NBA '08 Playoff Thread

Agree. Classic example of a team that's far better than the sum of its parts.

 

How do you beat team that shoots 48.4 percent when you shoot 36.1 percent?

Hit 28 of 32 free throws when they hit 16 of 28.

Also, check that turnover category: Orlando 21, Detroit 3.

 

Orlando had fits with turnovers all series long. And one of the main culprits, Jameer Nelson (who I do like, btw) didn't quite make good on his guarantee tonight. In fact, he pretty much got outplayed by a rookie who looks like he has an outstanding future in Stuckey.

 

The shooting percentage mismatch didn't end up mattering because Detroit took 19 more shots (31-for-64 to 30-for-83) thanks to all those turnovers.

I like Nelson all right, too, but I question the legitimacy of a team that puts Keith Bogans, Keyon Dooling, and Maurice Evans on the floor at the same time in a conference semifinal elimination game. Not Stan Van Gundy's fault. Just saying they simply don't have the personnel.

 

David West alert.

14 points in the first quarter.

And Manu Ginobli is still working hard to earn the "biggest flopper in NBA history" title.

 

They had a solid year, but you're right, Howard needs a bit more help. And Rashard Lewis getting that big deal wasn't the answer in my opinion.
He could prove me wrong, but I just don't see him as a huge money player that's going to make a dynamic type of duo with Howard.
Speaking of Howard, he has a TON of work to do in his post game. He's a bull when nobody bodies him up, but Detroit was physical with him all series and he was relatively ineffective at several big moments. Ewing's there on the staff and I'm sure they'll be at it all summer working on post moves.

 

Howard definitely needs to learn that he can't just bully everyone. Watching some Tim Duncan film should help him with that footwork.

Speaking of Duncan, he's hit his last two shots after missing his first five. But somebody better decide to put a hand in West's face.

 

Impressive in an Atlanta Braves way or a Buffalo Bills way. I think they're a little overrated considering they've only been to two finals and won one.

 

Which is more than any team not named the Lakers or Spurs can say this past decade.

 

West continues to get buck naked looks.

Three-point count could be key. SA has a 6-1 advantage so far. The trifecta disparity has been a big part of the Spurs' two straight wins.

 

Looks like my "Duncan's-hit-his-last-two-shots" foreshadowing wasn't foreshadowing at all.

Seems kinda similar to the first two games in New Orleas: SA parlayed a small halftime lead into second-half collapses. But Paul was doing all the damage along with West and Peja then. West is killing SA with 22 at halftime, but nobody else has more than six.

 

Which is a way of saying two teams have been better this decade. Woo hoo we've been the third best franchise... one title in 8 years. I'm not saying they aren't a good team. I just think the fact that everyone always talks about how they've been there and all that, well sure they've been pretty far a bunch of times, but they ain't exactly a dynasty.