NBA thread 2008/09

[michaeljohn]

New thread. The old one is closed and archived. This one will have a fresh start, let's make the most of it. Talk about teams, players, coaches, etc, just not who's best. That will be decided by factors beyond our control starting next month when the playoffs start.

Right now, every title contender is suffering from a key injury. Most of the rest of the pack seems snake bitten as well. Some players will be back, others won't. Meanwhile, the fight for playoff seeding continues. The top 5 should remain there but they need to jockey for position. If any team can achieve 64-18, I think that will be good enough for the best record. Every elite team will lose a few games down the stretch. The rest of the pack in both conferences are pretty close. The question is which teams can turn it up a notch to make sure they don't miss out, and develop some momentum as they go.

[michaeljohn]

Let's forget about the favorites for a moment. The east and west have some great races...6 teams in the east (seperated by 2 games) are fighting it out for the 8th seed, and a right to play the #1 seed. They'll all try, there's extra $ in playoff bonuses, plus national exposure against an elite team in round 1. Out west, seeds 3 to 8 are a fight for position as well and only 2 games seperate them. I and about everyone thinks Phoenix will miss out.

A few teams have been hot, and have since cooled down as well. (Jazz, Hornets, Mavs).

Back to the favorites....

West: should finish #1 Lakers, #2 Spurs.
East: Is up for grabs. Cleveland leads followed by Boston and Orlando. Cleveland plays most of their remaining games at home. I think they will lose at least another home game this year. I'll pick a surprise loss for them, late against the Celtics if they remain with only one loss at that time. See, Boston holds the home court record for a season at 40-1, and I think they won't want to share it.

Meanwhile, injuries are still affecting most of the teams. Some key players will return soon with time to get in shape for the playoffs. Hopefully, everyone that comes back will return to form.

[michaeljohn]

Andrew Bynum will be back for the Lakers soon, possibly Friday or Sunday. If Lakers avoid any more injuries, they will win it all this year.

clicky: Andrew Bynum | Q and A (http://www.andrewbynum.com/index.cfm?pid=400039&Live=yes)

Meanwhile, the race in the east is getting easier to call. 2md and 3rd, 5th and 6th have races, but most of the teams fighting for 8th have fallen way back. The west, who knows what order 2-8 will end up in...

[joerockhead]

Lets Go NUGGETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Yeah Baby!!!!!

[michaeljohn]

Lets Go NUGGETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Yeah Baby!!!!!

Looks like you will get the number 2 seed. I thought the Spurs would win out and steal it from you.

Lakers vs. Nuggets tonight. We get our center back tonight:

2w7jjc_Dw8I

[joerockhead]

Looks like you will get the number 2 seed. I thought the Spurs would win out and steal it from you.

Lakers vs. Nuggets tonight. We get our center back tonight:

2w7jjc_Dw8I


Not to worry, I know the Lakers are an Excellent team. The Nuggets can play them and beat them, but not 100% confident we could win the series.

I just hope then can make it to the WCF and give the Lakers a 6 or 7 game series. That would be fun.

[MrEfrisk]

It is a lot easier for this lakers to win it all this year. The only team from the west that scares me is Portland, but their inexperience since theyre a young team will be their downfall. The nuggets are better than last year but the Lakers should have no trouble against them since they match up well against Denver and have beaten them I think all 4 times this season. San Antonio is done for and Utah is worse as well.

Meanwhile in the east Boston was a lot better last year so the Lakers as they already demonstrated in the regular season, can take them out. However Boston will not get past Cleveland, the best team in the east. The Lakers match up well against Cleveland and swept the 2 game regular season series with them.

[BackdoorJesus]

[joerockhead]

MJ - I sure hop Kobe and your Lakers can beat the Cav's. This is the last shot for Kobe!

But I really just hope my Nuggets make it to the Conference Finals!!!

[koЯnut]

MJ - I sure hop Kobe and your Lakers can beat the Cav's. This is the last shot for Kobe!



Kobe's last shot?? Are you high on Harley fumes?

The Lakers are still very young, deep and hungry. They will be there for the next few years bro.

[canu]

I think my S.A.Spurs are history for this year,doubt they make it to second round

[joerockhead]

I agree the Spurs are in trouble

I Believe that the Lakers will NOT be upset in the playoffs, Kobe will not let that happen. They may lose a couple more games, but no series. That includes the Championship.
I agree that the Lakers are have some great starters and will compete for any more years, my thoughts are that Lebron will win a few starting next year. Unless the $$ issue raises it's head.

I would love for my Nuggets to some how pull it all out!

I would be very happy with a Nuggets/Laker's WCC for six games.

[joerockhead]

Nuggets 121
Hornets 63


OUCH!!!!

:mstad:

[michaeljohn]

Nuggets 121
Hornets 63


OUCH!!!!

:mstad:

yeah, that was fierce. Now you get the Mavs who you beat 4-0. If we get Houston next, we can say the same thing. I am not worried about Portland, we win in the Rose Garden when it counts. Plus, they can't win in LA.

Chances are Lakers vs. Nuggets for the Western Conference Championship!

[joerockhead]

yeah, that was fierce. Now you get the Mavs who you beat 4-0. If we get Houston next, we can say the same thing. I am not worried about Portland, we win in the Rose Garden when it counts. Plus, they can't win in LA.

Chances are Lakers vs. Nuggets for the Western Conference Championship!

YES!! We match up well against the Mavs!!! and after the Nuggets played pretty well in Round 1, they know they can play hard!

I would love a Lakers/Nuggets series!!!

[michaeljohn]

NBA semi final series polls with maps! No bias there, lol. Be sure and point your mouse at the states to see their votes. LMAO at the Texas votes, the Mavs and Rockets are barely winning their own states.

Lakers vs. Houston: ESPN.com Poll Results by State (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/fp/flashPollResultsState?sportIndex=pollindex&pollId=70981)

Nuggets vs. Mavericks: ESPN.com Poll Results by State (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/fp/flashPollResultsState?sportIndex=pollindex&pollId=70965)

Celtics vs. Magic: ESPN.com Poll Results by State (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/fp/flashPollResultsState?sportIndex=pollindex&pollId=71041)

Seriously, the Lakers biggest foe is themselves. I think Denver should win too, but a word of caution. Mavs are playing well, and Denver just got out of round one as well for the first time in years. Both they and the Rockets were celebrating that fact big time. Mavs are seasoned playoff vets. However, what do I know? The teams will decide. Meanwhile, I am not afraid of the Cavs, but Lakers want the Celtics. they need to get their comeuppance. I'll add the Cavs votes later, they don't know who they play next.

[joerockhead]

Well, the Nuggets pulled it out today!!! Man, the 2nd half was good!

No, this series will not be as easy, but, if the Nuggets keep their heads and play hard, they will win the series.

It would also be nice if Dirk would go COLD!!!

[canu]

I think the Nuggets beat the Mavs 4-0 in regular season,and yesterdays game was great....Go Nuggets.

Mavs don't fear Nuggets, despite 0-4 season series - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-mavericks-miningthenuggets&prov=ap&type=lgns)

[joerockhead]

I think the Nuggets beat the Mavs 4-0 in regular season,and yesterdays game was great....Go Nuggets.

Mavs don't fear Nuggets, despite 0-4 season series - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-mavericks-miningthenuggets&prov=ap&type=lgns)

No, the Mavs do not fear the Nuggets, and the MAvs will not go down without a good fight.

However, the Coach is already crying about the officiating!!!!
After Melo has been treated all year, they are crying about the fouls!!
That will not go over well with the officials, and maybe Melo will finally start getting calls.

also, the Mavs are going to drive a lot harder in the center, so the Nuggets need to be strong.

Nuggets will win, and cry baby Dirk will bitch even more.

[michaeljohn]

Here's the nationwide poll on Cavs vs. Hawks. Poor Atlanta, can't even carry it's own state of Georgia, losing 59% to 41%! Meanwhile, Cleveland wins the whole nation, 91% to 9% lol.

ESPN.com Poll Results by State (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/fp/flashPollResultsState?sportIndex=pollindex&pollId=71054)

[michaeljohn]

meh, stupid Lakers, lol. Oh well, only one time (1987) did LA go undefeated at home and win it all, lost HCA 8 times in 9 titles in LA but got it back. We are a great road team, so time to step it up! down by 11 with 1:24 left, little hope.

[MrEfrisk]

Lakers will now have to really step it up the next game as you dont want to go down 2 games to nothing. If they win this they are back in business because Im pretty sure that will win at least one game in Houston.

[canu]

Wow what a series the Lakers and Houston,great game last night

[joerockhead]

TNT really has come up with some great ad's for the playoffs, but that one is really cool! (other then it is the Fflakers)

I have to agree, the officiating is amazing this year.
I mean you get a team that is constantly bitching when the Ref calls a foul, and then, they Bitch when the ref doesn't call a foul!!!
How bout that Nugget Win!!!! :mstad:

[joerockhead]

Well, The NBA gave one back to DalAss, with the no calls against denver, and the LATE whistles, they let DalAss win.

Aok, I will be at the Nuggets game Wednesday night!

:mstad:

Look out Houston, here we come!

[michaeljohn]

Well, The NBA gave one back to DalAss, with the no calls against denver, and the LATE whistles, they let DalAss win.

Aok, I will be at the Nuggets game Wednesday night!

:mstad:

Look out Houston, here we come!

dude, have a blast! I have been to Lakers playoffs games before, including the finals. Lots of energy!

Please take pics and post them!

[joerockhead]

dude, have a blast! I have been to Lakers playoffs games before, including the finals. Lots of energy!

Please take pics and post them!



I was at Game 1 of the 1st round, this one will be much better

See if you hear them saying something about "Dirk, Your a Flopper"

:mstad:

[joerockhead]

May be no D, but there is one Big ass W!!!!

WIN Babay!

124 - 110
4 -1

It is ALL GOOD!!

Pics on Thursday eve!

Look out Lakers!!!

(beer talk)

[michaeljohn]

Home for lunch. A lot of people are picking Denver to win against LA if they get there. I saw one poll 46%-34% Denver with 20% picking Houston. Even Charles Barkley picked the Nuggets on TNT last night. That's ok, we were favored last year in every series and didn't win. A long way to go. It will come down to LA vs. Nuggets in West vesrsus Cavs and Celtics in the East.

[joerockhead]

Home for lunch. A lot of people are picking Denver to win against LA if they get there. I saw one poll 46%-34% Denver with 20% picking Houston. Even Charles Barkley picked the Nuggets on TNT last night. That's ok, we were favored last year in every series and didn't win. A long way to go. It will come down to LA vs. Nuggets in West vesrsus Cavs and Celtics in the East.

Sorry to say, But I am rooting for Houston!!!!

Nuggets can beat Houston a lot easier then we can beat the Lakers. I have said it before. The Lakers are just damn good! Maybe 7 games, but it will be LA.

I would not mind that at all either! Because, if we DID beat LA, then we truly did earn the right to the NBA Championship!

Pics coming this weekend.

[joerockhead]

http://thumbnails11.imagebam.com/3598/73dbc735972988.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/73dbc735972988) http://thumbnails19.imagebam.com/3598/ea22bb35972996.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/ea22bb35972996) http://thumbnails14.imagebam.com/3598/a0169c35973006.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/a0169c35973006) http://thumbnails13.imagebam.com/3598/1056f435973011.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/1056f435973011) http://thumbnails3.imagebam.com/3598/46d8be35973018.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/46d8be35973018) http://thumbnails17.imagebam.com/3598/9e3dd435973024.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/9e3dd435973024) http://thumbnails6.imagebam.com/3598/4aa4f735973030.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/4aa4f735973030) http://thumbnails9.imagebam.com/3598/f0a5b335973037.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/f0a5b335973037) http://thumbnails15.imagebam.com/3598/505d5f35973043.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/505d5f35973043) http://thumbnails10.imagebam.com/3598/8a134535973048.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/8a134535973048) http://thumbnails13.imagebam.com/3598/f7a3a535973051.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/f7a3a535973051) http://thumbnails13.imagebam.com/3598/b68ab935973053.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/b68ab935973053) http://thumbnails9.imagebam.com/3598/cfd78535973057.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/cfd78535973057)

[joerockhead]

Well MJ, The history of the Lose Always Lakers is far better then that of the Denver Nuggets.

But then again, the Denver Nuggets are FAR better then the Houston Rockeets.

The Nuggets will be a much tougher foe, and Kobe and his team had better play hard every minute, because the Carmelo and his team will not quit.

Look out my friend, the Nuggets just might take it!!

Nuggets 4-2

And I will be at Game Three!!!!! YEAH!!!
Sorry, no pics from that one, it is a Saturday night, and we will be drinking to celebrate our 2nd victory of the series! :mstad:

[michaeljohn]

I dunno. We had our wakeup call. But really, the Houston series wasn't as bad as people make it out to be:

Game 1: Houston played a near perfect game and responded every time we got a lead.
Game 2: Typical Lakers victory
Game 3: See game 2. Also, a road win. we were the best road team in the NBA this year.

Now, Yao goes down. What has Houston got to lose? Keep in mind, when Yao was on the bench in game 2 in foul trouble in the second quarter, the small Houston lineup led them back from 15 points down. Teams without a big guy require different preperation. See the Lakers in NBA finals game 6, 1980 when Kareem was out with a sprained ankle. Magic scored 42 points and played every position, even jumping center. Lakers won.

So, Houston turns it on in game 4 with nothing to lose.
Game 5: Lakers rout. We solved the small Rockets lineup. Phil Jackson even said we hadn't won anything, just assured a game 7 if needed would be in LA.
Game 6: Nothing for Houston to lose again, and really, nothing for the Lakers.
Game 7: Lakers rout the Rockets.

I think the Lakers will win both games 1 and 2, and split 3 and 4 in Denver. Heck, we will split in Denver even if Denver wins one of the first two. This means you will have to win two game in LA. I don't see that happening. However, what do I know? I'd be in Vegas making millions if I knew it all.

Take pictures anyway! Have a blast and wear a Webrats T-Shirt!

[michaeljohn]

Early ESPN polls. The west seems pretty even. Disparity in vote totals must be due to late hour of Magic vs. Celtics finish:

Overall NBA champion, votes 31,972: ESPN.com Poll Results by State (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/fp/flashPollResultsState?sportIndex=pollindex&pollId=71829)

Western Conference Finals, votes 122,877: ESPN.com Poll Results by State (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/fp/flashPollResultsState?sportIndex=pollindex&pollId=71788)

Eastern Conference Finals, votes 7,240: ESPN.com Poll Results by State (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/fp/flashPollResultsState?sportIndex=pollindex&pollId=71827)

All 10 of the ESPN Experts pick Cleveland to beat Orlando. 7 of 10 pick the Lakers over Denver. At least one of the latter is a Celtic homer, Tim Legler.

I have a feeling it will be Lakers vs. Magic in the finals. I don't mind if it's Lakers vs. Cavs. I do mind if Lakers lose to Denver, but oh well, what can I do about it?

[michaeljohn]

Nuggets have no venue for game 4, lol. where will they play?

Nuggets, WWE in smackdown over arena confict - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-nba-wweconflict&prov=ap&type=lgns)

[gerg0]

Nuggets have no venue for game 4, lol. where will they play?

Nuggets, WWE in smackdown over arena confict - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-nba-wweconflict&prov=ap&type=lgns)

The WWE event will get moved no doubt.

GO CAVS!

[Wayne Brady]

Vince is ripping their own to shreds in the media.:tongue:

[joerockhead]

The WWE event will get moved no doubt.

GO CAVS!

WWE signed the Agreement back on August 15th of 2008, the Nuggets will have to pay $$$$$$$$$

Bet the NBA never saw this.

My Bet.....Nuggets vs Lakers Game 4 - Tuesday the 26th!!!

[michaeljohn]

Wow, what a first game. Lakers 105 Denver 103. Denver is for real it seems. However, so are the Lakers. Should remain a great series! Let's go Lakers!

[MrEfrisk]

Denver pretty much blew an opportunity. They would have had this game won if it werent for their horrible free throw shooting.

[michaeljohn]

back on topic....Lakers and Nuggets start game two in just over an hour. I look for the Lakers to win this too, they will adjust and get more touches for Gasol, Bynum, and Odom. As I said before, I think the Lakers will split in Denver as well. We'll see....

I actually picked the Magic to beat the Cavs at the "other" site. We'll see about that one too.

[michaeljohn]

good game for Denver. We had a chance to tie in the end, but didn't. Looks like it will go 7 games now. Time to see what this Lakers team is made of, again.

[joerockhead]

Here is my IP - 3.54.33.165

Who cares if an IP is posted, BFD!!

Now, lets get back to the thread idea of Sports and Basketball!!

Since this should be about the teams currently playing, no further discussions will be allowed!!

Cleveland, Denver, LA, Orlando are the only teams that can be discussed.

Anyone else whine and cry about anything but these teams in the playoffs this year (2009), then you will be banned by me!!!

(No, I am not a moderator!!!!)

So..........

I had to freakin Work on Thursday night, and had no access to any TV!

I did not get to see my Denver Nuggets beat the LA Lakers!!!

I will make up the difference when we play Saturday night, and I am there yelling like a good fan!!!! Go Nuggets!!!

Hmm, Game 1 - Lakers (0-1)
Game 2 - Nuggets (1-1)
Game 3 - Nuggets (2-1)
Game 4 - Nuggets (3-1)
Game 5 - Lakers (3-2)
Game 6 - Nuggets (4-2)

Nuggets win!!!!! I am pretty good at predictions, and yet, Cleveland lost at home (only 2nd time this year), the Nuggets know it can happen here, yet will not allow it!

Oh Yeah!!!

[michaeljohn]

wow, who saw the finish tonight in Cleveland? If anyone says the NBA is fixing things, they suck.

Let's review. Favorites Cleveland and LA could both be down 2-0, but instead are tied 1-1 and headed for the road.

This is anyone's year it seems. However, I still like the Lakers chances. We also haven't lost 3 in a row all year. On the downside, many times we have lost the playoffs, we lose 4 in a row, even after a win or two. I like the Lakers chances to beat the Cavs, but not so certain at this point about Lakers vs. Magic. At this point I like Denver over the Cavs, and no clue who would win if it's Denver vs. Orlando.

time to see what every team, player, coach, and fan is made of!

[joerockhead]

Up by 23, only to be down with no real time!

What a Clutch Shot!!!

Even Lebron looked surprised it went in!

[joerockhead]

Ehh, all fans bitch about the officiating!!

We all feel we are getting shafted!

[adrenaline]

We were in a bar last night after dindin and the baseball game had ended so the basketball game was on.. and wow.. the whole place erupted.. not cause they cared.. but what a clutch shot! Gotta respect that even if i don't care for the game!

[michaeljohn]

I am one of those guys that notes all kinds of interesting stats. There used to be a trend in MLB that if the Dodgers lost the NL West by 1 game in the regular season, the Eastern NL team would win the World Series. It happened 3 times I believe, I can recall 1971 and 1982. I do believe it finally failed. Glad I didn't bet! I see quite a few trends about the Lakers in this series. I thought I would share a few things.

First off, the Lakers career results in the Western finals is 29-9. I'll throw out the Minneapolis results of 6-4 and start by discussing the LA Lakers losses first. So, in LA, the franchise is 23-5 in the WCF. Here are the losing years for the LA Lakers in the WCF. home team in bold:

1961-62: First season in LA. Lakers had a poor 36-43 record, but managed to take the St. Louis Hawks (51-28) to 7 games. LA won games 1, 3 and 5. Lost in OT in game 6 at home. Lost game 4 at home by 1, and game 7 on road by 2. Not too bad, eh?

1970-71: Lost to the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks in 5. Jerry West and Elgin Baylor were both injured and Lakers upset the Bulls in round one to get this far.

1976-77: Lakers lost to the eventual champion Portland Trailblazers in 4 and LA had best record in the NBA. Ouch, but it turned out that Portland team was for real.

1985-86. Lakers lost to Houston Rockets in 5, including last 4 straight.

1997-98: Lost to the Utah Jazz in 4.

So, out of 5 WCF losses, the Lakers only had HCA in 2 of them. We get the job done in the west, as we won the other 23!

Ok, I can think of a number of times the Lakers lost HCA in the Western finals, but still won the series. Here are the summaries:

Team in bold had HCA:

2008: Lakers over Spurs 4-1. won games 1, 2, 4, and 5.
2004: Lakers over Timberwolves 4-2 won games 1, 3, 4, and 6.
2002: Lakers over Kings 4-3 won games 1, 4, 6, and 7. Although the Lakers started without HCA, they took it in game 1, and lost it back in game 3.
2001: Lakers over Spurs 4-0
2000: Lakers over Trailblazers 4-3. Lakers won game 1, 3, 4, and 7. Portland stole HCA from us in game 2. We responded by winning games 3 and 4 in the Rose Garden, and performed a terrific 15 point comeback in game 7.
1990-91: Lakers over Trailblazers 4-2. Lakers won games 1, 3, 4, and 6.
1988-89: Lakers over Suns 4-0
1987-88: Lakers over Mavericks 4-3. Home team won each game.
1986-87: Lakers over Supersonics 4-0.
1984-85: Lakers over Nuggets 4-1. Lakers won games 1, 3, 4, and 5. I am hoping for a repeat of this scenario, obviously!
1983-84: Lakers over Suns 4-2. Lakers won games 1, 2, 4, and 6. Missed a chance to win it at home in 5.
1982-83: Lakers over Spurs 4-2. Lakers won games 1, 3, 4, and 6, going 1-2 in LA and 3-0 in San Antonio.
1981-82: Lakers over Spurs 4-0
1979-80: Lakers over Supersonics in 5. Lakers won games 1, 3, 4, and 5 over the defending world champions and recovered from losing HCA early.
1972-73: Lakers over Warriors 4-1. Lakers won games 1,2,3, and 5.
1971-72: Lakers over Bucks 4-2. Lakers lost games 1 and 4 over the defending world champions.
1969-70: Lakers over Hawks 4-0. Lakers 46-36 record was misleadng, Chamberlain missed most of the season, returning at the end.
1968-69: Lakers over Hawks 4-1. Lakers won games 1, 2, 4, and 5.
1967-68: Lakers over Warriors 4-0.
1965-66: Lakers over Hawks 4-3. Lakers won games 1, 2, 4, and 7.
1964-65: Lakers over Bullets 4-2. Lakers won games 1, 2, 5, and 6.
1962-63: Lakers over Hawks 4-3. Lakers won games Home team won each game.
1961-62: Lakers over Pistons 4-2. Lakers won games 1, 2, 3, and 6.

When LA starts WCF without HCA we are 7-3. When we start WCF with HCA we are 16-2.

Now some people say the past has no bearing on the present, but when you take a team as consistent as the Lakers, you have to wonder. Again, in 7 of the 9 championships in Los Angeles, the Lakers have lost HCA at some point in at least one series. It also happened several times we won the west, and lost the finals. Also, Kobe, Fisher, and coach Jackson have seen HCA fly away in several series from 1999-2000 to 2001-2002 and still won it all.

My prediction? Lakers split in Denver this weekend. The LA times says same, but we lose tonight. I say if we are going to split, get it done tonight! Game 3 starts very soon!

[michaeljohn]

Ehh, all fans bitch about the officiating!!

We all feel we are getting shafted!

I'll only bitch about the refs if somone whines about the Lakers getting a break in a game. Best example is last year, game 4 in San Antonio WCF. The NBA dropped the ball by saying a foul should have been called on Fisher, but the reality is, Barry traveled first. Watch him pivot, then lift the other foot before he dribbles. Looks like a great play by Fisher to intimidate him into the travel. A good non call by the refs.

http://i32.tinypic.com/8vvq4m.jpg

Ok, my beef is, the refs blew it 3 times just before this in favor of San Antonio. First, Ginobili hit a clear 2 pointer but was awarded 3. Next, Odom had a clean block on a Parker drive but was called for goaltend. Last, Fisher hit the rim with a shot, Lakers got the rebound with about 12 seconds left and ahead by two, but the 24 second clock was not reset. I have seen Spurs fans say if the foul is called, Spurs win that series and then beat the Celtics! What's in the river water in San Antonio that causes these delusions?

[canu]

I'm thinking it will be a very close game tonight

[michaeljohn]

I'm thinking it will be a very close game tonight
I think so too. Halftime, Denver 52 Lakers 48. If we had hit our free throws, we'd be ahead. Oh well. Denver doesn't look as sharp as they did in LA. Lakers look ok. Every time Denver tries to get a run going, we come clawing back. Let's see how both sides adjust at the half.

[michaeljohn]

joerockhead: that was a tough game, and tough for either side to lose. I hope you didn't lose your voice at the Arena. I like the way the Lakers hung in there, Just as Denver was doing in LA. There were dome bad calls and such, but heck, that's expected. Kobe got blocked and no goaltend was called in the first half. Hopefully, you had a great time watching this good game live and in person.

Trevor Ariza with another brilliant late steal!

I still think the Lakers are cursed for a 7 game series. Let's see what happens Monday. I'd sure like to duplicate 1985.

Lakers need to practice their free throws. This was like the game in Boston on February 5. We had to go to OT to win that as we missed about a dozen freebies.

[joerockhead]

Some Bad Call? How about some bad NO CALLS!

11 - 3 in the third!!!
31 - 24 in the game!!!

What does Melo have to do to earn the respect of the Fuckin League?

The Nuggets lost because they got frustrated with the BS officiating, and did not play smart. They lost because they started taking stupid shots and trying to get the ref's to make calls.

And they lost because they cannot inbound the ball.

Yes, the Referee's had a major influence in the game.

They say a nugget 1/2 the size of Paul, threw him to the floor! TECH!

What a bunch of Bullshit.

They call a tech for a supposed "Taunting" after a foul (not called) on a three point shot.

Ref's had too much influence.

Maybe the Nuggets will grow, and ignore Stern's love of the Lakers, and try to win no matter what.

Oh, and Gasol came through big in the 4th.

If the Nuggets play smart, like they did in 1st and 2nd series, they can still win it all. It is just tougher now.

[michaeljohn]

Regarding the taunting call, I didn't see a foul on Sasha, but a Nugget heard what was said and rushed in to drag his teammate out of there. Refs missed a few fouls on Kobe, he was fouled on a three point attempt, and many more they say. On the former, ball don't lie. Ariza quickly hit a three to make up.

http://i39.tinypic.com/11iempe.gif

[joerockhead]

YEs Kobe did get fouled, as well as Melo, and Anderson, and most of the nuggets that drove the paint in the third.

I have no problem letting some go, as long as the numbers are not so far off!

These teams are closely matched, and the fouls will be too!

Also, in Game 1, Melo got a Tech for slapping his hands at the ref after a foul call, yet, in Game three, a Laker did the SAME thing, and nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Fair? Hell no!!! The Ref's only called the Laker Tech, after he was yelled at by the fans.

Stern wants it to be close, he does not want any of the 4 to dominate, let them keep it close, and then let the two biggest draws win.

[BackdoorJesus]

LOL

fair? scoreboard baby

two more buh-bye :tongue:

envy you being there though




:bdj:

[koЯnut]

Listen Joe,

The free throw discrepancy is because in the second half the Lakers were attacking the basket more. Plus, the Nuggets were forced to foul at the end of the game.

What about the push from Carter (or Smith I can't remember who did it) on Kobe. Should have been a flagrant 1. What about the BS tech called on Fish during the jump ball when Kenyon pushed him.

What about game 2 and the lane violation on the jump ball at the end of the game that could have lead to the Lakers taking the lead. Let alone the push Carmello had on Ariza on the very same play.

Nevermind the Three that Billups hit at the end of game one when he was without a doubt out of bounds.

The referee's have been equally horrible in this series. But that's playoff basketball.

What does drive me crazy is when they call the ricky ticky fouls but swallow their whistles on the blatant ones. I swear Vu can't defend anybody close without getting the whistle. What is he supposed to do?

It's been a great series. Lakers in 5.

[michaeljohn]

So, game time for Lakers in about 2.5 hours.

I'll predict a Lakers vs. Magic finals. As much as I wanted to beat Boston, they weren't good enough this year, and we proved that already, beating them twice. Same with the Cavs. The Magic however, we lost both games to. Both were down to the last seconds. Also, if Lakers do advance to play the Magic, we get to play the team that beat us, and Boston, and the Cavs. So, that in itself makes them a worthwile opponent.

I predicted above that Lakers would win in 7. I hope they can do it in 5, 6 at the most. Magic, theoretically should win in 6. Both teams have to win game 4. Orlando was already in that position with the Celtics and lost it and the next. They had to win the last two to advance. I think their confidence has grown since they overcame the stunning defeat in game 2.

We'll see what happens soon.....There will be one game every day through next Monday if both series go 7 games.

[michaeljohn]

Halftime, Nuggets 52, Lakers 45. Felt like we should be down more. Hopefully Denver is wearing down a bit. Carmelo only 1-11 from the field.

I know I was tense watching Saturday's game, I am relaxed right now. I guess that explains why it's easy to slack. I still like Lakers chances to get a W tonight. If not, it's a best of 3.

[joerockhead]

Listen Joe,

The free throw discrepancy is because in the second half the Lakers were attacking the basket more. Plus, the Nuggets were forced to foul at the end of the game.

What about the push from Carter (or Smith I can't remember who did it) on Kobe. Should have been a flagrant 1. What about the BS tech called on Fish during the jump ball when Kenyon pushed him.

What about game 2 and the lane violation on the jump ball at the end of the game that could have lead to the Lakers taking the lead. Let alone the push Carmello had on Ariza on the very same play.

Nevermind the Three that Billups hit at the end of game one when he was without a doubt out of bounds.

The referee's have been equally horrible in this series. But that's playoff basketball.

What does drive me crazy is when they call the ricky ticky fouls but swallow their whistles on the blatant ones. I swear Vu can't defend anybody close without getting the whistle. What is he supposed to do?

It's been a great series. Lakers in 5.


Blah Blah Blah.... My main point was the 11-3 in the third. YES, the Lamkers drove the basket a lot and got a lot of calls. Yes, the Nuggets Drove the basket a lot, and got none of the calls.

Yes, Kobe has been fouled many times and not gotten then call.
Yes, Melo has been fouled many times and not gotten then call.

Yes, if you had READ the whole tirade, you would have seen I also said the Nuggets lost it, and failed to keep playing smart, and did not inbound the ball.
(but you are not a Nugget fan, so you chose to miss that).

As I said in an earlier post, ALL home team fans feel they are getting screwed. (Read it on the page prior to this if you can).

Two More, Buh bye??? HAhahahahahaha You guys are not real.

Six is what I said WAY back. I know we will not get it, but that is OK.
Yes, I will still BITCH about the officiating, if you do not want to here it, then do not read it and do not comment.

with Exception of MJ - Whom is a die hard and lives for the Lamkers, I will not call Duh-UM.

Butt for you two (Kornholer and BDj) that think it will be over in five....:hay:

[michaeljohn]

meh....Lakers down by 11 after closing to 4. Looks like Daunte Jones will be suspended for tripping Bryant in the third. Same guy who pushed him in the back last game. That was upgraded to flagrant 1. All that means probably is he gets fined.

There are dirty plays and there are dirty plays. That kind will fire up the Lakers to win this series.

Go Lakers! 4th quarter is Kobe time!

[koЯnut]

Blah Blah Blah.... My main point was the 11-3 in the third. YES, the Lamkers drove the basket a lot and got a lot of calls. Yes, the Nuggets Drove the basket a lot, and got none of the calls.

Yes, Kobe has been fouled many times and not gotten then call.
Yes, Melo has been fouled many times and not gotten then call.

Yes, if you had READ the whole tirade, you would have seen I also said the Nuggets lost it, and failed to keep playing smart, and did not inbound the ball.
(but you are not a Nugget fan, so you chose to miss that).

As I said in an earlier post, ALL home team fans feel they are getting screwed. (Read it on the page prior to this if you can).

Two More, Buh bye??? HAhahahahahaha You guys are not real.

Six is what I said WAY back. I know we will not get it, but that is OK.
Yes, I will still BITCH about the officiating, if you do not want to here it, then do not read it and do not comment.

with Exception of MJ - Whom is a die hard and lives for the Lamkers, I will not call Duh-UM.

Butt for you two (Kornholer and BDj) that think it will be over in five....:hay:



Wow. A bit sandy downstairs?

Never did I throw out insults or question you fandom as you have towards me (and BDJ). I was simply pointing out some instances where the Lakers were not getting blatent calls.

But if you wanna throw a hissy fit over a pretty innocent post....whatever bro.

Anyway, Nuggets are playing great tonight and L.A. is just not executing the fundamentals.

And if Vu takes another shot, I am personally going to fly to L.A. Wed and break his kneecaps.

[michaeljohn]

I'll throw in the towel on this one. Lakers did what they had to do in Denver, get the split.

Lakers win big on Wednesday! Should be an interesting game tomorrow with Cavs/Magic.

[joerockhead]

meh....Lakers down by 11 after closing to 4. Looks like Daunte Jones will be suspended for tripping Bryant in the third. Same guy who pushed him in the back last game. That was upgraded to flagrant 1. All that means probably is he gets fined.

There are dirty plays and there are dirty plays. That kind will fire up the Lakers to win this series.

Go Lakers! 4th quarter is Kobe time!

Yup, He did Trip him and should have been called for it.

Areza threw an Elbow on him the next time down to even it out.

I never did see the hard push in the back, and am surprised it was a Flagrant 1, after the fact. But it must have been.

Also, Bynum may be in trouble to then, he threw an Elbow in Melo's back in the third, no call, and then the "flagrant" foul on Anderson.
I know he did not intend to hit him hard, but his Elbow did hit anderson in the face, so, is that not a Flagrant?

Overall, poor officiating again. The last three calls on Walton where lame calls!!!
Then two lame ones on Melo, and the Tech??? Hell, many players try to keep the guy from continuing.

I just wish they would call games consistent! It would be more fun!

[michaeljohn]

A flagrant 1 assessed to Dahntay Jones for tripping Kobe. Clearly an intent to harm.

So, Rafer Alston bitch slaps Eddie House in the head and gets suspended. Derek Fisher elbows Luis Scola setting a pick and gets supsended. The latter was meant to harm, the former was frustration for getting owned.

However, Rajon Rondo throws Hinrich to the scorers table and grabs Brad Miller's face; no action. Kendrick Perkins jabs a guy in the throat with his elbow, no action taken. nothing even said about the elbows jrh mentions above the Lakers threw.

Geez, be consistent refs, but mainly, THE NBA. lol.

Look for Kobe and the Lakers to go medieval on the Nuggets asses on Wednesday.

[joerockhead]

Wow. A bit sandy downstairs?

Never did I throw out insults or question you fandom as you have towards me (and BDJ). I was simply pointing out some instances where the Lakers were not getting blatent calls.

But if you wanna throw a hissy fit over a pretty innocent post....whatever bro.

Anyway, Nuggets are playing great tonight and L.A. is just not executing the fundamentals.

And if Vu takes another shot, I am personally going to fly to L.A. Wed and break his kneecaps.


I read into your post some attitude... "Lilsten Joe"
I took that as talking down to me.

Then, ending it with the two more comment, I took as you disrespecting my team, as if they are not good enough to hang with the lakers.

So, that is why I put what I did.

Have a fun trip to LA, and trying to take down Vu. :bowrofl:


As for MJ's Medieval Comment, I just hope the Nuggets can weather the storm and play smart, and not loose their composure. Because I know Kobe is looking for some Win!

[michaeljohn]

As for MJ's Medieval Comment, I just hope the Nuggets can weather the storm and play smart, and not loose their composure. Because I know Kobe is looking for some Win!

Ving Rhames said that in Pulp Fiction....I tihnk the West will win it all this year. Cavs have no chance against LA or Denver, and almost no chance against Orlando, now Cavs are down 3-1. LeBron misses his buzzer beater FTW.

[koЯnut]

I read into your post some attitude... "Lilsten Joe"
I took that as talking down to me.

Then, ending it with the two more comment, I took as you disrespecting my team, as if they are not good enough to hang with the lakers.



The "listen" comment wasn't an attempt to talk down to you, just to state my case about the refs. The whole series has been fucked.

And me saying that L.A. would win in 5 was just confidence in my team. I wasn't disrespecting the Nuggets. In fact, before the playoffs started I was telling everyone that Denver scared me the most.


So basically I was just talking playoff basketball no intentions on hurting your feelings. Sorry I did. :P

[michaeljohn]

For what it's worth:

Referee assignments, Denver @ L.A. Lakers:

M. McCutchen
R. Garretson
T. Washington

Monty McCutchen 51.4% of his calls goes against the road team

Ron Garretson 51.2% of his calls goes against the road team

Tom Washington 51% of his calls goes against the road team

Monty McCutchen has an 80% home team win percentage

Ron Garretson has an 55.6% home team win percentage

Tom Washington has an 66.7% home team win percentage


This is some what high, but under the 71% average

[michaeljohn]

Lakers looking ok in first quarter. 20-18 LA. Serious talk only here. Go to the smack talk and roast whoever or whatever you want.

EDIT: This thread has been divided into two. My antagonist now knows where to post.

[BackdoorJesus]

it's in the fridge. the jello's jiggling


until Friday night...

[michaeljohn]

it's in the fridge. the jello's jiggling


until Friday night...

eggs are coolin' butter's getting hard. Lakers 103, Nuggets 94. Tacos for everyone in attendance.

What a team effort tomight. Everyone came through. Lakers played as though they not only want to win the NBA championship, they will. Let's end it Friday, in their house!

I am almost feeling the west is the de-facto finals.

[joerockhead]

Now See!!! If they would just call all the games like that!!!

Lakers won this Game fair and square!! (Well,except for a few calls against my Nuggets!!!) ;-)

That was a cleaner Game, I am sure the league told both teams to tone it down a little and the Refs to be straight up.

If the Ref's call it Friday like this, it will be a good close game and can go either way.

But, I know my Nuggets will win the next two!!!!

(I also know alot of other things, but do not want to say)

(Hey has anybody seen the previews for Land of the lost? and how the one guys knows so many things that are wrong!).

7th game!! and let it all hang out!!!!

[michaeljohn]

Crazy game in Cleveland. Cavs come out storming, go up by 22. Magic cuts it to one at the half. Orlando goes up by 8, then Cavs up by 6. Now it's Cavs by 1 with about 8 minutes left.

I can see Cleveland winning this game, but not the series. They just have no answer for the Orlando offense.

[michaeljohn]

Congrats Cleveland. If the Cavs win Saturday, that is not a guarantee they win in 7. Orlando has won two games on the road in every series so far. They also have lost a home game in every series so far, so they may lose Saturday.

Lakers will have their work cut out for them against either if LA makes it to the finals dance. I like the Lakers chances against Denver in 6 games. Let's see.

[BackdoorJesus]

Lakers 53 Nuggets 40

fuck yeah motherfucker!!! :)

is this the last game of this series???

two more quarters will tell :rolleyes:

[michaeljohn]

Woohoo! Halftme, Lakers 53 Denver 40. Not over by any means, but I like the effort I see so for from LA.

[BackdoorJesus]

although I will say as a positive statement about the Nuggets that I do approve of their team colors :)

[michaeljohn]

4th Quarter, Lakers 83 Nuggets 67. We've got this, just don't get stupid Lakers.

Kinda NWS:


http://uploader.ws/upload/200905/believe.jpg
http://uploader.ws/upload/200905/biglakerbooty1.jpg

[BackdoorJesus]

3 minutes to go 23 point lead Lakers


brrrr fridge tiem

jello shooters

[BackdoorJesus]

yes I know I will catch shit for being an asshole now when/if the Lakers struggle in the Finals and much love to joerockhead and his team but damn thats a lot of points. :rolleyes:

[michaeljohn]

Final score:

The next World Champion Lakers 119 Denver 92

good series joerockhead. Add another key player and your team will gain from this experience.

[koЯnut]

Bang.

[michaeljohn]

Magic just said the Lakers will win it all, and Kobe is the best player in the game. Don't call him a Lakers homer, he calls out the Lakers when they deserve it.

Seriously, all the Lakers want is to get back to the finals, and win. The rules say you have to win 3 series first. Look how they closed out the Nuggets. They will take this momentum into the finals.

[joerockhead]

Damn! The Lakers showed up with A Game, and the Nuggets did not.

I was just hoping it would go to a 7th game.

Well Congratulations to the Lakers!

Series was good until Game 6, the Nuggets could not do anything.

[michaeljohn]

Wow, what a difference last night's win did for the Lakers in the fan's polls on ESPN. Scroll up for the earlier ones.:

ESPN.com Poll Results by State (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/fp/flashPollResultsState?sportIndex=nba&pollId=72319)

Lakers ahead in nearly every state. Naturally not in Ohio, Florida, and New England States near Boston.

[michaeljohn]

Here's the ESPN poll on the finals by state:

ESPN.com Poll Results by State (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/fp/flashPollResultsState?sportIndex=nba&pollId=72327)

Most of the country has picked the Lakers. Against us are:

Florida, naturally
Utah, LOL, bitter Jazz fans.
Most of New England States, but not all. All those Celtics fans don't want Lakers to catch them in titles. Sorry, it's going to happen and then some more!

Michigan remains split, 50-50.

9 of 10 of their sports writers pick Lakers. That's what happened last year too, oops. 7 of 10 picked Lakers over Nuggets and all 10 picked Cavs over Magic....

[michaeljohn]

YouTube - "Where Amazing Happens": Los Angeles Lakers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJbc55Uk43A)

[michaeljohn]

Halftime, Lakers 53, Orlando 43. So far, we have the 3 ball game of the Magic shut down. All we have to do is keep it up.

at the 3:09 mark of the 2nd, Pietrus was given a 3 pointer. Seemed one or both feet were on the line. Oh well, that's life.

[michaeljohn]

Wow, a blowout. Lakers 100 Magic 75. Kobe racked up 40 points. Bynum did great in his limited minutes. He did fine against Howard. Odom showed up, 14 boards. Lakers in 6. Less if we take game 2.

[MrEfrisk]

Wow, nice D from the lakers tonight. Orlando shot 29% and they shot poorly from behind the arc as they are a team that lives or dies from 3pointers.

[michaeljohn]

Wow, nice D from the lakers tonight. Orlando shot 29% and they shot poorly from behind the arc as they are a team that lives or dies from 3pointers.

See, it's like this. Orlando is soft. Lakers got tough, and their 3 series before this made them tougher. Look for the Magic to double Kobe next game and for him to facilitate the offense. Lakers know how to play defense when they want to. Look also at games 5 and 6 vs. the Nuggets, Lakers are playing world champion ball.

[michaeljohn]

Lakers 101 Magic 96 in Overtime. Lakers lead series 2-0. Let's end it in Orlando!

We played about as bad as we can and won. Their forwards got hot, but it wasn't enough.

[michaeljohn]

Looking around the net at the fan banter, some people are saying Gasol shuold have been called for goaltending on Lee's lob shot at the end of regulation. First, the ABC announcers said correctly: "The ball had no chance, so Gasol touching the rim wasn't goaltending". Always there will be bad calls. Let's look at a few that favored the Magic:

1st qrt 9:22 Dwight Howard blocked the ball through the rim, not called.

Here's the proof:

http://uploader.ws/upload/200906/gt.jpg

4th qrt 7:20 Gasol was called for a shooting foul when he blocked Howard with all ball.

4th qrt 4:13 Ariza steal the ball from Howard and refs called it a foul,and Jack Nicholson was really pissed.

OT 0:42 Kobe turned the ball over because refs said the ball touched his leg, but in slow motion we can see Turkoglu is the last one touched the ball.

What can we really do about bad calls? Nothing. I just figure they balance out. Lakers should have won in regulation. They didn't. So, they won in OT. Orlando had their chances to win, but they kept turning the ball over (20 times) and missed their free throws.

Lamar Odom, The Candyman, showed up again!

http://uploader.ws/upload/200906/odomwonka.jpg

[michaeljohn]

Orlando is shooting the lights out, and the Lakes only down by 5 late in 3rd. Tonight we can't hit our free throws. I'll take it!

Edit: Good game for the Magic. They played their best and as the announcers said...Lakers didn't lose it, Orlando won it. How many teams come out flat up 2-0? We will win at least one in Orlando.

[joerockhead]

Yeah Yeah, Who cares.

[joerockhead]

Post whore once more - BFD Lakers will still win it all

[koЯnut]

If we hit some fucking free throws, we are at 3-0 on the series and bringing home another ring.

Doesn't matter. Orlando brought it's best and we only lost by 4.

[BackdoorJesus]

Damn down 49-37 at end of 1st half of game four. That was a tough half; I hope things pick up in the 2nd half.

We just did not hit them at all last half...although I think the officiating was a little iffy, but I don't say that so much as an excuse as just an observation.

ah well lotta game still to go!

[koЯnut]

This is the worst officiated game I have ever watched. 33 to 18 free throws in favor of Orlando.

[koЯnut]

DmuthfuckinFish

[koЯnut]

DmuthfuckinFish x 2!!!!!!!!!!

[BackdoorJesus]

DmuthfuckinFish

DmuthfuckinFish x 2!!!!!!!!!!

:werd: MVP of that game for sure

though Ariza was on fire tonite too!

awesome!!! :clemson:

[koЯnut]

Bitch move on Pietrus. Fuck that guy.

[michaeljohn]

Hey NBA!

EAT LA! EAT LA! EAT LA! EAT LA! EAT LA! EAT LA!
EAT LA! EAT LA! EAT LA! EAT LA! EAT LA! EAT LA!
EAT LA! EAT LA! EAT LA! EAT LA! EAT LA! EAT LA!

Seriously, my sister called me at halftime, wondering what was going on. I just told her I was calling the Lakers offense crummy from the first quarter. I assured her we would come back in the second half.

Woah, did we! 3rd quarter was awesome. 4th was odd, Magic didn't even commit a foul until the 1:-- mark, around 1:15 or so. We shot no free throws in the 4th, they shot a bunch. Fortunately, their turn to miss them this time.

So, I called my sister back at the buzzer. Her cell caller ID told her it was me, and I was greeted by a loud scream!

EAT LA! Lakers in 5, let's get it over! Derek Fisher rocks!

[MrEfrisk]

i now purposely want LA to lose game 5 so they can finish it in game 6 here in LA, then it will be time for the parade which will likely take place next Thursday or Friday

BTW thank you D-Fish!

[BackdoorJesus]

woohoo Lakers 2009 NBA Champions!!!

99 to 86 STOMP...

Done in 5...NICE!!!

[koЯnut]

15.

[michaeljohn]

Huge pic, huge moment!

http://www.aww-kittah-aww.com/up/files/2321/kobe-bryant-finals-mvp.jpg

[michaeljohn]

word is Ron Artest will sign with the Lakers, who will then let Trevor Ariza walk. Plenty of fans around the NBA are already handing the Lakers another title if this is true:

CBSSports.com Sports News, Fantasy Scores, Sports Video (http://www.cbssports.com/)

some comments here:

Artest to the Lakers! - CBSSports.com Message Boards (http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/messages/chrono/15861562)

[michaeljohn]

ESPN is reporting Artest to Lakers as well: NBA free agency: Ron Artest says he's leaving Houston Rockets for Los Angeles Lakers - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4303679)

[michaeljohn]

This video is nearly a year old, Artest was kissing up to Kobe then. There was talk last year of trading Odom to the Kings for Artest. I like this deal better.

YouTube - Kobe Bryant + Ron Artest (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s24kx5ynRVQ)

[michaeljohn]

When Shaq was traded to Cleveland, this was a poll ESPN ran on who would win it all in 2010:

ESPN.com Poll Results by State (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/fp/flashPollResultsState?pollId=73567)

When Artest went to Lakers, look at the results now:

Lakers Artest-ing Out The Waters - SportsNation - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/post/_/id/4303857/lakers-artest-ing-waters)

Even Massachusetts picks Lakers at 67%. I have seen plenty of comments from Boston fans since last night, they are thoroughly pissed!