NBA '08 Playoff Thread

Three games? That's a high end estimation?

 

You know what's scary? Is that we were each writing our posts at the same time, and I knew you would disagree with me on the rest thing. I feel like I know a bit too much about your basketball views. Even though I disagree with some of them, I enjoy the discussion.

 

sheed is a little bitch.


that is all.

 

The most impressive thing about Rondo is his ability to avoid costly mistakes and turnover. Only 1 turnover last night, while playing good defense and making a few very nice passes. The most annoying thing about Rondo is sometimes he becomes too passive -- really, he had a few open shots last night that he could have drained. He's an underrated shooter who has some range, but then he makes a great bounce pass to Garnett or feeds to an open Eddie House in the corner and all is forgotten.

Good game last night, and honestly the score was closer than the game played. And the way the Celtics play reminded me of the regular season -- too many times in the postseason, Boston players would settle for 1-on-1 matchups and break down to individual play. They really passed it around, racked up assists (27 to 15 edge), and found good shots to take while keeping things at a crisp pace.

But it doesn't really mean too much, even if the Celtics manage to win Game 2. Look at what they did to the Hawks in the first two games of that series. The Celtics need to prove they can win a game on the road in the postseason before I'm really impressed.

 

Officials just botched back to back out of bounds plays: impressive. Luckily each team benefited from the wrong call, so it's basically a wash. The first, Duncan got a rebound and was slashed on the wrist/forearm by Gasol and lost the ball OB. Lakers ball somehow, and no foul. Ensuing possession Gasol and Ginobili going for loose ball on sideline. Gasol might have bumped Ginobili but no way did he touch the ball. Ginobili clearly touched the ball twice knocking it OB, right in front of the ref. The call, Spurs ball naturally. Doug Collins makes some "Those 50-50 calls are tough" comment. The NBA it's fannnnnnnnnn-tastic.

 

Nice confidence builder for the Lakers, especially considering they got almost zilch from Fisher and Odom. They really showed they can win with their defense and Bryant showed why he is the MVP this season, carrying the Lakers on his back in the second half.

 

Agreed Tripp, but you've got to be concerned about Duncan. Gasol really is no match for him to be honest (and I love Pau Gasol), but if Duncan can face him up, it's over. Gasol can't block that high release shot, he's not going to out-rebound him either. And there really isn't anyone else that's going to be coming in to help. Spurs need to get more out of Manu, but give Kobe a great deal of credit on that one -- no guard in the NBA D's up like he does ... no one.
Also, outstanding bench production from the Laker guards. If Farmar and Sasha can come off the pine and combine for 18 every night, this thing might not be so tough for L.A. Both great energy guys and really provided some big buckets, too.
It's impressive that they came back from that big deficit, but if you're San An, you have to be upset but not grasping at straws. You outplayed this team for more than two quarters, and it wasn't even close. I have no doubt the Spurs bounce back and I think they'll take G2.

 

As for tonight's game (I'm going to miss the start again because of a goddamn baseball game, but I'll live), we'll find out in the first 10 minutes if Detroit's decided to pack it in or make a series of this. The sole reason for the G1 loss was energy -- Boston had loads (on no rest) and Detroit had none (on loads of rest). Forget using Billups' health as an excuse, if he's out there playing then he should play like the All-Star he is ... period.

Oh, and P.S., I can't stand reading anymore columns by Chris Sheridan on ESPN ... he's slowly but surely turned himself into Bill Simmons Jr. with his Celtics hawking.

 

with all of their history, THAT'S what the celtics use for their intro video? poor.

 

I just find it funny that you quoted my post to get that started, which had absolutely nothing to do with anything you posted haha.

 

This has the makings of the classic 66-64 tilt between these two teams in the '02 semifinals. Good stuff.

 

Lots of silly reaching by Boston, but they foul a lot so I guess that's to be expected. Garnett on the other hand is playing like a MAN.
I thought McDyess has defended him extremely well several trips down and he still comes up with a bucket. Big time stuff.