Just John

Both games tonight were pretty similar The 3-win teams played better the majority of the game, but they each had shite first quarters that put them in a big hole and then faltered on their last possession. NJ definitely ends Toronto's season on Friday. While GS winning is less likely, they still have the edge over Dallas. Really, all Dallas did tonight was beat GS at their own game, and that isn't likely to happen again, especially in Oakland.

It is sort of tough to win a series when you are not on the better team. Wade and James have had homecourt and that makes a big difference. True, but at least he should be showing some progression right now. Denver has lost the last three 1st-round series in 5 games and it looks like this one will end in 5 as well. They didn't have home-court last year against the Clippers but they were the #3 seed and I believe should've at least given them a better series. Same goes for this year. If the Cavs had to play the Spurs or last year's Clippers, they wouldn't have gotten out of the first round either. Likewise, the Nuggets could've probably taken the inexperienced teams the Cavs drew in round one, and they would also sweep this year's Wizards. Wade, though, has shown more leadership than both. Remember, before he got Shaq, he still carried the Odom/Butler Heat to the second round and put up a decent fight against top-seed Indiana.

Man, that Rockets/Jazz game was intense. We really need to play that small line-up more, because when Yao was in the game, Boozer was getting to the basket every time. The big key to this game was at least keeping Williams out of the paint. Most importantly, the Jazz still haven't shown they can win in Houston, so I'm comfortable with this going to a Game 7. Although, it would just be better if T-Mac went off for 40 and put it away in Utah. And it looks like the garbage in the East has been cleaned out. I wouldn't be surprised if NJ disposed Toronto tomorrow (though there's a decent shot of that one still going 6), leaving us with 2 interesting matchups in the East.

Oh man, I never realized there was so much resentment for those Rockets championships. Not that it surprises me, since everyone thinks they'd have shot without Jordan in the league. I'm glad Olajuwon got a couple rings and gave Houston sports something to be proud of, even if it left other HOF'ers like Ewing, Barkley, Miller, etc in the cold. I always wondered how a series between the Rockets and the Bulls with MJ would've turned out. The Bulls had no answer for Hakeem in the pre-Rodman days, but I don't know if anyone ever had an answer for Jordan once he turned it on.

Looks like the Golden State bandwagon has run the Toronto one right off the road now.

What would give anyone confidence in the Raptors at this point? They got out-played for 1.75 games in Toronto, and have been embarrassed both times back in the states.

Great series by the Bulls. They never cracked under pressure and that defense in the final 4 minutes today was some of the best they've played this season. Miami wasn't getting anything easy in the paint, and the Bulls kept jumping in the passing lanes to create turnovers. Another big issue here was FT shooting. Ben Wallace went 6 of 7, the most important of which were making Miami pay for the intentional fouls. Meanwhile, Shaq and Zo only make 2 foul shots all game. Chicago/Detroit should be a great series. Very evenly matched teams with good chemistry, defense, and guys who can make big shots. I'd be surprised if that one doesn't go at least 6.

What a pathetic effort in back to back games by the Rockets. Are they even trying to win out there? The Spurs/Nuggets series is starting to pan out like I thought. San Antonio can lock down when it counts, Denver cannot. Horry made some nice plays in this one too. That was a weak flagrant on Manu, but I don't think it had any affect on the game in retrospect.

I think the mind games are a big part of his success. With the way Nellie and Mullen keep overtly praising Dallas and degrading themselves in interviews, they might as well be in Avery's face yelling "What's wrong with you, why aren't you killing us" repeatedly. Everyone's confidence on the Mavs is shot right now.

So, the Mavs get the Warriors off balance in Game 2, get 'em riled up, pick up a big win, then they follow it with this dogshit effort? It looked like they completely gave up in the second half. Way too much whining and crying too. Jon Barry said it best, the Mavs need to take a page from the Briscoes and "Man up." If they don't win Sunday, they're in huge trouble, but no signs point to that happening. Would it be wrong to question Avery Johnson's coaching ability and say all he did was pick up a good team? Nellie's making him look like an idiot as his team was controlling every aspect of the game. Also, Tom Tolbert mentioned John Cena in the Nets/Raps game. Just a useless fact.

Man, I'd love to be at Oracle Arena right now. That's how a sports crowd should be. None of that bandwagon Miami shit. Also, great showing by the Bulls tonight. It's really neat to see that team grow up. Two years ago, they would've caved in after that Miami 3rd, but tonight they they came right back at 'em in the 4th. Miami was god-awful at the line tonight as well. For a veteran team, they showed considerably less composure than the younger Bulls.

I don't know why the NBA would rig a game for Dallas, especially after the Finals last year. You think an 8 over 1 with fun, feel-good team like GS would be more appealing than the battle of I-45. Is Dirk suddenly a draw now?

Big difference in the game was Kwame Brown showing up. It helps when the Suns have to actually watch someone besides Kobe. They never adjusted and the Lakers won as a result. The Suns will have to come up with a way to do better in the paint next game.

I guess TNT not airing the Rockets game tonight was a good thing for my mental health. They're suspect to atrocious shooting every now and again, but 67 points for a game is inexcusable. No way they shoot that poorly again in Game 4. I'm predicting the Rockets win that one close, with T-Mac taking over. Looks like the Magic will be the first team gone from the playoffs this year. They don't deserve a pity game with as bad as they've played. Even the Wiz are putting up more of a fight.

Warriors having some serious problems in this game. First of all, they haven't been running nearly enough to be successful. Dallas is controlling the paint with ease. Then tempers flare and B. Diddy gets tossed. If GS doesn't win Game 3, there's no hope. Not like there was that much to begin with, but you'd like to see them show some heart after Game 1.

Was that a 2/3 court alley oop from Nash? Good God. And great call by Kevin Harlan: "FLIGHT 31 IS CLEAR FOR LANDING!" The Lakers are being exposed as the mediocre team they are. Same thing would've happened last year if Amare was around. Finally, did anyone else catch the Hardy Boyz theme in that Suzuki motorcycle commercial?

Man, only 3 games in the first round aren't televised. A Cavs/Wiz (rightly so), a Nets/Raps (Eh, no biggie), and then the Rockets/Jazz. I think it's more of a timing thing. Utah's in the Mtn. time zone, which is only an hour ahead of Pacific, and you know the Suns/Lakers game that day is getting coverage. It's just easier to throw an east coast game on there because of the time gap. And unfortunately, they won't go for a 5:30 start time in Utah.

Another solid win for the Rockets. T-Mac and Yao continue to be dominant, especially going the basket. Hayes had a nice game himself getting 12 and 12. If the 3-pt shooting was halfway decent tonight, it would've been a huge blowout. Going back to Utah will be interesting. Hopefully the veteran poise for the Rockets comes through, and guys can hit their 3's. Consensus seems to be Utah will have the edge at home, but Houston's been a good road team all year. I'm also still bitter about that game going to NBA-TV, which is worthless to me in a college dorm. After tonight, I doubt I can stomach another wretched Pistons/Magic game, especially knowing what they're preventing me from watching.

As a Houston fan, Phoenix is the one team I don't want to be up against in the playoffs. They control the tempo every time, get the big guys winded, and Amare is a bitch for Yao match up with. San Antonio has a much better shot at taking out the Suns than Houston.

Big win for the Warriors tonight. Sure, they get the 1-0 lead, HC, and all that, but the big thing here is a major psychological advantage. You know Dallas wasn't sweating that regular season sweep thinking that they would just turn it on once the playoffs started. Then GS comes out and out-plays Dallas on their home court. Dallas has to be just a little nervous now. Based on the Finals last year, I'm not sold on the Mavs' mental poise. San Antonio can be slightly less concerned with losing to Denver, since starting fast is not their forte. I think you'll see the Spurs turn up the intensity in Game 2.

Alright, JVG doesn't let me down. It'll be interesting to watch the chess match between him and Sloan throughout the series. Good second half for the Rockets defensively, and T-Mac came back to form to carry the scoring load. Also, the 3 point shooting picked up a little. When the 3's are falling, it's near impossible to stop Houston.

The Pistons have a bad habit of putting it in cruise control once they think the game is out of reach. But once the Magic got close, the Pistons turned it back on and finished with a comfortable margin. Also, JVG better make some serious half time adjustments. The Rockets looked completely lost against Utah's D.

I know Bosh picked up 2 in the 1st quarter, but usually a coach will still give his star significant playing time under those circumstances. With the way he was controlling the first few minutes, I'm surprised Mitchell didn't just throw him back out there when no one else was doing anything. On another note, this Detroit/Orlando game sucks. The Magic look atrocious.

Not a good sign for the Raptors today. The Nets got by with a weak game from Carter and Kidd missing most of his shots. RJ looked good and the Nets got good production from their role players like Moore and Nachbar. I guess one positive the Raptors can take away is that Bosh never got going (not sure why he didn't play so much in the 2nd quarter).

Utah/Houston Game 3 isn't televised so Detroit/Orlando can be on national tv? Horse shit.