View Full Version : NBA Finals Thread
erb8472
06-05-2008, 08:33 PM
I'm not a huge NBA fan although I do cheer for the Wizards, however I'm pretty excited about seeing this Lakers vs Boston Series.
I've got a feeling Boston wins game one tonight.
Dr. FLK
06-06-2008, 12:38 PM
So...Paul Pierce is a total drama queen, right? He lies on the court, crying like a girl. He has 2 men carry his limp body to a wheel chair. Then, 3 minutes later he comes prancing out of the locker room like a kid with a lollipop? It's like my little niece...when she falls, she looks around for reactions. If we look scared, she thinks she is hurt and cries a lot...then, we convince her it doesn't hurt at all...and she's fine...
erb8472
06-08-2008, 04:49 PM
I say that the Lakers bounce back tonight and win going away with it.
Pedro Cerrano
06-08-2008, 09:59 PM
Currently 1/2 way through the 2nd quarter and the Lakers have shot 1 free throw (which was on a technical foul).
Leon Powe, meanwhile, has shot 9 just by himself.
WHAT A JOKE! WHEN WILL THE NBA GET COMPETENT OFFICIALS!!!!!
Pedro Cerrano
06-08-2008, 10:15 PM
Maybe I'm talking to myself here but this officiating has been so bad I'm gonna be sick.
This game is over. Lakers are gonna have to win all 3 at home to even have a shot.
Screw these officials.
beaner
06-08-2008, 11:23 PM
This is embarassing for the Lakers. It doesn't even look like they're trying on defense. Leon Powe, COME ON!
This is quite disappointing.
Bosibus
06-08-2008, 11:42 PM
4 point game fellas....
beaner
06-08-2008, 11:43 PM
Did the Lakers read my last post..Looks like they've woke up. Hope it's not too little too late.
Bosibus
06-08-2008, 11:45 PM
Hopefully bopper is not playing Halo like I saw he was, he better be watching!
Not looking good for the Lakers, at least that comeback gives me some more hope for the rest of the series. I'm sure they'll get more favorable calls at home, which will be quite important, considering the way the refs have been calling the games. They'll need to win all 3 at home, which isn't easy given the 2-3-2 format, but I think they have a decent shot at doing so. The bench edge along with the officiating will likely go to the Lakers at home, and that's enough the make the difference.
However, I wouldn't be shocked with this series doesn't go back to Boston.
Dr. FLK
06-09-2008, 08:25 AM
This is why the NBA drives me mad. In Boston, Leon Powe shoots more FTs than the entire Lakers team. But, I'd be willing to bet that the FT numbers flip upside down when they go back to LA. The same thing happened in SA, where Kobe shot no FTs on the road...and he got a million at home. Last night, Boston was allowed to play psychical ball, and the Lakers weren't. IMO, the refs dictate the outcome of the game more so than any other sport. I just feel like they ruined what would have been a good game by the way the officiated the first quarter.
I'm not one who thinks that the number of FTs needs to be equal between two teams. But, when the ratio is 4:1...and LEON POWE goes to the line more times in 15 minutes of play than an entire team...something stinks.
Sports Guy
06-12-2008, 11:44 PM
What a choke job by the Lakers tonight!
Pedro Cerrano
06-13-2008, 12:16 AM
What a choke job by the Lakers tonight!
They don't deserve to win anything.
Also, I hate Boston. Really really really hate that entire city.
beaner
06-13-2008, 12:33 AM
They don't deserve to win anything.
Also, I hate Boston. Really really really hate that entire city.
Terrible, terrible, terrible. They just couldn't score. Credit to Boston's defense though.
I'd almost rather the Celtics win on the road Sunday so their fans can't rejoice with the team. I can't say I follow them a lot, but I'm sure there are plenty of bandwagon Celts fans too.
Pedro Cerrano
06-13-2008, 12:36 AM
Terrible, terrible, terrible. They just couldn't score. Credit to Boston's defense though.
I'd almost rather the Celtics win on the road Sunday so their fans can't rejoice with the team. I can't say I follow them a lot, but I'm sure there are plenty of bandwagon Celts fans too.
The entire Boston fan base is composed of bandwagoners. I had to deal with several people tonight that were "rooting" for the Celtics. If you think any of them were from Boston I got some swamp land to sell to you. Granted, I'm not from LA, but I asked these "fans" to name 5 players on the team. Not a single one could do it.
Why are people so fascinated and in love with this freaking city? I HATE IT!!!!!
beaner
06-13-2008, 12:39 AM
The entire Boston fan base is composed of bandwagoners. I had to deal with several people tonight that were "rooting" for the Celtics. If you think any of them were from Boston I got some swamp land to sell to you. Granted, I'm not from LA, but I asked these "fans" to name 5 players on the team. Not a single one could do it.
Why are people so fascinated and in love with this freaking city? I HATE IT!!!!!
I"ve never cared for the Celtics, always rooted for the Lakers (James Worthy reasons) in the 80s. I have to believe that there are hardcore Celtics fans in Boston, so I can't be mad at them. It seems to me that more people in my circle are rooting for the Lakers in the series, many simply to root against the city of Boston.
For the record, I've been to Boston a few times, and it's a great city to hang out in.
erb8472
06-13-2008, 11:17 AM
The entire Boston fan base is composed of bandwagoners. I had to deal with several people tonight that were "rooting" for the Celtics. If you think any of them were from Boston I got some swamp land to sell to you. Granted, I'm not from LA, but I asked these "fans" to name 5 players on the team. Not a single one could do it.
Why are people so fascinated and in love with this freaking city? I HATE IT!!!!!
They probably couldn't have named 3. :rofl:
Why Not?
06-13-2008, 05:36 PM
The team that wins the series will be the team the league has decided will win.
backwardsk
06-15-2008, 08:11 PM
So...Paul Pierce is a total drama queen, right? He lies on the court, crying like a girl. He has 2 men carry his limp body to a wheel chair. Then, 3 minutes later he comes prancing out of the locker room like a kid with a lollipop? It's like my little niece...when she falls, she looks around for reactions. If we look scared, she thinks she is hurt and cries a lot...then, we convince her it doesn't hurt at all...and she's fine...
Totally agree. Remember that time about 7 or 8 years ago when he got stabbed almost a dozen times and almost died? Talk about a baby looking for some attention.
Pedro Cerrano
06-15-2008, 10:51 PM
Another day, another big lead blown by the Lakers...
Sports Guy
06-16-2008, 11:52 AM
I am really surprised at how superior Boston looks in this series.
I think it would be different with Bynum though.
Pedro Cerrano
06-16-2008, 11:54 AM
So I guess the Lakers have what, a 5% chance to win this series?
I can't believe Phil is being totally out coached by Doc Rivers. It's not even close, and that's the difference in this series.
Pedro Cerrano
06-17-2008, 09:49 PM
I really thought the thing that could push the Lakers past the Celtics was the difference in depth. Turns out I was wrong. The Laker bench has been pretty putrid this series outside of Sasha in game 3.
Sports Guy
06-17-2008, 11:00 PM
What an embarrassment...Fans of the Lakers should be ashamed.
TonySoprano
06-17-2008, 11:36 PM
Somewhere in Heaven, Red Auerbach has already lit his cigar. Deal with it, Phil Jackson.
Pedro Cerrano
06-17-2008, 11:41 PM
I need to back off the ledge, but I really am gonna be sick.
Oh well, wait till next year. Gotta think the Lakers will be pre-season favorites to win it all.
It just makes me sick that the city of Boston has won another title this decade.
ChaosLex
06-18-2008, 12:02 AM
The Lakers just got raped and the Celtics didn't even use any lube. Ouch!
Pedro Cerrano
06-18-2008, 12:10 AM
The Lakers just got raped and the Celtics didn't even use any lube. Ouch!
Thanks for adding to the thread:rolleyes:
Sideburns
06-18-2008, 12:21 AM
I didn't think they'd do it. Because of the horrible road record in the postseason, I thought they'd clam up at home at some point. But that game 4 comeback was huge and turned the series for the Celts. Good for them. I'd be happier, it's just that the Red Sox have pretty much tainted the innocent like I had for Boston. I completely forgot about this game, seriously. After the O's game, I was studying a little more for my test tomorrow, and then was going to check my fantasy league, and the front page of ESPN just hit me.
Thank God for Eli Manning though. The man that prevented the New England/Boston area sports championship trifecta!
Somewhere in Heaven, Red Auerbach has already lit his cigar. Deal with it, Phil Jackson.
He'll deal with it by adding at least one more title in the next few years.
Congrats to the Celtics, great defensive and rebounding team, and that was the difference along with Doc totally out coaching Phil.
Dr. FLK
06-18-2008, 07:38 AM
I can't believe Phil is being totally out coached by Doc Rivers. It's not even close, and that's the difference in this series.
I find this sentiment kind of humorous. And, it's not you, it's everywhere in the media.
Prior to this season, Doc Rivers was seen as a pretty poor coach. They add KG, Ray Allen, and a few other pieces...and...low and behold...he's not a fantastic coach!
Phil takes the Lakers so much farther than anyone thought they would go before the season. And, he loses in the finals when his "bigs" start playing like scared little girls...and that means he got out-coached? Pau and Odom lost that series.
On another note...imagine the Lakers next year when Bynum is back (Fisher, Kobe, Odom, Gasol, Bynum....).
Sports Guy
06-18-2008, 08:57 AM
I find this sentiment kind of humorous. And, it's not you, it's everywhere in the media.
Prior to this season, Doc Rivers was seen as a pretty poor coach. They add KG, Ray Allen, and a few other pieces...and...low and behold...he's not a fantastic coach!
Phil takes the Lakers so much farther than anyone thought they would go before the season. And, he loses in the finals when his "bigs" start playing like scared little girls...and that means he got out-coached? Pau and Odom lost that series.
On another note...imagine the Lakers next year when Bynum is back (Fisher, Kobe, Odom, Gasol, Bynum....).
I got to think they will try and trade Odom.
Dr. FLK
06-18-2008, 09:41 AM
I got to think they will try and trade Odom.
He has to be one of the most frustrating players to coach. The guy can play every position on the court. He can shoot. He can dribble. He can take you to the hole. He can rebound. He can pass. But, it's like he only wants to do it in short spurts. And when he doesn't feel like it, he just disappears on the court.
Ruzious
06-18-2008, 10:59 AM
Great to see Garnett and Pierce win it - with help from Mssrs Allen and Posey. For the people saying the Lakers need to make changes, they really don't. What they need is a healthy Bynum. They also need those Euro players they have to make their 3's in the finals - like they did in the Western conference playoffs.
Dracula
06-18-2008, 11:31 AM
Did you see KG's interview on the court afterward...haha
"ANYTHING IS POSSIBLEEEEEEE!!!!"
Mark Carver
06-18-2008, 12:19 PM
As someone that doesn't have a dog in the NBA Finals (I could care less), it was nice to see the Celtics beat the snot out of the Lakers in game 6.
I was watching the TV Land Awards and Penny Marshall put on a Lakers Cap during the show and the place went up in a roar. Plus you have the who's who in Hollywood sitting in the good seats at courtside while the hard working stiffs are regulated elsewhere. Oh well....
Pedro Cerrano
06-18-2008, 01:56 PM
As someone that doesn't have a dog in the NBA Finals (I could care less), it was nice to see the Celtics beat the snot out of the Lakers in game 6.
I was watching the TV Land Awards and Penny Marshall put on a Lakers Cap during the show and the place went up in a roar. Plus you have the who's who in Hollywood sitting in the good seats at courtside while the hard working stiffs are regulated elsewhere. Oh well....
Yea cuz lots of blue-class workers can afford courtsides at Celtics games.:rolleyes:
I find this sentiment kind of humorous. And, it's not you, it's everywhere in the media.
Prior to this season, Doc Rivers was seen as a pretty poor coach. They add KG, Ray Allen, and a few other pieces...and...low and behold...he's not a fantastic coach!
Phil takes the Lakers so much farther than anyone thought they would go before the season. And, he loses in the finals when his "bigs" start playing like scared little girls...and that means he got out-coached? Pau and Odom lost that series.
On another note...imagine the Lakers next year when Bynum is back (Fisher, Kobe, Odom, Gasol, Bynum....).
Phil did a great job getting the Lakers to the finals, but he out coached this series.
First off, he had Vlad Rad and Walton on Pierce over half of the time, when it was clear they could not guard him, and that should have been obvious before the series. That obviously killed the Lakers. The only 3 guys that should have been on Pierce are Kobe, Odom, and Ariza.
Secondly, Kobe should have been on Rondo from the beginning, and I felt that way at the time. He's not good at chasing a guy like Allen around picks, plus, that drains energy from him. He's a tremendous help defender and was able to help a lot of Rondo, which obviously worked very well.
Thirdly, he has to take some of the blame for the Lakers blowing a 24 point lead and almost blowing an 18 point lead. He didn't take many timeouts during bad stretches in those games, didn't make proper adjustments, and left unproductive reserves in too long. Phil likes to let his team find their way during tough times, which is usually ok during the regular season, but not in the finals.
Lastly, his substituting was awful. Walton has been poor for most of the season, including the playoffs after the Denver series, yet he still was the first guy off the bench most of the time. Made no sense, he shouldn't have even been playing, especially considering the guy he was usually sent into guard was blowing by him as if his feet were stuck in cement. And why Chris Mihm got on the court after not playing in a very long time, I will never know. DJ Mbenga had been playing consistent minutes since he signed with the team, and solid minutes, yet he doesn't play at all even though he can help with the boards and interior D. On top of this, it's the finals, the key guys should be playing more than if it was the regular season.
I could add more, but I think that's enough for now.
Maybe no rebuttal means it's not so amusing?
Dr. FLK
06-19-2008, 06:57 AM
Maybe no rebuttal means it's not so amusing?
So you want Fisher guarding Ray Allen?
Mihm played because Odom and Pau provided absolutely NO inside presence. None. They turned completely soft. He didn't play him during the regular season because Pau showed up then. He really had no choice. If Pau wasn't going to rebound, maybe Mihm would. Maybe Mbenga would have been better. But, Mihm has more experience and Phil seems to trust experience in the playoffs.
Phil did call TOs more than he normally would during those stretches, didn't he? I actually blame the blown leads more on Kobe. He spent too much time deciding whether he should be a scorer or a distributor. By doing that, he wasn't really very good at anything. That, coupled with the disaster than was Pau/Odom, is a much larger reason they lost then Phil IMO.
So you want Fisher guarding Ray Allen?
Mihm played because Odom and Pau provided absolutely NO inside presence. None. They turned completely soft. He didn't play him during the regular season because Pau showed up then. He really had no choice. If Pau wasn't going to rebound, maybe Mihm would. Maybe Mbenga would have been better. But, Mihm has more experience and Phil seems to trust experience in the playoffs.
Phil did call TOs more than he normally would during those stretches, didn't he? I actually blame the blown leads more on Kobe. He spent too much time deciding whether he should be a scorer or a distributor. By doing that, he wasn't really very good at anything. That, coupled with the disaster than was Pau/Odom, is a much larger reason they lost then Phil IMO.
Yes, I wanted Fisher on Allen, and there wasn't any difference between having him on him and having Kobe on him. But there was a huge positive difference in having Kobe on Rondo or Pierce.
Of course he had a choice, Mbenga as you mentioned was the logical choice, or stick with Turiaf, both clearly better options than a guy who hasn't played in forever and has been battling severe injuries for the last couple years.
I believe Phil sat and did nothing during an 16-2 run or something like that, and he left unproductive players on the court during multiple Celtics runs.
I disagree with what you say about Kobe, but regardless, I'm not saying the players are without fault at all, because not one Laker had a good series, but Phil was clearly out-coached, there is no denying that.
Another indication of that is the 3rd quarters throughout the series. After the teams made their half time adjustments, the Celtics destroyed the Lakers. Plus their inability to stop the pick and roll, that's at least as much a coaching issue as it is a player issue.