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2011-2012 NBA Season - Page 15

post #701 of 988
5/20/12 at 5:57pm
Thread Starter 

Somebody's a frontrunner fan.

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post #702 of 988
5/20/12 at 11:30pm
Thread Starter 

Another heartbreaker tonite. The Clips had a great season, but the run came to an end. (Now they've gone fishin' with my man Billy Crystal) They should build on this year, and cement themselves as one of the best up and coming young teams.I just hope the notorious Donald Sterling actually pays some people, and they bring back the vital free agents (especially Chauncey Billups).

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post #703 of 988
5/20/12 at 11:54pm

The Spurs just keep finding new ways to impress. They took the Clippers' best punch, with Paul and Griffin both playing well, and a great game from Bledsoe, and still just executed flawlessly down the stretch to win. Honestly, I don't think you can say enough about the job that Popovich has done with this squad. They're completely composed all the time, they play the same whether they're down 20 in the first half or gutting out a close game with 2 minutes left. Their bench usage is perfect, managing to get consistently great production from a group of mostly cast offs. The defense in this series has been awesome, focusing on all the Clippers' weaknesses (shutting down the PnR and forcing Blake to take jumpers, among other things). Also, it's easy to say, in retrospect, that putting Jordan/Evans on the FT line is an obvious move, but Pop is the only coach who has the balls to consistently use that strategy.

 

Man, what can you say about Tim Duncan? I mean, 21-9-4 with 3 blocks on 9-14 shooting? Dude is 36, he's not supposed to be doing this.

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post #704 of 988
5/21/12 at 12:59am

Give Popovich tons of credit. The compressed schedule should've destroyed the Spurs, but he just threw away games here and there to ensure the team had gas in the tank right now. Health and stamina are going to determine the champs this year - we've already seen it eliminate a few teams. Who'd have guessed that the Spurs would be the ones to benefit?

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post #705 of 988
5/21/12 at 12:47pm

Stan Van Gundy and Otis Smith out in Orlando.  If you ask me, consistently making the playoffs with a team that was basically changed on you every single year shouldn't get you fired, but Dwight is clearly calling the shots here.

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post #706 of 988
5/21/12 at 1:18pm

Stan Van is a really good coach, but ultimately I think it could be a net positive if they can get somebody who will make Dwight happy.  Unfortunately who knows what will make Dwight happy?  Probably not even him.  It's not like when Shaq had a Riley who had the clout to match his ego.

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post #707 of 988
5/21/12 at 1:25pm

I really don't think the Magic should be planning on a future with Howard.

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post #708 of 988
5/21/12 at 1:30pm

I don't disagree, but if they're letting Dwight call the shots, then clearly that's exactly what they're hoping for.  Otherwise, why let him?

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post #709 of 988
5/21/12 at 1:32pm
Thread Starter 

No matter how good a coach you are, if you're a screamer or overly emotional like Stan was, your job security comes with an expiration date. The players eventually tune out. (happened to Mike Fratello in Atlanta <I remember reading a comment from Moses Malone saying his son asked him, "Daddy, why is that little man yelling at you?">, and Doug Collins everywhere) Stan needs a fresh start somewhere else.

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post #710 of 988
5/21/12 at 2:26pm

I think New York needs to shine the long-abandoned Van Gundy sign in the sky.

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post #711 of 988
5/21/12 at 2:47pm
Thread Starter 

As for who could become the next coach of Orlando, a should be potential candidate is one of their former players, Brian Shaw.

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post #712 of 988
5/21/12 at 7:08pm
Thread Starter 

The only thing I hate about OKC is the arena pumping "Whoop! There It Is" all thru the game. Mad corny, hillbillies.

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post #713 of 988
5/21/12 at 7:10pm
Thread Starter 

Celtic Pride big time tonite. Bass came through, and Rondo set the tone of the game. I hope this series is put to bed in six.

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post #714 of 988
5/21/12 at 7:30pm

New York or the Clippers would both be wise to pursue Van Gundy. Honestly, that Orlando team has been terribly constructed for a while, and pretty disfunctional for a couple years, yet Van Gundy consistently gets the best out of them. I think he's one of the better coaches in the league.

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post #715 of 988
5/21/12 at 7:56pm

You know, Artest is the only one to blame for the fact that he has the reputation he has, but I feel for him on that one. That's an unbelievably bad flagrant call. You could argue that it wasn't even a foul (he got him with the body, but the block up top was clean). Course, they compounded the error by getting 2 technical, which is their own fault, but the flagrant was as bad a call as I've seen recently.

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post #716 of 988
5/21/12 at 7:59pm
Thread Starter 

Yeah, a terrible, terrible call. Dennis Rodman is rolling over in his grave.

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post #717 of 988
5/21/12 at 8:27pm
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Kobe's kicking ass. Assassin mode tonite.

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post #718 of 988
5/21/12 at 8:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SomethingClever View Post

You know, Artest is the only one to blame for the fact that he has the reputation he has, but I feel for him on that one. That's an unbelievably bad flagrant call. You could argue that it wasn't even a foul (he got him with the body, but the block up top was clean). Course, they compounded the error by getting 2 technical, which is their own fault, but the flagrant was as bad a call as I've seen recently.

 

Watch the play again, but keep an eye on Artest's left hand. He knew exactly what he was doing. Just like the "knee drop" to Westbrook's groin in game three.

 

Not that I'm a homer or anything...

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post #719 of 988
5/21/12 at 9:22pm

Same story as it's been all series, the young legs of OKC were just too much for LA.

 

I can't decide if James Harden looks ridiculous or awesome with that Mohawk/Beard combination, I'm leaning towards awesome.

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post #720 of 988
5/21/12 at 9:26pm
Thread Starter 

OKC took it up a level in the 4th.

 

Can't wait for the Western Con. Finals!

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post #721 of 988
5/22/12 at 5:52pm
Thread Starter 

If the Pacers want to win this game and series, they gotta come out and play better than they did in the first quarter.

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post #722 of 988
5/22/12 at 6:09pm

Well, at least the Pacers are keeping it close. As for these fouls Haslem should have gotten nailed with a flagrant 2.

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post #723 of 988
5/22/12 at 10:16pm

I cant wait for the Spurs OKC series. The best team ball in basketball against the most talented team in basketball, I hope both teams play up to their potential.

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post #724 of 988
5/22/12 at 10:41pm

Honestly, I think the Spurs are going to win much more comfortably than anyone expects. I could be completely wrong about that, it could be a great, hard-fought series, but  I don't think so. OKC isn't going to be able to wear them down like they did LA, the Spurs have too much depth and have had too much rest. The Thunder don't seem anywhere near disciplined enough defensively to stop the Spurs (though, frankly, I don't think anyone has much chance at slowing them down right now). On the other end, OKC has 3 great offensive players, but they don't have a great offensive system. Smart teams can gameplan them to take away what they like to do and make them shoot tough shots, and there is no smarter team than the Spurs. Durant and Westbrook might make enough tough shots to win a few games anyway, but they're going to be working a heck of a lot harder to get their points than SA is.

 

I am super excited to see the battle between Manu and Manu 2.0 (Harden).

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post #725 of 988
5/23/12 at 5:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SomethingClever View Post

Honestly, I think the Spurs are going to win much more comfortably than anyone expects. I could be completely wrong about that, it could be a great, hard-fought series, but  I don't think so. OKC isn't going to be able to wear them down like they did LA, the Spurs have too much depth and have had too much rest. The Thunder don't seem anywhere near disciplined enough defensively to stop the Spurs (though, frankly, I don't think anyone has much chance at slowing them down right now). On the other end, OKC has 3 great offensive players, but they don't have a great offensive system. Smart teams can gameplan them to take away what they like to do and make them shoot tough shots, and there is no smarter team than the Spurs. Durant and Westbrook might make enough tough shots to win a few games anyway, but they're going to be working a heck of a lot harder to get their points than SA is.

 

I am super excited to see the battle between Manu and Manu 2.0 (Harden).

I intellectually agree with you. I just need to see it on the court. When OKC is right they look overwhelming. 

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post #726 of 988
5/23/12 at 3:44pm

My Pacers are in all likelihood going to lose this series. I'm not worried though, Miami won't be winning the title this year, or ANY year.

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post #727 of 988
5/23/12 at 8:01pm
Thread Starter 

As a Celtics fan, a very frustrating game tonite. What is it about this team's inability to make it easy on themselves?!! Game 7, anything can happen. Hopefully diffrent results than legendary '82 series.

 

ESPN rumor mill: Shaq as Magic GM? Wow. Talk about a leftfield choice!

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post #728 of 988
5/23/12 at 9:26pm

Is "leftfield" code for "unbelievably unimaginably stupid"? If I were a Magic fan (those exist, right?), I'd be mad that they're even thinking about this.

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post #729 of 988
5/23/12 at 9:38pm

I look forward to seeing what Shaquisitions he'll make in the offseason.

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post #730 of 988
5/23/12 at 10:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BrickBurgundy View Post

My Pacers are in all likelihood going to lose this series. I'm not worried though, Miami won't be winning the title this year, or ANY year.

All I want is a victory tomorrow night to make it a 7 game series. 

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post #731 of 988
5/24/12 at 4:08pm
Thread Starter 

I'm feeling the Pacers, inspired by Bird's rebuking, come out strong and force a game 7. Hibbert will be big (Hope, hope).

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post #732 of 988
5/24/12 at 7:54pm
Thread Starter 

Oh, well, bummer we don't get a game 7. Big steps forward for Indy, but Miami is the better team. Don't think Granger has what it takes to be his team's "the guy". Ideally, he'd be a great sidekick.

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post #733 of 988
5/24/12 at 8:00pm
You're right. Granger makes a better side kick. He did it when Reggie was still on the team. The Pacers need that "it" guy, the fun part is finding him. It was a fun series. I don't see the Heat winning a championship this year.
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post #734 of 988
5/24/12 at 8:02pm

What's the word on Bosh?  If he gets back in the next series and they start gelling by the finals, they're going to have a shot.

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post #735 of 988
5/24/12 at 11:32pm

I expect the Heat to get to the finals, but either team coming out of the West is going to be a beast.  And, even though we've been saying this for years, the Spurs may be on their last hurrah.

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post #736 of 988
5/25/12 at 4:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bailey View Post

What's the word on Bosh?  If he gets back in the next series and they start gelling by the finals, they're going to have a shot.


Last I heard he said that he wants to be back in the next series. Even if he's able to it'll be interesting to see what kind of shape he's in.

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post #737 of 988
5/25/12 at 5:15am

I am really sad to see Avery Bradley out for the Celtics, he provides such a spark, gives Rondo a running mate, and truly confounds Miami. Without him the Celtics become a much older and slower team. There is no guarantee they are even going to beat Philly. Wade is playing the best basketball I have seen from him since he played with Shaq. Lebron is looking truly dominant on the court. 40 18 and 9 in an important playoff game? That stat line is ridiculous. I fully expect Miami to make it to the finals at this point.

 

I was really surprised to see how Miami has been able to blow through Indiana, after the first 3 games it really looked like the Pacers should take the series. They had the size in the middle, athletes on the wings to contend with Wade and Lebron. But they got too caught up in the trash talk and retaliations and got away from their game plan. Whoever comes out of the west better be ready, becuase if Lebron and Wade are both playing at this level, I am not sure if anyone can match up with them.

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post #738 of 988
5/26/12 at 4:41pm
Thread Starter 

Game 7. Sixers/Celtics. In Boston. Not much more a hoops junkie can ask for!!!

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post #739 of 988
5/26/12 at 8:01pm
Thread Starter 

When Paul Pierce fouled out with 4 mins. to go, I thought the C's were in trouble. However, Rondo came through big time. 2 clutch 3's and another triple double.

 

I loved at the end of the game while being interviewed, when asked about Miami, KG said simply "Let's do it."

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post #740 of 988
5/26/12 at 8:19pm

I think they can really give Miami a series if Bosh is out.  Even if he's back, they've given Miami fits this year at times, so who knows?

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post #741 of 988
5/26/12 at 9:18pm

injury to Bradley seriously hurts Boston's chances. He gave Rondo a running mate and Miami could not match the speed of their backcourt when they were in there together.

 

Ray Allen is not hitting his shot, is not moving well. If Bosh plays in this series, Miami should walk through Boston. Bostons best chance is Lebron having one of his pressure meltdowns. But with Wade playing so well that might not even be enough for Boston.

 

This may be the easiest path I have ever seen a team take to the finals.  A ridiculous Knicks squad, a mediocre and not ready for prime time Pacers team, and a broke down Celtics team that barely squeezed by the 8 seed in 7.

 

Here's to looking forward to the Western Conference Finals.

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post #742 of 988
5/27/12 at 9:06pm
Thread Starter 

Very entertaining game. I think we'lre in for a good series. Have to agree with Charles tho that OKC may end up regretting not stealing this one. It was theirs to take. After a shaky start, SA just took it up a notch in the 4th.

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post #743 of 988
5/28/12 at 8:54pm
Thread Starter 

Shady refereeing tonite, that undercut any Boston momentum was despicable. However, Miami put the hammer down in the second half, outplayed the C's and earned the win. I didn't expect the C's to win Game 1 after the 7 game series, but the second quarter got my hopes up.

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post #744 of 988
5/29/12 at 2:58am

seriously, what is with the shady refereeing? It was terrible in the Heat/Indiana series and it looks more of the same here.

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post #745 of 988
5/29/12 at 4:37am

In a game in Miami, FTs were nearly equal, 23-21 Miami. Miami was called for more fouls (21-19).

 

There were a couple of cheap Ts, but hardly anything that affected the game. Miami outshot Boston 50%-40%, outrebounded em 48-33, and outblocked em 11-1.

 

With Garnett being the only Celtic to show up, I wonder if the rest of them took record-breakingly-fast showers to get out of there before his glare could zero in on them? smile.gif

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post #746 of 988
5/29/12 at 12:37pm
Thread Starter 

So the Draft Lottery is tomorrow. Who do you guys want to win it?

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post #747 of 988
5/29/12 at 2:44pm
Thread Starter 

The Gasol to the Bulls rumor is intriguing, but I hope it doesn't happen.

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post #748 of 988
5/29/12 at 2:48pm

Who would they trade Gasol for?  They wouldn't take Boozer without another valuable piece.  And what could end up being a net positive of giving up Boozer is probably a negative if you have to give up some other big piece too.  Boozer and Deng?  If Gasol hadn't showed serious signs of slowing down this year, then sure.  As of now I can't really think of a deal both sides would agree to.

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post #749 of 988
5/29/12 at 2:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fat Elvis View Post

So the Draft Lottery is tomorrow. Who do you guys want to win it?

 

The Kings.  Although if they leave Sacramento the Maloofs can go fuck themselves.

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post #750 of 988
5/29/12 at 6:34pm

The best deal for the Lakers I heard on this one is Deng and Gibson for Gasol......rather get CJ Watson and Deng....then we just got to hope Hill stays out of Prison.

 

I would not take Boozer.....he sucks and makes every team he goes to worse.

 

Kings would be interesting.....Hire Calipari as coach, Draft Davis to play alongside Cousins and Evans.

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