Nba playoffs

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

Quick thoughts...

 

Lakers/Blazers - This series is over, no question about it. I wonder if the Lakers can make a run at another perfect postseason.

 

Kings/Jazz - The games haven't been as exciting as the games in the Eastern Conference, but this has been a good series thus far. I think it would be safe to say the Kings choked if they get eliminated in the first round.

 

Spurs/Sonics - The Spurs lost David Robinson and I think all eyes will turn towards Tim Duncan to see if he is going to be the MVP. I think how far he can take his team without Davd Robinson will play a big part in his bid for the MVP trophy.

 

Mavs/Timberwolves - I woldn't be surprised if the T'Wolves won game 3, but I don't see them winning this series. It would be nice for them to come back and win games 3 and 4, but I only see them winnning game 3 if that. Kevin Garnett's supporting cast needs to step up.

 

Nets/Pacers - This has been a very good series. It has had great performances (Jermaine O'Neal in game 1, Jason Kidd everynight and Reggie Miller last night), hype (Jermaine O'Neal's comments about how nobody could guard him) unpredicitability (both teams losig their first home game) and a great game with clutch shots (last night). This has been a good series and right now, the Pacers don't look like a number 8 seed. Last night's game was great. It had momentum chnages, comebacks and clutch threes at the end of the game. I think the tension in the Conseco Field House was best portrayed when they went to the shotsof the fans praying in the stands while Jermaine O'Neal was at the FT line. I think the Nets will win this series whether it goes the distance or they eliminate the Pacers in game 4.

 

Magic/Hornets - I'm watching game 3 right now, and Charlotte was robbed. They look like they are going to win the game anyway, but Baron Davis was robbed of his game winning shot in regulation. The fact that 2 of the 3 games in this series have been OT games (even if one shouldn't have been), shows that any team can win this series. If the Hornets win this game, I would hate to be the Magic and have to win avoid elmination on the road (assuming they can escape from Orlando with the series tied) especially considering how close the last two games have been. Actually, the game is just about over, and the Hornets are about to win.

 

Celtics/76ers - The Celtics have shown heart in this series and poise as well. It will be ineresting to see how they fare on the road because you would hope the 76ers would compose themselves like the defending Eastern Conference champions and sen this series back to Beantown. I'm not trying to discredit the 76ers, but you would hope they would go down swinging if they must go down at all, since Larry Brown might be gone after this season.

 

Raptors/Pistons - To steal a line from former Colts Coach Jim Mora, "Playoffs? Playoffs? I just hope we can win another game! Playoffs?" That's what Lenny Wilkens should have been saying heading into this series. The Raptors are going to get swept and for all of th ecommercials that Vince Carter is in, I hope he comes back with a vengeance and is in some late playoff games to go with those commercials.

[Guest Ripper]

I don't think they put Carter on the playoff roster.  

 

Yes, the Blazers met death last night, but it was a nailbiter. They would have lost anyway, but I really thought they were going to lose in 5.  

 

The Spurs(who will meet the Lakers next series) will need David Robinson.  The lakers lucked up last year when Derek Anderson (the Spurs second leading scorer and only true perimeter player) got hurt and left the Spurs searching. They will need Robinson to get past the Lakers(yes I believe that they will do it. Kobe is a litte OVERCONFIDENT right now. I can see that swagger.  When he has it, the lakers are in trouble, when he plays a team game, he is one of the best.)

 

Sacramento/Dallas- The obvious second round in the west.  I have no Idea here, but I truely believe that whoever wins this series will be the champs(although I hope the nets get it)

 

Celtics-Sixers- I don't know, like him or not, the only reason Iverson had been struggling was the fact that he had missed 15 games.  He is getting his legs back and I really believe that he can guide them back to Boston for a game five.  

 

Pistons/Raptors- So the Raptors got their win.  now they can go home because the Pistons will put this away.

 

Charlotte-Magic- Hornets will take it in 4-5.  Mcgrady and Hudson are carrying the team right now, but Charlotte is just too good....AND Mashburn is coming back. + 1 Jamal Mashburn - 1 Lee Nailon geting major minutes = second round.

 

Nets-Pacers- Hopefully they will put it away in 4 because if they give the Pacers a chance......

[Guest Spaceman Spiff]

The Spurs(who will meet the Lakers next series) will need David Robinson.

Shaq will eat Robinson for lunch.  He does every year in the playoffs, so why should this year be any different?

[Guest Ripper]

Because unless Shaq is about to put up a 100 points, that doesn't make the Lakers winners.  

 

If Robinson is there he brings his double figure rebounds and a mismatch in the post.  Horry or Walker will have to cover either Duncan or Robinson. Basically, you can just go away from Shaq.  the Spurs are a better team this year.  Toni Parker is playing magnificently, Steve Smith is Mr. Consistantcy, Danny Ferry is Mr. Big Shot Hitter, Antionio Daniels has a offensive game, Bruce Bowen can play tough defense on anyone, Malik Rose is one of the most underated guys in theleague now that he has improved his game, and Duncan is playing like a god.  The Lakers didn't really improve in the off season (although Devin George has gotten better, he takes a shitload of bad shots.) Robinson has alot to offer on the post and the can get offensice fouls off Shaq because he is a veteren and refs respect the vets.

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

Shaq eats everybody for lunch.

 

I really hoped the T'Wolves wouldn't be the first team to get swept, but it happened.

 

The Celtics better be really, really careful. The 76ers could sneak by them if they plan on going back to Boston to close the series. They better put them away now if they want to see the next round of the playoffs.

 

Due to the close nature of the games in the Hornets/Magic series and the close seeding (4 and 5 respectively), I still think this series can go either way and should go to a game 5.

 

I think a Sacramento/Dallas series could go either way, especially considering how the Mavs handled themselves yesterday.

[Guest Ripper]

Yeah, but I have to wonder...he hasn't been half as dominating as he can be...I wonder if he is more hurt than he is letting on.  I mean, he should have destoryed Dale Davis an Shawn Kemp in the first round.

[Guest Spaceman Spiff]

I forgot Shaq was hurting, so that *may* make a difference.  A healthy Shaq makes Robinson invisible.  He can't stop Shaq in the playoffs.  Period.  I'd like to see the Spurs win because I hate the Lakers, but Robinson has a long way to go to prove he can handle Shaq.  And if he can't do that, I don't like the Spurs' chances.

[Guest What?!]

It's going to be a three-peat!!! WOOHOO!!!

 

Now that it's going to be 7 game series, I think the Spurs or Sonics are in trouble seeing as Shaq will lower that shoulder into Robinson's, Duncan's or if there's a miracle Vin Baker's chest every game.

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

Now that it's going to be 7 game series, I think the Spurs or Sonics are in trouble seeing as Shaq will lower that shoulder into Robinson's, Duncan's or if there's a miracle Vin Baker's chest every game.

 

What's going to be a 7 game series?

[Guest What?!]

Oh, I just meant now that these series are going to be longer, Shaq will have more time to wear down and beat up opponents. There really isn't much time to do that in the short first round. Hope that makes sense. I'm still on a high from Horry's shot!

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

Ok. So far we have what, Kings/Jazz verus the Mavericks and Spurs/Lakers? I think you can pencil in the Kings in that first matchup, and that one is the only 7 game series I see in the next round. I don't think the Spurs can hang with the Lakers for 7 games. The Kings/Mavericks series has two teams who I think could disappear on any given night or play good basketball on any given night. In a series like that, it could end in a sweep or go the distance. If that series goes the distance, I have a hard time seeing either team beating the Lakers unless the Lakers have injuries or just get over confident and lazy. They were upset by the 76ers last year after a long rest period before the Finals, and it could happen again.

 

The Hornets and Magic are playing a big game 5, which I have trouble seeing the Magic losing. Tracy McGrady is a good player, but I don't think he can lift the Magic past the Hornets in Charlotte in an elimination game. If the Hornets can put the Magic down in Orlando in a pivotal game, my hat goes off to them. If that happens, I also have no problem seeing them being a 4 seed that can upset the Nets (?). Speaking of the Nets, I think they will close their series with the Pacers in game 5. They better be ready to play when the Hornets make their way to the Continental Airlines Arena.

[Guest ant_7000]

well pinnacle you and McGrady are wrong on the prediction of game 5, and I dont know about the spurs/sonics series now since Tim Duncan's father died and attending the funeral so he'll miss game 4 and might not be able to focus if he's returns for a possible game 5. but they might still be able pull out the win without the towers.

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

I was hoping the Magic would keep from being elminated at home, but I think I under estimated the ability of the Hornets who were the best road team in the Eastern conference this year. That's a team who you don't neccessarily want to face, because it's not like they are a really low seed, and they can win on the road, so home court advantage isn't meaning a whole lot in a series with them (as they just proved).

[Guest Ripper]

NOW THAT IS WHAT THE NBA IS ALL ABOUT!!

 

The Nets almost got screwed becasue the officials were afraid to waive off the Miller shot, but it was one hell of a game.  Miller proved he is STILL one of the best and Kidd PROVED that he deserves that MVP trophy(the guy picked the Nets up and carried them through the 4-2 overtime quarters).

 

The Raptors gave Detroit all they could handle too.  Jon Barry is the MAN.  I wouldn't count out detroit so fast against the Celtics or Sixers.

 

I hope the Sixers win the game 5 for one reason...Boston needs to learn you can't play like that(just throw up 3's) and expect to win a playoff series.  I think it would be better for them in the long run.  And If Iverson gets his stroke back, call it a night. Its his 5th game back from injury...its about that time.

[Guest Choken One]

Exactly. Boston slayed themselves by playing that style (It's excuseable since they are young and inexpirenced and will learn) but you don't do that against Talented Vets and That little #3 guy.

 

S.A should be able to take the series over Seattle, since T.D will be motivated.

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

All of the high seeds have advance so far except for the ones playing elimination games tonight. I would like to see the Celtics elminate the 76ers, but I don't think it will come easily if it does happen. The Spurs should easily handle the Sonics tonight since they are Tim Duncan and David Robinson are returning to the lineup. The Pistons have looked vulnerable to me ever since they let the Raptors get back into that series. Even if though they are the number 2 seed, I would view them making a trip to the Finals as a major upset. The Nets could have been eliminated in the first round, but they faced a game opponent that had a new look due to trades that had been made later in the season. The Pacers didn't look like an 8 seed to me during that series. Any team with Reggie Miller on it is a hard team to beat when the playoffs come around, but the Nets were able to do it.

 

I have a hard time seeing the Pistons beating the Celtics in the next round. I think they might be able to beat the 76ers, but I would be afraid to face them if they get out of the first round, because the may get some momentum going. Even if they make it out of that matchup alive, I don't see them beating the Hornets or the Nets, which is why I see them as being an underdog to make the Finals.

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

Why did they cram all of the games into the weekend? I would have liked to have watched some playoff basketball before RAW.

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

Charles Barkley is on easy street. He works twice a week and gets to shoot the breeze during those two days that he does work. The TNT crew works well together and I wish they could get the rest of the playoffs instead of NBC.

[Guest AlwaysPissedOff]

Charles Barkley + Kenny Smith = greatness

 

I swear, those two should get an hour long comedy special with how on they've been during the playoffs.

[Guest What?!]

Since the NBA is switching networks, does that mean Barkley and Smith are free from TNT? And maybe for my selfish reasons can go to ABC?

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

While Charles is an entertaining guy, I think it's only a matter of time before he comes under fire for his coments about women. This time next year, people may be calling for his head.

[Guest ant_7000]

Well, Charles stay getting in trouble when talking about women (WNBA).

[Guest Ripper]

Well, 3-4 series are basically over.  No way are the Hornets, Pistons, or Spurs going to beat their respective teams 3 straght.  In the Dallas Sacramento series however, I think things can still be very interesting and I see it going to 7.  Looks like I am going ot be 1-3 in this round...not a good record.  But seriously, who knew Mike Bibby would be a god, the Spurs would be chokers, and Stackhouse would just decide to go home early.

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

All of my picks look like they are going to advance this round. It looks like we will have a Lakers-Nets final since I don't think the Kings will beat the Lakers. They may be a game opponent, but the Kings won't beat the Lakers. The Celtics are winning ugly games against the Pistons, so I don't think I can give them a vote of confidence. The Mavericks aren't going to comeback against the Kings. Isn't tonight's game in Sacramento?

[Guest]

Pinnacle, you might be right, but nobody thought we could beat the Mavs, either...

 

I'm hoping for Kings/Pistons in the Finals. Go Kings!!

[Guest Ripper]

If the Lakers play the Kings like they played the Spurs, they might REALLY lose.  Mike Bibby keeps playing like a god, they REALLY might have problems.  I don't know though.  Its beganing to look a lot like Nets/Lakers.

[Guest easye46]

Anybody who really thinks that the Lakers won't win again is on drugs.

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

The Kings fans want the Lakers, but I doubt the Kings really want the Lakers.

[Guest]

The Kings fans want the Lakers, but I doubt the Kings really want the Lakers.

 

I respectfully disagree, Mr. pinnacle; the Kings want the Lakers in the worst possible way. They want approbation from the rest of the league and the "talking heads," and they know that they'll never get it until they beat LA.

 

Anybody who really thinks that the Lakers won't win again is on drugs.

 

The Kings have as least as good a chance (better IMHO) to beat the Lakers as anyone else. The Lakers' biggest advantage in the playoffs is a mental one; they don't have the talent, man for man, to compete against most teams in the league, but they have the experience, poise, and most importantly, the confidence to believe that they are going win every game in the postseason.

 

Howe'er, I think that the gap between the Lakers and Kings is getting smaller and smaller, and besides, nobody can win all the time. This series could have "law of averages" written all over it...

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

It's one thing to say that you want to face someone, but it's another to act like it when you get them. The Kings are talking right now, they are acting like they think they can beat the Lakers. We'll see if that attitude stays around when things get rough.

 

Teams don't need to matchup man for man with other teams to be successful. The Bulls teams that were winning championships didn't do it by winning the matchups.