NBA '08 Playoff Thread

That's what I was thinking. It's the NBA Finals and you are some of the best basketball players in the world, and in one case the best - maybe - player in the world, and you are going to blame the baskets? Really?
Anyway, I'm curious to see if the Celtics play better, and I think they can offensively, in Game 2. The Lakers will surely play better offensively, so I guess we'll see how the Celtics respond to that.

 

Hey Angola ... shuddup. [/frustratedLakersfan]

 

Jackson says three, maybe four, of Kobe's shots were contested the other night.

What's that expression? Arrogance is bliss?

 

I think my man Boobie might be reflecting a little arrogance himself after just one game, since every little thing the Lakers say that shows any confidence in themselves seems to drive him up a wall.
We're just one game in, Boobie. We all know these series can turn on a dime. You do have to admit, Boobie that there were an abnormal amount of "rim outs" on Laker shot attempts. A few more of those fall and the Lakers are just as easily up 1-0.

 

Rim outs are part of the game. It's just funny to hear them talk about bunnies and shots that weren't contested. You watched the game, do you agree?

And hell, I kinda just wanted to use the arrogance is bliss line. Believe me what they're saying isn't getting under my skin. I'm only worried about 3 more W's.

 

This isn't directed at anyone in particular, just those who always like to talk about how the game used to be played the right way, unlike today. Anyways, I caught a show on ESPN Classic about the '84 Lakers-Celtics finals. Here's a brief rundown of some of the crunch time performances. In G2, McHale missed two FTs at the end of regulation that would have tied the game late only to be bailed out by Henderson's steal, which of course came off of an indefensibly lazy pass in the backcourt (by Worthy?). The Lakers then get the ball back tied up with about 10 seconds left and Magic dribbles the clock out. Literally. He dribbled the ball at the top of the key, might have been trying to enter it to Kareem, but then as the clock got to about one he realized nothing was doing and kicked the ball to a teammate as the buzzer sounded. And then in G4, with the game tied on the last possession Magic forced a horrendous entry pass to Worthy that was easily stolen by Parrish. In OT, Magic had 2 FTs in a tie game late, missed them both. Then a little later Worthy had two to tie and made one.

I'm not trying to make a point that today is better than then or anything. And I know these are only a few plays from a few games. I just think it's important to note that, while we all get caught up in the nostalgia and remember the great plays and games, yesteryear wasn't always filled with exquisitely played, fundamentally sound basketball either.

 

Most nights, there are an abnormal amount of "rim outs" on shot attempts against the Celtics.

Defense does it.

 

The Lakers' comments on shots just missing is weird. In the first half, they drained everything from outside. Law of averages caught up with them, that's all. You're not going to beat Boston (or pretty much anyone else), from outside.
Kobe's had 9 for 26 nights this season against teams that aren't so good defensively, too. All shooters do. Two of 'em in a row, that would be good defense.

 

I've yet to read an explanation why Pierce and The Celtics are foregoing the MRI. If there were a tear in the knee somewhere, wouldn't they want to know the severity of it?

The Laker's appeared to play Game 1 as if all they had to do to win is just show up. Their comments about the rims, Pierce faking his injury, and Kobe having an off night since, strike me that they don't believe the Celtics are really that good.

 

By league rules, don't they have to release the MRI results? If Pierce feels he can go, the Celtics will let him go.

But he won't be the same player, and the Lakers know it now. I think it's 1-1 headed to Tinseltown.

 

I don't think he faked it, I think he milked it. By the time he was carried off, I seriously doubt he was in the kind of excruciating pain that he made us think he was. I also think the absence of an MRI is telling, since teams will do an MRI on a hangnail. The Celtics' medical staff obviously thinks he's not seriously hurt enough to warrant it. My guess is that Pierce will come out with a brace on his knee tonight, but his play will show no visible effect of the injury.

 

I agree with part of your post, but definitely not the end. He did get injured, I don't think there's any disputing that. I think it's clear that it wasn't a "carry him off the court" injury, but he certainly sprained his knee or whatever the official injury is being called. He was a little ginger when he came back even though he played well and then waking up the next day it was naturally more swollen and stiff. I definitely think it will have an impact on him going forward.

Re: the MRI, the reason Pierce gave for not having one is because he's playing anyways so what's the point? He might have a slight tear or something but he feels like he can play and there obviously isn't a really serious injury, so there's no reason for an MRI right now because no matter what it comes back saying he's going to play. I wouldn't be shocked if he has to have some type of surgery after the finals.