Greatest Playoff Game. EVER!!

Waldini - I was watching Game 3 of the '94 EC Semis between the Bulls and Knicks. I'm not a diehard fan of either squad but I can't help but feel that game is the greatest playoff game. EVER. Greater than the '01 WCF Game 7 LAL-POR. Greater than the '97 Finals Game 5 CHI-UTA Flu game. Greater than the '94 WC Semis Game 7 HOU-PHX. I know you're going Waldini WTH are you talking about?!?! And why are you using so many acronyms :-)? Just bear with me....

BEEF - Anybody that followed basketball in the early 90s knew how much these teams loathed each other. But neither Derek Harper nor JoJo English were on either team during the '92 slugfest. And that's what makes their "melee" even greater. They went off on each other. In the 2Q. And to illustrate how great a time the NBA was, TNT actually replayed how they got into it (which you know they won't do anymore). Harper slaps JoJo's hand down during a play, Starks gets fouled, you see Grant's head turn and quickly he's running, then they switch to Harper who's throwing English into the stands. What's even better is the security guard shoving Starks from behind during the fracas. All this in front of David Stern. And JOhn Thompson?!?! Yea a true WTF how did he get next to Stern moment ;-). And this happened all right before halftime. Fantastic stuff. And don't forget the mini standoff between Scott Williams and Gaines in the 3rd. Too bad the Scottie over Ewing Dunk happened in Game 4 :-(

DRAMA - Ah yea the moment Scottie became Snottie. 3.5 secs on the clock, game's tied at 102, Phil calls a TO, draws a play up for....Kukoc?!?! He wasn't even on the court in the final min but here he is getting his number called. Honestly can you be mad at Pip? He was straight killin the Knicks in this game and thought he deserved to be the one to shoot the final bucket. But after just chucking up a horrible shot with 7 secs left in regulation, I think the Bulls staff thought Pip wasn't ready to be THAT GUY. So hence the refusal to go back in and another example of Snottie (the infamous migraine, the public callout of Chuck B on local Houston news) being Snottie.

FUTURE - I didn't realize the '94 Bulls had Kerr, Longley, Kukoc, AND Wennington on the squad. Those were key pieces of the late 90s trifecta. And that team had Grant, Williams, Cartwright, and Armstrong. Key pieces of the early 90s trifecta. Has there ever been a dynasty team not named the Celtics that had a transition like that. That is eerily weird. Extra spooks for John Paxson being a 11th man on the squad after being the hero the previous season in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

COMEDY - Hubie Brown said during the game the Bulls are going to rue the day they didn't sign Horace Grant back in December. At the time, a lotta people felt this was true. And that prophecy came to pass during the following season. But then something magical happened :-)....I wonder if Coach Brown remembers even saying that ;-)

COMEBACKS - The Bulls were laying a smackdown for 3 qtrs. They go cold in the 4th, the Knicks show signs of life in the 4th, complete with the tie game in the final 10 secs. See "Drama" for how the game ended.

Those other games were great for individual performances. But none had THAT much drama in ONE game. ONE friggin game. Excuse me while I kiss the sky......

Da Realist - It was a great game... btw >here is the fight (I posted it under a different name)



Anyway...you gave a pretty good analysis but even with all of that...Best Playoff Game Ever means something different to me. You broke it down into parts, but some games are greater than the sum of their parts. If I had to choose one game to watch before moving on from this world, I can personally think of about 10 games off the top of my head I'd rather watch. If I had 5 or 10 minutes, you can double that number.

In no way is that game with everything considered a better watch for me than the HOU-PHO game where Mario Elie nails the 3 to win at Phoenix. The last 2 games of the 88 Finals...the Kobe-to-Shaq game against Portland in 00...MJ's flu game...Lakers/Kings Robert Horry Game...Game 7 of the same series (Laker/Kings)...93 Bulls/Knicks (Charles Smith game)...84 Lakers Celtics (Heat Exhaustion Game), etc...all those to me are better watches. It's all personal preference but if I had to choose one game, I don't even think of this 94 Bulls/Knicks matchup. And that's not taking anything away from that game, but it's not "best of the best" to me.
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I Need A Basketball In My Hands!

Waldini:

Waldini's conf finals predictions below

- CAVS-MAGIC - The Magic actually match up pretty well with Cleveland. No one on Cleveland can guard Superman Returns and no one on Orlando can guard King James. I'm interested to see what happens if Orlando wins a game they shouldn't and how Cleveland responds. The Cavs haven't been tested yet and they finally get a decent squad. The only thing that worries me about Orlando is the coaching. Orlando should have won the Boston series in 5 but choked away 2 games. Put up or shut up time. Cavs in 6

- LAKERS-NUGGETS - Btwn the Lakers should be embarrassed for allowing the Rockets to push them 7 games (without 40% of their salary cap as one person kept telling me) to the Nuggets have been the most consistent team in the playoffs comments, I'm tempted to drink the Foolish-berry Aid. I watched a few of the Nuggets games, they still play less than average defense. I was laughing when Jon Barry said the Rockets are a weaker version of the Nuggets. Are we watching the same team? Nuggets are better yes, but better than Lakers in a 7 game. no. Lakers in 6

That means more Nike commercials featuring Lebron (Keenan THompson) and Kobe (David Alan Grier). WHOOO #23! Playoffs BABY PLAYOFFS!!


I'm not even bothering to respond to the masses about the Rockets' fans b/c why hear the excuses. You know my response realist. Winners win, losers lose :-)

Gangsta D:

Mike Brown isn't a coaching giant, but he runs circles around Van Panic. The Magic have enough talent to beat the Cavs. Bron will get his, but if the Magic get hot from outside, they will score points. It's all semantics, because the Cavs are going to the Finals. Cavs in 6.

The Houston series did more good than harm, I believe. Instead of totally coasting to the Finals, the Lakers had to work hard for an extra couple of games. I think this carries over. The Nuggs are athletic, but George Karl is the coach and they depend on a tatted up, used to be coked up, "Birdman" for defensive intensity. Of course I can't forget the studio gangster, "Mr. Lips" either. The Lakers have too much talent and will work hard for 75% of the series. If it were 100% of the series, it would be over in 5. But I got them in 6.

Waldini:

Funny, I remember last week Tight Tight saying something about both Orlando and Los Angeles having no heart but yet they are in the conf finals. Pretty hard to win in the NBA and get that deep in the playoffs if your team is soft.

Like Van Panic lol

Da Realist:

Who is Tight Tight?

Cavs vs Magic. Lebron is not going to lose that series, though the Magic will make them work for it. The Magic are clear underdogs here and I think it suits them better. They play their best when they don't have any expectations on them. Look at Game 6 and 7 of the ECSF. Everyone expects the Cavs to march to the Finals so the Magic get to play without any pressure. But at some point, reality will set in and the Cavs will win. In 6.

Lakers vs Nuggets. I honestly don't know. I hadn't seen the Nuggets that much this year including the playoffs. George Karl loves playing the underdog role and he's good at it. Man, if he had those Seattle teams he'd kick y'all asses. MAN the Lakers are soft frontrunners. Somebody's going to make them pay. I don't know if it will be the Nuggets or not, but I will be surprised if the Lakers win the title. Has there ever been a team this soft win the title? I don't think so. No prediction on this one cause I've literally never seen the Nuggets play this year. lol

Gangsta D:

I hope a French poodle pisses on your shoe! lol [Note: Realist is currently traipsing around France] Read more!

The Only Lakers-Rockets Prediction You Need To Read

Please Ron Ron.  Keep talking.  I'm begging you.

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Rogue's Gallery: The Truth, Nervy Bosses, & Classic Material

Waldini:

Good story on the evolution of Paul Pierce. Fitting b/c I've been watching most of the Bulls-Celts and he has disappeared for stretches then out of nowhere drop 3s to either win the game or send it into OT. He proclaims himself as the best player in the game but he takes too many plays off for me. Good player but best in the league....naw

I mentioned that Olowokandi was "Nigerian for Benoit Benjamin." - LMAO

Speaking of which, I'm shocked Realist has not offered ONE single opinion on this series. His new baby bulls are growing up before our eyes, playing in the best series so far of the playoffs, prbly the best one we've had in years, and yet I see him posting Defensive Player of the Year 1993 videos on YouTube. As Ren told Stimpy "WHAT"S WRONG WITH YOU MAN!"

Gangsta D:

Pierce has disappeared for stretches because, although he's our age, he plays like he's 42. He has no lift. If he'd taken better care of himself when he was younger, he'd be dominating this series.

Da Realist:

Sorry bout that. You remember what Shaq said about Stan Van Gundy? About how he gets nervous and it passes down to his team? That's me right now. My manager is Stan Van Gundy. Dude is here at 7:30 every morning and works until 6:30 every day. He works on Sundays. He never EVER takes a lunch break.

And he's constantly micromanaging. Sitting at our desks for long stretches to monitor our progress. He's a nice guy and all, but he adds so much unnecessary stress to our team because he puts too much pressure on himself. He needs to learn how to RELAX. Damn. Go live date ain't till JUNE!

Bulls looking GOOD. Celtics are wheezing, but Ray Allen is putting the team on his back. Rondo too.

I still post on youtube cause it's my way of relaxing lol. Funny story... This lil dude was telling me last night how he loves Kobe Bryant. MJ ain't shit, Kobe's better in all areas, blahblahblah. Anyway, he couldn't come up with any proof or evidence to support anything he said so then he started hating on MJ. Said he hoped Ray Allen broke that f-ing MJ record and that would wipe MJ off the playoff books and prove how inflated his stats were. Talked about how he loved Ray and couldn't imagine anyone not liking him because he was such a good guy.

Anway...so I said, Ray Allen? The same guy that criticized Kobe and said blah, blah, blah???

He said, huh? When did he say that? What was he referring to? I love Ray! I can't imagine him saying those things about Kobe.

I LOL'd. Told him to do his research before starting to debate basketball. LOL Young ass nigga.

Waldini:

LMAO. Yes please tell him Jesus Shuttlesworth is not a saint at all.

As for the series, again I'm just saying. I know no one wants to say greatest series ever b/c it's a first round series but 4 of the 6 games go in OT. 2 of those 4 OTs are either double or triple. Last night had it all. Ray Ray going OFF, Heinrich making Rondo back that ass up (which is crazy cuz Rondo isn't exactly a small dude), The Truth needing stitches in his nose, Noah turning the Truth into the Poster on that breakaway dunk, Miller painfully and slowly wheeling down the middle to tie the game in regulation, Rose's phenomenal block on Rondo to seal the game.

Shit, Chicago was NOT supposed to be here LOL. Loving this series. I'm heated b/c my mother in law is flying into town on Sat. She lands at 7pm. The game is at 6:30pm CST. I'm about an hr from the airport. why Lord why???

Da Realist:

D V R -- man's best friend lol

Waldini:

You know I hate watching taped sporting events b/c some ass is always going to screw it up for me LOL Read more!

Running The Bulls

Gangsta D:

OK, this is for the Bulls' fans. When did they get good again? And did they get good in spite of Vinny Of The Black, or because of him? I have to admit I didn't even know they were "playoff-eligible" until last week:)

G-Nice

That's just hate and you know it!

They are not good. That would be an overstatement. They are competing, which is a monster step up from last year. Derrick Rose is the truth and John Salmons, surprising to me because I swear I thought he was going to be a big old tool, has been very solid. The Bulls play a 7, maybe 8 man rotation and have just been going for broke. No, they are not good. But they are building, and I hope they steal two game from Boston.

Gangsta D:

Like I'm gonna deny my hate:)

Rose is indeed the truth. Can't keep him out of the lane, and with no Garnett....I'm just saying. He could do some damage.

Waldini:

Rose is a stud, Tyrus Thomas needs a jumper, Deng hasn't been mentally right since the Kobe rumors, Gordon's offense is sic but it's all about him, Salmons has been steady, Noah has shocked me by not being a complete bust, and Vinny the Black should get serious Coach of the Year consideration for getting this team in a 6 seed. I say all that to say Celtics in 5 :-)

You haters got 2 days to hop on the Lakers' bandwagon b4 me and D close the door Read more!

F--- Wit Europeans Day (And Everybody's Celebratin')

Da Realist:

sorry federer....i feel the same way. you quit.

When you show up on Centre Court wearing a monogrammed blazer, 6-0 is
inexcusable. That wasn't about domination. That was about heart. Or a lack
thereof.

Gangsta D:

That's wild. I didn't see the match, but that's crazy that Fed would just lay down. What's been up with him the last six months?

Da Realist:

well, he quit last year at roland garros too, just not as blatantly as he did this year.

supremely talented player but he doesn't seem to have any FIGHT in him.

Gangsta D:

That's pretty disappointing. This has to kill his legacy doesn't it? He'll still be considered one of the greatest, but not the greatest. Or, if he wins the French next year will all be forgotten?

Da Realist:

there's still time to decide whether he's the greatest. he's almost certainly the most skilled.

they're marks against him. if he wins the french, an argument can be made that he was the best combination of skill, heart determination and focus (even if his skill level greatly out-distanced his heart). of course, someone could also make a counter-argument that heart can trump skill and someone like sampras would find a way to beat federer in a win-at-all-costs match.

Waldini:

maybe it's a European thing since I saw it in Dirk in the '06 Finals, TMF last wknd, and Gasol last night (well the whole Finals so far)

Da Realist:

even at his worst, most vulnerable moment...don't put roger federer and pau gasol in the same sentence. good God that guy is soft.

Waldini:

Marshmallow soft! Did you see the game last night? It's KG for chrissake not Shaq

Gangsta D:

Don't you ever go against the family in the midst of the "enemy" again! lol

Waldini:

I'm sorry Don Dialleone. Gasol is giving maximum effort on both ends of the court, lol

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Willis Reed, Clay, A Fox, A Hound, A Panda

Waldini:

I could sense Realist rolling his eyes along with me as I heard Mark Jackson, Stuart Scott, and others refer to Pierce's return to the court as shades of Willis Reed :-(

Da Realist:

DAMN you were dead on!!!

Waldini:

Sometimes you just know these things....I have to swear off watching ESPN for awhile because of that. It wasn't even Birdish (circa '91)

Gangsta D:

You're assuming that the 30 secs of the game he watched, coincided with that moment:)

Da Realist:

Sign of the apocolypse...

I watched the 2nd half of last night's game, but...

I requested the day off to watch Nadal vs Djokovic in today's semifinal at Roland Garros!

Gangsta D:

Nadal can't lose, so why bother?

Da Realist:

I'm still holding out hope...

If Djokovic can somehow extend him to 5 grueling sets...Federer may just have a chance

By the way...before i get back to the match...

If the trailers are any indication, Kung Fu Panda is going to be HILARIOUS.

Gangsta D:

You think Kung Fu Panda is gonna be hilarious?!? Can it match the adventure of "The Fox & The Hound?" This newfangled 3-D animation is bogus. It's all pixel-y, artificial, and corporate. It can't match the animation of the 80's. Those movies had heart, warmth, and passion. These new cartoons make me wanna vomit in a bucket, burn the bucket, and piss on the ashes.

Waldini:

You didn't like "The Incredibles"? That was a good movie. Not all of them are half bad. But if it makes you feel better "I'm a Fox, I'm a hoooouunnnnd dog"

Gangsta D:

You must not have got much sleep last night. You usually pick up on my sarcasm:)

Da Realist:

Thanks for jinxing the match...

Gangsta D:

Yep, totally my fault. Has nothing to do with the fact that Nadal is unbeatable on clay:) Read more!

"I Watched The Death Of A Dynasty"

Waldini:

Let me save you some time. It was NOT a foul :-)

Da Realist:

It was a foul, but the Spurs played soft last night and they deserved to lose.

And Tim Duncan is soft, despite the numbers. he whines to the refs more than any other superstar ever. if anyone ever tells me he's a better player/leader than Olajuwon again i'll take away their baller-card until they catch up on some recent history.

Waldini:

there were plenty of possible fouls that didn't go the Lakers way last night. Plus you and I both know Brent Barry isn't getting that call. Unless it's one of the Big 3 on that team, not happening

Da Realist:

Well...that was a pretty obvious foul, Brent Barry or not. Maybe not as blatant as the Reggie Miller push on MJ, but still pretty blatant.

But still, it's poetic justice that the Spurs whined all night for calls and it turns out a non-call sealed their fate. maybe they'll get the lesson....stop WHINING.

Gangsta D:

How do you know the Spurs played soft? Did you actually watch more than 20 secs of the game? Lol

Da Realist:

I actually did, believe it or not. lol I watched the end of the 3rd quarter and all of the 4th after french class.

All i saw was Tim Duncan begging for fouls instead of going strong to the hoop. The Spurs offense reduced to Tony Parker over-dribbling and forcing shots. I saw the Lakers continuously out-quick the slow-footed spurs for rebounds and loose balls. in fact, the Lakers bullied them.

I hadn't seen anything that would suggest they can come back. Not saying it can't happen, but they would have to change their strategy, mindset and focus to just win another game.

Gangsta D:

The frustrating part of the series is that the Lakers should've won every game by double digits. They're not "elite" yet. But this series is over, and homecourt or a major injury is the only thing that can stop the Lakeshow from winning the title. Happy days are here again:)

Waldini:

Before the playoffs started, I had the Lakers going to at least the conference Finals. I was really concerned about them playing the Hornets or Spurs. I also thought Boston was going to steamroll through the East too until they played Detroit. I have been wrong about both :-).

The Lakers will beat whomever comes out the East.

Da Realist:

You believed in the CELTICS??? I think the Pistons could challenge, but definitely not the Celtics.

By the way...I didn't see Kobe go to the line last night. What's up with that? Didn't the refs get the edict from David Stern? lol...

Gangsta D:

Too bad Realist doesn't care about the NBA anymore. When the Lakers win the title, we won't be able to gloat.....Wait what am I talking about? Of course, we're gonna gloat. Your apathy can't save you! Read more!

Once Again It's On

Gangsta D:

Lakers vs Spurs

Just like old times. It's gonna feel real good beating them AGAIN. Honestly, I'm kind of surprised they pulled it out. After getting mollywhopped three times in NOLA, I thought they were pretty much done. I guess experience does matter in the end. I'm also shocked, SHOCKED, that Peja came up short in a Game 7. Who could've predicted that?

Waldini:

I expected NO to duplicate what they did in their previous 3 home games against the Spurs but oh well. Paul, West, and Chandler (to an extent) did their part. The rest of the team, not so much. That 3Q killed them. The rally was nice but if the game is on the line, I don't want my backup PG (Pargo) jacking up so many shots.

Enough of the past, onto the present. The best rivalry of this decade resumes after a 4 year gap. I officially became crunk for this last Friday after Ed Davis' homeboy said not only were the Spurs going to beat the Hornets but they were going to beat the Lakers in 6. I damn near choked on my Heinenken when he said that. Lakers in 7

Oh yea, you have to be satisfied with the NBA's Final 4. BOS-DET in the East, LAL-SAS in the West. For this round Gangsta, I'll be watching the Eastern Conference games.

Gangsta D:

Lakers-Spurs has never gone 7. Lakers in 6. I really think 5, but I don't want to jinx things. Lakers-Pistons in the Finals, for the 20 year Anniversary? If Detroit steals one of the first two in Boston, that series is over in 5. If the Pistons play like they care for a full 48 minutes in either game, they can do it. But it's hard to put any faith in Flip.

Waldini:

Spurs have never won a series trailing 2-0 or 3-2 either but they did this past round.

Gangsta D:

I'm still sticking to my guns. Remember in '01 I said Lakers in 5 and you were all "I don't know about that." Ok so I was wrong, but in a good way:)

I can't wait to see the Tim Duncan "I can't believe these guys are beating us again" face. The inevitable Bowen cheap shot on Kobe. Kobe flop slapping Ginobli. Mike Finley bricking three after three. Vlad space cadeting up a storm. It's gonna be great.

Waldini:

Touche. I don't man if the Lakers beat them in 6, then I'll obviously be pleasantly surprised. I think the difference in past series is that they could throw Bowen on Kobe and whoever was the 2 guard would guard Fox. This is different. You throw Bowen on Kobe, then who guards LO or Space Cadet. Manu? Finley? Thomas? Don't think so....

Da Realist:

I think the Lakers will probably win and go ahead to win the European Championships against the Pistons.

I do have to say this... I think that Tim Duncan article was on point. I understand that he's great and all that...but I want to see a killer inside him sometimes. I want to see some pride. That look D mentioned...that was so on point.

That keeps Tim from the Hakeem and Shaq level in my all-time list of big men. He takes losses too easily. Even last night...5-17???

If he has pride, he will think about how the Lakers have mostly gotten the better of him. Now they don't have Shaq...Tim needs to win this series or he will be 1-4 against them.

But I think we'll see a few 5-13s and 6-17s mixed into the series.

Waldini:

lmao on the Euro comment.

Do we realize we'll have 3 of the top 10 floppers (Ginobli, Horry, Fisher) of all time in this series? I can't wait for those offensive charges (sarcasm) Read more!

What The Damn? Ungrateful Son Edition

Gangsta D:

I don't care how old or rich I get, I will never get out of pocket with my mom like this:)

Da Realist:

Wow. Just wow. I read his lips and I still don't believe he said that. I just don't.

Waldini:

Late in the first half, Pierce tried to wrap up James to prevent a breakaway dunk and the two of them spun into the expensive seats behind the basket, at which point James' mother, Gloria, jumped into the fray to give Pierce a piece of her mind. Even as Pierce's arms were wrapped around him, James was yelling at his mother to back away. "The commissioner doesn't care if it's your mother or your kids: You can't allow fans and players to get involved with each other," said James. "I told her to sit down in some language I shouldn't have used.
Thank god today wasn't Mothers Day."

Doesn't matter if it's Mother's Day or not, you don't curse at the woman who brought you into this world.

Same game, different subject - Celtics road woes

I keep saying this but the more and more I watch the Celtics the more vulnerable they look. They couldn't beat a sub .500 team on the road in the 1st rd, and now they are struggling with a mid-tier conference opp on the road.

We all talked about this last summer and I know one of us wasn't impressed with the Big 3 (dare I say his name, lol). They still should make the conf finals and prbly the NBA Finals but they look nothing like that team in the regular season that just awed people.

Gangsta D:

It can't be stressed enough that the major contributors have never won anything, and the coach is an underachiever. I never thought it would be a cake walk to the Finals. Thank God for home court advantage:)

BTW, this series does nothing to counterract "He who shall not be named's" contention that the current NBA sucks. I didn't watch the game, but just looking at the final score was painful enough:)

Waldini:

I thought this series would be a test for them but the Hawks. Hell naw man they should have destroyed that team.

I watched the last 3 mins and that was painful enough lol

Well it wasn't like the 94, 97 or 98 Finals brought back shades of Showtime either Read more!

Favorite Playoff Moments - 1995 Western Conference Semifinals

Once again kids, it's time for another Waldini's favorite playoff moment. It's the '95 Western Conf Finals between the Suns and Rockets. The Rockets came back from 3-1 to win the series. This clip shows the infamous Mario Elie kiss off but what I remember most about this series is AC Green, the original 40 year old virgin and resident religious buff, declaring the series over when Phoenix was up 3-1. After they lost, Kenny Smith dropped the classic response to AC, "AC may be religious but he ain't a prophet". CLASSIC

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Old School Friday - When Birds Attack

Realist is in the process of uploading his entire NBA Classics library to Youtube. We have our differences [Kobe MVP!!!!!] but we can both agree that the NBA in the 80's was ridiculously entertaining. Take a gander at the following clip, from the '87 ECF, that he sent us this week. The fun starts at the :45 mark.



You know what? I'm glad Stern stomped out white on white violence in the NBA. That shit had potential to get ugly. At any rate, a few observations:

1. Can you imagine Bron throwing the ball at KG after a foul like that? Yeah, me neither. Bird was a G, like Bugs Bunny.

2. Notice how Rodman acted like he wanted to get into with Bird, but then pulled back and gave him a half hearted headlock. He was probably thinking, "If I hit Bird in the face, Stern is gonna give me 25 years in the electric chair." Pulling back was a good move.

3. Surprise! Surprise! Pistons fans were throwing objects at ejected players, as they leave the court, way back in '87. Some things never change. Thank you deranged, irrational, alcoholic Piston fan. Read more!

Make 'Em Say Uhhh

Waldini:

The 'mighty' Spurs are down 2-0 in a series for the 1st time since the eventual 2001 Champion Lakers had them down 2-0 in the conference finals that year. You wanted the Spurs to face adversity well now you got it.

Gangsta D:

This is more surprising that BOS-ATL. I fully expected the Spurs to take at least one game in NOLA. The series isn't over. Being down 0-2 is not a death sentence, as we all know from past experience. But they better start knocking Paul down or something. Cause a Game 3 loss will signal the end of a "dynasty." You thought I was gonna give them credit? Lol

Da Realist:

Knock him down? Why would the NBA approve of any sort of physicality? It's much more fun seeing Chris Paul and co waltz into the lane without being touched. Breathe on an nba player nowdays, you'll be sending him to the line 23 times in one game.

Can't use that strategy anymore.

Gangsta D:

Yep, that strategy totally didn't work on Tony Parker in '04. After getting hit in the mouth in Game 3, he KEPT going into the lane and the Spurs won that series. Oh wait, the exact opposite happened.

Da Realist:

2004 ain't 2008, bro

Gangsta D:

Maybe not, but how else are they gonna stop him? What they've been doing ain't working. If they keep it up, they're not gonna be doing it for much longer.

Waldini:

They have to try something. Besides letting Paul go off, they are also letting David West and Peja have their way. OMG, do you realize Mr April is actually playing well and it's May??!?!

Gangsta D:

When he comes through in the clutch in Game 7, then I'll be impressed. Read more!

Waldini Wonders

Waldini:

Just a few playoff thoughts from the wknd....

- The West was billed as the gauntlet of all gauntlets in terms of playoffs. As of today, 3 of the series are 3-1 and one is 3-0. TNT is pissed b/c their slogan "We know drama" isn't happening in the West

- The East is going as expected. Only one series is competitive and I think Detroit has finally realized they are in the postseason

- I know Miami started it a few years ago but must every home team deploy the one color team shirts for motivation? It hasn't helped the underdogs in this series. Tell the marketing depts to stop the madness

- It's not the 80s but cats are definitely trying to act tough this postseason. West with the face tap to Dirk, Deshawn's takedown on Lebron, Dampier pushing Paul on a layup, etc. Trying to understand where it's coming from

- How are those trades in Dallas and Phoenix working out?

- If Josh Smith develops a consistent jumper it's over.....

- Funny how everyone piled on Billy King for supposedly making the Sixers a horrible team. yet they are tied 2-2 with the supposed heavyweight of the Eastern conference

Anyway, hoping for a Laker sweep 2morrow and Rockets/Mavs season ender on Tues :-)

Da Realist:

"hoping" for a lakers sweep? from what i understand, denver gave up at halftime of the last game.

and shouldn't you be hoping the rockets extend the jazz to 7 games? or even hoping they win? i don't know much about the jazz, but the rockets S-U-C-K. i would be the biggest rocket fan in texas if i were you. lol...

Waldini:

I was trying to sound like the pros when they are PC when they talk about their opponents being down even though everyone knows the end is near. The broom is coming out tonight. Tonight's top story: Lakers eat up the Chicken (Mc)Nuggets

I originally wanted Houston to win so that LA could be the one to end their season in the semifinals :-). But the Rocket fans started up their noise during the 1st round and I said ok, I just want them out, don't care if it's us or the Jazz

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Sucka MC's

Apparently Jason Kidd isn't the only Maverick that has beef with Byron Scott. Jerry Stackhouse also made public his issues with Coach Scott

Waldini: Funny thing is he would have a ring if his team hadn't choked 2 years ago....


Realist: doesn't fly in my book. byron was an important piece to those teams. he's the main reason teams didn't want to double abdul-jabbar. and he shot more than jumpshots. he and james worthy filled the lanes beautifully. also, i can't forget the shot he made to pull the lakers to within one point against the pistons in game 6 of the 88 finals. that shot saved their championship.


Gangsta: Stack's just bitter. Now if he had said that about Kupchak...


Waldini: Well we all know it's Stack so what do you expect? This is the same cat who said in '96 that he was the best 2 guard in the league and that no one could guard him. And the next night, MJ kindly lit his a$$ up for 55 :-)


Realist: i always felt like he was overrated, even when he was in philly/detroit.


Waldini: I thought he was decent, just not as good as he thinks he is


Realist: he was like a bull. he had all this strength but no real agility or grace. he was never that quick off the first step, either. he shot a high volume of shots so his stats made him look better than he was. Read more!

Where Dirk Getting "Deebo'd" Happens

Waldini:

It's been a minute since I have sat down and dedicated time to watch other 1st round playoff games besides the ones my boys play in BUT this wknd produced more sizzle than fizzle.

- Wiz-Cavs - a near fight before halftime, Lebron mocking Deshawn's I can't feel my face gesture, Gilbert going OFF in the 1st qtr. This series lived up to the hype in Game 1. I can only hope it continues in the other games (and goes more than 4 or 5 games

- Suns-Spurs - double OT thriller, All Stars fouling out (STAT, Mrs Longoria), Manu Manu being clutch in the 2nd OT, Duncan Stix with the unlikely 3 in the 1st OT, Shaq accusing the Spurs of flopping. Again, same comments as above for hope (and please Pop no Hack a Shaq next time, be a man)

- Mavs-Hornets - Hornets looking like they were going to prove their critics right, Peja looking like Mr March again, Kidd looking like a triple double waiting to happen...and BAM Chris Paul goes apes*** in the 3rd. And you have the ultimate b***h move in Dirk Diggler backing down to David West in the 4th. I'm not saying he should have swung on him but geez slap his hand away

- Jazz-Rockets - the only ho-hum game of the day.

- Magic-Raps - another ho-hum game, this time Sun's kickoff

- Lakers-Nuggets - not spectacular but not ho-hum either. I mean you had a tale of two halves or really 4th qtrs, Lakers up big in the 3rd, AI getting ejected in the 4th, lots of healthy conversation (as Kobe called it).

- Sixers-Pistons - Appeared to be ho-hum (I stopped watching to play NBA Live) and I come back in the 4th and the Sixers are leading. They go on to win which makes no sense. The Pistons are supposedly serious about getting back to the Finals but someone quoted them as goofing around with Flip Murray during timeout. I'm starting to believe that 2004 title was a fluke

- Celtics-Hawks - the ho-hum series of the 1st round meaning it was over before it began

I'm telling ya Realist, the quality of the games has been good, you really need to check it out if you haven't already. You actually see games where all 5 players on offense are moving instead of standing around and watching 1 or 2 players trying to either do an iso or pick and roll play

Gangsta D:

I doubt that Detroit is in trouble, but they're not good enough to turn it on and off. If they keep playing around, they're gonna be fishing with Kenny sooner than they thought.

As far as Spurs-Suns go, I hope they go 7 games and go into OT 3-4 more times. Tire them legs out! Lol

Denver isn't beating LA, as long as Kobe STOPS TAKING BAD SHOTS! lol

Da Realist:

I saw the 2 overtimes of the suns/spurs. Nice game. Saw Ginobli waltz in for a game-winning layup and had to check my watch to make sure it's April and not December. Had a nice conversation with someone who said Ginobli is the greatest clutch performer since Larry Bird. Well, not much of a conversation...more like he said it, and I started laughing uncontrollably LOL...

Those other games...are you serious? I don't care what the Wiz do, win or lose. The mavs are soft. I don't need to see Gasol hit 15 uncontested layups while Kobe clank shots against a bad defensive team. And you said yourself the other games were ho-hum. So i didn't exactly miss anything.

Waldini:

Ginobli? since Larry Bird? Does he have cable? I'm curious what did he base his argument on? I'll give him Ginobli's a beast but greatest clutch since 33 hung them up....um

Da Realist:

Man, that young guy... I work with him and he called me yesterday spouting that garbage. 25 year old punk. lol... I don't know what he based his argument on. I didn't give him a chance to defend it. Probably never even seen Larry Bird, even on tape. lol... Read more!

Who Ya Got?: NBA Playoffs Edition (Western Conference)

LA vs Denver

Gangsta D: Denver can score, obviously, but can't[won't] play a lick of defense. If the Lakers shoot 30 threes a game, instead of pounding inside, Denver will hang around. If they handle their business, it's a wrap, and not even close. Lakeshow in 5

Waldini: Denver's got the offense but no defense. Lakers' defense isn't the greatest but for this series, it doesn't have to be. I'll give Denver a game for AI's heart. Lakers in 5

Da Realist: [How do you say Kobe eats a fat one Serbian?] *


NOLA vs Mavs

Gangsta D: This one I'm torn on. CP3 will DESTROY Kidd. The Hornets are on a mystical magical carpet ride, but is the ride about to come to a crashing halt? Dallas has been playing well of late, and Dirk has hit some big shots. The Hornets have some playoff experience, but are they gonna lean on Bonzi and Peja for guidance? Didn't think so. The Hornets will be a threat for years to come, but they bow out early this year. Mavs in 7

Waldini: One of the 2 WC 1st rd series I want to see. True, NO does have players with playoff experience but one of them is Mr April himself, Peja. It would be easy to pick Dallas b/c of this but I'm still not sold on Dirk being courageous for playing on a sprained ankle. Bottom line, he curled up big time in '06 and '07. Interesting series. Hornets in 7

Da Realist: [I'd rather watch "The Birdman" smoke a bowl, while Flavor Flav clips his toenails, then watch this travesty]


Suns vs Spurs

Gangsta D: Wow. Either Shaq or Duncan will be fishing before Memorial Day this year. Marinate on that one:) There's still plenty of enmity between these two teams, and it may be the most hard fought 1st round series. It's really a toss up for me. I have no idea who wins. If Manu is healthy, maybe the Spurs have the edge. On the other hand, the Spurs have no answer for STAT. Suns in 7

Waldini: The other WC 1st rd series I want to see. Shaq vs Duncan, Nash vs Parker, I expect a physical series again. Doubt there will be any hip check incidents like last year. Steve Kerr is about to find out if he is indeed an idiot or a genius. I tend to go with the former. Spurs in 6.

Realist: [I'm running out of ways of intimating that this shit sucks. How about...this shit sucks.]


Houston vs Utah

Gangsta D: Utah does NOT have homecourt advantage, even though they're the higher seed. They are physically incapable of beating good teams on the road. Houston plays tough defense and McGrady does enough to finally get past the first round. Rockets in 7

Waldini: The Jazz need HC advantage in every series but this one to have a chance. Who starts for Alston since he's out the first 2 games? Who's going to pick up the offensive slack besides T-Mac? This same matchup happened in the first round last year with Houston also having HC (and a healthy Yao). And Houston still lost in 7 at home. Utah wins, just can't figure out if it's 6 or 7 games. What the hell, Jazz in 7

Da Realist: [Do I have to say how much you suck when your season depends on Skip To My Lou being healthy? Didn't think so.]

*Realist continues his boycott against this bullshit we call the NBA playoffs.

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Who Ya Got?: NBA Playoffs Edition (Eastern Conference)

Boston vs Atlanta

Gangsta D: If Josh Smith...if Joe Johnson...if Mike Bibby...play out of their collective minds, they might force Game 5. Otherwise it's pretty much a wrap, and this series could turn BRUTAL real quick. C's sweep.

Waldini: I'm mad you gave this a paragraph :-). Celtics in 4

Da Realist: [Both teams suck]*


Detrois vs Philly

Gangsta D: Very intriguing matchup. Philly came out of nowhere to become a decent team, while the Pistons did their usual regular season coasting. The difference now, is that they actually have a decent bench. Whether Flip uses them is a different story. I think the Pistons sleepwalk through this one, and let the 6'ers hang around a little. Detrois in 6.

Waldini: The Sixers have quietly been doing their thing for the past 3 months. I still don't think the new Philly AI is a max franchise player but he is fun to watch in the open court. They played Detroit tough in the regular season. But this is the postseason and I hope for the first time since the '04 playoffs, the Pistons actually beatdown lesser opponents like they are supposed to. Pistons in 5

Da Realist: [Neither team is worth a squirt of piss in a bucket]


Orlando vs Toronto

Gangsta D: I don't know much about either team, other than the Magic LOVE to shoot 3's and no one in the Canadian Army[do they have one?] can stop Dwight Howard. The Raps have faded down the stretch, so momentum is not on their side. Magic in 6.

Waldini: Two young stars in Howard and Bosh, very little or no playoff experience for both teams, one team has better guard play (Toronto), the other has better frontcourt play (Orlando). I would give you an X factor player but I can't name more than 6 players total on both teams. Magic in 6

Da Realist: [I'd rather clean gutters than watch these two teams]


Cavs vs Wiz

Gangsta D: Gil appears to be healthy. Bron is probably not. DeShawn has been talking smack. Bron doesn't really have to. But he will have to carry this team on his spasmodic back, which will be difficult. The Wiz have revenge in their eyes, and not a trace of fear in their hearts. The Cavs have looked horrible at times since The Trade, and will rely on Bron getting 35/10/10 to advance. He can do it, but it still may not be enough. This should be the most entertaining EC series, by far. Wiz in 7.

Waldini: Aw, the Eastern Conference 1st round series I want to see. Agent Zero and DeShawn have indeed been stirring the hornets' nest in Cle. You're right, that trade was horrible when it was announced and the past few weeks didn't change that. Sasha's their best perimeter defender and he's out until further notice. Bron's ailing back isn't helping either and he's gotta go da eff in EVERY game for Cle to win. He could prove me wrong. Wizards in 6

Da Realist: [I don't have a bag big enough to contain the amount of suck inherent in this series]

*Realist feels the NBA...lacks quality this season.

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Back In The Day There Was Bonus Coverage?

Da Realist:

Can you imagine both MJ and Magic playing important playoff games at the same time? here's proof from back in the day.



Waldini:

He wants his viewers to see every game now with as little competition as possible. I miss the old CBS and NBC days where the playoffs would kick off around noon on Sat and run straight into the evening times.

Gangsta D:

Remember when you'd come home from school and a game would already be on? Seems like a lifetime ago.

Da Realist:

Instead of waiting 5 days between games, why not try the ncaa format. Sell a package that would give the fans access to all the games. When Detroit is beating the snot out of Chicago, go to the alternate channel and watch the Lakers in Utah.

I understand how you don't want fans to miss these great players. I didn't get to see the Laker/Jazz game because Chicago/Detroit was shown in my region. But still...I also appreciate continuity. Teams like Chicago and Detroit developed a real hatred toward each other because they had to play every other day and sometimes consecutive days. injuries and conditioning mattered too. If someone sprained an ankle, it affected the next game. If a team was not in good condition, they wore down having to play that frequently.

Now...with 3-5 days in between games, the NBA has to rebuild the hype before each of the games. Injuries and fatigue are no longer as much of a factor. Those things made the playoffs special and unpredictable.

(Unfortunately, I remember everything about that weekend. My parents went somewhere and left me at my grandmother's. The Bulls and Pistons were tied at 1-1 and were going to play both sat and sun. I believed with all of my 11 year old heart that chicago had a chance with homecourt advantage. Alas, Detroit beat Chicago like a pinata both days. I was so depressed.) Read more!

Will They Reminisce Over You, My God

Gangsta D:

Is Mike chiefin' or just drunk? lol

Da Realist:

Speaking of basketball... i got in late last night from class and couldn't sleep so i turned on the lakers/kings game 4. LOL... if it makes you feel better, that horry shot was like a dagger in the heart in 2002. there are few times in life as a sports fan that you feel that kind of gutcheck. we can take losses, but very few of them provide the kind of sting i'm talking about. this robert horry shot was one of them. wow... and i wasn't even a kings fan! i can laugh about it now, but i was definitely not in the best mood that day. :-)

I can think of a few right off the top of my head that hurt as much or more...

Miami vs florida state 2000

Miami vs florida state 2002

Reggie's shot in game 4 of 1998 eastern conference finals

Marat safin beating sampras like a drum in 2000 us open finals

Lleyton hewitt beating sampras like a drum in 2001 us open finals

49'ers beating the bears in the 89 NFC championship game (of course, i understand now... but back then i was 12. it was south pole weather and i didn't believe this sunshine team with their pretty boy quarterback and their passing offense was going to come to Chicago and win like that)

I could think of a few others if i had time. the point is, once you step back a little bit, you realize that it's these lows and the highs of sports that forces us to watch. last night was my first time watching that game without feeling like ripping open both of your throats. :-) see, we can be civilized.

Waldini:

lmao, were we that bad? :-)

I remember watching Game 4 at my in-laws house w/my father-in-law, wifey, wifey's cousin, and myself watching the game. My cousin was a HUGE laker hater and was talking mad shit throughout the game. And of course, I can't say much b/c the Lakers are getting spanked by 24 in the 1st half. But I tell you what, when Horry hit that 3, I never jumped that high in my life. If it wasnt for the fact we were at my in-laws, I would have used some better words than Gee golly whiz, would you look at that. Woulda been more like Shut that shit up trick and bow the eff down :-).

I never got as much up for a series than that one. I mean by this point, there were a lot of Laker haters and people hated to watch games with me. I didn't care, if you talk shit, you should expect me to talk shit back. All in fun, but I did get a lot of pleasure sending out that email w/Gangsta after that series ended.

When I watch these games, I think more about the teams I really hated and wanted my teams to beat more than anything

The Spurrier led Florida Gators

The late 90s-early 00s Baltimore Ravens

The early 00s Sacramento Kings

The 80s Celtics

Gangsta D:

The crazy thing is, I never saw it live. I was driving to ATL while the game was on. I kept trying to find sports stations to get updates on the score, but when I heard we were down by 20 I just gave up hope. After the Game 3 debacle, I thought we might be entering into a new era. I thought we were too old to compete. So I get to ATL and head to Jay's
apartment. He's not there, but his girl lets me in. We chat for a minute, then Jay comes in HEATED. He's mad pissed at Horry, and I'm like "Wha happened?" Then he tells me, and I think I screamed like a girl. It's amazing the number of gut wrenching games we've been on the winning side of.

Da Realist:

Da Wife didn't see it either. She was driving back from her mom's in mobile. So as she's driving, I'm calling her with all the updates. I'm crowing and puffing all game long. Then she goes out of cell range for about 30 minutes. She called back half a second after horry shot went in. I was just devastated. I kept watching the replay to see if he got the shot off in time. I simply told her the lakers won (without telling her how). She kept asking all these questions (how?? You just said... weren't they up by 20???) Without answering, got off the phone. My day was ruined.

Gangsta D:

YES!!! Those are the stories I love to hear! lol

Da Realist:

Well...i felt a little better after game 5. ;-)

Waldini:

That game pissed me off b/c none of the laker PGs could guard Bibby to save their life. They forced Kobe to expend more energy defending him and trying to put points on the board. Throw in some shaky officiating and you have a Kings W. I actually plan to watch that game when i get home tonight, even though it's just going to piss me off all over again :-) Read more!