NBA '08 Playoff Thread

The thing is, Boobie, I've never heard of a team forgoing an MRI if they thought there was the slightest chance of a significant injury. It's a simple, precautionary measure that's usually done at the drop of a hat, and it can show whether a player has an injury, like a partial tear, that could be made worse by playing. If they didn't even think it was worth that, I think Pierce's injury must be pretty minor.

 

I think it's odd too. But you think there is no injury whatsoever? I think he has a sprained knee. If that's the case I think the trainers would want an MRI to make sure. I'm not sure why they aren't forcing one, but I'm inclined to believe more that they're listening to Pierce and not making him get one.

 

No, I think he hurt his knee. But I think it's the kind of injury that requires an ace bandage and an extra Advil, not real medical attention. I don't doubt that Pierce was scared when it first happened, but I think he probably could have gotten up and walked it off instead of all the dramatics that followed. And I think now he would feel a little silly saying, "You know what? I'm pretty much fine."

If he goes out there and really is limited because of the knee, I will freely admit I'm wrong.

 

Pierce will go for 22 tonight. The injury means nothing.

They're not having an MRI done because they don't want to know what it is, since they want and need him to play.

 

There is no good reason why tonight's game couldn't start at 6 or 7 or 8. I don't buy the TV thing -- I actually believe the ratings would be higher for, let's say, a 6:30 tip. It's not too early for the West and a good time in the East. During the work week is one thing, but on a Sunday night games should not start this late.

 

I'm actually more fired up for this game than G1. I feel like the Lakers had a "too cool" type vibe in the first game and in the aftermath. Not that I expect them to be rattled, but they just seem to have an attitude like they could have won if a few things went their way, with the underlying message that they expect those things to go their way tonight and they'll get a W. I expect a great one. In this stupid 2-3-2 format G2 is hugely important.

 

Note to ABC: Sometimes these legends are better seen and not heard. Bill Russell was a arguably the greatest player of all time, but ... well ... let's just let the man stand and wave from his courtside seat.

And Boobie? Why shouldn't the Lakers feel that way? They weren't exactly dominated in Game 1. If a couple of shots do go in, they might very well HAVE won the game. Would you rather they curl up in a fetal position, do a little in-fighting on the team to creat some drama and fold like ... well ... Detroit?

 

Didn't I say I wouldn't expect them to be rattled? I have no problem with that attitude -- it's really the one you need to have -- but you also need to back it up. That's why I'm fired up for tonight because they need to come out and back it up. If they don't, they're in trouble. And I don't know how much solace I'd take in "not being dominated" at this point. I mean the lines on the games so far have been 2 at the highest I think. No one expects a blowout. They are evenly matched teams. You can look at G1 the way you are, which again I said I understand, but you could also look at it and say we only get seven chances to win four games. We just squandered a pretty good chance to get one, so now we're down to six to get four.

And really let's let the "a lot of shots rimmed out" line go. Man, that's basketball.

 

I was thinking the same thing about Russell; he was struggling a few times and rambled. But for 74 he's still pretty sharp. He had a good line about wanting Garnett to win so badly so he doesn't have to give him one of his rings.

 

Garnett struggling and Pierce killing. Interesting start so far. Also, the four turnovers is a concern for the Celtics - and two offensive fouls. The refs are calling it a little tighter tonight.

Oh, and now a technical on Garnett. Sweet.

 

I really like this new version of Ray Allen who drives to the hole, instead of trying to break out of his slump by forcing 3-pointers.

Oh, and that move by Gasol was sick. A little payback for Garnett's tip-in dunk in Game 1.

 

Garnett is uncharacteristically getting pushed around. Odom had a tip-in over him and Gasol threw one down in his face.

As good as he is, anyone else think the degree of difficulty on some of Kobe's shots is a little too high? Sure he can make them, but with his ability to get to the rim or just rise up and make jumpers he shouldn't need to take as many fadeaways and leaners as he does, at least IMO.