I am opening up a general playoff thread mainly for other teams. Post whatever you want about any games you see. Note - we do have a unique thread for each Piston game under Piston Playoff games. I am hoping this can be for all the other teams.

SAN/SAC had a nail biter. They definetly topped their last game with a sequence of events starting with an Artest block on Ginobili and ending with a Ginobili TO giving way to the rookie Martin putting up a layup with it literally bounding around on the rim as the game clock ended. Does not get much closer than that. That series could easily be 2-1 SAC ( if Barrys last sec 3 in game 2 did not bounce in ) or 3-0 SAN if Martin was a sec too late or the TO did not happen.

I am hoping for a LA-LA 2nd round matchup at the Staples Center. Same stadium. LA won and are up 2-1. Still not over but LA seems to have the experience factor with Kobe carrying them through. Most credit Jackson for making Kobe a team player ( must have happened overnight ) but its the playoffs. Kobe has been here before and knows what it takes to win. Reg season was volume shooting - this is the playoffs.

Chic/Miami. I really want Chic to win that series but the Mimai's experience will probably put them over the top.

Dallas/Memphis - tell me when its over and Dallas advances.

Indy/NJ. I really don't care who wins that one. I still think NJ will. Last time NJ was good their playoff series usually were down to the wire. They always found a way to win. Unless they were overmatched.

Clev/Wash. I am slightly pulling for Wash but can live with Clev. I think Clev will be easier for the Pistons to beat as long as Lebran does not get bailed out by the refs. Wash is hard for us to defend.

Post whatever playoff content you want here. Hopefully we can keep it going and active so it does not get buried.

As much as I hate to admit it (since I picked le Wiz), LBJ earned the accolades last night. Yeah he still led his team in turnovers, but he just would not be denied on his way to the hoop. That last basket, on the way down, was pretty amazing. Of course, if Arenas had hit the wide open three with a couple of seconds left, the Cavs would still have lost.

Wiz win the next two.

My predicted LA-LA conference semi is getting closer.

While Lebron did do the four step, Arenas still had the wide open j and missed. What a finish.
I don't see how the Nets can win that series, because the Pacers actually are outplaying them at the Point. And, given all the distractions, most everyone has written off that same Pacers team that has been dogging it all year.

SA is looking a little discombobulated...Duncan finally had a dominant game, and Finley was both productive and clutch, but Ginobili struggled, and Parker got badly outplayed by Bibby. I wasn't sure the Kings were doing the right by not fouling on that last SA possession, since the shot/game clock difference was only about 3 seconds, but it sure worked out OK for them.

LeBron took a few extra steps on that last drive, but the finish was amazing. The man-to-man duel with Gilbert down the stretch was great, and it is pretty surprising that the Cavs pulled it out, considering how little help LeBron was getting on offense. Hughes sure did f$%@ that defense up on the last play, idiotically leaving Arenas wide open to double on Jeffries(!?), but Gilbert just couldn't get that one last shot to fall, in spite of having hit a lot of big ones already in the 4th.

The Lakers are looking good, I've got to hand it to them. Phoenix is displaying very little heart, and Phil's recognition of the Suns' inability to guard anyone (plus his convincing Kobe of that fact) has helped everyone else on the Lakers to get involved.

I think the Nets will come through, though it might take them seven. It's best two of three now with two in New Jersey (I think). Especially if Peja drops out for another game or two.

Then, they take out the Heat...

I have to pace myself on weekends so I am not in front of the tube all day. Today I am going to watch the Pistons and Clipps/Denver after that. Looks like Memphis may win a game.

Things are going pretty much as planned. Except the bump in the road experienced by the Nets and Suns.

The Pacers may not win another game. They blew it by losing today. Phoenix better have taken note and not blow game 4 or they are done. No way Kobe allows the Suns to come back from a 3-1 defecit.

Did anyone take the Lakers over the Suns? Me neither....

The feel good story has got to be the Clip`s out West. I am happy for them and wish them well. Remember all the talk of Kobe joining the Clippers during the offseason? They would be favored to face the Pistons in the Finals if that would`ve happened. Once they get by the Nuggets only God knows how far they might go.

Lastly, the Wiz. I really don`t like this team, however, I admit they do have talent. The fact that Gilbert Arenas could be so much better than he is but seems to have his own agenda. This series is turning out to be Lebron vs Arenas. You have two young guns, the annointed one, the other, a selfish egomaniac battling it out. Why don`t the other 8 players just sit and let them go at it, why waste time!

Enough of that series, here is the kicker. Dallas is for real folks, barring injury they will take out the Spurs in 5.

The two big D`S in the Finals. Will be a good`n as they say in Dallas!

Clipps take a 3-1 series lead and are 1 game closer to the Hallway series at Staples as long as the Lakers hold up their end.

In watching them the Clipps are a solid team. They have a realistic shot of making it to the Finals. Probably will not quit get there due to inexperience but I do expect them to roll through the 2nd round ( even if its PHX ) and at least get to the West Finals. Clipps are a tem for the future. As long as they can keep it together. Even seem to have a solid replacement for Cassell in Livingston.

Remember Maggette missed about 2 months so that hurt their record in the reg season.

Did anyone take the Lakers over the Suns? Me neither....


Well, yes actually. It is going to be an LA - LA second round. The Lakes were just playing too well the last month of the season to ignore.

I wanted to pull for the Griz but its looking bleak. Dallas is rolling along.

If the teams that are winning in their series hold on it will be a great semifinals.


Detroit vs Lebron and the cavs
Miami vs NJ
LA vs LA
San Antonio vs Dallas.

I am sitting here watching the Miami Heat unravel. Wow what will happen during this offseason? They may still make it to the second round, however that`s where their season should come to an end either against NJ or Indiana.

Don`t look now but how does another Pacer / Piston playoff battle sound?

Back to the Heat, Payton and D Wade arguing, Posey and Haslem getting suspeneded a game, Shaq having probably his worst playoff game ever, they are through.

Pat Riley should fire himself at the end of the year. Or perhaps, completely change the roster once again and perform at a lower level next year.

Kobe & Phil seem to be doing just fine without Shaq, that should bother him, however, his body can`t respond to make much of a difference with the Heat.

I didn't see the game, but let's go Bulls! I don't think I can seriously expect them to win this series yet, but they're playing with house money now, and the Heat are going to be under intense pressure for Game 5. By the time that game rolls around, they'll have had more than half a week's worth of losing on the court, with open warfare between some of their guys on the sidelines, and nothing but intensely negative coverage and question marks from the media. It would be pretty sweet if they collapsed under the weight of all of this.

The Bulls should be done now than Chandler is out... at least they stretched the series out.

I still can't decide who I want to win in the NJ/Pacer series...
for some perverted reason there's some sympathy for Indy...
NJ could be a difficult match up down the road because of Krystic... with his out side shooting he can draw Wallace X2 out of the paint area which opens up lanes for Carter & Tiny Ears.

Yeah Max, that LA hallway thing would be fun to watch... I would definitely be rooting for the Clips (step child syndrome).

Who woulda thought that Denver would look like such a mess... Kiki really looked like he was pressing all of the right buttons... now he's stuck with big contracts (wait till Melo re-signs) and being forced to move Kenyon "the gimp".... I wonder how well Nene will come back next year.

In a way I want to face the Wizz... even with their luck against our team they are the most undisciplined selfish team in the playoffs.. they've got our attention.
Although Cleveland can defend a tin can with hockey pads.

The Bulls should be done now than Chandler is out... at least they stretched the series out.

Yeah, I figured they'd put up a fight (I picked the Heat in 6, I think). Since Chandler is out they don't have much of a shot winning another game.



I still can't decide who I want to win in the NJ/Pacer series...
for some perverted reason there's some sympathy for Indy...
NJ could be a difficult match up down the road because of Krystic... with his out side shooting he can draw Wallace X2 out of the paint area which opens up lanes for Carter & Tiny Ears.


I'd much rather face the Pacers. I think we would have an easier time w/ them. NJ will give us much more problems with the big 3 plus Nenad looking better and better.

So if we face the Pacers I'd say we'd finish them off in 5 or 6. Versus the Nets, it might go the distance.

Yeah, I figured they'd put up a fight (I picked the Heat in 6, I think). Since Chandler is out they don't have much of a shot winning another game.
It certainly doesn't help that Malik Allen is a complete bum. I'm kinda impressed with how well Sweetney has played. He's learning to use his size whenever it favors him.

The Bulls might have had a chance even with a gimpy Chandler but watching that game today brought two things out for me.

1. Miami has zero chemistry and Wade/Payton arguing is a sign of trouble. The Glove = team killer?

2. Chicago could be really good if there guys besides Nocioni (and to a lesser extent Hinrich) had any basketball I.Q. They didn't play very smart or with much composure. Simply the benefactors of Shaq getting killed with fouls in a tightly called game.

It certainly doesn't help that Malik Allen is a complete bum. I'm kinda impressed with how well Sweetney has played. He's learning to use his size whenever it favors him.


Sweetney has always looked like he had some game to me, but he's just fat. I dont see why he can't get into shape. I guess its a better body to throw at Shaq though.


The Bulls might have had a chance even with a gimpy Chandler but watching that game today brought two things out for me.

That injury looked pretty bad. He might come back this series?


2. Chicago could be really good if there guys besides Nocioni (and to a lesser extent Hinrich) had any basketball I.Q. They didn't play very smart or with much composure. Simply the benefactors of Shaq getting killed with fouls in a tightly called game.

You're right, but I wouldn't say its because of a low bball IQ more towards lack of experience. They're still very young. And you forgot about Deng, I think he's a big part of their success along w/ Hinrich.

That being said, the Chicago Bulls look like our future competition in the EC. Especially if they can package one of their young players and a pick or 2 (remember they'll most likely have a top 3 pick this year from NY) for an all star. Which I think they will.

Ok, Lakers up 3-1, wow, much props to DBA for taking LA over the Suns. There is no way Kobe will allow Phoenix to come back, even if he has to go for 100 points!

A thought came to mind at the end of this game. I am not much on the conspiracy theory of the NBA fixing games, however, if the Lakers would make it to the WCF, and the Heat make it to the ECF, the media and NBA would be salivating over a Shaq vs Kobe Finals!!!!

There might be some strange happenings in those two series, and we shouldn`t be suprised at all.

Stay tuned............

Dlev - I would not worry about any conspiracies. Even if the league were capable of it now would not be a good time. With the recent steroid and NCAA crackdowns congress would love to parade in Stern co. to defllect some of the heat they are under with fuel prices.

Also Riley had a good plan back in the summer of 04. What happend to his plans were the Pistons. His recent moves backfired but he almost got Elton Brand for this season.

Merc - I will also be pulling for the Clipps. Iteresting to see what team gets more fan support. I would suspect the Clipps will get the shortend but they have a better team and will win anyway.

Wiz win 106-96 to tie the series.
http://www.nba.com/games/20060430/CLEWAS/boxscore.html

Good job Wiz. Lebran was called for 4 offensive fouls. Perhaps under more scrutiny for the non-called travel at the end of game 3 which helped Clev win. Wash came back from 13 down with the help of I believe 18 4th quarter points by Arenas.

I know people complain about the refs, but has anyone considered the possibility the league is trying to extend the playoffs and get as many games as possible?

I've never seen such stretched out schedules before. Nor so many games on national TV. Of the 32 games so far, 27 or so were on national TV. That is insane, and its only the first round! Longer series = more games = $$$$.

Heat up 2-0, Shaq in foul trouble games 3 and 4, result 2-2
CLE up 2-1, bron actually called for fouls in game 4, result 2-2
Pistons up 2-0, ben in foul trouble, result 2-1
Lakers up 2-1, Kobe in foul trouble, pulls off miracle up 3-1

Not to mention the questionable calls around the league. You hear about these conspiracies theories, and obviously they can't be blatant about it. But subtle things here and there pile up and build momentum in another team's favor.

We all like to hate on the heat and spurs, but in the west the 1-8 matchup is 2-2, the 2-7 matchup is 1-3, in the east the 1-8 matchup is 2-1 (so far), 2-7 is 2-2. Either these are the most talented group of teams in the playoffs or the worst. Last year no 1st or 2nd seed took longer than 5 games to dispose of their opponent. This year, PHX will lose, Heat could, SA has been outplayed in 3 of 4, and Det lost a lot of momentum in game 3.

I know people complain about the refs, but has anyone considered the possibility the league is trying to extend the playoffs and get as many games as possible?

I've never seen such stretched out schedules before. Nor so many games on national TV. Of the 32 games so far, 27 or so were on national TV. That is insane, and its only the first round! Longer series = more games = $$$$.
If you're paranoid and creative enough, one could think that this league ain't about sports. The surprising tripple double in LBJ's first game. Kobe deciding games in a way Jordan or Bird did. All the elite teams struggeling (Spurs, Pistons last game, Heat) against much weaker teams.
On the other hand, it's fun to watch and, with Hamilotn's ankle injured (he still doesn't walk like healthy) and the big loss the day before yesterday, I'm even more glad that the Heat are far from sweeping.

All the elite teams struggeling (Spurs, Pistons last game, Heat) against much weaker teams.
The Spurs had a tough time against Sac in the regular season when 'Reef played well. Something about Abdur Rahim, he causes Duncan fits and Horry can't cover him.

The Pistons are their own worst enemy and the Heat, well, they are the Heat. Bandwagon vets (Anderson, Anderson, and Payton), bandwagon fans, and bandwagon results.

We've got the NHL playoffs going on in Detroit right now, and there are always lots of upsets in the first round. In fact, the #1 team in the regular season may be eliminated tonight in 6 games. That's what parity does to a league.

It is so much fun to watch the Heat self destruct. My incredibly bold prediction is that no team with Gary Payton will ever win a championship. The Heat will probably pull this out, but it will take seven since they are not going to win a game in Chicago. Then let the Nets chew on them for a while.

I've never seen such stretched out schedules before. Nor so many games on national TV. Of the 32 games so far, 27 or so were on national TV. That is insane, and its only the first round! Longer series = more games = $$$$.

That started happening several years ago, I think at least 5 or 6 seasons back. The first round got stretched out to get all those games on national TV. It's only the first week, actually, when all the series are guaranteed to be going on. Once the second week rolls around, i.e. now, I think every series is on an every-other-day schedule. Maybe it's just a little more noticeable this season because of the unusual number of first round series that have been competitive so far.

I didn't see Spurs/Kings last night, but for anyone who did, would you say the Spurs were deflated from losing Game 3 like they did? We saw the Pistons fail to show up in their Game 3 because they thought they didn't have to, but obviously the Spurs have known they're in for a tough time with Sacramento ever since Game 2. Was it just a case of not bouncing back from losing Game 3 after being only a few seconds away from going ahead 3-0?

That started happening several years ago, I think at least 5 or 6 seasons back. The first round got stretched out to get all those games on national TV. It's only the first week, actually, when all the series are guaranteed to be going on. Once the second week rolls around, i.e. now, I think every series is on an every-other-day schedule. Maybe it's just a little more noticeable this season because of the unusual number of first round series that have been competitive so far.

I didn't see Spurs/Kings last night, but for anyone who did, would you say the Spurs were deflated from losing Game 3 like they did? We saw the Pistons fail to show up in their Game 3 because they thought they didn't have to, but obviously the Spurs have known they're in for a tough time with Sacramento ever since Game 2. Was it just a case of not bouncing back from losing Game 3 after being only a few seconds away from going ahead 3-0?

I think it was more of bad match ups than anything else...
Bowen is not strong enough to slow down Bonzi or Artest in the post... these guys are starting to demand a double team.... this is opening up opportunities for other players... I've never seen the Spurs defense look so feable... as several player are driving to the rim uncontested.
They're also having a hard time stopping Bibby on the P&R.

Certainly the Pistons were lagging at the end of the season, but the lowly Kings won one more game than the Pistons in the last two months of the regular season. This 26 up and 30 down team won 18 and lost eight towards the end. If they had played the same all season (with RR of course), they finish third in the West.

Same by and large true for the Lakers. Both these teams came into the playoffs in the right way.

I still can't believe the lakers won, wow. Down by 5 with 10 seconds to go. Sucks for Nash though because the ref couldn't hear him calling timeout. Kobe and Lebron ave been the best in the playoffs so far. Even though kobe is averaging 15- 20 less points he's getting the team to work.

I want to sleep but this Spurs Kings game is amazing. WOW.

Suns force a game 6. Hoping for the Hallway series in LA but Its not over until its over.

Dwayne Wade commercial-

Fall 7 times, get up 8.

Does that make sense in any way? Shouldn't it be fall 7 times, get up 7?
What am I missing here?

Ah yes, the phantom 8th get up. Another NBA/Sprite/Nike/Adidas/ESPN conspiracy.

Maybe the message is that even if Dwyane Wade wasn't knocked down, he will get up. He's a whore for getting up. The male spokesmodel for people on the floor. An icon in an age of belly flopping no talent paint drivers. The president of the NBA floorshine business. The Czar of wax jobs.

The Mr. Miyagi of violent flopping (fall down, fall up, fall down, fall up). A phoenix in legwarmers. A slam dunker with 8 lives to give. A PhD in Geology listening for the sounds of Shaq's game.

Can you get brain damage if you don't eat? I think that is what is happening to me.

I think it just sounded good and nobody bothered to check to see if it made sense. Now they are stuck with it.

The only other slogan that bothered me as much was

"Think different" by Apple. Shouldn't it be "Think differently"?


It is tough speaking fluent Inglish sometimes.

At least Wade actually gets sent to the floor most times he is fouled. AI sometimes slips on invisible bannana peals and the nearest opponent gets pinned with the foul.

Hold up on that Hallway Series...Tim Thomas' super-clutch 3 got the Suns into OT, and now they're up 9 with under a minute left. Lakers are going to have to win Game 7 in the Valley of the Suns to advance...gonna be an awfully tall order.

Suns Suns Suns. Wow. They just took over in OT. Diaw, Nash, Thomas and Marion.

It's 120-111 57 seconds to go as I write this.

Kobe is yelling at Devean George right now.

Kobe makes a 3.

Barbosa fouled on the inbounds, Suns run off a lot of clock, Parker had to foul Nash for 2 FTs. Best FT shooter in the NBA....

120-114

makes both.

122-114

Kobe just hit a long three, bank shot off glass. Crazy. 122-117. Nash pushed out of bounds with the ball on the inbounds.

Shooting 2.

124-117, makes both. 29.4 seconds to play.

Kobe misses a 3, that loser Barbosa just fouled Devean George on a 3. 3 FTs to come. Makes 1 of 3. Lakers foul Tim Thomas on the rebound.

124-118

TT makes both. 126-118, 18 seconds to go.

Odom miss. Nash dribbles out the clock.

3-3, back to Phoenix for Game 7 on Saturday.

Nash 32 points, 13 Assists. TNT Closer of the Game.

Looks like all of that Game Chat play-by-play typing is paying off. LOL. The human telestrator.

The Suns still shine! Now they have the momentum. Nash's 32-13 performance as Roscoe stated. 50 point career playoff high for Kobe. Both stars showed up but the Lakers could not get Kobe the ball in the last 2 plays of OT.

I thought the Suns were done but they decided that they were not going to lose this one. Lakers show their inexperience and lack of size. As if the Suns have any but at least they can grab a board when they need to. Suns also hit ( I believe ) their last 13 free throws.

Being down 1-3 is bad. 2-3 is not so bad ( Pistons have been in that spot twice over the past 2 playoffs ). 3-3 is good if you are the home team and the Suns are going home.

Are the Lakers done or is Kobe only human?

Looks bad for the hallway series. Lets see if the old saying "The better team always wins a 7 game series" applies this Sat night.

I just thought that I would point out that the Bulls paid Tim Thomas the same amount that they paid Hinrich+Nocioni+Gordon+Sweetney+Deng+Duhon this year. Mo-rons.

Holy Cow. I was prepping images for Det Cle and it looks like Was just tied it up at 107!

Holy Cow. I was prepping images for Det Cle and it looks like Was just tied it up at 107!

Go ahead and do your preparing Bro. Do you think a Lebron James led team will lose a game 7? In Cleveland?

That`s if the Wiz can hold on to get this win. It aint over yet!

OT w/ 14 seconds to go, up by 1 and Arenas bricks 2 free throws.

Man he's an amazing player, but he's too sporatic and inconsistant. Not to mention a ball hog. Thats why I've never really liked him.

OT w/ 14 seconds to go, up by 1 and Arenas bricks 2 free throws.

Man he's an amazing player, but he's too sporatic and inconsistant. Not to mention a ball hog. Thats why I've never really liked him.

It`s his world here in DC. He put it into OT with the 30 footer, and lost it at the FT line.

Did you see Lebron come and say something to Arenas before he shot the FT`s? He must have put the fear of God in him. Arenas usually makes his FT`s.

It`s his world here in DC. He put it into OT with the 30 footer, and lost it at the FT line.

Did you see Lebron come and say something to Arenas before he shot the FT`s? He must have put the fear of God in him. Arenas usually makes his FT`s.

Yeah, he's a great player and I'm sure he'll make a few all-games during his career, but I just can't see him ever making it far in the p-offs.

It almost appeared that Clev was trying to hand the game to the Wiz and they did not want to take it. All those open shots in OT missed. Snow passes it out of bounds with 14 secs left and Arenas misses both FT's. Then nobody bothers to cover Damon Jones. How could Jones come in ice-cold and nail a long 2 like that?

Pistons round 2 starts this Sunday. Not very much rest. I was hoping for Wash to win just to get the extra rest.

I'm liking the fact that the Cavs have to go right to the Palace... they're ready for someone to pop their happy balloon.

i'm fine with it...we get some rest but not too much. meanwhile, cavs are ending a game late after an emotionally, physically, and mentally draining series, have to fly back home, have one day off, and then play early afternoon.

we are all witnesses...to lebron getting swept

we are all witnesses...to lebron getting swept

Now, now, let`s not get carried away.

I have the Cav`s winning game 3..........AND THAT`S IT!!!!:laugh:

i'm fine with it...we get some rest but not too much. meanwhile, cavs are ending a game late after an emotionally, physically, and mentally draining series, have to fly back home, have one day off, and then play early afternoon.

we are all witnesses...to lebron getting swept
Yeah too much rest can hurt... especially when you've got the Net/Heat already starting their series... we need to finish before them.
Heat or Nets... hey, maybe that goes 7?

Yeah too much rest can hurt... especially when you've got the Net/Heat already starting their series... we need to finish before them.
Heat or Nets... hey, maybe that goes 7?

Yes that is true. If we had started on Tuesday or Wed and ended it in 5 there still would not be much rest for the Conf Final. Rip scored 40 so that ankle cannot be too bad.

we are all witnesses...to lebron getting swept

A sweep? I wouldnt go that far. I'd say 5 or 6, you know we always give in one game.



Heat or Nets... hey, maybe that goes 7?

That was my prediction, Nets in 7.

i know but cleveland just has such terrible shooters, i really don't see us losing one this round. plus i predicted it in the playoff brackets so i'm rooting for that ;D

oh yeah and cleveland is 15-18 against playoff teams

i know but cleveland just has such terrible shooters, i really don't see us losing one this round. plus i predicted it in the playoff brackets so i'm rooting for that ;D

oh yeah and cleveland is 15-18 against playoff teams

I got the Pistons in 5. I can't see Sheed letting them have 2. Too much bad blood.:eyebrows:

Suns absolutely destroy the Lakers. That should pretty much shut up everyone who thought that Nash was not the MVP when the Lakers went up 3-1 in the series.

121-90, and believe me, this game was over 5 minutes into the 3rd. Barkley called it right at halftime. Suns run'em out of the building.

So how does Kobe take 16 shots in a game seven? Surely Phil wasn't trying to rein him in that much. Surely Kobe wouldn't listen to him if he were. So, was the punk sandbagging for some reason? Could this be a "see this is how we play when I work in your offense" kind of thing?

Or could he have just heard that I picked the Lakers...

First first-round loss for Phil? Is that right? :nod:

First first-round loss for Phil? Is that right? :nod:

correct, and kobe said the only way they were going to come back was if everyone else contributed, so maybe he is learning how to play team basketball.

also, he scored 50 the other night and still lost, so he was thinking along the right lines. i still thought the suns would win the series even down 3-1. the lakers did well to win 3 games IMO.

Dallas vs. SA

I still think SA finds a way to win this series. Still the better team overall.