NBA Playoff Thread

What was a more likely scenario prior to tip this evening:

1. Kevin Garnett rising from the dead and looking like a dominant player again.

2. Derrick Fisher owning Rondo in the fourth quarter

3. Ray Allen going 0-for-13, playing one of the worst games in NBA Finals history, the game after setting an NBA Finals record for the best shooting performance in history.

 

If the Lakers should be lucky enough to win the series (and until it's over, I'll expect it to turn on a Bynum injury or an Artest screwup), I just may use this as my sig in the same way BTExpress uses BYH's Manning rip.

Seriously, Gee . . . with all the events you've seen, you should know better than to use an early seven-point lead to post some taunt that is worthy of an adolescent, not someone who has been a columnist in one of our nation's great cities.

 

Quick story on DFish:
In Mississippi State's 1995-96 Final Four season, it was Arkansas-Little Rock (coached by ex-'Bama boss Wimp Sanderson) that came to Starkville and handed the then 4-0 Bulldogs their first loss of that magical season. I keep this pic among my office memorabilia, with DFish rushing out to try and alter a Dontae Jones jumper.

Fisher has had a fantastic playoff run, not just in spurts but for the entire playoffs. He'd for sure tell you this is the best he's ever played in the postseason. He's been splendid in every series and the lay-up past three Celts at the end tonight was sensational.

 

Fish is the man. Even when he was often horrific in the regular season, I usually wanted him in there. Even three years since he wore the jersey, I'm still suffering from post-traumatic Smush disorder and Fisher is of course the anti-Smush. And tonight he was hitting shots, pull-up jumpers and drives, that he usually hits about 25 percent of the time. Loved his post-game interview when he could hardly talk at first.

 

It was a nice contrast to Garnett's need to hit himself in the chest every time he makes a contribution.

I just wonder now: Will Bill Simmons add "The Derek Fisher Face" to his so-called pantheon?

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1407618183121&comments#!/video/video.php?v=1407618183121&ref=mf

 

Speaking of mental toughness...Lakers have won 14 games in a row when the series has been tied. Jordan's Bulls won 16 in a row, Russell's Celtics 19. Two other mentally weak teams.

 

I'm still curious as to why the burden is on the defending champs, as opposed to the team that totally punked out last season and couldn't even get back to the Finals.

 

So KG being injured = punking out?

 

Fisher is a fine player. Always has been. The Lakers played an outstanding game. It's not that I don't think they're an excellent team. But until they show me otherwise, I remain skeptical of their finishing ability. They have the hammer now. If they use it, I will congratulate them with all sincerity.
The Celtics cannot win games where Pierce only takes 12 shots.

 

Glad to see KG rebound like that with a good game. I'm a diehard Lakers fan, but also a huge KG fan. It was sad the other night seeing him play like that.

That said, Gee, you're exactly right about one thing. The Lakers do have the hammer. But it seems like every time they get ahead, they find a way to give it back, whether it's a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, a 2-1 series lead, whatever. Sure would be nice to see them drop that hammer for once and step on the Celtics' throats. I won't believe it until I see it.

 

Tired of that excuse.

Bynum injured his knee last year. Did the Lakers make it back to the Finals in the much tougher Western Conference?

Kobe broke his finger this year. Did the Lakers make it back to the Finals?