The increasingly obvious Cavs-Lakers matchup should be great to watch though.
Well, the only way we have of telling how these two teams may match up in the finals (which is quite likely) are the two regular season games, both one by the Lakers (one of which was at the Cav’s home court). Now, the playoffs are drastically different, the case that each team has up to 7 games to devise a strategy to beat the other team. They will constantly be trying different strategies, and adjusting their strengths and taking advantage of the others weaknesses. Long term adjustments are made from game to game. The regular season doesn’t really allow for that. Only short term adjustments are made from quarter to quarter. Also, the Lakers can play some great D, but suffer from consistency. The Lakers also match up very well to the Cav’s in general. They’ve got the height, skill, and (at times) the depth.
Now, that really leaves stopping Lebron. I know that Kobe plays down to his opponent, often straying off his matchups. But when he knows he’s in for a challenge, Kobe plays some of the best D that could ever be seen. Ex. 2nd game of the series, when Lebron went ~30% on field goals. The rise of Shannon Brown both on perimeter offense and his ability to play D well provides more depth. Ariza has also been consistent on his defense, and his ability to knock down the 3 has seen some vast improvement. Bynum is back, and while he isn’t back to his pre-injury ways, he adds alot to the Lakers and creates better spacing on the floor. I predict the Cav’s to be a more difficult match-up than Boston was for the Lakers in 2008. With that said, the Lakers will have to be playing their absolute best basketball. In the past, Phil Jackson’s teams tend to play the best basketball when it matters the most, the playoffs. The Lakers also play very well in away games.
The Lakers have had 2 consistent and obvious weaknesses the entire season. One is defending big men who are also great perimeter players (ex. Okur, Troy Murphy). Two, weakness defending the PG, both on the perimeter and dribble penetration (ex. probably every game the Lakers have played). I have a feeling that alot of it will come down to how well Mo Williams is able to play. The Laker’s X-factor? Andrew Bynum. I think it all comes down to matchups and help defense. If not Lakers in 6, then Lakers or Cavs in 7.
[/quote]
Nice breakdown Kaizen. Two things stick out: You mention Kobe’s defense. I don’t think people realize how good of a defender Kobe really is, they are just concerned about his offense. Just like MJ, great on both sides of the ball. Two, Shannon Brown has definitely improved his game and really stepped up for the Lakers this year. I think he is the X-factor more than Bynum, but you can’t go wrong with either guy. I do agree with you Lakers win the title in 6.
[quote]pushmepullme wrote:
tmoney1 wrote:
pushmepullme wrote:
So tmoney, you’re not going to become a Nuggets fan?
PMPM, OKC is my hometown and since the Thunder are here, I’m a Thunder fan first and foremost. Gotta support the hometown. However, I do like the Nuggets, and when I move to CO, I will definitely watch them, and will try to make it down to Denver when OKC comes to town.
Being from CO, I assume you are a Nuggets fan.
I grew up with them, and I am still so confused when I see that they are in the playoffs.[/quote]
I assume it’s a good confusion. There were many years when the Nuggets were really bad, but they have really turned things around for the better the past few seasons.
[quote]chillain wrote:
So a bunch of my college buddies have this long hoops email thread running and the following question has just come up:
So you’re a present-day GM, which PG do you build around?
Parker or D Rose?
Deron or D Rose?
[/quote]
D Rose
Deron
Parker is getting old, and although is still one of the best PGs in the Association, the question asks for present day. So for me, Deron > D Rose > Parker. Deron has proven himself since day one until now, his fourth year, and while I don’t think D Rose will be sucking anytime soon, I’m going with the guy who is still young and has experience, as well as a proven leader.
T, what’s good brother? Sorry I’m late to the party. Here’s what I’m thinking:
Bulls/Celts- One of the two best 1st round match-ups. Picked the Bulls before the series and now with the injury to Powe and no KG I’m certain of it. Bulls in 7.
Rockets/Blazers- the other best 1st round series. It may not look like much on paper, but the Mutumbo loss hurts. He gives Ming 10-ish minutes of rest off the bench and makes Portlands slashers think twice about attacking. The biggest toss up this post season.
Cavs/Pistons- Before the series I honestly thought the Pistons might sneak in and steal it. Now I’d be surprised if they win one.
Heat/Atlanta- Still think the Heat can take this. That first game was horrible, but when they’re firing on all cylinders I like this matchup.
Orlando/Philly- this has the potential to be the biggest upset. Philly matches up well at most positions and has more firepower off the bench. I like Philly in this. They also have a straight cold blooded killer in Iguodala.
Denver/NO- Don’t see this going past 5. Denver’s just too solid.
San Antonio/Dallas- Not really sure about this. Dallas had the talent to be a top 3 seed but just can’t seem to figure things out. Just don’t think the Spurs have enough left in the tank. Dallas in six.
Lakers/Jazz- Had the Lakers winning the whole thing since this past summer. Jazz will steal one at home, but it’s a minor road block to the chip.
I tend to agree with you T, but that’s also what I was getting at: is there anyone more underrated than Tony Parker these days? Look I hate the Spurs as much as anyone (heh, deputydawg knows me) but dude is unguardable and when his jumper is on (16-22 last game!), he’s right up there with the best period.
But yeah, I do love Deron’s game. I’m prob a bit of a purist when it comes to PGs though. Also D Rose’s ceiling is looking out of this world so far. Looks like the game will be in good hands.
Ok WhiteFlash is here now, I knew we were missing someone.
Also, are people really trying to argue that CLE can beat LAL in a seven-game series? I hope they haven’t forgotten that LAL swept CLE in the regular season (and don’t give me that crap that regular season games don’t matter – cause they sure did this year). NBA history has also shown us that you need at least two stars to win it all. I like Mo Williams and all and maybe he’s good enough, heck maybe King James is good enough to defy “conventional wisdom” but I just don’t see it. Not this year or next year (when I expect LAL is even stronger, provided they resign the right guys like Ariza)
Flash, what’s good homie! It’s all good man, better late than never. Agree with most pics, your Rockets may be hurting w/o Mutombo. You’re right, he gives Yao a breather, but now Yao will need to play more, which will probably run him down a little. I think Aaron Brooks is the X-Factor for the Rockets. He needs to bring it for the Rockets to move on.
Good to have you on here bro, hope the knee is getting better.
[quote]WhiteFlash wrote:
T, what’s good brother? Sorry I’m late to the party. Here’s what I’m thinking:
Bulls/Celts- One of the two best 1st round match-ups. Picked the Bulls before the series and now with the injury to Powe and no KG I’m certain of it. Bulls in 7.
Rockets/Blazers- the other best 1st round series. It may not look like much on paper, but the Mutumbo loss hurts. He gives Ming 10-ish minutes of rest off the bench and makes Portlands slashers think twice about attacking. The biggest toss up this post season.
Cavs/Pistons- Before the series I honestly thought the Pistons might sneak in and steal it. Now I’d be surprised if they win one.
Heat/Atlanta- Still think the Heat can take this. That first game was horrible, but when they’re firing on all cylinders I like this matchup.
Orlando/Philly- this has the potential to be the biggest upset. Philly matches up well at most positions and has more firepower off the bench. I like Philly in this. They also have a straight cold blooded killer in Iguodala.
Denver/NO- Don’t see this going past 5. Denver’s just too solid.
San Antonio/Dallas- Not really sure about this. Dallas had the talent to be a top 3 seed but just can’t seem to figure things out. Just don’t think the Spurs have enough left in the tank. Dallas in six.
Lakers/Jazz- Had the Lakers winning the whole thing since this past summer. Jazz will steal one at home, but it’s a minor road block to the chip.[/quote]
[quote]chillain wrote:
I tend to agree with you T, but that’s also what I was getting at: is there anyone more underrated than Tony Parker these days? Look I hate the Spurs as much as anyone (heh, deputydawg knows me) but dude is unguardable and when his jumper is on (16-22 last game!), he’s right up there with the best period.
But yeah, I do love Deron’s game. I’m prob a bit of a purist when it comes to PGs though. Also D Rose’s ceiling is looking out of this world so far. Looks like the game will be in good hands.
[/quote]
Chillain, I agree with you, Parker is pretty underrated, and I looked it up and saw he will turn 27 next month, so really, he’s not that old. Nash didn’t start really tearing it up until his early 30s, when he won his B2B MVP’s. I agree when his jumper is on, it’s hard to stop him. And his ability to get to the basket by way of slash and speed is phenomenal.
Yeah, can’t go wrong with the Deron/CP3/D-Rose PG future. I will admit I was against the Bulls picking Rose with the first pick last year (guard-heavy Bulls, Beasley better fit, Rose going home, too many distractions, etc) but I will be the first to man up and say I’m glad I was wrong, he’s a great fit and will be good for the future of the Bulls and the NBA.
[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
Kaizen08 wrote:
The Cavs are actually 39-2 with that loss to Philadelphia at the end (although you might not have been counting that because LeBron and others rested). I don’t think this is too far out of the realm of possibility though, considering the Lakers were basically the only team to beat the Cavs at home. I think you’re right about LeBron taking it over by himself in that it would doom the Cavaliers. Then again, they aren’t an incredibly strong team without him. The increasingly obvious Cavs-Lakers matchup should be great to watch though.
Well, the only way we have of telling how these two teams may match up in the finals (which is quite likely) are the two regular season games, both one by the Lakers (one of which was at the Cav’s home court). Now, the playoffs are drastically different, the case that each team has up to 7 games to devise a strategy to beat the other team. They will constantly be trying different strategies, and adjusting their strengths and taking advantage of the others weaknesses. Long term adjustments are made from game to game. The regular season doesn’t really allow for that. Only short term adjustments are made from quarter to quarter. Also, the Lakers can play some great D, but suffer from consistency. The Lakers also match up very well to the Cav’s in general. They’ve got the height, skill, and (at times) the depth.
Now, that really leaves stopping Lebron. I know that Kobe plays down to his opponent, often straying off his matchups. But when he knows he’s in for a challenge, Kobe plays some of the best D that could ever be seen. Ex. 2nd game of the series, when Lebron went ~30% on field goals. The rise of Shannon Brown both on perimeter offense and his ability to play D well provides more depth. Ariza has also been consistent on his defense, and his ability to knock down the 3 has seen some vast improvement. Bynum is back, and while he isn’t back to his pre-injury ways, he adds alot to the Lakers and creates better spacing on the floor. I predict the Cav’s to be a more difficult match-up than Boston was for the Lakers in 2008. With that said, the Lakers will have to be playing their absolute best basketball. In the past, Phil Jackson’s teams tend to play the best basketball when it matters the most, the playoffs. The Lakers also play very well in away games.
The Lakers have had 2 consistent and obvious weaknesses the entire season. One is defending big men who are also great perimeter players (ex. Okur, Troy Murphy). Two, weakness defending the PG, both on the perimeter and dribble penetration (ex. probably every game the Lakers have played). I have a feeling that alot of it will come down to how well Mo Williams is able to play. The Laker’s X-factor? Andrew Bynum. I think it all comes down to matchups and help defense. If not Lakers in 6, then Lakers or Cavs in 7.
Nice breakdown Kaizen. Two things stick out: You mention Kobe’s defense. I don’t think people realize how good of a defender Kobe really is, they are just concerned about his offense. Just like MJ, great on both sides of the ball. Two, Shannon Brown has definitely improved his game and really stepped up for the Lakers this year. I think he is the X-factor more than Bynum, but you can’t go wrong with either guy. I do agree with you Lakers win the title in 6.[/quote]
Actually, now that I think about it, and the impact he has had so far coming off the bench, Shannon Brown may be more of an X-factor than AB, especially since Brown solves many of the weak perimeter defense problems. Good catch!
[quote]chillain wrote:
Ok WhiteFlash is here now, I knew we were missing someone.
Also, are people really trying to argue that CLE can beat LAL in a seven-game series? I hope they haven’t forgotten that LAL swept CLE in the regular season (and don’t give me that crap that regular season games don’t matter – cause they sure did this year). NBA history has also shown us that you need at least two stars to win it all. I like Mo Williams and all and maybe he’s good enough, heck maybe King James is good enough to defy “conventional wisdom” but I just don’t see it. Not this year or next year (when I expect LAL is even stronger, provided they resign the right guys like Ariza)
[/quote]
No way CLE beats LAL in the Finals, I don’t see it going past 6. The regular season sweep was HUGE, and this will definitely carry over into the playoffs. Yeah, you def need two stars to win (or one star and one player who is either really good, or caught fire at the right time). I don’t LBJ can do it by himself. That’s what happened in 07, and the Spurs swept them. He needs Mo, big Z, Sasha, heck the whole team to play their A game.
Yeah, Ariza is bigtime, he def needs to be resigned. Vujacic and Farmar are keepers, Walton needs to go.
[quote]chillain wrote:
I tend to agree with you T, but that’s also what I was getting at: is there anyone more underrated than Tony Parker these days? Look I hate the Spurs as much as anyone (heh, deputydawg knows me) but dude is unguardable and when his jumper is on (16-22 last game!), he’s right up there with the best period.
But yeah, I do love Deron’s game. I’m prob a bit of a purist when it comes to PGs though. Also D Rose’s ceiling is looking out of this world so far. Looks like the game will be in good hands.
[/quote]
Funny, all I hear about from basketball fans and analysts these days is how good Parker is. In my view he’s overrated a bit, especially putting him up there with guys like CP3 and Deron Williams. He is pretty damn dangerous once he gets in the lane though I admit. I think that most of his scoring comes from the fact that the Spurs just don’t really have that many scorers, especially with Ginobili being out. They have Duncan, Parker, and Roger Mason Jr. After that, scorers are a scarcity. Maybe I’m wrong though and he really is that good.
PS: Congrats to my boy Derrick Rose on winning ROY!
[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
chillain wrote:
Ok WhiteFlash is here now, I knew we were missing someone.
Also, are people really trying to argue that CLE can beat LAL in a seven-game series? I hope they haven’t forgotten that LAL swept CLE in the regular season (and don’t give me that crap that regular season games don’t matter – cause they sure did this year). NBA history has also shown us that you need at least two stars to win it all. I like Mo Williams and all and maybe he’s good enough, heck maybe King James is good enough to defy “conventional wisdom” but I just don’t see it. Not this year or next year (when I expect LAL is even stronger, provided they resign the right guys like Ariza)
No way CLE beats LAL in the Finals, I don’t see it going past 6. The regular season sweep was HUGE, and this will definitely carry over into the playoffs. Yeah, you def need two stars to win (or one star and one player who is either really good, or caught fire at the right time). I don’t LBJ can do it by himself. That’s what happened in 07, and the Spurs swept them. He needs Mo, big Z, Sasha, heck the whole team to play their A game.
Yeah, Ariza is bigtime, he def needs to be resigned. Vujacic and Farmar are keepers, Walton needs to go.[/quote]
Ha,what up Chill? People also forget that Bryant dislocated his finger a few plays into their first match-up, so they won with the best player on the planet unable to compete at full strength. Lebron James is a freak, but there is no way Kobe Bryant allows his team to lose again. NO WAY. Also, Shannon Brown kicked LBJ’s ass in the McDonalds dunk contest years ago and got robbed 'cause LBJ had the name. Expect him to get revenge by tea bagging big Z.