The OAO NBA Playoffs/Finals Thread

[Kurt Angle Mark 0]

If the Lakers win the title, two decisions by the opposing team will stand out in my mind

 

1. Taking Horry off the inbounder because it would have made it harder to get the ball inbound or a tip by Horry would have ended the game

 

2. Not fouling Shaq when he touched the ball in the final play of regulation during the game we just saw.

[Bruiser Chong 0]

Pistons choked plain and simple. An amazing comeback that looked to be sending the team home up two games to none, but fell short. I don't know why they didn't foul Shaq on that last possession, but it may have cost them Game 2. Once Kobe hit, I knew it was over. There's a million could'ves and should'ves here, but the fact is, the Lakers worked some magic at the end and now we're all squared up going into Game 3.

[bobobrazil1984 0]

Detroit really needs to make sure this isn't an emotion killer. They played well and came out of LA 1-1. They can keep up with LA. They just need to keep their composure, like they did after that 3OT-loss to NJ (and were on the brink of elimination). That's the biggest thing for DET, have confidence and not heartbreak.

[Guest Vitamin X]

LA has to win one in Detroit in order for them to win the series. Sad, but true, also easier said than done.

I mentioned this after Game 1, but it bears repeating:

 

No team in NBA Finals history has ever won Games 3, 4, and 5 at home. Oddly, the ROAD team has come in and swept the three games, but the home team has never won all three.

Unfortunately, I also must say this bears mentioning:

 

There's a first time for everything. The way the Lakers have played at HOME so far in this series (where they have been not only undefeated but practically unstoppable minus that last Game against Minnesota) does not bode well for them going to Detroit.

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

They fouled Shaq on that last possesion, but they let him get off too easy with the foul they gave him. They should have wrapped him up to prevent the three point play.

[Damaramu 0]

I watched this at Buffalo Wild Wings. A sports bar/restraunt. They had TV monitors everywhere and wall sized TV's. And the game boomed over the restraunt speakers.

Overall the place was about 90-10 Detroit. When Detroit went on that incredible end of game run the place went fucking nuts. Then when Kobe hit the last 3 pointer everyone was like "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

They had monitors in the bathroom walls and when Shaq hit that dunk in overtime everyone in the bathroom threw there hand up and yelled then realized they were pissing everywhere and quickly put them back down. It's great watching the game in that kind of atmosphere.

 

But me and the guys I was with and the guys at the table next to me were discussing the fact that even though they lost.....Detroit still proved something and LA was still embarassed.

LA was supposed to come in here and dominate to prove that Game 1 was a fluke. What happened? They needed a last minute Bryant shot to stay alive. Sure they dominated the overtime but the game itself was almost lost.

And the fact they couldn't blow out Detroit and had to beat them in overtime is even worse considering Detroit dominated them in Game 1.

 

Detroit once again proved that they are just as good if not better than the Lakers tonight.

Yes there is a first time for everything and noticing how good Detroit is...they could take all of the games at home. Detroit wasn't even playing there A game until the end and they still almost won. While LA was on there A game.

 

VitaminX that quote from Cena's Writer that you have in your sig may be intended as a jab at him......but it's not looking so far fetched.

 

Most people wouldn't see it this way but I think LA winning the series would be an upset after what Detroit proved Tuesday and tonight.

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

My bad on that last post. After seeing the postgame stuff, I realized I was talking about osmething completely different. I didn't even realize Shaq touched the ball on that last possesion in regulation. I was talking about when he got the three point play to pull them within three. I was wondering why they let him get the foul and didn't wrap him up to stop the three point play.

[godthedog 0]

excellent game overall, but once OT came detroit had their minds somewhere else & LA made them pay for it dearly.

 

good coaching too. i'll be very interested to see the adjustments made for the next game. the next time LA is in trouble and jackson puts 2 rookies on the floor, i don't think it will work.

 

i don't see detroit winning 3 in a row at home, and i don't think that will be a huge problem if they go back to LA for a game 6. the crowd there is terrible (that entire first half was like they were playing in an empty arena), and as long as detroit can keep anybody from getting hot or making the game dramatic, they can negate that.

[C Dubya 04 0]

All the talk today seems to be about Kobe's last second three, but I'd like to point out that if Sheed wasn't such a fucking bonehead, there wouldn't have been a Kobe 3. If you're fucking up 6 points with 40 seconds left, don't touch a guy near the basket. Let him have a fucking layup. It's not that hard of a concept. If LA is down 4 instead of 3, they have to foul Detroit and then all you have to do is make some free throws and you win. But Sheed has to be a fucking dipshit and soft foul Shaq.

 

Angry rant over. I'm just pissed that I stayed up and watched that thing. Now I have to get through the workday.

[Ripper 0]

All the talk today seems to be about Kobe's last second three, but I'd like to point out that if Sheed wasn't such a fucking bonehead, there wouldn't have been a Kobe 3. If you're fucking up 6 points with 40 seconds left, don't touch a guy near the basket. Let him have a fucking layup. It's not that hard of a concept. If LA is down 4 instead of 3, they have to foul Detroit and then all you have to do is make some free throws and you win. But Sheed has to be a fucking dipshit and soft foul Shaq.

 

Angry rant over. I'm just pissed that I stayed up and watched that thing. Now I have to get through the workday.

Actually, they called that foul on Ben Wallace and it was basically his chest kinda touched Shaq when he was taking the layup and was probably the biggest bitchass call the game. No way that should be called, but they did owe the Lakers one from when Prince blatantly fouled Bryant and no call so whatever. That isn't why the Pistons lost.

 

 

But last nights game was great from beganing to end. And honestly, with all the Pistons choked, Lakers are back talked, it still looked like the Lakers were the team with less talent trying to keep up with the stronger Pistons team and stole one in overtime. That is just the vibe of it all. The Lakers, IMO have nothing to be proud of from last night except the fact they won/ They were celebrating a little too much for a team that was suppose to run over the Pistons.

 

Luke Walton was huge. I am going to go out on a limb and say that isn't going to be the case in the next game. Luke getting off was more of a Pistons not prepared for how he plays than Luke Walton can't be stopped. Phil is a little retarded for not playing the guy again until the 4th, and it almost cost them.

 

The question is who is going to work the refs first. Ben Wallace changing directions in mid air on rebounds is eventually going to be pointed out and might buy the Pistons a foul on Shaq. And Kobe's defenders all falling away from him right before he catches the ball as he pulls jordan specials all over the court could cost him a cheap one or two. On the Lakers side, Phill will have to start pointing out how the Pistons bigs are basically shoving shaq in the chest to keep him away from the ball on alot of plays and the fact that Prince basically is hand checking Kobe to keep him in front of him. Either Phil or Larry are going to start letting off little barbs soon. Tired of all this respect stuff.

 

All I can say about game 3, MORE CORLISS ON OFFENCE, and stop giving Rasheed those bullshit fouls in the first quarter(seriously, his first two last night were crap, just like Paytons first 3) and get him more envolved early. Because Malone or no, that is the guy the Lakers have to double off of.

[C Dubya 04 0]

Re: Luke Walton.

 

It's kind of funny to see him on the floor in crunch time of the finals as a second round pick, while the #2 pick overall sits on the bench unless there is a 20 point margin in the game.

[Ripper 0]

Hopefully Phil won't figure out that Brian Cook is the best PF for him to play in this series because the Pistons might have a little trouble with him.. He is basically what Karl Malone used to be. A PF with a midrange shot, active on D and a good rebounder.

[The Electrifyer 0]

With the two teams playing like this and Detroit having home court advantage... maybe we will get our first 3 game home sweep by the Pistons.

[Damaramu 0]

Exactly Ripper. LA has not looked like the strong team that is going to roll over there opponent in this series. They haven't looked anything like that.

Detroit has been playing like the heavy favorite that got upset last night. Better go back to the drawing board Phil or else your team dies in Detroit.

[Spicy McHaggis 0]

What a game!

 

L.A.'s fortunes changed completely with one shot. They played overmatched for most of the game, except for Lukey-baby. They have more talent, but Detroit had the desire and heart. However, the Lakers' underrated bench came through again. To his credit, Jackson did some coaching last night... he found some players that wanted to play. 16-2 run to close the game? Kobe for 3? Clutch.

[Just John 0]

I missed the game, but what are all the "fuck Karl Malone" sentiments about?

 

I think Detroit could win 2 games at the palace, but then they have to go back to LA for decisive games 6 and 7. The more I think about it, the more I like the 2-2-1-1-1 format over the 2-3-2.

[Damaramu 0]

I'm officially making my prediction now.

I'm picking Detroit to win this series.

But I can't decide if it'll be in 5 or 6......hmmm.......I'll go 6.

[Mr. S£im Citrus 0]

I missed the game, but what are all the "fuck Karl Malone" sentiments about?

You mean aside from the fact that he's a carpetbagger and a gravy-trainer?

[Damaramu 0]

I missed the game, but what are all the "fuck Karl Malone" sentiments about?

 

I think Detroit could win 2 games at the palace, but then they have to go back to LA for decisive games 6 and 7. The more I think about it, the more I like the 2-2-1-1-1 format over the 2-3-2.

I don't think being in LA for Game 6 and 7 really matters.

They proved in Games 1 and 2 that being in LA means jack shit.

[Just John 0]

I missed the game, but what are all the "fuck Karl Malone" sentiments about?

You mean aside from the fact that he's a carpetbagger and a gravy-trainer?

I thought he did something specific in game 2 to cause those reactions.

 

And Damaramu: I can assure you Detroit has less of a chance of winning those games in LA than in Detroit. I'm sure they'll win one game in their homestand. Winning two isn't unlikely, but they won't win all three.

[Damaramu 0]

No I'm not saying that Detroit will win all 3. I'm saying that playing in LA they've proven means nothing.

They dominated LA in Game 1 and nearly beat them in Game 2. It took a clutch shot and overtime to get the job done. And if they dominate a couple of games in Detroit and LA barely pulls out a victory in one of those games then the series is over. Detroit will win. And I'm surely expecting that to happen. Detroit is proving they are just as good if not better than LA. I know the players had to be happy about there victory last night but you know in the back of there head they were thinking "Holy shit! Who the fuck were those guys!? We're in trouble."

 

Oh btw. Did anybody else just want last nights game to end? Not because it sucked but because you just couldn't take anymore!? The game is so good and so filled with drama that you feel like you're going to have a heart attack sitting there? Yeah it was for me. I went into the bathroom and there was a line and I said "I can't take overtime!" and the whole bathroom laughed and was like "Me neither!" and then this one guy said "My wife hates basketball but she leaned over and said I'm so nervous! I can't take anymore of this!"

 

Best game of the playoffs by far.

[The Electrifyer 0]

I missed the game, but what are all the "fuck Karl Malone" sentiments about?

You mean aside from the fact that he's a carpetbagger and a gravy-trainer?

I thought he did something specific in game 2 to cause those reactions.

Nah.. he was just being himself.

[godthedog 0]

But last nights game was great from beganing to end. And honestly, with all the Pistons choked, Lakers are back talked, it still looked like the Lakers were the team with less talent trying to keep up with the stronger Pistons team and stole one in overtime. That is just the vibe of it all. The Lakers, IMO have nothing to be proud of from last night except the fact they won/ They were celebrating a little too much for a team that was suppose to run over the Pistons.

because detroit is OWNING the tempo of these games. they're not letting LA play like LA, and jackson has to go through his lineup by trial & error and see what sticks (re: putting in luke, kareem AND cook). they got into overtime by the skin of their teeth, and only AFTER the 4th quarter were the pistons letting them play like they want to play.

 

and the laker bench isn't underrated, it's inconsistent. luke walton plays hungry, but he's inexperienced and usually sloppy, and when detroit turns up their defense on him he won't know what to do, and he'll panic, and he'll cause turnovers. by tomorrow night detroit will adapt & jackson will have to figure out yet another way for them to get ahead.

[Art Sandusky 0]

Best game of the playoffs by far.

If the Nets/Pistons series had never existed, I'd say you were right.

[Brett Favre 0]

I was so pissed yesterday. Yelling and screaming at Rip, and Larry, and the Pistons for blowing this game. Heck, i'm still pissed right now. You could hear the tone of the voices of Doc and Al being all sad, and oh my god the Lakers are about to lose. Byron Scott looked stunned, and Tolbert, well I have no idea who he's rooting for since he's been 50/50 and the only one on ABC giving them a chance. But now that I think of it, the only team giving the other team a chance is Detroit. Detroit had the game won. They left Fisher open, they fouled Shaq on a stupid play, a play that was on an offensive board. If the Pistons rebounded that ball, the game would have been over.

 

But i'm not too pissed anymore. Detroit has bounced back before, and they are at home. Malone is playing on one leg, and Rasheed seems to be getting in the groove.

 

I haven't really noticed how hard i'm rooting for Detroit till after this lost, and hopefully their last one of the finals. Detroit, if you win, you will shut up the "NBA Experts", make them eat their words, and make them look like the bunch of ring-less midcarders that they really are.

 

Lets go Detroit Pistons.

[Ripper 0]

Thats the thing, the Lakers still haven't beaten the pistons in this series. I don't think anyone can argue that the pistons have about 9-10 coulda woulda's that would have put that game away last night, from fouling shaq up top when he caught the ball, leaving LA with at best a one point hole, having to foul and no time outs or rasheed actually CATCHING the ball. The pistons beat the Pistons last night.

 

LA still has to show and prove against this team.

[Brett Favre 0]

What I also found interesting was how hard the Lakers were celebrating. They haven't celebrated that much since they beat Portland in 2000. Seems to me that they know the Pistons are for real.

[Damaramu 0]

Hell even if LA wins in 7 it still proves all the media experts wrong. Because they are giving Detroit zero chance and saying it won't even be a series.

Now Detroit looks like the team to beat...not LA.

[Hogan Made Wrestling 0]

Hell even if LA wins in 7 it still proves all the media experts wrong. Because they are giving Detroit zero chance and saying it won't even be a series.

Now Detroit looks like the team to beat...not LA.

Funny, most of the pre-series articles I've been reading from the media have been of the "here's why Detroit can beat the Lakers" variety.

[Damaramu 0]

Hell even if LA wins in 7 it still proves all the media experts wrong. Because they are giving Detroit zero chance and saying it won't even be a series.

Now Detroit looks like the team to beat...not LA.

Funny, most of the pre-series articles I've been reading from the media have been of the "here's why Detroit can beat the Lakers" variety.

Really? I've just seen snooty "The Lakers are going to destroy them!" articles.

However even though the Lakers won last night I think it was a wake up call to everyone. Because I'm reading a lot of "The Lakers are in trouble" articles.

 

Another thing that I thought of is this. If Detroit wins two at home. Which I fully expect them to do then the pressure is still on The Lakers going back to LA b/c they'll have to win 2 straight to take the series.

And it's not that far fetched to see Detroit sweep at home. Hell knowing Jackson's coaching ability it's not so far off to imagine LA sweeping. Though it's easier to imagine Detroit doing it rather than LA.