2nd Round Boston vs Cleveland

I found the "experts" making out atlanta to be no regular 8th seed???????

yea there worse then most 8th seeds, lol... and that most teams don't have a Johnson.... if Johnson can get to the rim at will what do they think King James will do?

I am going to say I would actually expect Cleveland to win this series in 6.

I'd love to see Cleveland win this series, just so the Pistons can put Lebron's whiney butt back where it belongs. (at home in June). Boston in 7...

If Lebron doesn't do to the Celtics what he did to us last year I'm going to be a little disappointed. :(

But I still want the Celtics to come out of it for some strange reason, I think a Pistons/Celtics matchup will be epic, and I think our players know it.

Also I just never want to see us playing Lebron in the playoffs again :(

I HATE THE CADAVERS!!! I hope they get smoked in 4.

The Cavaliers are pretty much the team that I most hate in the NBA, followed up by the Celtics. So I would rather prefer a meteorite falling in the arena and make the Pistons the EFC champions by default.

Celtics in 6.

Edith: Man, I just realized.

The pistons finished their series with the 6ers a Thursday, and they had to play again with the Magic the very next Saturday (two days later). Then the Celtics won their series today and they dont play until this next Thursday.

Man, thats some bullsh*t right there. They can rest but we cant? COME ON.

The Cavaliers are pretty much the team that I most hate in the NBA, followed up by the Celtics. So I would rather prefer a meteorite falling in the arena and make the Pistons the EFC champions by default.

Celtics in 6.

Edith: Man, I just realized.

The pistons finished their series with the 6ers a Thursday, and they had to play again with the Magic the very next Saturday (two days later). Then the Celtics won their series today and they dont play until this next Thursday.

Man, thats some bullsh*t right there. They can rest but we cant? COME ON.

Isn't Boston series starting on Tuesday?

The Cavaliers are pretty much the team that I most hate in the NBA, followed up by the Celtics. So I would rather prefer a meteorite falling in the arena and make the Pistons the EFC champions by default.

Celtics in 6.

Edith: Man, I just realized.

The pistons finished their series with the 6ers a Thursday, and they had to play again with the Magic the very next Saturday (two days later). Then the Celtics won their series today and they dont play until this next Thursday.

Man, thats some bullsh*t right there. They can rest but we cant? COME ON.

Game 1 is actually Tuesday May 6th so the Celtics will only get the 1 day in between to prepare. The Cavs will get the three days off since they last played Friday.

My bad. It says so here (http://www.nba.com/playoffs2008/series/index.html).

But, if you now take a look here (http://www.nba.com/games/20080504/ATLBOS/gameinfo.html?nav=scoreboardhome%3Cbr%20/%3E)... right there in the schedule says: "Tue 5/6 - 0".

My bad anyways.

I don't really care who wins but hope the series would go down to the wire, i.e. 7 games. By then, I hope some 'stars' on their teams are totally worn out.

I don't really care who wins but hope the series would go down to the wire, i.e. 7 games. By then, I hope some 'stars' on their teams are totally worn out.

Ray Allen already looks worn out. Lets hope he doesn't regenerate himself.

I HATE THE CADAVERS!!! I hope they get smoked in 4.

Boston in 5.

Possibly 6 since they don't get much rest.

Cavs will take game 1. Watch.

Boston doesn't have any idea what they are getting themselves into.

As for who I'd rather Detroit play...I'd say Boston.

It would be bad news for a team whose offense is geared toward getting uncontested looks to play a team whose defense is predicated on contesting shots at the highest % possible.

It's pretty much why we struggle so much offensively against them.

KG + Pierce + Allen > LeBron

Celts in 7.


Look for KG and Ill-gauskas to have a bloody battle.

Look for Allen to try to one-up Booby.

Ray Allen already looks worn out. Lets hope he doesn't regenerate himself.

I believe when the Jesus does it, it's called 'resurrecting'





Like when Michigan and Notre Dame playe each other, this series will simply be known as the "Injury Bowl" in my household.

Go Injuries.

So it's shaping up to be

"WE" VS. "ME"

Only I'm not sure LeBron isn't the most unselfish player of the 4.

Sure, Garnett has been labeled unselfish, but thats mostly because he's crunchtime jello on the offensive end.

Meanwhile LeBron keeps racking up the triple doubles with assist totals that aren't even struggling to get past 10.

This series could easily shape up to be

"WE" VS. THE
3 a"ME"gos


Ilgauskis will own Perkins.

Ben can give Garnett one heck of a run for his money if he plays his butt off.

LeBron is totally capable of busting Paul up on both ends of the floor.

DeLonte West is underrated and completely capable of frustrating Rondo.

Wally World only needs to stay close to an aged Ray Allen for the Cavs to win or tie in all matchups above.

And thats just the starting 5. Bring in Gibson, put West on Allen. Now things get interesting.

This isn't Atlanta, Boston. Big Z is nothing like Pachulia. James is no Joe Johnson. He will laugh at their double teams, and his shooters can shoot. Can't wait to see the frustration mount when Garnetts in the popcorn popper and his boys can't do anything but put LeBron and his pals on the line.

I'm going the other way and calling Cleveland in 6.

Who do we want to win lose this series? I gotta know who to root for against.

Since I will never actually wish injury on any player...... damn morals....

I want an epic 7 game series where each and every game goes to atleast Triple OT so that all the superstars have to average over 50 mins a game so that there is no gas left in the tank.

I guess I would at the end of the day want us to play Cleveland in the ECF's so we can rid our self of the bad taste of last year, and if we can't then.... we don't deserve a title anyways.... That and I really don't like multi star teams being thrown together at the end of there careers... LA of 04 was another team I was happy to see go down...

I kind of agree. But I don't really care which team Pistons get to play, only that they beat up each other up. If you are going for the championship you should be able to beat whoever is on your path.

I want an epic 7 game series where each and every game goes to atleast Triple OT so that all the superstars have to average over 50 mins a game so that there is no gas left in the tank.
On the other hand, if the Pistons beat Orlando quickly and have too many days of waiting around, history suggests that they'll be completely out of sync for the first couple of games of the ECF.

The more I think of it the more I want Cleveland to win. It'll provide me with entertainment when I listen to Boston radio. The talk show guys will be able to finally quit whining about Spygate and start whining about the Celts.

Besides, we get HCA if Cleveland wins and the Pistons have played well at home for the most part.

Clev is shooting horribly but bos is not able to build a decent lead. This bos is not confident team anymore: hesitating shots and lots of turning over

So far this looks like a redux of some of last years ecf games. Defensive, ugly, a lot of TO's and missed shots, refs calling it to tight. It's anybody game...although Celtics lucky Rondo is playing and lucky that la bron is only 1-6 shooting. Only two qtrs in the book, but it looks like 6 or 7 to me unless one team breaks out.

With Celtics woes on the road, they better make sure they win a home game or they may be watching the ECF on their big screen Tv's with the Sixers, Mavs, Wizards, Suns, etc.:sssh:

Erh... TheBron is playing like somebody has injected him some morphine before the game. He almost has more fouls than points, he is shooting 1-10.

Wait, before I continue I have here a friend that wants to say something:


http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2007/04/21/PH2007042101173.jpg

"I've told you all he is overrateeeeeeeeeeeed!!"

=============

Come on, Pierce is playing D on him, whats going on? If the Cavs do go to the ECF, Tay should learn from whatever they're doing (I know im talking a little bit too early, but its still useful).It makes me think that if LeBron turns on, the Cavs have way more chances to beat them.

TNT guys are talking about whether to double Garnett or not....

meanwhile Wallace keeps doubling off of him.


what?

Lebron has 9 turnovers with 9 min left.

If LeBron brings his "D" game, the Cavs could have won this game.

Ugly game. Credit to KG for hitting big shots in the last minute, but wow, could LeBron have choked any worse?

Lebron really sucked...which means Boston should be very worried.

I know percentages say you go with your superstar, but in this case, 2-18 and 10 turnovers for lebron, you may have been better to give the shots to someone else.

KG was earning his 3rd place MVP honors, but the unsung hero of this game may have been late season pickup Sam cassell. Two threes in the third qtr and 8 of the Celtics points in what had to have been most dreadful third qtr in playoff history. Reminds me of a Celtic-Piston playoff game back in 87 or 88 when the the final score was 63-60 or something like that.

As bad a game as Labron had he was one assist and one rebound away from a quadruple double. (including 10 TO's). He took to many shots instead of passing off to the open man. Even when he took the ball to the rim, he tried to many reverse layups instead of the dunks he threw down on us last year.

I think the last time Ray allen hit a jumper was the last game of the regular season.

Even as bad as these guys played, I think the refs took some of the game away from the cavs with so many ticky-tac fouls. No way the Celtics should win this game commiting 23 TO's. This does not look good for the rest of the series or the next round for whatever teams get in the ECF. It goes back to the previous rounds with the physical mini-fights between the Wiz-Cavs and Celtics-Hawks. I guess the league decided that they did want to let it get out of hand and called it close.

Just call me McD cuz I'M LUVIN IT! Beat each other up and down the floor!

Boston improves turnover rate and Bron improves shooting percentage. Means same score for next game........and same winner.

Just call me McD cuz I'M LUVIN IT! Beat each other up and down the floor!

yep and then Orlando has cake walk to the finals vs the Hornets:lol:

Not only was that game coma-inducing, but it was like some alternate reality. Lebron looked like it was his 1st year in the league. Whatever BOS was doing defensively, i hope the Pistons were watching just in case. Garnett was being clutch. Allen looked like Wally. Wally at times looked like Allen.

Why was Joe Smith on Garnett that last possession when Ben was doing a good job on his post-ups ?

Why were they doubling off Garnett ? Who were they doubling anyway ?

A big flaw in CLE is they have no one that can punish Cassell on the defensive end in terms of guards so he's just aloud to hang out, make a shot if he likes, check out the view . . .

I don't know if this game bodes well for BOS (no production from Allen/Pierce) or CLE (Lebron playing like that and having a chance to win).

Boston improves turnover rate and Bron improves shooting percentage. Means same score for next game........and same winner.You forgot about Lebron reducing his turnovers also...he had 10 of the Cavs 17.

This could be the long series we were hoping for.

I am not sure who I want to win. I watched most of the 4th and did not really care who won.

You forgot about Lebron reducing his turnovers also...he had 10 of the Cavs 17.

This could be the long series we were hoping for.
yep celtics would possibly play 14 games before getting to the ECF and the Cavs a possible 13. We need to take care of business in 5 and have at least 3 days rest before the ECF starts. If one of them has expended all of their energy, then we take them down in five and be prepared for a run and gun western foe.
:stirthepot:
Oops, there I go thinking to far ahead...hopefully the guys that work at the palace aren't thinking the same. :sssh:

I am not sure who I want to win. I watched most of the 4th and did not really care who won.

I felt the same way. I just rooted for whoever looked worse at the moment.

Cleveland could be dangerous. This was an awful game for Lebron and they still could have won it if his point blank finger roll wouldn't have popped out (and he would have gotten a phantom foul call like usual). He could have gone 3-15, had 10 turnovers, and still got the W on the road against the team with the best record in the NBA.

I felt the same way. I just rooted for whoever looked worse at the moment.\

:pound: Now really think about that...:dizzy2:

\

:pound: Now really think about that...:dizzy2:

Yea, i re-read it and realized how that came out :)

I felt the same way. I just rooted for whoever looked worse at the moment.

Yea, i re-read it and realized how that came out :)

I am not getting it. Usually the subltle unentended pun things go right over my head but I don't see anything in that.

I kind of felt the same way too. Maybe thats why. Root for whoever is behind at the moment.

I felt the same way. I just rooted for whoever looked worse at the moment.



You must have become a Piston fan when they wore the TEAL. :pound:

so..... its not the type of basketball that the media doen't like... its the teams.... replace either team with detroit and you'd hear how this wasn't basketball and how detroit is ruining the game.

Hell, Doc in his post game called the game beautiful..... :pound::pound::stirthepot:

And I don't think it was the defense played on James.... he didn't dunk he was trying to do his MJ impersonation when he went to the basket and do a reverse double flip shot...... DUNK THE BALL.... and when your shot isn't falling James.... DON"T TAKE 3's, 0-6 on 3's and 2-18 overall? James should rarely take 3's... thats not his game. and I honestly give Boston maybe 50 percent of the credit the rest was James's fault...

Allen is getting older by the possession, though was the first time I have seen Garrnett step up in cluth time and did it over and over (this playoffs)

Hopefully the will take this series to a game 7. Both teams looked horrible. i would be afraid if i was the celts.

I didn't watch the game, but it was enough just taking a peak at the final score to figure out that it was a struggle. I have to agree that if it was Detroit, we'd be hearing about how Detroit is ruining the game. I think the next move would be to take the shot clock down to 15 seconds to speed things up.

I am not getting it. Usually the subltle unentended pun things go right over my head but I don't see anything in that.

I kind of felt the same way too. Maybe thats why. Root for whoever is behind at the moment.

I think he was talking about the assinineness (is that a word?) and the futility of it (at least thats what i thought).

I thought he was saying it should be "whomever", or "whichever team".

I think he was talking about the assinineness (is that a word?) and the futility of it (at least thats what i thought).

I just thought it was funny because it seemed paradoxical to me. Kind of like as soon as the team that you are rooting for (the worse team at the moment) does something good, like make a basket, then at that moment, the other team becomes the worse team for the moment and at that point in time, you've got to instantly root for them instead. So yes, it would be a lesson in futility. :pound:


Anyhow, my comment certainly wasn't worthy of this much analysis or discussion...which is actually quite typical of just about anything I say.:MusicBigGrin: I always enjoy the stuff you write lpgrl. Keep up the good work...

Although we are only at halftime of the second game, So far Sam ET Cassell is the difference in the series. 13 points in game 1, most coming in the second half and now 9 points off the bench in the first half of game 2 to get the his team off the snide

http://ts3.images.live.com/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1541421468738&id=a30cc3757bc17b936c5089db78270c08

I just thought it was funny because it seemed paradoxical to me. Kind of like as soon as the team that you are rooting for (the worse team at the moment) does something good, like make a basket, then at that moment, the other team becomes the worse team for the moment and at that point in time, you've got to instantly root for them instead. So yes, it would be a lesson in futility. :pound:


Anyhow, my comment certainly wasn't worthy of this much analysis or discussion...which is actually quite typical of just about anything I say.:MusicBigGrin: I always enjoy the stuff you write lpgrl. Keep up the good work...

I never knew you were so well read. With 4,500 posts I guess so..

I just thought it was funny because it seemed paradoxical to me. Kind of like as soon as the team that you are rooting for (the worse team at the moment) does something good, like make a basket, then at that moment, the other team becomes the worse team for the moment and at that point in time, you've got to instantly root for them instead. So yes, it would be a lesson in futility. :pound:


Anyhow, my comment certainly wasn't worthy of this much analysis or discussion...which is actually quite typical of just about anything I say.:MusicBigGrin: I always enjoy the stuff you write lpgrl. Keep up the good work...

Yea it would be sorta funny if someone was watching me to do it. I would sit there and i'd be like BOS sucks; so mentally untough, Go BOS!, then they would have this great defensive sequence and i'd be like Wow, their defense is better than ours, Go CLE!

At the end when it was tied, i wasn't sure exactly what to do LOL.

Although we are only at halftime of the second game, So far Sam ET Cassell is the difference in the series. 13 points in game 1, most coming in the second half and now 9 points off the bench in the first half of game 2 to get the his team off the snide

http://ts3.images.live.com/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1541421468738&id=a30cc3757bc17b936c5089db78270c08

They need to punish him on defense, and that picture scared the hell out of me. :pound:

They need to punish him on defense, and that picture scared the hell out of me. :pound:
Would you prefer one of these?

http://ts2.images.live.com/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1533139956853&id=021b8ad66197414fcca246df440f5f57 http://ts3.images.live.com/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1654247786166&id=8d4d44e6d86b912959f4ba3324e77e17 http://ts3.images.live.com/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1654624948322&id=e1b27ddeb27d4f34b990c1a26535611c

Thanks. Just what i needed. :pound:

That last one is great!

The Ben Wallace thing was pretty scary. To see a player stagger like that and then collapse on the bench... The only thing I could think about was Reggie Lewis.

Here's hoping it really was some allergic reaction and not something more serious.

The Ben Wallace thing was pretty scary. To see a player stagger like that and then collapse on the bench... The only thing I could think about was Reggie Lewis.

Here's hoping it really was some allergic reaction and not something more serious.ESPN - Cavs' Wallace blames allergies for his departure from Game 2 - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3387572)

"I got lightheaded," he said. "There was smoke in the first quarter. You can't play basketball with your head spinning like that."

During pregame introductions, fireworks were set off on the court -- like before Game 1 -- and smoke remained in the opening minutes, slowly lifting to the ceiling.

Kind of silly. Massachusetts bars people from smoking in public areas, yet they allow fireworks to be set off in a closed arena full of people...duh?

Kind of silly. Massachusetts bars people from smoking in public areas, yet they allow fireworks to be set off in a closed arena full of people...duh?

:pound:

Have you seen any of the Boston games? It takes about half of the first quarter for the smoke from the fireworks to dissipate enough for the cameras to see the court clearly.

Apparently he also has a viral ear infection and is doubtful in Game 3. Sucks for the Cavs. This is the one series they really needed him for.

And totally off-topic, but the Mavs hired RC, and the Dallas fans are calling him Ivory Johnson. :pound:

And totally off-topic, but the Mavs hired RC, and the Dallas fans are calling him Ivory Johnson. :pound:

Thats going to be very interesting. Very interesting hiring a half court defensive coach for a running offensive team. It can either really work out for them or blow up in their faces.

I hate fireworks inside. Pistons used to do that and now they have that big flame thing that I worry will topple over and torch people in the 1st row. Why can't they just stick with a simple and safe light show.

Ben Wallace is out

Actually, Ben is starting.

God, the Celtics are bad on the road. Strange stat, Ben has 8 boards, 7 OFF, and only one defensive.

LeBron still can't hit a shot, but everyone else for them is shooting really well. The Cavs are obviously better than Atlanta and infinitely more experienced in the playoffs, so it's going to be a real question if Boston can even compete on the road in this series. They lost all those games in Atlanta by melting down in the 4th, but they were never in this game at all after the first few minutes.

Pistons are now 3-2 on the road in the playoffs...Celtics are heading for 0-4.

If they win all their home games it's irrelevant, not to mention very good for us if we advance (or bad depending on how you look at it).

CLE might be the better match-up for us, but BOS mental toughness is really becoming a question.

Eddie House going to get that ass beat for that foul.

I'm pretty sure that no team has ever gotten to the finals without winning a road game in the playoffs; certainly no team has ever won the title without winning some road games. This is going to catch up to the Celtics, sooner rather than later, unless they do something about it very soon.

If they win all their home games it's irrelevant, not to mention very good for us if we advance (or bad depending on how you look at it).

CLE might be the better match-up for us, but BOS mental toughness is really becoming a question.

Drag that sucker out as long as possible.

I'm pretty sure that no team has ever gotten to the finals without winning a road game in the playoffs; certainly no team has ever won the title without winning some road games. This is going to catch up to the Celtics, sooner rather than later, unless they do something about it very soon.

I don't think so either but the Lakers did it seven seven seven when they beat us in 88.

Lol, Celtics squad forgot to take to Cleveland the D, it's still in Boston. Lol.

I would rather say that when they travel they have no space for it, thats why they win only home games, its the only explanation.

Pistons on the road

3-2 (1-0) in close out games

Celts

0-4 (0-1) in close out games

Ben Wallace is the offensive player of the game for Cleveland so far. He's getting lots of easy baskets.

Last game he got dizzy.
Maybe like Fanzen.

I don't think so either but the Lakers did it seven seven seven when they beat us in 88.

Yes, but there were some road wins (and home losses) along the way for them. Like in the Finals, where they lost Game 1 at the Forum but took one of the 3 games at the Silverdome.

Lol, Celtics squad forgot to take to Cleveland the D, it's still in Boston. Lol.

I would rather say that when they travel they have no space for it, thats why they win only home games, its the only explanation.

Boston doesn't take D with them on the road. Started in the 1st round.

The Celtics would be silly to think they could sweep a series against the new Jordan.

Big Z drove the paint like a lumbering, 7'3" point guard.

Ben Wallace didn't fill up the stat sheet, but he was active on every play and will be haunting the Celtics dreams tonight. It reminded me of Big Ben with the Pistons.

I'm officially pulling for the Cavaliers to win this series. I think that Detroit has a score to settle with these kids.


:gun1:

The Celtics would be silly to think they could sweep a series against the new Jordan.

Big Z drove the paint like a lumbering, 7'3" point guard.

Ben Wallace didn't fill up the stat sheet, but he was active on every play and will be haunting the Celtics dreams tonight. It reminded me of Big Ben with the Pistons.

I'm officially pulling for the Cavaliers to win this series. I think that Detroit has a score to settle with these kids.


:gun1:


Exactly my feelings too: let cavs win so that pistons can finally bury this "game 5". When cavs-det series starts, there will lot of talks of "game 5". It MUST end.

I'm officially pulling for the Cavaliers to win this series. I think that Detroit has a score to settle with these kids.


:gun1:



Now you're talkin...Let's take these agressive, no BS Pistons out for a spin against the CAVS......We're ready. :gun1:

Linwood, Rexrats and Nemo----your are officially scum.

DOWN WITH THE CADAVERS!!!

Do we really want to see Ben Wallace or Lebron for that matter again in the PO's?

I don't know about you guys, but i'm sick of playing Ben in the PO's. Once was enough . . .

Then again do we really want to deal with Sheed possibly having an emotional breakdown b/c of all the start calls KG will get ?

I guess at this point i'm just a Game 7/time for Chauncey to rest FF

Linwood, Rexrats and Nemo----your are officially scum.

DOWN WITH THE CADAVERS!!!


SCUM rises to the top in any pond...

The way the playoffs are going this year, I think I'd rather have HCA against the Cavs.

The winning team will obviously be the better team, so it's not like we can avoid having a test (if we make it there). Home teams are really kicking butt this year though. Maybe the new NBA policy on encouraging touchy calls is magnified when home crowds get loud and the refs subconsciously feed them.

It's a tuff call Cavs or Celts. But Stern/league wants Celts/Pis, you know, for old times sake.
Don't forget BBens Bulls crushed the -then-champs Heat in the P/Os last year. Frankly I don't need BBeen coming around here.

Linwood, Rexrats and Nemo----your are officially scum.

DOWN WITH THE CADAVERS!!!


Down with the Cadavers!!! But I want the Pistons to do it, not the Celts. If the Celts take out LeBron, it would be like sending your brother to beat up a bully. It may have the same end result, but it's just not as satisfying as it would be if you did it yourself.

:gun1:

Linwood, Rexrats and Nemo----your are officially scum.

DOWN WITH THE CADAVERS!!!
Yeah but all 3 of these guys are my kinda scum. :rofl:

Pistons on the road

3-2 (1-0) in close out games

Celts

0-4 (0-1) in close out games

Doesn`t mean squat.

That`s why HCA is so important to some teams. If Boston loses every away game and wins every home game, they win the ship!!!!

Bottom line, they don`t have to win an away game, as long as they don`t lose at home........

Did anyone see the "talk" between kg and bill russell. Nauseating and unbelieveable. At one point russell said he would give kg one of his rings and kg replies "i feel ya". ABC/ESPN promoted it as one of the must see talks of the year. I thought it was totally unbelievable. I would like to know if russell felt this type of love for kg when he was in minnesota for 11 years. I am trying to find any quotes that russell made in regard to kg. The cameras during the talk forcused on russell's eyes that looked like was going to cry. I would like to read what others think about the "interview of the year". Hopefully we can get the interview on youtube.

Did anyone see the "talk" between kg and bill russell. Nauseating and unbelieveable. At one point russell said he would give kg one of his rings and kg replies "i feel ya". ABC/ESPN promoted it as one of the must see talks of the year. I thought it was totally unbelievable. I would like to know if russell felt this type of love for kg when he was in minnesota for 11 years. I am trying to find any quotes that russell made in regard to kg. The cameras during the talk forcused on russell's eyes that looked like was going to cry. I would like to read what others think about the "interview of the year". Hopefully we can get the interview on youtube.

Wow, I thought I was the only one who saw that and felt the same way. Funny that KG is suddenly Russell's favorite player out of the blue. Methinks Bill Russell misses the limelight. It was just last year when he was telling a Finals-bound Lebron James "make me proud" in a similarly weird moment during the EC championship awards ceremony. Sorry, Russell, as the sympathetic sheriff said to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid "your times is over."


By the way, doesn't KG look totally weird and not himself in those clips? Like he doesn't take it seriously, but has to pretend to because of Russell's reputaton?

Wow, I thought I was the only one who saw that and felt the same way. Funny that KG is suddenly Russell's favorite player out of the blue. Methinks Bill Russell misses the limelight. It was just last year when he was telling a Finals-bound Lebron James "make me proud" in a similarly weird moment during the EC championship awards ceremony. Sorry, Russell, as the sympathetic sheriff said to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid "your times is over."


By the way, doesn't KG look totally weird and not himself in those clips? Like he doesn't take it seriously, but has to pretend to because of Russell's reputaton?

I thought it was one of the crappiest, sappiest productions I have seen in a long time. They had that horrible "sentimental" music playing the whole time while KG asked Russell goofy questions he was reading off an ESPN teleprompter, and Bill was laughing like he has lost his mind.

We thought Garnett was probably thinking, "shut up, you crazy old ma, it's my turn!"

WE'RE GOING TO LOSE: according to Jameer

Magic optimistic despite 3-1 series deficit

By TRAVIS REED, Associated Press Writer 4 hours, 46 minutes ago




ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—His team backed into a 3-1 corner in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Orlando Magic (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/orl/;_ylt=AjsVwJfD9WpmKaCu2XoCsp6LvLYF) guard Jameer Nelson (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3837/;_ylt=AvmwnzQsT.2gFqHxKd2qhN.LvLYF) guaranteed a Magic victory when the series returns to Detroit on Tuesday.
“We’re going to make some adjustments and we’re going to win this game,” Nelson said after Orlando’s 90-89 loss on Saturday. “I’m not being arrogant or cocky or anything like that. I think (Saturday) we let it slip out of our hands. Game 2 we let it slip out of our hands. We’re going to win this game in Detroit.”



Magic optimistic despite 3-1 series deficit - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AmGuZrM6SI3kg0U74Cep0Uy8vLYF?slug=ap-pistons-magic&prov=ap&type=lgns)

I want the cavs to win, so this can happen (again):

http://www.slamdumb.com/images/comics/4_7_08.jpg



(Note how Flip talks a lot but says nothing).

I want the cavs to win, so this can happen (again):

http://www.slamdumb.com/images/comics/4_7_08.jpg



(Note how Flip talks a lot but says nothing).

I have lived with imagination that only Samb, Rip and Dice have nose-related problems but it seem I'm mistaken...Sheed has too

A punch in the nose would break his finger.

Looks like this series is going 7 games. Kevin Harlan, after LeBron's huge dunk: "LeBron James, with no regard for human life!" Now that seemed a little over the top. Something Walton might say. Celtics' offense was so bad, it was difficult watching them.

So, it's official: Boston can't put a complete game together on the road. Their problem before tonight was not being able to play D on the road, but they were solid on that end for most of the tonight. This time, though, they only scored TWELVE points in the 4th quarter...yikes. That's beyond pathetic. Rondo and Allen kept them in it in the 3rd, but they all choked like crazy in the 4th.

Despite jacking up a ton of stupid Js, LeBron sure finds a way to get things done; 13 assists for him tonight. There was one he had to Smith early in the 4th that was Magic-esque, where he went across the lane, anticipated the help D from one of the big men, and went no look to Smith for a layup. Really amazing stuff, since he had to look two steps ahead to see that option developing in order to get that pass off the way he did.

LOL @ that Cavs fan with a "Where 0-5 Happens" sign.

Kevin Harlan, after LeBron's huge dunk: "LeBron James, with no regard for human life!" Now that seemed a little over the top. Something Walton might say.

That's actually a "catch phrase" that Harlan has had for a number of years. He used to say it about KG when he was calling Wolves games for a bunch of seasons.

CLE's defense was amazing, but at the same time the Celtics don't seem like they have any idea what they're doing on offense or who they are even trying to go to.

It doesn't help that Garnett chokes in the 4th.

Garnett didn't choke down the stretch of Game 1, but that's the only reason the Celtics aren't down 3-1 at this point. Tonight, though, the "MVP" was getting shut down by Sideshow Bob in the clutch.

CLE's defense was amazing, but at the same time the Celtics don't seem like they have any idea what they're doing on offense or who they are even trying to go to.

It doesn't help that Garnett chokes in the 4th.

All the Beantowners will be calling for Doc's head tomorrow on talk radio.

I think they've already been calling for it. He's about as popular with die-hard Celtics fans as Flip is around these parts.

Amusing round-up of recent thread titles from a big Boston sports forum:

Why can't the #$%*ng Celtics win on the @!#$ng road?

Is Garnett A Phony?

Can Doc Coach The Playoffs?

Road P#$#ies

Cassell in crunch time -- WTF, Doc?

Always fun to look in on other teams' forums when they're struggling. :laugh:

Rondo has to settle down the club and run some plays and take charge.
Pierce is killing this ball club. He should sweat hard to earn his points instead of reading past newspaper clips.
Start PJ to free up KG and use isolation. If not, PJ will hit 12 ft jumpers all night.
I would try to find some time for Tony Allen.
Alternate Allen and Cassell.I doubt that Boston will lose another game (or shouldn't). For punishment, we will all have to be tied to the galley and made to watch that pathetic paddy-cake interview with Bill Russell and KG...over and over again.

I think they've already been calling for it. He's about as popular with die-hard Celtics fans as Flip is around these parts.

That's because they have more pubs in Boston and not enough pseudo-excitement over D-League players.

I doubt that Boston will lose another game ....

I feel the exact opposite.

With every game that goes by that Lebron doesn't shoot well I have to think the odds increase that he is about to break loose and lite the arena up with something spectacular.

It may not be game 5, but by game 6 it has to be a good bet that LeBron is going to have one of "those games" where Boston gets taken apart and all they can do is shrug their shoulders and get ready for the next one.

As great as Lebron is, maybe the opposite will end up being true about this series: not that he's struggling and due for a breakout game, but that the Celtics are actually shutting down his scoring and he can't find a way around that. Four consecutive games of bad shooting is more than just a blip on the radar screen.

Of course, the fact that the series is still tied 2-2 in spite of that, and could easily be 3-1 Cleveland if Lebron had merely shot poorly instead of horriffically in Game 1, isn't of much comfort to Boston.

CLE's defense was amazing, but at the same time the Celtics don't seem like they have any idea what they're doing on offense or who they are even trying to go to.

It doesn't help that Garnett chokes in the 4th.

Unfortunately, you can substitute Pistons for Celtics and make the same observations.

I must say though watching the C's struggle makes me feel better about DET's play against them the last few years.

I have been rooting for Cleveland. Why do I get the feeling that will come back to haunt me sometime soon?

I'm just rooting for whoever looks worse at the moment. :bounce::juggle::bounce:

Unfortunately, you can substitute Pistons for Celtics and make the same observations.

I must say though watching the C's struggle makes me feel better about DET's play against them the last few years.

I have been rooting for Cleveland. Why do I get the feeling that will come back to haunt me sometime soon?

Yea it was pretty unnerving, although our often is not that bad. Yes, we take stupid shots, but none of the Celts looked like they even wanted to shoot. Although the end of the Magic game was pretty funny. I was all excited like look ball movement, and you knew it was because w/o Chauncey no one knew what the hell to do. It's ironic that that's the one time we get a good possession at the end of a game.

I think it's really uncanny how CLE aquires totally different players and is still on point defensively even with guys like Wally. I give alot of credit to MB. I don't know if he just makes them practice defense to death or his schemes are genius.

I've been rooting for CLE too just for Chauncey's hamstring, and i feel the same way. I might make the permanent switch to BOS.

LOL Balldon'tlie

Obviously we had to root for Cleveland these last two games in order to stretch the series out to at least 6 games. If the Pistons finish off Orlando tonight, then another consideration becomes how much time off might be too much. If Boston-Cleveland goes 6, then I think the ECF would start on Sunday (again, assuming Detroit wins tonight), giving the Pistons a full 4 days off. A 7-game series between Boston and Cleveland would result in at least 6 days off for the Pistons, maybe 7, which might be a bit much.

Perhaps the worst case would be Boston winning in 6, and then starting the ECF at home with the newfound confidence of having finally won on the road--and in a close-out game, no less. Although that certainly seems unlikely at this point; either Cleveland in 6 or Boston in 7 seem like the most probable scenarios.

I'm just rooting for whoever looks worse at the moment. :bounce::juggle::bounce:
I'm rooting for a 10 OT Game 7. :MusicBigGrin:

No team has ever won the NBA title with 5 road losses combined, in the first two rounds. That makes Boston toast. So let's play Cleveland and toast them...:gun1:

Yea it was pretty unnerving, although our often is not that bad. Yes, we take stupid shots, but none of the Celts looked like they even wanted to shoot. Although the end of the Magic game was pretty funny. I was all excited like look ball movement, and you knew it was because w/o Chauncey no one knew what the hell to do. It's ironic that that's the one time we get a good possession at the end of a game.

I think it's really uncanny how CLE aquires totally different players and is still on point defensively even with guys like Wally. I give alot of credit to MB. I don't know if he just makes them practice defense to death or his schemes are genius.

I've been rooting for CLE too just for Chauncey's hamstring, and i feel the same way. I might make the permanent switch to BOS.

LOL Balldon'tlie
That reminds me of the last years' conference finals with Pistons passing the ball around as if it was hot potato. And I have to admit, it does worry me to a certain degree.

Then again Clev did not look all that hot against Washington so maybe its just the Celtics, it did take them 7 games against Atlanta.

A few observations watching CLE . . .

If we don't use Amir's length, rebounding, and hustle in that series to match up with CLE 4 bigs rotation, we are screwed (on the boards and otherwise)

AA has to guard Gibson, and LBJ at times.

Chauncey has to be 100% healthy.

Max has to start.

Theo has to play but ONLY when Z is in.

Coaching will be crucial. MB's defensive schemes are very good.

And lastly Sheed needs to step up against Ben.

(This is all assuming they win which looks likely at the moment)

A few observations watching CLE . . .

If we don't use Amir's length, rebounding, and hustle in that series to match up with CLE 4 bigs rotation, we are screwed (on the boards and otherwise)

AA has to guard Gibson, and LBJ at times.

Chauncey has to be 100% healthy.

Max has to start.

Theo has to play but ONLY when Z is in.

Coaching will be crucial. MB's defensive schemes are very good.

And lastly Sheed needs to step up against Ben.

(This is all assuming they win which looks likely at the moment)


Good analysis. Too bad the Pistons won't even be playing the Cavaliers. Perhaps you should breakdown the Celtics...

Good analysis. Too bad the Pistons won't even be playing the Cavaliers. Perhaps you should breakdown the Celtics...


I concur..in the end it will be just as everyone predicted David Cook and David Archeleta, er I mean Pistons and Celtics :MusicBigGrin:

Good analysis. Too bad the Pistons won't even be playing the Cavaliers. Perhaps you should breakdown the Celtics...

I did say assuming LOL.

Ok, A few observations watching the Celtics . . . :)

The first still stands. Amir has to play for the same reason. Keep him in the game with Sheed, and keep him off KG.

If Max has trouble with Big Baby, we should prob just throw Amir at him. Mismatch on Mismatch. See what happens. Amir can shoot over the top, and his length will give him an advantage. He doesn't have to use strength to fight him; just athleticism.

Sheed needs to step up against KG, defensively and offensively.

Use AA to guard Pierce, Rondo, Allen, etc.

Chauncey has to be 100% healthy. Hopefully when Rondo breaks his ankles, he doesn't break the hamstring as well. Chauncey's gotta use his size in the post.

Max needs to start.

Theo will be useful, but only against Perkins.

Tay needs to continue his strong play.

Rip needs to play under control, and stay connected to Allen. Allen is their weakest link defensively.

No Arvis. LH only when absolutely needed.

Pray that Doc doesn't get the idea to put Posey on Billups or Prince for any sort of extended time. :sssh:

Move the ball, don't settle for jumpshots, and keep their composure when the star calls for KG start. BOS is allowed to handcheck at home as well. If we can too, i don't mind.

Oh and i forgot to add, run every chance you get.

This is turning out to be a pretty annoying series, although we've already benefited from it going at least 6 games and giving the Pistons at least 4 full days off before the ECF. I think we have to root for Cleveland to take it to 7 games now, because if Boston somehow wins Game 6, it'll be nothing but "they've broken the road jinx," "they've shown how much heart they really have," "they're on their way to the title," etc. etc., as opposed to now where everyone is doubting their ability to ever win on the road. And if Cleveland wins Game 6, that doubt won't go away no matter what happens in Game 7.

Thing is if Amir did not play in the 2nd round the I highly doubt he is going to play much from here on out. I just don't see it happening.

I would not necessarily assume the Celts are going to win this thing. If Clev wins game 6 then the Celts have to lose at home sometime.

I'm expecting us to drop game 1 due to rust. so its better to lose as a visitor at Boston, steal game 2 and close out at the palace cuz the C can't git er done on the road.

I'm not sure about the rust factor. Remember that in '06, the Pistons went the full 7 before beating Cleveland, only to drop Game 1 at home to Miami two days later. And when the Pistons ended up being unable to compete in any of the games in Miami, that was enough to cost them the series. So we could hope for a scenario like that, if the Celtics advance.

Should be able to beat either.

I did say assuming LOL.

Ok, A few observations watching the Celtics . . . :)

The first still stands. Amir has to play for the same reason. Keep him in the game with Sheed, and keep him off KG.

Is there a team out there where your analysis wouldn't start off with this? :)

I am going crazy trying to figure out which team I want DET to play next. I only see bleak and this feels like choosing between run over or backed over by a car. Why do I picture myself sitting there slack-jawed as the refs whistle blows again against Sheed while the team I "rooted" for rolls on?

Lastly, who wins in a game of 1 on 1 between Amir and AA?

Is there a team out there where your analysis wouldn't start off with this? :)

I am going crazy trying to figure out which team I want DET to play next. I only see bleak and this feels like choosing between run over or backed over by a car. Why do I picture myself sitting there slack-jawed as the refs whistle blows again against Sheed while the team I "rooted" for rolls on?

Lastly, who wins in a game of 1 on 1 between Amir and AA?

Nobody, the world explodes, it destroys the time/space continuum.

GO INJURIES, GO 7 GAMES 3 OT'S , Gar Heard Turnaround shot in the air...

Daniel Gibson is out for 1-2 weeks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3397791) with a separated shoulder. The incredibly irritating result of Boston getting their first playoff road win in a close-out game now seems a lot more likely.

Daniel Gibson is out for 1-2 weeks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3397791) with a separated shoulder. The incredibly irritating result of Boston getting their first playoff road win in a close-out game now seems a lot more likely.
One less Cleveland BOOB to stare at. :gun1:

@ Ernie, geez you're depressing. Just enjoy it brothah!

Is there a team out there where your analysis wouldn't start off with this? :)

I am going crazy trying to figure out which team I want DET to play next. I only see bleak and this feels like choosing between run over or backed over by a car. Why do I picture myself sitting there slack-jawed as the refs whistle blows again against Sheed while the team I "rooted" for rolls on?

Lastly, who wins in a game of 1 on 1 between Amir and AA?

I have to root extra hard for Amir to offset Flip's effort to not play him. LOL

I don't get the doomsday vibe much from BOS, although my rotations and Flip's are pretty different, but you got to have some hope with their abymsal road record (although that goes out the window if the win Game 6).

As for between Amir/AA, Amir would win. AA plays great defense, but Amir is just too tall. :)

Although stofmind's options is also a definite possibility.

Daniel Gibson is out for 1-2 weeks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3397791) with a separated shoulder. The incredibly irritating result of Boston getting their first playoff road win in a close-out game now seems a lot more likely.


When did this happen? Never thought i'd be angry at a boobie injury. :gun1:

When did this happen? Never thought i'd be angry at a boobie injury. :gun1:


Very rare to have a Boobie injury in the NBA.

One less Cleveland BOOB to stare at. :gun1:

@ Ernie, geez you're depressing. Just enjoy it brothah!

I am trying. I picked somewhat doubtful in the NBA title poll.

I think "2nd base" would be a good nickname for that guy.

I can't stress enough the importance of Amir if the Cavs win this series against Smith/Varajeo. I wish there was someway to tattoo it to Flip's forehead.

Max's height really limits him.

I'm rooting for the Celtics (like really rooting for the Celtics), but since this is going to a Game 7, anything can happen

I sure hope Cleveland doesn't blow this lead here. Good lord, Pavlovic is SO BAD...

Looks like the Cavs are gonna hang on...but can they win in Boston?

Celtics getting raped by the refs, BS charging call, and an uncalled goaltend that could've made it a 2 pt game.

I doubt they win in BOS. Lebron James has more FT's than the entire Celts team in this game. That won't happen there.

That offensive foul on Pierce was a poor call. Shoulda been a block on LeBron. Glad Cavs won; more time for Chauncey to recuperate. This is good news.

I like how the Celts run out and double James outside the 3-point line, but it does put some stress on their D.

B. Wallace gets in on defense ONLY at the end. Good move, but I wonder if Big Ben's pride has taken a hit over the past few seasons.

That offensive foul on Pierce was a poor call. Shoulda been a block on LeBron. Glad Cavs won; more time for Chauncey to recuperate. This is good news.

I like how the Celts run out and double James outside the 3-point line, but it does put some stress on their D.

B. Wallace gets in on defense ONLY at the end. Good move, but I wonder if Big Ben's pride has taken a hit over the past few seasons.

Oddly he seems to be fine with it (or appears to be ) in CLE. He doesn have a really good relationship with MB so maybe that's why. He does still get his 20 min or so a game, but he rarely plays in crunch time.

Man, that was ugly. Cleveland gave up a 13-0 run AND an 8-0 run in the second half and STILL managed to win, only because Boston is so bad on the road. Cleveland's office was just pathetic down the stretch. I don't know about the goaltend that wasn't--is it really goaltending if the ball is moving AWAY from the rim?--but the charge on Pierce in the last minute was clearly a terrible call.

I don't have much faith in Cleveland's ability to win on the road either, but maybe those Boston role players like Rondo (who went from 20 in Game 5 to TWO tonight) will seize up under the glare of Game 7. Everyone knew that the Hawks had no chance in their Game 7, but if Cleveland can stay in it until the final minutes, who knows. Still, Boston's gotta be the heavy favorite.

The Celtics will come into the ECF with zero confidence on the road, which is good, and if Cleveland can make a real game of it on Sunday, Boston will really be limping in with no momentum and a rattled psyche. Still, I'd rather face Cleveland, if only because Boston will still have the ability to hold serve at home against us and advance without winning in the Palace.

Oddly he seems to be fine with it (or appears to be ) in CLE. He doesn have a really good relationship with MB so maybe that's why. He does still get his 20 min or so a game, but he rarely plays in crunch time.

20 min per game for 15 mil per year? Ouch

That offensive foul on Pierce was a poor call. Shoulda been a block on LeBron. Glad Cavs won; more time for Chauncey to recuperate. This is good news.

Yes, terrible call, and a very costly one for the Celtics at that late stage in the game. But as you say, it worked to the Pistons advantage. It not only gives Chauncey time to get healthy, but also weakens Boston somewhat as an ECF opponent (assuming Boston beats the Cavs in game 7). Boston's confidence has to be a bit shaken by their difficulties in the first two rounds. And they may be a bit spent when it comes to game one of the conference finals, and vulnerable to a letdown.

Yes, terrible call, and a very costly one for the Celtics at that late stage in the game. But as you say, it worked to the Pistons advantage. It not only gives Chauncey time to get healthy, but also weakens Boston somewhat as an ECF opponent (assuming Boston beats the Cavs in game 7). Boston's confidence has to be a bit shaken by their difficulties in the first two rounds. And they may be a bit spent when it comes to game one of the conference finals, and vulnerable to a letdown.

Definite possibilty. Remember Game 1 vs. the Cavs? They were awful.

Terrible call. I agree that was good for us, but man I hate seeing Lebron get that whistle in that situation. If the call goes the other way, it's probably a 3 point game with 40 seconds to go. Boston wouldn't have had to intentionally foul and it would have been an exciting ending.

The way this is going, I think that we are better off with the HCA. Both these teams are dominant on defense, which has been a problem for Flip to coach against in the past.

The only reason that I can think of that we might want the Celtics is because we will have the energy at the start of the series, and it may be possible for us to win road games early on in the series.

I'd probably be OK with facing that Cleveland offense. 10 assists and 13 turnovers tonight, with 33% shooting from the floor...yikes.

http://www.emofaces.com/en/emoticons/s/sword-fighter-emoticon.gif (http://www.emofaces.com/en/emoticons/s/sword-fighter-emoticon.gif)

http://www.holidayclipart.us/images/illustrations/xsmall2/44_confused_leprechaun_holding_a_limp_rainbow.jpg


Aww, man, that sword is SHARP!

Celtics could become the first NBA Champion to play 28 games to win a title if they continue with their current home and road show.

If they do play game seven down to the wire and eek out a victory, either they will come out and lay an egg on Tuesday vs the Pistons or they are regenerated and blow our rusty arses off the floor:stirthepot:

I don't know about the goaltend that wasn't--is it really goaltending if the ball is moving AWAY from the rim?--but the charge on Pierce in the last minute was clearly a terrible call.

I was wondering that too. Does the padding on the side count as the backboard?

Stern must be quaking in his little rhinestone boots as he watches the offensive futility of both these teams. What good are superstars if no one else on the team scores?

P.S. I had never heard either of the two broadcasters. I thought they were pretty good. Neither of them made it about themselves, but just called the game. That's refreshing in these days of broadcaster self-importance.

I am going crazy trying to figure out which team I want DET to play next. I only see bleak and this feels like choosing between run over or backed over by a car. Why do I picture myself sitting there slack-jawed as the refs whistle blows again against Sheed while the team I "rooted" for rolls on?


Quoting myself here LeBron James style, but that charge call is what I was talking about. Horrid call all too common to the home team in these playoffs.

The analysis of West's block off the side of the backboard was equally bad. How about explaining if or how the side of the backboard is considered in the rule book? You can take a ball out of the air on the way down if it has no chance of going in. Was that play open to similar interpretation? I guess there is only so much time in the broadcast when you have to account for which of LeBron's boyfriends called him between games.

KG is the reason I hope BOS loses with a little Pierce thrown in. I always liked KG and I guess I always bought his woe is me situation in MN, but he is insufferable now. How many times can he throw an elbow or swing at someone without having something called or developing the dreaded "reputation"? I wish Dyess had smacked the crap out of him last year.

KG is the reason I hope BOS loses with a little Pierce thrown in. I always liked KG and I guess I always bought his woe is me situation in MN, but he is insufferable now. How many times can he throw an elbow or swing at someone without having something called or developing the dreaded "reputation"? I wish Dyess had smacked the crap out of him last year.
At this point, I want Cleveland to win because yes, Boston is definitely more "hatable" and homecourt would be nice the rest of the way. I'm terrified of playing 3 or 4 in Boston due to the home cooking, not the way the Celts supposedly play better there.

Celtics getting raped by the refs, BS charging call, and an uncalled goaltend that could've made it a 2 pt game.

I doubt they win in BOS. Lebron James has more FT's than the entire Celts team in this game. That won't happen there.

Uncalled goaltend? If someone bricks a shot and the other team hits the ball afterwards, it is not goaltending, people. It happens a hundred times a game - it's called missing a shot. The only reason people are talking about goaltending is because originally it looked like Delonte West blocked it, until the replay made it clear that the ball hit the backboard and was careening out of bounds before West touched it (if he did even touch it).

Uncalled goaltend? If someone bricks a shot and the other team hits the ball afterwards, it is not goaltending, people. It happens a hundred times a game - it's called missing a shot. The only reason people are talking about goaltending is because originally it looked like Delonte West blocked it, until the replay made it clear that the ball hit the backboard and was careening out of bounds before West touched it (if he did even touch it).

Isn't the rule if the ball touches the backboard first, the player can't touch it/block it or it's goaltending? I don't think it's relevant what direction it was going in or whether it had a chance to go in. Just like when people block shots on a downward trajectory that have no chance of making it to the rim, It's still goaltending.

It hit the backboard, West touched it. Regardless if it was sailing out of bounds, it's still goaltending (and West definitely touched it). I could be wrong, but that was the inerpretation i had of the rule.

The only argument that can be made is it hit the side of the backboard, not the front, but technically it's still the backboard.

Quoting myself here LeBron James style, but that charge call is what I was talking about. Horrid call all too common to the home team in these playoffs.

The analysis of West's block off the side of the backboard was equally bad. How about explaining if or how the side of the backboard is considered in the rule book? You can take a ball out of the air on the way down if it has no chance of going in. Was that play open to similar interpretation? I guess there is only so much time in the broadcast when you have to account for which of LeBron's boyfriends called him between games.

KG is the reason I hope BOS loses with a little Pierce thrown in. I always liked KG and I guess I always bought his woe is me situation in MN, but he is insufferable now. How many times can he throw an elbow or swing at someone without having something called or developing the dreaded "reputation"? I wish Dyess had smacked the crap out of him last year.

Couple that with the KG/Russell "interview" , I hate KG more than ever. I have always hated the celtics, but kg is a glaring phony. The thought of having to go through the finals hearing and seeing kg puff pieces make me want to puke. Pierce is not far behind in my book.

Isn't the rule if the ball touches the backboard first, the player can't touch it/block it or it's goaltending? I don't think it's relevant what direction it was going in or whether it had a chance to go in. Just like when people block shots on a downward trajectory that have no chance of making it to the rim, It's still goaltending.

It hit the backboard, West touched it. Regardless if it was sailing out of bounds, it's still goaltending (and West definitely touched it). I could be wrong, but that was the inerpretation i had of the rule.

The only argument that can be made is it hit the side of the backboard, not the front, but technically it's still the backboard.

No, no no...

From NBA.com RULE NO. 11-BASKETBALL INTERFERENCE-GOALTENDING (http://www.nba.com/analysis/rules_11.html?nav=ArticleList)

c. For goaltending to occur, the ball, in the judgment of the official, must have a chance to score.



There are a number of other rules that we are all generally aware of, but this is the main point. If what you're saying is true, then ANY time a player shoots the ball, and it bounces off the backboard in ANY direction, NOONE can touch it or else it's goaltending. This would disrupt the game to the point of uselessness.

Why is it that they have to play Game 6 on a Friday and Game 7 on the subsequent Sunday when the Hornets/ Spurs played their game 6 on a Thursday but will be playing their game 7 on the subsequent Monday? :stirthepot:

Why is it that they have to play Game 6 on a Friday and Game 7 on the subsequent Sunday when the Hornets/ Spurs played their game 6 on a Thursday but will be playing their game 7 on the subsequent Monday? :stirthepot:

Can you say "TV ratings"?

I just thought of something, I don`t know if someone else mentioned this in a previous post, but here goes.

If the Celtics blow this game the Boston area will have two teams who uh, should I say choked this year in the Celtics and Patriots. Two teams that were about to be annointed the next best thing since sliced bread!

Let`s go Cavs..........!!!

I don`t believe I just said that.....

Are you guys talking about the shot that hit the side of the backboard, but looked like it was blocked?

Are you guys talking about the shot that hit the side of the backboard, but looked like it was blocked?

Please, Tashawn, tell me I'm not crazy here. Am I the only one who doesn't understand how that play could even remotely be called goaltending?

Please, Tashawn, tell me I'm not crazy here. Am I the only one who doesn't understand how that play could even remotely be called goaltending?

I agree. I've always thought a goaltend should only be called if the shot actually has a chance of going in. That shot had no chance.

If that was goaltending... then every play where sombody throws the ball up on the glass as a pass to be dunked should be called offensive goal tending....

Shouldn't that shot have almost fallen under the rule that you can't shoot the ball over the backboard? I mean if it had a chance to go in given the line it was taking it would have had to been higher and over the backboard.

I've seen them waive off goaltending plenty of times when they deemed that the ball wouldn't have hit the rim. Even when it hits backboard first.

Guys, please, can we stop debating plays and analyzing rule interpretations here? The important thing here is that LeBron owns a barbershop in Akron where he gets his haircut and that he may or may not field phone calls from D Wade while he's there.

No, no no...

From NBA.com RULE NO. 11-BASKETBALL INTERFERENCE-GOALTENDING (http://www.nba.com/analysis/rules_11.html?nav=ArticleList)


There are a number of other rules that we are all generally aware of, but this is the main point. If what you're saying is true, then ANY time a player shoots the ball, and it bounces off the backboard in ANY direction, NOONE can touch it or else it's goaltending. This would disrupt the game to the point of uselessness.

Makes sense.

Guys, please, can we stop debating plays and analyzing rule interpretations here? The important thing here is that LeBron owns a barbershop in Akron where he gets his haircut and that he may or may not field phone calls from D Wade while he's there.
:pound:

The smoke that fills the Boston's arena should be banned. There is no need to start a professional basketball game in a smoked filled arena.
Ridiculous.

This game is truly a joyful occasion for Pistons fans. Whatever happens, one of these two overhyped teams will be sent home for the summer.

The smoke that fills the Boston's arena should be banned. There is no need to start a professional basketball game in a smoked filled arena.
Ridiculous.

The Celtics take special eyedrops before the game to offset the smoke. The opposing team however is glassyeyed and before the smoke clears, the Celtics are up 14-4...that is what you call home court advantange.:)

Okay, it's taken me this long to decide who I'd rather play in the ECF. After watching the last several games of this series, I've decided that I don't want to face the Boston defense. I would rather us to have to beat Lebron again, much as I hated last year's ECF series result.

You know sometimes we struggle on our offense with all those isos and inexplicable early shots and I don't want to do a 4 out of 7 series with Boston. Defense wins championships, right?

I'd rather go through the agony of LeBron and his superstar calls and roll the dice. I think we will win 4 out of 7 this year with them. I think.

So Go Cavs! Even if I despise them, except for Big Ben.

What a waste of an interview with CB. "Who you wanna play?" "Who you wanna play?" "Who you wanna play?" "Who you wanna play?" "Who you wanna play?" "Who you wanna play?"

Smooth: "It don't matter, we can beat either of them"

ugh...PJ hits a jumper to make it a 3 pt lead with a 1:21 to go

Sam ET wins a couple of the Hawks game and now PJ comes up big here...talk about late season acquisitions???? Joe, Sheed and CB should have been talking to PJ during the allstar game instead of wasting time talking to Dale Davis.

What can Dixon do for us??

So, it is Boston after all. Garnett lucky he has PJ Brown on the team to make plays. I am not scared of Boston after watching this game. Allen couldn't make a shot if his life depended on it. Pierce was on, but Pistons have Prince for that.

Pierce was awesome. He'll be a handful for Prince, but I like Tay's length in that matchup.

With less than 30 seconds, I still would have had Labron or Demunchen West or even Sasha Pav take that 3 ball shot to tie instead of driving to the left of the hoop trying to get an and one situation..... Who drew up that play??

Too bad this one couldn't have gone into double OT with Pierce getting beat up a little bit more....

Cavs could never get over the hump though or even tie it. The Boston D was there as they were able to stop everyone except King James

Pierce was awesome. He'll be a handful for Prince, but I like Tay's length in that matchup.


I hope you like McDyess's length as well since a lot of Pierce's production came off two-man play with Garnett, where he was forcing a switch that the Cavs for some reason didn't want to make, even with Big Ben.

James was playing good defense on Pierce early in the series, then he decided to concentrate more on offense. Tay shouldn't have that problem, however, Turkoglu was getting to the cup at will off the same kind of sets Pierce likes to run, and Pierce is better at it.

It'll be interesting for sure.

Brown just dumped a load! buh-bye King!

I hope you like McDyess's length as well since a lot of Pierce's production came off two-man play with Garnett, where he was forcing a switch that the Cavs for some reason didn't want to make, even with Big Ben.

James was playing good defense on Pierce early in the series, then he decided to concentrate more on offense. Tay shouldn't have that problem, however, Turkoglu was getting to the cup at will off the same kind of sets Pierce likes to run, and Pierce is better at it.

It'll be interesting for sure.

Actually, I don't like McDyess' length, but I do like Max and Amir's length. But Dyess is the more consistent offensive performer of the three so whaddaya do?

I wander what bill russell is doing now....probably teary eyed and trying to call kg.

Did not seem like anyone stepped up in crunch time. Cavs could not secure the defensive rebound and for what great games Pierce and James had they kind of fell off in the end there.

Did James just walk off without congradulating anyone?

Did James just walk off without congradulating anyone?
I saw that too. He was out of there really fast. Probably nobody will point it out though, because Mr. "I want to make a billion dollars" is just so darn likable.

Actually, I don't like McDyess' length, but I do like Max and Amir's length. But Dyess is the more consistent offensive performer of the three so whaddaya do?

Play Max or Amir (preferably both). I have no desire to see a repeat of Dyess and his pick and roll defense against that play with Pierce.

Did not seem like anyone stepped up in crunch time. Cavs could not secure the defensive rebound and for what great games Pierce and James had they kind of fell off in the end there.

Did James just walk off without congradulating anyone?

As much as i hate to admit it, he gave a pretty classy post-game presser, and complimented PP over and over . . .

As much as i hate to admit it, he gave a pretty classy post-game presser, and complimented PP over and over . . .

Yeah I agree somewhat reluctantly. LeBron was gracious and complimentary, and mostly what I like, he seemed almost human. Said some nice things about Detroit and talked about how crazy he is about the game of basketball itself. He said there was no chance that he would miss watching a playoff game. Ball crazy! Like a fan. As Kobe is, LeBron is so much easier to tolerate when he has lost and is humbled (as much as it is possible to humble a King).:)

Apparently LeBron had 38 turnovers for the series, passing Barkley for the record for a 7-game series. That's a lot of turnovers, but I can't think of anyone in the league who has the ball in his hands for more minutes per game.

Good points on LeBron`s post game interview.

One thing that stuck out during that interview is James saying they need to get better. To me that indicates the 4 players that came wasn`t enough, or can`t get it done.

Also, he does not trust his teamates enough right now. Also, IMO he missed Boobie. He may be the one player he trusts more than anyone on that team, to take a big shot.

As much as i hate to admit it, he gave a pretty classy post-game presser, and complimented PP over and over . . .

This is the one part of Lebron I hate.

Pierce spit at him and harassed him and other Cavs at dinner during a pre season game.

Why does he have to be such an $$$ kisser.

Pierce is a punk and he never gets the blame for anything. It was 50% his fault that series went to game 7. The other 50% belongs to the complete lack of production from Ray Allen. Yet because he showed up once because the refs bailed him out not everyone is back to giving him all the damn credit.

Just look at the stats. Pierce did nothing when he wasn't bailed out by the refs and that is why the Cavs lost game 7. I hate how everyone gives him a free pass. (Pierce)



One thing that stuck out during that interview is James saying they need to get better. To me that indicates the 4 players that came wasn`t enough, or can`t get it done.

Also, he does not trust his teammates enough right now. Also, IMO he missed Boobie. He may be the one player he trusts more than anyone on that team, to take a big shot.

Most of the series all the Celtic did was attack Lebron. That is how they won the series because they only had one player to deal with. Wally just plain sucks. Delonte is still young and has the basketball IQ of a wet dog (not a good thing for your PG) and Z just didn't show up )though he tried)
Luckily Detroit has more weapons.

Did James just walk off without congradulating anyone?


I noticed that. Very weak display of sportsmanship on national TV on his part.

I noticed that. Very weak display of sportsmanship on national TV on his part.

I think he went to have a good cry in the locker room. He looked like he was going to lose it in the last minute a few times. Nothing shameful about an athlete not wanting the world to witness a display of emotion.

That's a lot of turnovers, but I can't think of anyone in the league who has the ball in his hands for more minutes per game.

Chris Paul.

I noticed that. Very weak display of sportsmanship on national TV on his part.

Zeke woulda been proud.

Good points on LeBron`s post game interview.

One thing that stuck out during that interview is James saying they need to get better. To me that indicates the 4 players that came wasn`t enough, or can`t get it done.

Also, he does not trust his teamates enough right now. Also, IMO he missed Boobie. He may be the one player he trusts more than anyone on that team, to take a big shot.

Funny thing is that Wally Z who had been big in previous games was a no show in this one...I guess Labron took all of his three ball shots. :) (LBJ was 3-11 from beyond the arc!!!) Big Z hardly made an impact either and Sideshow Bob only grab 2 boards. Surprised that the coach never played Devin Brown the whole series either?? (he may be our AA)

Yeah I agree somewhat reluctantly. LeBron was gracious and complimentary, and mostly what I like, he seemed almost human. Said some nice things about Detroit and talked about how crazy he is about the game of basketball itself. He said there was no chance that he would miss watching a playoff game. Ball crazy! Like a fan. As Kobe is, LeBron is so much easier to tolerate when he has lost and is humbled (as much as it is possible to humble a King).:)

Maybe he will show up for game 3 at the palace in a Tigers cap:)

As much as i hate to admit it, he gave a pretty classy post-game presser, and complimented PP over and over . . .

Thats great but he should have congradulated the players in person. Or is he too good for that.

Thats great but he should have congradulated the players in person. Or is he too good for that.


<Getting ready to duck.>

Yep, utterly classless by LBJ. Reminds me of a certain Pistons' team from a few years ago...


<Ducking.>

With less than 30 seconds, I still would have had Labron or Demunchen West or even Sasha Pav take that 3 ball shot to tie instead of driving to the left of the hoop trying to get an and one situation..... Who drew up that play??

Too bad this one couldn't have gone into double OT with Pierce getting beat up a little bit more....

Cavs could never get over the hump though or even tie it. The Boston D was there as they were able to stop everyone except King James

Where was Wally to end this game. I caught the last few minutes of this game and Sczerbiak wasn't on the floor. One of their best shooters. They went with Damon Jones instead?

Zeke woulda been proud.

I was embarrassed for Isiah when he pulled that same crap.

Where was Wally to end this game. I caught the last few minutes of this game and Sczerbiak wasn't on the floor. One of their best shooters. They went with Damon Jones instead?

Not sure but I saw where Wally was having a good laugh :pound: with Paul Pierce after the game.

Pierce teamed up with Delonte West and formed one of the worst teams in the L. James got to G7 of the 2nd round with him. If he had a consistent shot..............

I am upset CLE lost. I could handle losing to them if it came to it. I won't be able to deal with it if they lose to BOS. The C's make TO or any NFL cornerback seem reserved. I've never seen someone flex and pump their fist after calling a timeout before. Nice job. It was a lot of fun to watch all the members of the fist pump club running from the ball at the end though. PJ Brown putting back the 2 air balls saved them.

Pierce teamed up with Delonte West and formed one of the worst teams in the L. James got to G7 of the 2nd round with him. If he had a consistent shot..............

I am upset CLE lost. I could handle losing to them if it came to it. I won't be able to deal with it if they lose to BOS. The C's make TO or any NFL cornerback seem reserved. I've never seen someone flex and pump their fist after calling a timeout before. Nice job. It was a lot of fun to watch all the members of the fist pump club running from the ball at the end though. PJ Brown putting back the 2 air balls saved them.
This is classic.
:p_welldone:

It's really too bad there had to be a winner in this series.

Where was Wally to end this game. I caught the last few minutes of this game and Sczerbiak wasn't on the floor. One of their best shooters. They went with Damon Jones instead?

Wally missed 3 shots and was benched?? I don't recall seeing him in the 4t qtr at all. Like I said, with La Bron taking eleven three pointers, Wally probably still would not received the ball anyway. In the end, the only person the king trusted was Boobie who was strapped to the bench..:) last year he milked Boobie for three ball shots Ok you get the picture:):)

Wally missed 3 shots and was benched?? I don't recall seeing him in the 4t qtr at all. Like I said, with La Bron taking eleven three pointers, Wally probably still would not received the ball anyway. In the end, the only person the king trusted was Boobie who was strapped to the bench..:) last year he milked Boobie for three ball shots Ok you get the picture:):)


Doesn't the censor reject posts when the words "milked" and "boobie" are put together in a sentence???:)

Even though we didn't eliminated them you can cross off the Brons, Dett.

Doesn't the censor reject posts when the words "milked" and "boobie" are put together in a sentence???:)
I censored it myself...:MusicBigGrin:

Doesn't the censor reject posts when the words "milked" and "boobie" are put together in a sentence???:)Are there boobie prizes for milking an innuendo? :)

I censored it myself...:MusicBigGrin:


Yea, I know...but I could still read it. :MusicBigGrin: :MusicBigGrin:

Pierce teamed up with Delonte West and formed one of the worst teams in the League. James got to G7 of the 2nd round with him. If he had a consistent shot..............



\

That quote is going to be my new signature. It is so perfect it should have been my thought.

<Getting ready to duck.>

Yep, utterly classless by LBJ. Reminds me of a certain Pistons' team from a few years ago...


<Ducking.>

I hated that they did that but not all of them did that. Its a common media perception that all the Pistons walked off when a few did stick around to shake hands. But hey, that was 17 years ago.

But hey, that was 17 years ago.

It's been a long time since that ball rolled though Buckner's legs too, but I still can't watch baseball. :)

Maybe I need a life...

<Getting ready to duck.>

Yep, utterly classless by LBJ. Reminds me of a certain Pistons' team from a few years ago...


<Ducking.>
It's good you ducked.

I was embarrassed for Isiah when he pulled that same crap.
Oh please. :rolleyes:

Maybe I need a life...
Guy vacations in France, and he needs a life. Sheesh, I don't even go outside for days at a time!